Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090284381 | EXPLOSION INDICATOR FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - Indicator devices and systems for explosion proof enclosures are described. The indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, a first and second contact, a means for preventing the first contact from contacting the second contact, and an indicator. Upon an increase in a temperature or a pressure near the means for preventing (for example, within the enclosure), the means for preventing allows the first and second contacts to contact, thereby completing an electrical circuit from a power source to the indicator (such as a light or an alarm). The indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an explosion proof enclosure containing critical equipment. | 11-19-2009 |
20100039256 | Explosion Indicator For Explosion-Proof Enclosures - Indicator devices and systems for explosion-proof enclosures are described. The indicator devices include a sleeve coupled to a dome-like transparent member by a connector body, at least one conductive contact positioned in the sleeve, a piston responsive to an increase in pressure and positioned in the sleeve, and an indicator. The indicator can be a light source positioned in the transparent member or an alarm external to the indicator device. Upon an increase in a pressure in an enclosure to which an indicator device is attached, the piston shifts and contacts the at least one conductive contact and permits the completion of an electrical circuit from a power source to the indicator. The indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an explosion-proof enclosure. | 02-18-2010 |
20100218838 | Method and apparatus for providing a passageway between explosion proof enclosures - An apparatus and method according to which a passageway is provided between explosion proof enclosures. | 09-02-2010 |
20100263994 | System and Method for Actuating One or More Sliders - A system and method according to which one or more sliders are actuated in order to, for example, operate one or more switches such as, for example, one or more circuit breaker switches. | 10-21-2010 |
20100284150 | EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES WITH ACTIVE THERMAL MANAGEMENT USING SINTERED ELEMENTS - Enclosures for use in hazardous areas include sintered filters for thermal management. The enclosures include an opening to which a filter holder housing and sintered filter are coupled. The enclosures can also include a second opening to which a vent or a second filter holder housing and sintered filter are coupled. The internal temperature of the enclosures can be actively managed by such a system because air within the enclosure can be displaced to and from the atmosphere through the sintered filters. Air from the atmosphere enters the enclosure via the second opening and exits the enclosure via the first opening. | 11-11-2010 |
20100288467 | EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES WITH ACTIVE THERMAL MANAGEMENT BY HEAT EXCHANGE - Enclosures for use in hazardous areas include heat exchangers for active thermal management. The enclosures are coupled to a device having heat transfer capabilities. Equipment within the enclosures produces heat within the enclosure. The heat exchanger removes heat produced from the equipment and manages the internal temperature of the enclosures to a level suitable for hazardous locations. The enclosures can be actively cooled or heated using the device. | 11-18-2010 |
20110232561 | Indicating Devices and Associated Methods - Indicator devices, systems, and methods are provided. Indicator devices include a housing having a bore and an indicating component placed therein. The indicator devices are activated in response to an increase in temperature or pressure. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to a housing, such as a conduit or enclosure. Methods include utilizing an indicator device to determine if an area within a conduit or enclosure has been sealed. | 09-29-2011 |
20120160052 | ACTUATING MULTIPLE FEATURES OF A DEVICE LOCATED IN AN EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURE - A system is described herein for actuating at least one feature of multiple features of a device located inside an enclosure. The system can include a depressor extending through an aperture in a surface of the enclosure. The depressor can include a depressor shaft having a first depressor end and a second depressor end, where the first depressor end is accessible from outside the enclosure. The depressor can move between an undepressed state and a depressed state. The second depressor end can contact the at least one feature of the multiple features of the device when the depressor is in the depressed state. | 06-28-2012 |
20120160094 | PRE-FILTRATION AND MAINTENANCE SENSING FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A filter system for an explosion-proof enclosure is described herein. The filter system can include a pre-filter assembly located outside the explosion-proof enclosure. The pre-filter assembly can include a pre-filter material configured to control air passing therethrough. The filter system can also include a filter assembly coupled to the pre-filter assembly. The filter assembly can further control the air received from the pre-filter assembly and passing therethrough into the explosion-proof enclosure. | 06-28-2012 |
20120160105 | STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS FOR FILTER ASSEMBLIES - A filter assembly is described herein for controlling the air passing therethrough. The filter assembly can include a housing comprising a cavity formed therein. The filter assembly can also include a filter positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing. Further, the filter assembly can include a reinforcement structure coupled to an end of the housing and adjacent to a top end of the filter | 06-28-2012 |
20120161596 | CONTROLLING AIRFLOW WITHIN AN EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURE - A system is described herein. The system can include an explosion-proof enclosure having an interior comprising a first region and a second region. The system can also include a heat-generating component positioned within the second region of the explosion-proof enclosure. The system can further include an air moving device positioned within the first region of the explosion-proof enclosure. The air moving device can draw a first portion of intake air from outside the explosion-proof enclosure. The air moving device can also pass the first portion of the intake air over the heat-generating component to generate first exhaust air, where the first portion of the intake air cools the heat-generating component. The air moving device can further remove the first exhaust air from the interior of the explosion-proof enclosure. | 06-28-2012 |
20120162861 | SELF-ALIGNING ACTUATOR FOR DOOR-OPERATED SWITCH - An actuator system for operating a switch is described herein. The actuator system can include a shaft of a handle assembly. The shaft couples to a handle and a male coupling element and has a number of positions. Further, a coupling body of a switch assembly can be positioned in the number of positions. The coupling body engages the switch and has a female coupling element, which has a slotted portion that receives the male coupling element and an angled terminus that aligns the shaft to a first position as the shaft couples to the coupling body. The slotted portion receives and engages the male coupling element when the shaft is coupled to the coupling body. The slotted portion prevents the male coupling element from disengaging when the coupling body is in a second position, and disengages the male coupling element when the coupling body is in the first position. | 06-28-2012 |
20120164933 | MANIFOLD FOR CONTROLLING AIRFLOW WITHIN AN EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURE - A manifold within an explosion-proof enclosure is described herein. The manifold can include an inlet duct coupled to an air moving device, where the inlet duct can receive exhaust air from the air moving device. The manifold can further include an outlet duct that includes a perimeter and at least one channel, where the outlet duct can send the exhaust air outside the explosion-proof enclosure, where the perimeter of the outlet duct is coupled to a first portion of an inner surface of an outer wall of the explosion-proof enclosure, and where the first portion of the inner surface includes at least one aperture that traverses the outer wall. The manifold can also include a body that includes a cavity, where the body couples the inlet duct to the at least one channel, and where the exhaust air flows from the inlet duct through the cavity to the outlet duct. | 06-28-2012 |
20120267494 | Enclosure Clamps And Clamp Systems - Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures. | 10-25-2012 |
20120325429 | Explosion-Proof Enclosures with Active Thermal Management by Heat Exchange - Enclosures for use in hazardous areas include heat exchangers for active thermal management. The enclosures are coupled to a device having heat transfer capabilities. Equipment within the enclosures produces heat within the enclosure. The heat exchanger removes heat produced from the equipment and manages the internal temperature of the enclosures to a level suitable for hazardous locations. The enclosures can be actively cooled or heated using the device. | 12-27-2012 |
20130137358 | SHROUD FOR AN ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE - A shroud that includes a body, a cavity, a curved outlet, and at least one non-linear channel. The body can have a top end and a bottom surface, as well as a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. The cavity can be located under the top end of the body and disposed toward the first end. The curved outlet can be disposed toward the second end of the body and have a banana-shaped vent that traverses at least two sides of the body. Each linear channel can include a bent passage, a third end, and a fourth end, where the third end adjoins the cavity, and where the fourth end adjoins a portion of the banana-shaped vent of the curved outlet. The curved outlet and the at least one non-linear channel can prevent substantially all liquids and solids outside the body from entering the cavity. | 05-30-2013 |
20130292956 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure, and a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. A fastening device can also include a securing member having a top end disposed on the first load distributing member and a bottom end disposed on the second load distributing member. A fastening device can further include a cam rotatably coupled to and positioned atop the first load distributing member. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294862 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can also include a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can further include a fastener positioned atop the first load distributing member, where the fastener traverses the first load distributing member, the cover flange, and the body flange. Each fastening device can also include a fastener receiver positioned under the second load distributing member and mechanically coupled to the fastener. | 11-07-2013 |
20130312948 | EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES WITH ACTIVE THERMAL MANAGEMENT USING SINTERED ELEMENTS - Enclosures for use in hazardous areas include sintered filters for thermal management. The enclosures include an opening to which a filter holder housing and sintered filter are coupled. The enclosures can also include a second opening to which a vent or a second filter holder housing and sintered filter are coupled. The internal temperature of the enclosures can be actively managed by such a system because air within the enclosure can be displaced to and from the atmosphere through the sintered filters. Air from the atmosphere enters the enclosure via the second opening and exits the enclosure via the first opening. | 11-28-2013 |
20130314929 | COOLING HEAT-GENERATING COMPONENTS OF A LIGHT FIXTURE - A system for cooling heat-generating components within a housing of a light fixture is described herein. The system can include an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture in one or more walls of the housing. The system can also include a housing separator that separates the interior of the housing into a number of regions. The system can also include a heat-generating component positioned within the housing. The system can further include an air moving device positioned within the housing. The air moving device can draw intake air from outside the explosion-proof enclosure and pass the intake air over the heat-generating component to generate exhaust air, where the intake air cools the heat-generating component. The air moving device can further remove the exhaust air from the interior of the housing. | 11-28-2013 |
20140013940 | PRE-FILTRATION AND MAINTENANCE SENSING FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A filter system for an explosion-proof enclosure is described herein. The filter system can include a pre-filter assembly located outside the explosion-proof enclosure. The pre-filter assembly can include a pre-filter material configured to control air passing therethrough. The filter system can also include a filter assembly coupled to the pre-filter assembly. The filter assembly can further control the air received from the pre-filter assembly and passing therethrough into the explosion-proof enclosure. | 01-16-2014 |
20140013948 | STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS FOR FILTER ASSEMBLIES - A filter assembly is described herein for controlling the air passing therethrough. The filter assembly can include a housing comprising a cavity formed therein. The filter assembly can also include a filter positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing. Further, the filter assembly can include a reinforcement structure coupled to an end of the housing and adjacent to a top end of the filter | 01-16-2014 |
20140049956 | LIGHTING APPLICATIONS USING ORGANIC LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A lighting device that includes a first panel of light sources, where the first panel has a first edge. The lighting device can also include a second panel of light sources, where the second panel has a second edge, where the second edge of the second panel of light sources is mechanically coupled to the first edge of the first panel of light sources. The first panel of light sources and the second panel of light sources can form an angle relative to each other. Adjusting the angle can adjust the light output from the light sources. Such an angle can be formed based on a target level of light received by a target area. | 02-20-2014 |
20140054025 | PROGRAMMABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATION ENCLOSURES - An enclosure system that can include a hazardous location enclosure having at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure system can also include a temperature-sensitive component positioned within the cavity. The enclosure system can further include a measuring device configured to measure a temperature within the cavity of the hazardous location enclosure. The enclosure system can also include a climate control device configured to change the temperature within the cavity. The enclosure system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the climate control device and the measuring device, where the controller controls the climate control device to change the temperature within the cavity of the hazardous location enclosure. | 02-27-2014 |
20140076897 | COVER RELEASE MECHANISMS FOR ENCLOSURES - An enclosure system that can include an enclosure cover comprising a receiving feature. The enclosure system can also include an enclosure body mechanically coupled to the enclosure cover. The enclosure system can further include a cover release mechanism mechanically coupled to the enclosure body and disposed at least in part, within the receiving feature, where the cover release mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position. The enclosure cover and the enclosure body can be mechanically coupled to each other when the cover released mechanism is in the first position. The enclosure cover and the enclosure body can be, at least in part, separated from each other when the cover release mechanism moves to the second position from the first position. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076901 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A fastening device for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure can include a bracket having a back side mechanically coupled to a bottom side at a first angle and to a top side at a second angle, where the top side includes an engagement portion, where the first angle is substantially parallel to an under side of the body flange, and where the second angle is substantially parallel to a top side of the cover flange. The fastening device can also include a cam fixedly coupled to an outer surface of the cover flange and hingedly coupled to the engagement portion. The fastening device can further include a lever fixedly coupled to the cam and having a closed position and an open position. | 03-20-2014 |
20140091582 | ENCLOSURE CLAMPS AND CLAMP SYSTEMS - Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures. | 04-03-2014 |
20140091583 | ENCLOSURE CLAMPS AND CLAMP SYSTEMS - Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures. | 04-03-2014 |
20140199869 | REDUCED TEMPERATURE RISE OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS - An electrical connector having a reduced temperature rise system is described herein. The electrical connector can include a conductor receiver and a conductor mechanically coupled to the conductor receiver. The conductor can include a pin having electrically conductive material and an exposed end. The conductor can also include at least one compression member disposed along a portion of the outer perimeter of the pin at a first distance from the exposed end. When the conductor is coupled to the conductor receiver, the compression member contacts the wall of the conductor receiver to the pin. Alternatively, the conductor receiver can have an electrically conductive first portion and a second portion. Further, the conductor can have a conductive pin and a guide pin. The guide pin can force the first portion to expand and compress around the conductive pin as the conductor is mechanically coupled to the conductor receiver. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199881 | ACTIVE COOLING OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS - An electrical connector having an active cooling system is described herein. The electrical connector can include a conductor having an electrically conductive pin, and a conductor receiver slidably coupled to the conductor. The conductor receiver can include a wall having an electrically conductive material forming a cavity into which the pin is received. The conductor receiver can also include an insulating sleeve mechanically coupled to the wall. The conductor receiver can further include a heat sink mechanically coupled to the insulating sleeve and a channel that collects heat absorbed by the heat sink. The heat collected by the channel can be vented outside the conductor receiver. Alternatively, the wall of the conductor receiver can be coupled to an insulator and have at least one aperture that vents heat from the cavity to the insulator. | 07-17-2014 |
20140256188 | INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSMISSION FOR ELECTRICAL DEVICES - An electrical system that includes an enclosure and a power source located outside the enclosure and generating a first current. The electrical system can also include a transmitting inductor located within the enclosure and electrically connected to the power source, where the first current generated by the power source flows through the transmitting inductor. The electrical system can further include a receiving inductor positioned proximate to the transmitting inductor within the enclosure, where the first current flowing through the transmitting inductor induces a second current to flow through the receiving inductor. The electrical system can also include a device located within the enclosure and electrically connected to the receiving inductor, wherein the second current induced in the receiving conductor powers the device. | 09-11-2014 |
20140270798 | HAZARDOUS LOCATION VISIBLE LIGHT COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - A method of communicating a condition in a hazardous location. The method can include determining, using a controller of a first controller communicably coupled to a measuring device, the condition in the hazardous location, and emitting, based on the condition, a first light output from a first light source in the hazardous location. The method can also include receiving, using a second enclosure located in the hazardous location, a visible light communication (VLC) signal from the first light output, and emitting, from a second light source of the second enclosure, a second light output, where the second light output comprises the VLC signal. The method can further include receiving, using a base device, the VLC signal from the second light output, translating the VLC signal into a communication format, and sending the VLC signal in the communication format. | 09-18-2014 |
20140321938 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can also include a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can further include a fastener positioned atop the first load distributing member, where the fastener traverses the first load distributing member, the cover flange, and the body flange. Each fastening device can also include a fastener receiver positioned under the second load distributing member and mechanically coupled to the fastener. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321939 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can also include a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can further include a fastener positioned atop the first load distributing member, where the fastener traverses the first load distributing member, the cover flange, and the body flange. Each fastening device can also include a fastener receiver positioned under the second load distributing member and mechanically coupled to the fastener. | 10-30-2014 |
20150053537 | SELF-ALIGNING ACTUATOR FOR DOOR-OPERATED SWITCH - An actuator system for operating a switch is described herein. The actuator system can include a shaft of a handle assembly. The shaft couples to a handle and a male coupling element and has a number of positions. Further, a coupling body of a switch assembly can be positioned in the number of positions. The coupling body engages the switch and has a female coupling element, which has a slotted portion that receives the male coupling element and an angled terminus that aligns the shaft to a first position as the shaft couples to the coupling body. The slotted portion receives and engages the male coupling element when the shaft is coupled to the coupling body. The slotted portion prevents the male coupling element from disengaging when the coupling body is in a second position, and disengages the male coupling element when the coupling body is in the first position. | 02-26-2015 |
20150076156 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - An enclosure can include a first enclosure portion having a first flange, at least one first engagement feature disposed on a first inner surface of the first enclosure portion, and at least one mounting support. The enclosure can also include a second enclosure portion mechanically coupled to the first enclosure portion and having a second flange and at least one second engagement feature disposed on a second inner surface of the second enclosure portion. The enclosure can further include at least one fastening device mechanically and movably coupled to the at least one mounting support, where the at least one fastening device engages the first flange and the second flange when the one fastening device is in a closed position, and where the at least one fastening device is disengaged from the first flange and the second flange when the one fastening device is in an open position. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076841 | FASTENING DEVICES FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES - An enclosure can include a top enclosure portion having a top flange and a first top engagement feature. The enclosure can also include a bottom enclosure portion mechanically coupled to the top enclosure portion, where the bottom enclosure portion has a bottom flange that mechanically couples to the top flange and a first bottom engagement feature that mechanically couples to the first top engagement feature. The enclosure can further include a first fastening device mechanically and movably coupled to the first top engagement feature and the first bottom engagement feature. The first fastening device, in an engaged position, can maintain a flame path between the top flange and the bottom flange. The first fastening device, in a disengaged position, can fail to maintain a flame path between the top flange and the bottom flange. | 03-19-2015 |
20150087181 | ACTIVE COOLING OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS - An electrical connector having an active cooling system is described herein. The electrical connector can include a conductor having an electrically conductive pin, and a conductor receiver slidably coupled to the conductor. The conductor receiver can include a wall having an electrically conductive material forming a cavity into which the pin is received. The conductor receiver can also include an insulating sleeve mechanically coupled to the wall. The conductor receiver can further include a heat sink mechanically coupled to the insulating sleeve and a channel that collects heat absorbed by the heat sink. The heat collected by the channel can be vented outside the conductor receiver. Alternatively, the wall of the conductor receiver can be coupled to an insulator and have at least one aperture that vents heat from the cavity to the insulator. | 03-26-2015 |