Erico International Corporation

Erico Products, Inc,

Other

Anton M Kies

Harry C Van Den Nieuwelaar

Geoff M Bowmer

Mark V Samas

This invention relates generally as indicated to ground rods, and more particularly to one piece ground rods of substantial length, and a method and apparatus for forming and placing such rods. Ground rods are normally steel rods having a copper cladding.

Ground rods and apparatus for forming and placing such rods

A machine and process for forming a high strength precision bar joint and more particularly for forming rolled tapered threads on a bar end such as the tapered end of a reinforcing bar used in concrete construction. Such machine and process employs opposed oppositely rotating die disks which have conical opposed die surfaces. A thread form die is provided on the conical die surfaces in the form of thread form spirals which bear against the opposite sides of the tapered bar surface as the die disks rotate. The die surfaces include opposed recesses into which the bar end is inserted. The bar may be held for rotation against a stop as the die disks oppositely rotate. Alternatively the bar end may be held against rotation and the die disks orbited around the bar end as the die disks oppositely rotate. A tapered surface is formed on the bar end prior to roll forming of such threads as by hot or cold forging or by cutting. The bar is held by a transfer vice for transfer from the tapered surface forming operation to the thread rolling operation to ensure that the tapered surface is properly centered while the threads are formed.

Tapered rolled thread bar joint

A machine and process for forming a high strength precision bar joint and more particularly for forming rolled tapered threads on a bar end such as the tapered end of a reinforcing bar used in concrete construction. Such machine and process employs opposed oppositely rotating die disks which have conical opposed die surfaces. A thread form die is provided on the conical die surfaces in the form of thread form spirals which bear against the opposite sides of the tapered bar surface as the die disks rotate. The die surfaces include opposed recesses into which the bar end is inserted. The bar may be held for rotation aginst a stop as the die disks oppositely rotate. Alternatively the bar end may be held against rotation and the die disks orbited around the bar end as the die disks oppositely rotate. A tapered surface is formed on the bar end prior to roll forming of such threads as by hot or cold forging or by cutting. The bar is held by a transfer vice for transfer from the tapered surface forming operation to the thread rolling operation to ensure that the tapered surface is properly centered while the threads are formed.

Method for rolling tapered threads on bars

A ground rod, coupling therefor and method of making that coupling are disclosed providing both strength and improved conductivity. Ground rods are usually copper coated or plated steel rods formed in sections which are driven or, perhaps more correctly, pounded into the ground to form grounding or earthing connections for dissipation of electrical current into the earth. The coupling includes co-extensive inner and outer sleeves of copper and a corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel, respectively, which are mechanically interlocked along their axial lengths. The inner copper sleeve is formed with threads or oppositely directed cones after the two sleeves are interlocked and in so doing the interlock between the sleeves is enhanced. If the connection of the coupling to the rod is threaded or a simple cone friction fit, the connection and/or driving of the rod sections yet further works the internal copper sleeve enhancing both copper-to-copper electrical conductivity and the interlock of the inner and outer sleeves.

Ground rod

A ground rod electrical connection bracket (10) includes a bent sheet metal receiving member (12), the end (13) of which are bent into opposed semi-cylindrical shapes and provided with screw threads (18). The ends (13) are provided with a rim (19) and by pinching the ends, a ring (14) may be positioned behind the rim around the semi-cylindrical ends. A corrosion resistant bolt (17) engages the screw threads to clamp a connecting wire (16) against the ground rod (15). The connecting wire is seated between the ground rod and an acute corner (22) of the receiving member.

Electrical bracket

A tapered thread cutting machine includes a multi-part rotary machining head, one part including a through-recess and another being a separable interior wear plate. Interacting chaser holders are mounted in the recess and include angled V-shaped slots in which block type chasers may be secured between clamps and locating pins enabling the chasers to be removed and replaced without removing the holders from the recess. The holders are driven by a linear cam for opening and closing movement through a thrust block mounted on a guide rod, such thrust block being fitted in a slot in one holder but otherwise not secured thereto so that binding in the opening and closing of tool holders is minimized.

Growing community of inventors

Oisterwijk, Netherlands

Anton M Kies