Panel inspection plug and method for assembling and using same
US6616370B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G9/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Method and assembly for inspecting the contents of a connection box or a utility system such as a sewer, telephone electrical, gas etc. via an inspection plug. The inspection plug provides an inspection port and is insertable into a hole in a panel and is attachable to the panel by fixing elements such as a nut assembly, a locking mechanism, prongs, etc. The inspection plug may include a body, a peripheral shoulder, and a resiliently braced cap pivotally mounted in the body to close the inspection port. The peripheral shoulder supports the plug in place in the panel. The cap normally closes the inspection port, but is yieldably openable to allow an inspection probe or other device to gain access to the internal atmosphere for testing within the utility system or electrical connection box. The interior space of the body may contain a gel material, and the cap can be substituted with a resilient closure member having self-sealing openings therein for receiving an inspection probe. The plug may be adjacent to a gas detection alarm system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.