Michael A Pratt

US Patent:

7611392, Nov 3, 2009

Filed:

Aug 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/228929

Inventors:

Michael L. Pratt - Collierville TN, US

Assignee:

Thomas & Betts International, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

H01R 4/10

US Classification:

439877, 29874

Abstract:

A terminal and a method for making a terminal that includes a connector end and a terminal barrel, preferably formed from a sheet of metal. The terminal barrel includes a cylindrical wall having a first section corresponding to a first end and a second section corresponding to a second end. The thickness of the first section is reduced so that it is less than the thickness of the second section and the first section is flared to increase the diameter. The first end is flared after a nylon or plastic insulator is fitted over the terminal barrel. The first end is adapted for receiving an electrical conductor and the second end connects to the connector end.

US Patent:

7906729, Mar 15, 2011

Filed:

Mar 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/074894

Inventors:

George B. Robertson - Cordova TN, US
Richard Von Rotz - Collierville TN, US
Michael Pratt - Collierville TN, US

Assignee:

Thomas & Betts International, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

H02G 15/02

US Classification:

174 75R, 174152 G, 174153 G, 174656, 174156, 16 21, 16 22, 439777

Abstract:

A repositionable insulator housing for an angle connector formed from first and second housing sections that are joined together. Each housing section has an exterior surface and a base portion that includes an end wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a back wall. Each of the end walls and pairs of opposing side walls extend from the back walls to form open sides and open ends of the housing sections. When the two housing sections are joined together, the base sections form an enclosure with a pair of apertures in opposing walls. The two housing sections enclose an angle connector so that the open sides correspond and the first open ends form an opening in the housing. The pair of apertures are aligned and adapted to receive an elongated metal rod and the opening in the housing is adapted to receive a conductor.

US Patent:

20090075528, Mar 19, 2009

Filed:

Aug 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/228930

Inventors:

Michael L. Pratt - Collierville TN, US

International Classification:

H01R 13/40
H01R 4/18

US Classification:

439750, 439866

Abstract:

A ferrule or pin terminal is provided with a bend to facilitate terminations in confined or restricted spaces and provides consistency and uniformity. The ferrule terminal embodiment of the present invention includes a ferrule portion and a barrel portion. The ferrule portion includes a cylindrical wall, a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis and a stress relief aperture. The ferrule portion is bent along the longitudinal axis to form a bend. The pin terminal embodiment of the present invention includes a solid pin portion and a barrel portion. The solid pin portion includes a body, a first end and a second end and has a longitudinal axis. The first end of the solid pin portion is angularly disposed from the second end. In both embodiments, the barrel portion includes a cylindrical body having a first end adapted to receive an electrical wire and a second end connected to the second end of the ferrule.

US Patent:

56211929, Apr 15, 1997

Filed:

Jun 21, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/080468

Inventors:

Mark Bordwell - Memphis TN
Michael Pratt - Cordova TN

Assignee:

Thomas & Betts Corporation - Memphis TN

International Classification:

H02G 314

US Classification:

174 67

Abstract:

A protective housing for electrical outlets and the like includes a box surrounding the outlets and a cover. A gasketless joint is formed between the hinged cover and the box for inhibiting entry of moisture into the box. The box includes a slot in its peripheral wall for receiving a cord with a plug that is positioned inside the box.

US Patent:

54553881, Oct 3, 1995

Filed:

Jul 8, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/089159

Inventors:

Michael L. Pratt - Cordova TN

Assignee:

Thomas & Betts Corporation - Memphis TN

International Classification:

H02G 312

US Classification:

174 67

Abstract:

Covers for outlets in an electrical floor box are connected with an access plate by snap-fit hinge connections. The covers are swingable through arcs greater than 90. degree. during movement from a closed position to an open position or to an inward storage position. Cooperating pimples and dimples on the covers and plate releasably retain the covers in their closed or storage positions.

US Patent:

54302536, Jul 4, 1995

Filed:

Oct 29, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/968560

Inventors:

Michael L. Pratt - Memphis TN

Assignee:

Thomas & Betts Corporation - Memphis TN

International Classification:

H01R 13447

US Classification:

174 67

Abstract:

A hinged electrical outlet cover biased rotatably about the hinge axis by an M-shaped spring. In one arrangement, the cover is self-closing throughout its entire range of movement between fully open and fully closed positions. In another arrangement, the cover is positively held open in its fully open position and is self-closing over a limited range of movement from its fully closed position to an intermediate open position. The cover and a support member on which it is hinged are designed for quick snap assembly without requiring the use of special tools or separate fasteners.