Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Michael P Barnard

Jeffrey W Richardson

Adam Willwerth

Hieyoung W Oh

Mario E Blais

Linda Heaward

A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.

Contact ring having electrically conductive brush

A flexible conductive static control brush assembly includes first and second brushes disposed on a common backing strip. Each brush includes a plurality of filaments disposed inwardly from opposite edges of the backing strip. Bands overlie outer end portions of the filaments adjacent edges of the backing strip, with the bands covering only a portion of each filament length. The backing strip includes parting lines for tearing to remove an intermediate portion of the backing strip between the brushes to expose the filaments.

Flexible conductive static control brush assembly

A system is provided for dissipating electrical charges that build on a rotatable shaft extending from an electrically-grounded motor housing or rotating shafts conductively linked to components that create and electrical charge, such as wind turbine blades, power generator turbines, and the like. The system includes a frame defining a central opening wherein the rotatable shaft is positioned with the central opening, a first grounding fiber secured within the frame, and a fiber clamp positioned with the frame. The fiber clamp acts to urge the first grounding fiber toward the central opening. The system may also include a mounting bracket having a frame mounting channel, wherein a portion of the frame is securely retained within the frame mounting channel, and an installation guide positioned on the mounting bracket. The installation guide may be configured to properly align the frame and the first grounding fiber relative to the rotatable motor shaft.

Growing community of inventors

Portland, ME, United States of America

Michael P Barnard