The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 31, 1992
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1989
James A Butcher, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
General Electric Company, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Abstract
A bushing for mounting an overload protector within an opening in a motor shell comprises segments adapted to be coaxially positioned around a portion of the overload protector. Mating features formed on the segments and protector restrict movement of the protector relative to the segments. Grooves formed on the segments secure the segments within the opening and restrict movement of the bushing and protector assembly relative to the structure. The bushing preferably comprises a pair of generally symmetrical segments connected together by an integrally formed hinge. The one-piece bushing is molded from a thermoplastic material, such as nylon. In one embodiment, the features which restrict axial movements of the overload protector relative to the segments are mating threads formed on a portion of the internal surfaces of the segments, and on opposing portions of the external surface of the protector. An additional structure is formed on the exterior surface of the segments to prevent rotational movement of the protector relative to the bushing. In an alternative embodiment, a structure is formed on and extends from the segments, and at least partially surrounds the overload protector to secure the protector against opposing portions of the bushing. A portion of each of the segments extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the motor shell so as to shield an exposed end portion of the overload protector from damage. A gasket may be mounted to this portion of the bushing to protect the overload assembly from dust and contamination.