Grounding To Pipe, Rod Or Conduit Patents (Class 439/100)
  • Patent number: 8106297
    Abstract: By providing a grounding conductor assembly affixed to a conduit bushing in a manner which enables the grounding conductor assembly to extend inwardly from the bushing, effectively being positioned coaxially with the inside diameter of the rigid metal conduit, conduit bushing is realized which enables all grounding wires to be quickly and easily mounted to the grounding conductor assembly. The conduit bushing of the present invention includes a generally circular shaped cover or cap member mounted to the terminating end of the conduit and incorporating an enlarged aperture which overlies the elongated passageway formed in the conduit. In this way, the electrical power carrying wires are able to extend outwardly from the rigid metal conduit into the desired outlet box, junction box with the grounding wire being quickly affixed to the receiving zone of the grounding connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Publication number: 20110287643
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a bonding nipple for use in building electrical systems has a tubular-shaped body attached to a tubular-shaped head. The body and head share a common axis, and the outer diameter of the head is larger than the outer diameter of the body. The exterior of the body is threaded to form a male connector. The exterior of the head has a hole situated thereon to receive a grounding screw. In one exemplary installation, the body of the bonding nipple is fed through a punch-out of a service panel into one end of a female-threaded coupler, and the coupler is situated over a male-threaded conduit. The coupler is tightened over the conduit and the nipple until the wall of the panel is sandwiched between the coupler and the bonding nipple head. A wire is then connected between the grounding screw and a grounding bus bar in the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Martin E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8058879
    Abstract: A voltage indicating coupling for metal conduit systems to indicate the presence or absence of voltage on a wire enclosed by a section of electrical conduit for a grounded AC power distribution system. Through the use of two opposing rectifiers the National Electrical Code requirement that the entire metal conduit system be grounded is met. The voltage indicating coupling comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD), a static suppression resistor, two opposing rectifiers for grounding purposes, a plastic block housing and two clamping screws with corresponding wire terminals. At least one “hot” conductor enclosed by the section of electrical conduit is capacitively coupled to the conduit creating a complete circuit through the liquid crystal display (LCD), the static suppression resistor and the opposing rectifiers. The path around the circuit is completed by a ground connection on the grounded part of the conduit system, and the ground connection at the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: John C. Atherton
  • Patent number: 8038453
    Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, and a system including a screw configured to clamp the first section against opposite sides of a support. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard E. Robicheau, Michael Rzasa
  • Patent number: 8023287
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a board having a first connector; a housing in which the board is disposed and which has a work opening for allowing external work for the board; and a cable which has an end reaching the board by passing through a path within the housing and has a second connector to be mated with the first connector and disposed at the end. The electronic device further includes a cable holding section provided at an inner wall of the housing and having a slit whose width is smaller than a size of the second connector. The cable holding section holds the cable so that a part of the cable reaches the work opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tadanori Tachikawa, Sonomasa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8023793
    Abstract: An external grounding arrangement for a fiber access terminal includes a lug extending through a housing of the terminal. The lug is connected to strength members of a fiber optic cable extending to the terminal by a clamp about the cable within the terminal and a rod extending from the clamp to the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, James J. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8021169
    Abstract: An adjustable ground clamp for easy positioning onto electric conduits of different diameters. A first and a second jaw are pivotally connected and have differently angled jaw surfaces. A distal end of the first jaw has an elongated hole and a distal end of the second jaw has a curved fork having a slot for receiving a bolt with a cylindrical nut. A fastener connects a ground conductor or wire to the ground clamp. The differently angled jaw surfaces, curved fork, cylindrical nut, and the elongated hole result in a ground clamp capable of securely holding electrical conduits of different sizes or diameters without disassembly. The jaws may be easily separated for placement of an electrical conduit without separating or detaching any parts from the ground clamp, making attachment to an electrical conduit quick, easy, and secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8007293
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a bolt member, a first connector member, and a second connector member. The bolt member has a general “U” shape. The first connector member includes a first surface, a second surface, and first openings. The second connector member includes second openings. The second connector member is a one-piece member. The first end and the second end of the bolt member extend through the first and second openings. The electrical connector is adapted to receive a bar member between the bolt member and the first connector member. The electrical connector is adapted to receive an electrical conductor between the first connector member and the second connector member. The first surface of the first connector member is adapted to electrically contact the bar member. The second surface of the first connector member is adapted to electrically contact the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Kris R. Boutin
  • Patent number: 7999508
    Abstract: A universal battery charger including: a housing with a first locating surface; and a slide cover formed corresponding to the housing and having a second locating surface corresponding to and leaning against the first locating surface. The housing is provided with terminal pieces for adjusting the position. The terminal pieces may be moved by fingers from the bottom of the housing. The second locating surface of the slide cover is in tight contact with the first locating surface when the charger is not used, thereby creating a complete contour of the charger without any gaps. In charging, the slide cover is pushed outwards over a certain distance according to the dimensions of batteries such that a charging space is created between the second locating surface and the first locating surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Samya Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-I Yang
  • Patent number: 7999509
    Abstract: A universal charger for NiH and lithium batteries including: a housing with a first locating surface; and a slide set formed corresponding to the housing with a charging groove thereon for NiH batteries to be positioned in and having a second locating surface corresponding to and leaning against the first locating surface. The housing is provided with terminal pieces for adjusting the position. The terminal pieces may be moved by fingers from the bottom of the housing. As the second locating surface of the slide set contacts the first locating surface, a charging groove is formed on the surface for one to four NiH batteries to be charged, when the slide set is pushed outwards over a certain distance such that a charging space is created between the second locating surface and the first locating surface of the housing with the prearranged lithium batteries established for the charging purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Samya Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-I Yang
  • Patent number: 7967615
    Abstract: A combination grounding/mounting connector and method for mounting an electrical receptacle adapted to receive an electrical current carrying cable connector to a panel. The combination grounding/mounting connector device includes a first portion passing through an aperture formed in the receptacle and the panel for engaging a device for securing the electrical receptacle to the panel, the first portion accommodating connection to an electrical ground; and, a second portion providing an electrical ground connector when the first portion is connected to an electrical ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Daniel Zacharevitz, John Michael Eder
  • Patent number: 7946862
    Abstract: A grounding or bonding assembly comprising a strap or wire having multiple ends, with at least one end electrically connected to a clamp. The clamp includes a clamping means such as a screw and a penetrating means such as a spike. When the clamp is mounted on a structure and pressure is applied by means of the screw, the spike digs into the structure's surface and creates a low impedance electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Middle Atlantic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schluter
  • Patent number: 7943869
    Abstract: A lightning resistive bush body includes a cylindrical bush body. The bush body is composed of an inner insulative layer, a center electric-magnetic absorbing metal layer and an outer insulative layer, wherein the inner insulative layer, the center electric-magnetic absorbing metal layer and the outer insulative layer is integrated, and the center electric-magnetic absorbing is provided between the inner insulative layer and the outer insulative layer, and two axial edges of the center electric magnetic absorbing metal layer shape having radial openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Lianjun Li
  • Patent number: 7915545
    Abstract: A split protective bushing is provided herein in two embodiments. According to the first embodiment, a first half ring is formed with dovetail protrusions on each end and a second half ring is formed with mating dovetail sockets on each end. Interlocking the dovetail protrusions and the dovetail sockets forms a circular bushing. According to the second embodiment, a first segment and a second segment are pivotally connected at one end of each. A second end of each segment has a tongue and latch respectively for being locked together to form a complete ring. Both embodiments include an internal thread and a lip for engaging a connector in an electric installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jason M. Bixler, Daniel B. Bixler
  • Publication number: 20110039431
    Abstract: An electrical grounding device includes a first collar member having first inner and outer wall surfaces, a first flange projecting from the first inner wall surface, and a first shoulder projection extending radially from the first outer wall surface. The device further includes a second collar member having second inner and outer wall surfaces, a second flange projecting from the second inner wall surface, and a second shoulder projection extending radially from the second outer wall surface. Further, the device includes a thickened wall region including an aperture passing transversely therethrough, wherein the thickened wall region is disposed in the outer wall surface of at least one of the first and second collar members. A fastener is operably associated with the first and second shoulder projections to removably couple the first and second shoulder projections together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Garvin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barton L. Garvin
  • Patent number: 7881578
    Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau, Shayne M. Zurn, David T. Markus
  • Patent number: 7845952
    Abstract: A ground strap assembly couples two conductive components of a utility structure. The ground strap assembly includes an elongate electrically conductive ground strap having opposed ends. A pair of attachment members are mechanically and electrically coupled to each end of the strap. Each attachment member has a magnetic surface so that the ends of the strap may be placed in removable magnetic attachment to the two components to establish ground continuity across the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Gall
  • Patent number: 7803001
    Abstract: A ground connector including a frame and a U-bolt. The frame has a first conductor contact surface and a second conductor contact surface. The first and second conductor contact surfaces are angled relative to each other. The U-bolt has ends configured to extend through portions of the frame. The U-bolt and the frame are configured to directly contact and clamp a member therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Burndy Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Wason
  • Patent number: 7794243
    Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, a second member pivotably connected to the first member, and a pusher on the first member. The second member includes a stepped surface configured to be engaged by the pusher to clamp a pedestal directly between the first and second members. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Burndy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Rzasa, Peter M. Wason
  • Publication number: 20100221935
    Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, a second member pivotably connected to the first member, and a pusher on the first member. The second member includes a stepped surface configured to be engaged by the pusher to clamp a pedestal directly between the first and second members. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Rzasa, Peter M. Wason
  • Publication number: 20100221934
    Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, and a system including a screw configured to clamp the first section against opposite sides of a support. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Richard E. Robicheau, Michael Rzasa
  • Patent number: 7780461
    Abstract: A ground fitting allows simplified electrical connection between a ground wire carried in a metal sheathing, and a ground point such as a water pipe or ground rod. The metal sheathing is cut and separated and a short length of ground wire is exposed. The ground wire is inserted laterally into a wire clamp portion of the ground fitting, and opposing ends of the metal sheathing carrying the ground wire are inserted longitudinally under clamping plates on opposite sides of the ground fitting. A ground screw is tightened against the ground wire to hold the ground wire in the ground fitting and plate screws securing the clamping plates are tightened to secure the sheathing between the clamping plates and clamp seats. Ridges may be provided on one or both of the clamping plates and the clamp seat to engage a spiral exterior surface of the metal sheathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Vernica
  • Publication number: 20100167565
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a bolt member, a first connector member, and a second connector member. The bolt member has a general “U” shape. The first connector member includes a first surface, a second surface, and first openings. The second connector member includes second openings. The second connector member is a one-piece member. The first end and the second end of the bolt member extend through the first and second openings. The electrical connector is adapted to receive a bar member between the bolt member and the first connector member. The electrical connector is adapted to receive an electrical conductor between the first connector member and the second connector member. The first surface of the first connector member is adapted to electrically contact the bar member. The second surface of the first connector member is adapted to electrically contact the electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kris R. Boutin
  • Publication number: 20100144173
    Abstract: A ground connector including a frame and a U-bolt. The frame has a first conductor contact surface and a second conductor contact surface. The first and second conductor contact surfaces are angled relative to each other. The U-bolt has ends configured to extend through portions of the frame. The U-bolt and the frame are configured to directly contact and clamp a member therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Peter M. Wason
  • Patent number: 7732707
    Abstract: An installation structure of a ground rod for driving the rod deep into the ground comprising an overhead earth wire installed to protect transformers, power-transmission lines, etc. from lightning; a ground wire that is extended from a lightning arrester to a ground; a multi-stage ground rod elongated by a thread type connection and connected with the end of the ground wire that it is buried into the ground; and a connecting sleeve for connecting the ground rod to the ground wire, the electric conductive compound preventing corrosion in the thread connection including a lead terminal side junction of the and a ground wire side junction of the connecting sleeve. Corrosion of the gap between junctions is inhibited by inserting electric conductive compound into the junctions of the lead terminal side and of the ground wire side of the ground wire connecting sleeve, increasing ground rod lifetimes and decreasing maintenance costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventor: Geun Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7680377
    Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau, Shayne M. Zurn, David T. Markus
  • Patent number: 7621763
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for electrically connecting a ground wire to a grounding member includes first and second clamping members cooperating along an engagement plane to apply a clamping pressure to the grounding member therebetween. One of the first and second clamping members includes opposing first and second wall members integrally formed therewith and defining an open channel therebetween, the open channel defining a ground wire ingress opening for receiving the ground wire in a direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement plane. One of the wall members defines a threaded hole for receiving a set screw extending toward the other of the wall members, whereby the ground wire laid into the open channel through the ingress opening is secured against the other of the wall members by the set screw along a ground wire axis parallel to the grounding member axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Consolidated Manufacturing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Reuben E. Clark, Gary K. Weise
  • Patent number: 7618261
    Abstract: Aspects of a distribution connecting module for teleconununications and data systems technology include a housing inside of which input and output contacts are arranged to be accessible from the exterior of the housing. The housing is provided with a cavity inside of which at least one printed circuit board is arranged. The input and output contacts are situated on the opposing faces of the housing. The input contacts are provided in the form of at least one connector strip with insulation displacement contacts. The input and output contacts can be detachably connected to the printed circuit board. The connector strip supporting the input contacts is detachably connected to the housing via a front part. When the connection between the front part and the housing is released, the connector strip, which is connected to the front part, is, together with the fork contacts, moved away from the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Dieter Busse, Joachim Stark, Harald Klein, Antony Nijhuis
  • Publication number: 20090233470
    Abstract: An installation structure of a ground rod for driving the rod deep into the ground comprising an overhead earth wire installed to protect transformers, power-transmission lines, etc. from lightning; a ground wire that is extended from a lightning arrester to a ground; a multi-stage ground rod elongated by a thread type connection and connected with the end of the ground wire that it is buried into the ground; and a connecting sleeve for connecting the ground rod to the ground wire, the electric conductive compound preventing corrosion in the thread connection including a lead terminal side junction of the and a ground wire side junction of the connecting sleeve. Corrosion of the gap between junctions is inhibited by inserting electric conductive compound into the junctions of the lead terminal side and of the ground wire side of the ground wire connecting sleeve, increasing ground rod lifetimes and decreasing maintenance costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Geun Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7575447
    Abstract: An arrangement for connection of pipes includes a collar. In this case, the collar is provided for connection of the pipe ends of the pipes, and an earth connector is provided, by means of which the pipe ends can be electrically conductively connected. The earth connector is in this case in an integrated component of the collar, thus making it possible to make considerable savings in material and assembly effort, in comparison to known approaches. The arrangement results in a fluid-tight and electrically conductive connection of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: AIRBUS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Wittwer
  • Patent number: 7575448
    Abstract: A means for securing a grounding point in a stable position and stable means. Length of rod like material with a 1½ turn in center length, two offset bends on opposing sides after 1½ turn bend allows insulators and bolt to level. Opposing sides, short horizontal length between offsets to vertical down bend. Pipe radius bend travels, below center axis of desired pipe size radius, for gripping action. At end of radius bend a short outward bend, to aid in the applying and removing the ground from the pipe, and for protection of the pipe coating, Coated for insulation except for the 1½ turn bend, where movement of spring action is desired for holding power. Left side near vertical down bend, tube attached for holding the ground cable in a secure manor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry L. Whittington
  • Patent number: 7559774
    Abstract: An external grounding arrangement for a fiber access terminal includes a lug extending through a housing of the terminal. The lug is connected to strength members of a fiber optic cable extending to the terminal by a clamp about the cable within the terminal and a rod extending from the clamp to the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Kowalczyk
  • Publication number: 20090130872
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a grounding connector. The grounding connector includes a female member, a male member, and a threaded member. The female member includes a first clamp section, a conductor connection section, and a center section between the first clamp section and the conductor connection section. The center section includes a first opening. The male member includes a barrel section, a second clamp section, and a web section between the barrel section and the second clamp section. The barrel section includes a threaded opening. The threaded member extends through the first opening. The threaded member is engaged with the threaded opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Robert V. De France
  • Patent number: 7492996
    Abstract: An external grounding arrangement for a fiber access terminal includes a lug extending through a housing of the terminal. The lug is connected to strength members of a fiber optic cable extending to the terminal by a clamp about the cable within the terminal and a rod extending from the clamp to the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, James J. Brandt
  • Publication number: 20080242129
    Abstract: The INVENTION is a single, two-hole, electrical bond washer which replaces individual single-hole flat washers that are used in the process of bonding electrical wire lugs to ground bars for protection against lightning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Younce, Timothy Sheldon Springsteen
  • Patent number: 7341475
    Abstract: A ground rod cap is disclosed. The ground rod cap includes a crown portion and a support portion connected to the crown portion. The crown portion is configured to receive a ground rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: AT & T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Brent Rivers
  • Publication number: 20080026613
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a grounding connector. The grounding connector includes a female member, a male member, and a threaded member. The female member includes a first clamp section, a conductor connection section, and a center section between the first clamp section and the conductor connection section. The center section includes a first opening. The male member includes a barrel section, a second clamp section, and a web section between the barrel section and the second clamp section. The barrel section includes a threaded opening. The threaded member extends through the first opening. The threaded member is engaged with the threaded opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Robert V. De France
  • Patent number: 7322835
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a battery module (70) includes a bracket (10), and a pair of latch members (50). The bracket includes a recess (18), a back plate (16) defining a pair of cutouts (162), and a pair of fixing frames (30) next to the cutouts. The latch members are slidably received in the fixing frames and each include a sidewall (52) defining a locking slot (522) therein. The battery module is slidably moved into the recess and includes a pair of hooks (74) separately extending through the cutouts of the bracket to engaging with the locking slots of the latch members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ke-Cheng Lin, Wen-Kang Lo, Chien-Li Tsai
  • Patent number: 7281932
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a ground connector for grounding a conduit to an enclosure. The ground connector includes a plurality of integral ears extending from an outer wall of the connector with these ears configured to receive a ground wire therein. A locking nut portion, when engaged with the connector, urges the ground wire against the ears to thereby mechanically and electrically secure the ground wire to the ground connector. The connector is further configured with a plurality of locking teeth that engage the enclosure to thereby at least mechanically (and preferably electrically) secure the connector to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Cheng, George Robertson
  • Publication number: 20070224858
    Abstract: A motor may include a coil bobbin having a drum part around which a winding is provided, a terminal block formed on an outer periphery of the coil bobbin, at least a pair of terminal pins which are protruded from a first wall face of the terminal block, and a groove part formed in the first wall face of the terminal block and is opened to a second wall face of the terminal block that is perpendicular to the first wall face. Both ends of the winding are respectively bound to a pair of the terminal pins from the second wall face side through the groove part of the terminal block. A stator core may be utilized instead of the coil bobbin. In this case, the terminal block may be fitted to the stator core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Sonohara
  • Patent number: 7165980
    Abstract: A grounding device for an electrical conduit which includes: a bushing having an outer wall and a notch in the outer wall; a lug rotatably accommodated by the notch; and a grounding connector with a set screw which is attached to the lug. The grounding conductor is electrically contacted to the bushing by the set screw. In addition, the force exerted by the set screw frictionally engages the lug with the bushing and locks the lug in place so that the lug is no longer free to rotate. The grounding connector can be reoriented by loosening the set screw and rotating the lug to a different orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Pyron, David W. Fraze
  • Patent number: 7122739
    Abstract: A universal ground strap assembly including a strap having a series of uniformly sized and spaced apertures to facilitate the installation of the ground strap assembly onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections is provided. A stud, through which the strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. The stud includes a curved surface to engage the elongated strap with smooth transition. The stud may be captivated on the strap by at least one projection extending into the hole in the strap within which the stud is held. A curved sliding nut supported upon the strap and a curved surface of the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. The curved sliding nut is also captivated on the strap with stops and defines a hole to receive the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Senior Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7105743
    Abstract: An outlet box is disclosed. The outlet box has a base including a rear surface of the outlet box, and a cover including a front surface of the outlet box. The cover is configured to engagingly fit over the base. An intermediate portion extends from one or both of the base and cover and extends generally between the rear surface and the front surface. The cover, the base, and the intermediate portion cooperatively define an interior of the outlet box when the cover and the base are engagingly fitted together. The intermediate portion includes a pair of opposed inwardly inclined portions and a pair of set-off portions extending from the inner more ends of the inwardly inclined portions, and at least one of the inclined portions includes an aperture therein. A connector is disposed within the base, and the connector has an opening for receiving a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Jack E. Caveney
  • Patent number: 7020377
    Abstract: On a wiring board, an optical connection cable is provided in which a wiring light cord and a conducting wire are laid out in parallel. A primary side port and a secondary side port are optically connected for wiring, and are electrically connected to confirm the connection. When both ports are electrically connected, it is possible to confirm that the primary side port and the secondary side port are connected and a circuit is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shoden Corporation
    Inventors: Shogo Ota, Koji Sakata
  • Patent number: 7018221
    Abstract: A connector for providing an electrical connection to a coaxial cable, the connector comprises a base member adapted to be secured around a coaxial cable, a metal band member formed as part of the base member, and at least one protrusion extending from and unitary with the metal band member for providing electrical contact to a conductor portion of the coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Daume Patentbesitzgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Britta Daume
  • Patent number: 7008244
    Abstract: A ground or earth connector comprises a metal tube having an integral connecting member. The earth connector is designed to be attached to a metal pipe, for example, a pipe in a central heating system, with the connecting member being deformable into permanent engagement with an earth cable so as to earth the metal pipe. The earth connector is tubular and is designed to be fitted between two adjacent pipe parts so as also to join the pipe parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Carlton Colin Alladice
  • Patent number: 6986673
    Abstract: An electrical grounding clamp which connects one or more grounding lines to a grounding post. The grounding clamp includes a top section having an aperture; a pair of opposing side walls extending downwardly from the top section; one or more members extending downwardly from each of the side walls and forming a bottom seating surface; a wire nut tensioner and a clamping bolt extending through the aperture in the top section and engaging the wire nut tensioner. The top section and wire nut tensioner act cooperatively to form a pair of clamps which are adapted to accommodate grounding lines and the bottom seating surface are adapted to accommodate grounding lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
  • Patent number: 6979207
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a ground wire and a ground rod. The electrical connector having a metal body including a top and a cylindrical side wall. The body having a first internal wall defining a ground rod cavity and a second internal wall defining a ground wire cavity being positioned adjacent to and in communication with the ground rod cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: E & J Demark, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Wenger, David M. Harman
  • Patent number: 6976857
    Abstract: A ground clamp having upper and lower clamp members interconnected by clamping screws for mechanical and electrical connection with a grounding member, and a frontally projecting boss on the lower clamp member having a downwardly opening slot for receiving a ground wire which is retained by a set screw forward of the clamping screws whereby the various screws may be independently tightened without interference from adjacent screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Shuklesh Shukla, Krishnan S. Iyer, Neville N. Kharas
  • Patent number: 6910899
    Abstract: A device for forming an electrically conductive contact with an electrically conductive component of an elongated body is provided. The device includes a base structure for disposition on the body to be contacted, and a separate contact element for contacting the body in a contact mounting position for producing an electrically conductive connection between the electrically conductive component and a ground cable. The contact element is formed of profiled sheet metal. The base structure is comprised of an elastic material that on the side turned toward the contact element comprises a disposition surface for the disposition of the contact element thereon over substantially the entire length of the contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Daume Patentbesitzgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Britta Daume