Patrick N Williams

US Patent:

8105124, Jan 31, 2012

Filed:

Feb 18, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/707916

Inventors:

Patrick Brent Williams - Newton Grove NC, US

International Classification:

B63B 22/08

US Classification:

441 7, 441 8

Abstract:

A device and method for recovering articles inadvertently submerged in a body of water are disclosed. The device comprises a housing attachable to the article, the housing defining a storage chamber with a storage chamber opening at one end. The storage chamber contains a buoyant flotation element held in the storage chamber by a water-activated release mechanism that permits the flotation element to move toward and through the storage chamber opening when the device is submerged in water. The flotation element remains connected to the housing by a connection mechanism. The device housing also may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the flotation element toward the storage chamber opening. The method includes attaching the housing to the article to be retrieved, having the flotation element release from the housing and float to the surface of the water and following the connection mechanism from the flotation element to the housing.

US Patent:

61767190, Jan 23, 2001

Filed:

Apr 24, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/065849

Inventors:

Patrick Williams - Raleigh NC
Rodney J. West - Liberty IN
Daniel L. Wittmer - Fairfield OH
Glen S. O'Nan - Hamilton OH

Assignee:

Square D Company - Palatine IL

International Classification:

H01R 460

US Classification:

439213

Abstract:

The present invention provides a device for electrically connecting electrical conductors of two adjacent sections of a multi-phase electrical distribution system. The connecting device includes a generally cylindrical body enclosing two ground connectors, two outside insulators and two inside insulators intermediate the outside insulators. Each of the outside and inside insulators includes an equal number of semi-circular shaped electrical connectors which are arranged such that each electrical connector on one of the outside insulators has a corresponding electrical connector on one of the inside insulators thus forming a pocket. Each pocket receives one electrical conductor from each of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system. Electrical conductors of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system sharing a common pocket are electrically connected by the corresponding electrical connectors forming that pocket as the two outside insulators are drawn toward the two inside insulators.

US Patent:

6022231, Feb 8, 2000

Filed:

Apr 24, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/065832

Inventors:

Patrick Williams - Raleigh NC
Rodney J. West - Liberty IN
Anthony S. Locker - Cincinnati OH
Daniel G. Witt - Camden OH
Daniel L. Wittmer - Fairfield OH

Assignee:

Square D Company - Palatine IL

International Classification:

H01R 460

US Classification:

439207

Abstract:

A sectionalized electrical distribution feeder system for carrying electrical power from a source point to a use point or a distribution point. Each section of the distribution system includes a cylindrical enclosure capable of being easily cut with a handsaw. The enclosure also provides support and protection from physical damage to a plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed within the enclosure. The conductors are held firmly in place by a continuous electrically insulating support that snugly fits inside the enclosure. Each conductor can be easily cut with a metal cutting hand saw, and is enclosed in an electrically insulating sheath, a portion of which can be removed from a newly cut end to provide a contact surface. A joint connecting member is provided for electrically connecting the conductors of adjacent sections of the electrical distribution feeder system. The joint connecting member includes a provision for linear expansion of the sections due to normal operating temperatures of the distribution system.