US008969741B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Aldrich et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,969,741 B2
`*Mar. 3, 2015
`
`(54) DAMMING DEVICE FORCABLE SEALING
`
`(71) Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company,
`Houston, TX (US)
`(72) Inventors: Alvah Benjamin Aldrich, Geneva, NY
`(US); Susan M. Orzell, DeRuyter, NY
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company,
`Houston, TX (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/135,251
`
`(22) Filed:
`(65)
`
`Dec. 19, 2013
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2014/O1 O278O A1
`Apr. 17, 2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 13/492,293,
`filed on Jun. 8, 2012, now Pat. No. 8,614,400.
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/495.755, filed on Jun.
`10, 2011.
`(51) Int. Cl.
`HOIB 7/58
`(2006.01)
`H02G 3/08
`(2006.01)
`H02G I5/03
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ............. Hoth 17383 (2013.01). Ho2G 3/083
`(2013.01); H02G 3/088 (2013.01); H02G
`15/013 (2013.01)
`
`(56)
`
`USPC ............ 174/653; 174/652; 174/650; 439/271
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC ........... 174/652, 653, 650; 439/271, 278,279
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`12:29: A 1942 SS
`3,697,089 A 10/1972 Jacisin et al.
`3,772,637 A 11/1973 Paullus et al.
`358, A
`E. Willion
`- w-
`OCO
`4.424,412 A
`1/1984 Goetter et al.
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`CN
`
`2, 1996
`1117658
`9, 2007
`20095.0485
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner – Dhirubhai R Patel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — King & Spalding LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A damming device for a conductor in a cable gland connector
`is described herein. The damming device can include a first
`portion having a first thickness of a flexible elastomeric mate
`rial disposed between a first diameter and a second diameter.
`The damming device can also include a second portion hav
`ing a second thickness of the flexible elastomeric material
`disposed between a third diameter and the second diameter.
`The damming device can also include a hole having the third
`diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diam
`eter, and the second diameter is greater than the third diam
`eter. Further, the first thickness is greater than the second
`thickness. The damming device can be disposed, under ten
`son, within a slot formed between a top portion of a com
`pound chamber and a bottom portion of a union body.
`20 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`N. N.Y. N.
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0705
`
`

`

`US 8,969,741 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
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`3, 2000 Nattel et al.
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`6,682,081 B2
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`6,802,512 B2 10/2004 Muller et al.
`6,809,263 B2 10/2004 Jackson
`6,957,817 B2 * 10/2005 Goll .............................. 277/603
`7,015,394 B2
`3, 2006 Desard et al.
`7,114,727 B1 10/2006 Goll
`7.465,040 B2 * 12/2008 Malik et al. ..................... 347/85
`
`7,650,055 B2
`1/2010 Cox et al.
`11/2011 Shimirak et al.
`8,050,528 B2
`8, 2006 Drescher et al.
`2006, O189191 A1
`5, 2011 Robb et al.
`2011 0120766 A1
`9/2011 Koreeda et al.
`2011/0211792 A1
`2011/02684.16 A1 11/2011 Shimirak et al.
`2011/0272894 A1 11/2011 Shimirak et al.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`GB
`JP
`JP
`KR
`KR
`WO
`
`101180771
`1528.348
`2001-352653
`2003-274545
`20-0428581
`1O-0806705
`2006.104994
`
`5, 2008
`10, 1978
`12/2001
`9, 2003
`10, 2006
`3, 2008
`10, 2006
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0706
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`FIG. 1A
`
`
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`110
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`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0707
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 2 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0708
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`FIG. 2
`
`
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`
`
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0709
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 4 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`
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`FIG. 4B
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0710
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 5 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`
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`
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`Ns
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 6 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`
`
`N 62 606
`
`609
`
`672
`
`U
`611-1)
`
`FIG. 6B
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0712
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`NE
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`S
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`N
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`N/810
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0713
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 8 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`
`
`
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`N
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`96
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0714
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 9 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`1010
`
`1000
`
`1002
`
`
`
`1010
`
`
`
`FIG 10A
`
`N
`
`N
`1014
`
`102
`
`1070 1074
`
`1030
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. V
`
`1072
`
`1006
`
`4-1032
`--1034
`N
`-1036
`N1026
`IS1024
`S1022.
`N1020
`
`FIG 10B
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0715
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 10 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0716
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`- 1200
`
`!
`
`~
`
`250
`
`FIG. 12
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`N ±7 136
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`FIG. 13
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`1358
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`1350
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0717
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 3, 2015
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`Sheet 12 of 12
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`US 8,969,741 B2
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`
`
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`
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`
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`
`
`
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`1450
`
`FIG. 14
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0718
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`

`

`1.
`DAMMING DEVICE FOR CABLE SEALING
`
`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part application of
`and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/492,
`293, entitled “Damming Device For Cable Sealing” and filed
`on Jun. 8, 2012, which itself claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
`S119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/495,
`755, titled “Damming Mechanism for Cable Sealing and
`filed on Jun. 10, 2011, both of which are hereby incorporated
`herein by reference in their entirety.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`10
`
`15
`
`The present disclosure relates generally to cable gland
`connectors and more particularly to systems, methods, and
`devices for a stopper or integrated damming device for seal
`ing a cable within a cable gland assembly.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Cable gland assemblies are used for terminating cable in
`hazardous and nonhazardous environments. Typical cable
`gland assemblies provide a seal around the conductors of the
`cable, mechanical retention of the cable therein, electrical
`continuity via the termination of the cable, and an environ
`mental seal on the outer jacket of the cable. To seal the
`conductors within a sealing chamber of the cable gland
`assembly, a sealing compound is generally used to seal the
`individual conductors. Generally, the sealing compound is
`used in conjunction with a secondary damming material to
`prevent the flow of the sealing compound beyond the sealing
`chamber. Conventional damming materials include fiber
`materials that require the cable gland assembly to be disas
`sembled to place the fiber materials therein. In addition, these
`fiber damming materials generally require a large Volume to
`contain the material therein. Accordingly, the use of a fiber
`damming material is time-consuming and cumbersome for a
`user to assemble. Some cable gland assemblies are available
`in which a rubber gland is used instead of a fiber damming
`material. However, these rubber glands generally have limi
`tations in their performance.
`
`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a dam
`ming device for a conductor in a cable gland connector. The
`damming device can include an outer portion having a first
`thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between
`a first diameter and a second diameter. The damming device
`can also include an inner portion having a second thickness of
`the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third
`diameter and the second diameter. The damming device can
`further include a hole having the third diameter. The first
`diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the
`second diameter can be greater than the third diameter. The
`first thickness greater than the second thickness.
`In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a
`damming device for a conductor in a cable gland connector.
`The damming device can include an outer portion having a
`first thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed
`between a first diameter and a second diameter. The damming
`device can also include an inner portion having a second
`thickness of the flexible elastomeric material disposed
`between a third diameter and a fourth diameter. The damming
`
`50
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`65
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`2
`device can further include a hole having the fourth diameter.
`The first diameter can be greater than the second diameter,
`and the second diameter can be greater than the third diam
`eter. In addition, the third diameter can be greater than the
`fourth diameter, and the first thickness is greater than the
`second thickness.
`In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to
`a cable gland connector. The cable gland connector can
`include a union body and a hub body removably coupled to
`the union body. The cable gland connector can also include a
`compound chamber positioned within the hub body and
`mechanically coupled to the union body. The cable gland
`connector can further include a damming device disposed
`within a slot formed between a top portion of the compound
`chamber and a bottom portion of the union body. The dam
`ming device can include an outer portion having a first thick
`ness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between a
`first diameter and a second diameter. The damming device
`can also include an inner portion having a second thickness of
`the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third
`diameter and the second diameter. The damming device can
`further include a hole having the third diameter. The first
`diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the
`second diameter can be greater than the third diameter. Also,
`the first thickness can be greater than the second thickness.
`These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodi
`ments will be apparent from the following description and the
`appended claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and
`are therefore not to be considered limiting in Scope, as the
`exemplary embodiments may admit to other equally effective
`embodiments. The elements and features shown in the draw
`ings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
`placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exem
`plary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or posi
`tionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey Such
`principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like
`or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
`FIGS. 1A-D show various views of an exemplary damming
`device according to certain exemplary embodiments.
`FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of another exemplary
`damming device in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland
`assembly using the exemplary damming device of FIGS.
`1A-D in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
`FIGS. 4A-C show various views of another exemplary
`damming device in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of another cable
`gland assembly using the exemplary damming device of
`FIGS. 4A-C in accordance with certain exemplary embodi
`mentS.
`FIGS. 6A and 6B show various views of another exemplary
`damming device in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another
`cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device
`of FIGS. 6A and 6B in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`FIGS. 8A and 8B show various views of still another exem
`plary damming device in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`
`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0719
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`

`

`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of still another
`cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device
`of FIGS. 8A and 8B in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`FIGS. 10A and 10B show various views of yet another
`exemplary damming device in accordance with certain exem
`plary embodiments.
`FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of still another
`cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device
`of FIGS. 10A and 10B in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments.
`FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative
`embodiment of the example cable gland assembly of FIG.3 in
`accordance with certain example embodiments.
`FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of another alter
`native embodiment of the example cable gland assembly of
`FIG. 3 in accordance with certain example embodiments.
`FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another
`alternative embodiment of the example cable gland assembly
`of FIG. 3 in accordance with certain example embodiments.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`4
`space, include but are not limited to a circle, an ellipse, a
`Square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, and five-point star.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, the walls of the hole
`and/or recessed area are conical (tapered) to channel the
`conductor more easily toward a designated area. When the
`holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any
`other portion of the damming device are circular, each may be
`defined in terms of one or more radii. Similarly, the holes,
`recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other
`portion of the damming device can be defined by one or more
`other terms appropriate for the shape of the holes, recessed
`areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other portion of
`the damming device. For example, while a circular hole is
`described below with respect to a radius, the circularhole may
`also be described with respect to one or more other terms,
`including but not limited to a diameter, a circumference, a
`Volume, and an area. Similarly, holes having other shapes can
`be described using one or more terms appropriate to that
`shape. The junction between a hole, a recessed area, an inner
`portion, an outer portion, and/or any other portion of the
`damming device can beformed as a pointed edge or arounded
`edge.
`FIGS. 1A-D show various views an exemplary damming
`device 100 according to certain exemplary embodiments. In
`one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or
`elements shown in FIGS. 1A-D may be omitted, repeated,
`and/or Substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of a damming
`device should not be considered limited to the specific con
`figuration shown in FIGS. 1A-D.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1A-D, the damming device 100
`includes an outer portion 170 defined horizontally between an
`outer radius 120 and an inner radius 122. The outer portion
`170 also has a thickness 130 defined vertically by a height
`between the top surface 102 of the outer portion 170 and the
`bottom surface 112 of the outer portion 170. The damming
`device 100 also includes an inner portion 172 defined hori
`Zontally between an outer radius 122 and an inner radius 124.
`The inner portion 172 also has a thickness 132 defined verti
`cally by a height between the top surface 104 of the inner
`portion 172 and the bottom surface 112 of the inner portion
`172. In certain exemplary embodiments, as in this example,
`the bottom surface 112 of the outer portion 170 is the same as
`the bottom surface 112 of the inner portion 172. The thickness
`130 of the outer portion 170 is greater than the thickness of the
`inner portion 172.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, the outer portion 170 is
`made of one or more materials that are different than the
`materials of the inner portion 172. For example, the outer
`portion 170 and the inner portion 172 may be made of rubber.
`In addition, a metallic material can be bonded and/or co
`molded with the outer portion 170 of the damming device 100
`to provide additional stiffness. By having the outer portion
`170 be thicker and/or stiffer than the inner portion 172, the
`conductor is prevented from being pushed too far into the
`cable gland assembly.
`The inner portion 172 may have one or more holes that
`traverse the inner portion 172. For example, as shown in
`FIGS. 1A-D, the inner portion 172 may have only a single
`circular hole 106 positioned substantially at the horizontal
`center of the inner portion 172. In such a case, the hole 106 has
`a radius 124 (which, as described above, can also be described
`in other terms, such as a diameter) that is equal to the inner
`radius 124 of the inner portion 172. In other exemplary
`embodiments, as shown below with respect to FIG. 2, the
`inner portion 172 can have multiple holes. The wall 114 of the
`hole 106 can be vertical through (i.e., perpendicular to) the
`inner portion 172. Alternatively, as shown for example in
`
`25
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`35
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`40
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`45
`
`In general, exemplary embodiments provide systems,
`methods, and devices for an integrated damming device for
`sealing a cable within a cable gland assembly (also called a
`cable gland connector). The damming device allows one or
`more conductors to pass through one or more holes. Each hole
`provides a seal around the corresponding conductor. The seal
`formed by the damming device around the conductor pre
`30
`vents a sealing compound and/or any other liquid-based com
`pound from passing through the hole along the conductor.
`The damming device does not require disassembly of the
`cable gland assembly to ensure proper function.
`A sealing compound is any liquid-based compound that is
`injected into the compound chamber of the cable gland
`assembly. In certain exemplary embodiments, the sealing
`compound is injected into the compound chamber of the
`cable gland assembly when one or more conductors is dis
`posed within the compound chamber of the cable gland
`assembly. The sealing compound can be any Suitable liquid
`that can dry to seal the conductors within the compound
`chamber.
`Each damming device described herein can be made of a
`flexible elastomeric material. Examples of such flexible elas
`tomeric material include, but are not limited to, synthetic
`rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Such as
`neoprene, polychloroprene, urethane, and silicone. In addi
`tion, or in the alternative, the flexible elastomeric material can
`include abutyl compound. A damming device can be made as
`a single piece (e.g., made from a single mold) or as multiple
`pieces that are mechanically coupled together. In the latter
`case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled using
`one or more of a number of methods, including but not limited
`to epoxy, melting, fusion, a fastening device, and a clamping
`device. A damming device can also be called by other names,
`including but not limited to a damming mechanism and an
`armor stop.
`Each hole and/or recessed area described herein is shown
`and described as being cylindrical or conical (i.e., circular
`when viewed from a horizontal cross section). Alternatively,
`or in addition, the holes and/or recessed areas can have one or
`more other shapes, viewed in two or three dimensions. For
`example, one or more recessed areas of a damming device
`may have one shape (e.g., cube), while one or more holes of
`the damming device can have another shape (e.g., cylinder).
`Examples of Such shapes, when viewed in a two dimensional
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`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`10
`
`5
`FIGS. 4A-C below, the wall 114 can traverse the inner portion
`172 at a non-normal (non-perpendicular) angle. Aside from a
`circular shape, each hole 106 can have one or more of a
`number of other shapes, including but not limited to an oval,
`an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, a slit, a slot, a triangle, and a 5
`free-form shape.
`The transition between the outer portion 170 and the inner
`portion 172 can be substantially seamless, as shown in FIGS.
`1A-D. Specifically, the inner wall 108 of the outer portion 170
`can be substantially vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the top
`surface 104 of the inner portion 172). Alternatively, as shown
`for example in FIGS. 4A-C, an intermediate section can
`mechanically couple the outer portion 170 to the inner portion
`172. In such a case, the intermediate section has walls that are
`non-normal to the top surface 102 of the outer portion 170
`and/or the top surface 104 of the inner portion 172.
`FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of another exemplary
`damming device 200 in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments. The damming device 200 of FIG. 2 is substan- 20
`tially the same as the damming device 100 of FIGS. 1A-D,
`except that the damming device 200 has multiple holes that
`traverse the inner portion 272. Specifically, the inner portion
`272 includes a central hole 206 and a number of other holes
`207 symmetrically positioned around the central hole 206. 25
`The other holes 207 can be the same size as each other or one
`or more different sizes. Further, the central hole 206 can be
`the same size and/or a different size as one or more of the
`other holes 207. The central hole 206 and/or the other holes
`207 can also be arranged in one or more of a number of other 30
`ways, including but not limited to a grid (e.g., 2x2, 3x3), a
`square, a line, and randomly. When the central hole 206
`and/or the other holes 207 are circular, each may be defined in
`terms of one or more radii.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, the central hole 206 35
`and/or the other holes 207 traverse one or more recessed
`portions 274 that are disposed within the inner portion 272. In
`FIG. 2, there are seven recessed portions 274 disposed on the
`inner portion 272, where each recessed portion 274 is tra
`versed by a hole 207. Such recessed portions 274 can have the 40
`same or a different shape compared to the holes 207 that
`traverse the recessed portions 274. In either case, the shape of
`a hole 207 fits within the shape of the corresponding recessed
`portion 274. In certain exemplary embodiments, the hole 207
`is the same size and shape as the corresponding recessed 45
`portion 274. In this example, the radius of the hole 207 is less
`than the radius of the opening of the recessed portion 274.
`In addition to having a radius, each recessed portion 274 in
`FIG. 2 has a thickness. In certain exemplary embodiments,
`the thickness of each recessed portion 274 is less than the 50
`thickness of the inner portion 272. The thickness of the
`recessed portion 274 is defined between the top surface 209 of
`the recessed portion 274 and the bottom surface (hidden from
`view) of the damming device 200. In certain exemplary
`embodiments, one or more of the recessed portions 274 do not 55
`have a corresponding hole. In Such a case, the thickness of the
`recessed portion 274 may be verythin to allow a conductor to
`easily puncture the thickness. When this occurs, the flexible
`nature of the material of the recessed portion 274 allows the
`remainder of the top surface 209 of the recessed portion 274 60
`and the bottom surface of the damming device 200 to create a
`liquid-tight seal around the annulus of the conductor. In Such
`a case, the material (e.g., the remainder of the top surface 209
`of the recessed portion 274, the top surface 204 of the inner
`portion 272) surrounding each hole through which the con- 65
`ductor traverses is under tension with respect to the conduc
`tOr.
`
`15
`
`6
`FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland
`assembly 300 using the exemplary damming device 100 of
`FIGS. 1A-D in accordance with certain exemplary embodi
`ments. The cable gland assembly 300 includes a hub body
`350, a compound chamber 362, a union body 356, and a union
`body nut 358. In one or more embodiments, one or more of
`the components or elements shown in FIG.3 may be omitted,
`repeated, and/or Substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of a
`cable gland assembly should not be considered limited to the
`specific configuration shown in FIG. 3.
`Referring to FIGS. 1A-D and FIG. 3, the compound cham
`ber 362 includes a cavity 352 that traverses the length of the
`compound chamber 362. The cavity 352 of the compound
`chamber 362 receives one or more conductors that traverse
`the damming device 100. In certain exemplary embodiments,
`the cavity 352 of the compound chamber 362 also receives a
`sealing compound. The cavity 352 can have a substantially
`uniform horizontal cross-sectional area along the length of
`the cavity 352. Alternatively, the horizontal cross-sectional
`area along the length of the cavity 352 can vary. The cavity
`352 is wide enough to allow one or more conductors to pass
`therethrough. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cavity
`352 can be a hollow sleeve that is removably coupled to the
`inner wall of the body of the compound chamber 362.
`As shown in FIG.3, a collar 353 can be positioned at the top
`end of the cavity 352. The collar 353 can be an extension of
`the cavity 352 and have a larger horizontal cross-sectional
`area than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the cavity352.
`The transition between the collar 353 and the cavity 352 can
`be abrupt (e.g., perpendicular walls, as shown in FIG. 3) or
`tapered. The collar 353 can be a hollow sleeve that is remov
`ably coupled to the inner wall of the body of the compound
`chamber 362. In such a case, the collar 353 and the cavity 352
`can be the same hollow sleeve. The body of the compound
`chamber 362 and/or the sleeve forming the collar 353 and/or
`the cavity 352 can be made of one or more of a number of
`Suitable materials. Examples of Such materials include, but
`are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon.
`The body of the compound chamber 362 has a number of
`features having varying characteristics. For example, at the
`top end of the body of the compound chamber 362, is a collar
`that extends along the perimeter of the top end. Such a collar
`can have a height Suitable formating against a corresponding
`downward protruding feature at the bottom end of the union
`body 356. Further, the collar can have a width suitable for
`mating against a portion of the bottom surface 112 of the
`damming device 100. As another example, the middle and
`bottom end of the body of the compound chamber 362 can
`have a conical shape with gradually decreasing thickness
`moving from the top to the bottom of the compound chamber
`362.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, the compound cham
`ber 362 is seated within a cavity of the hub body 350. The
`compound chamber 362 may be coupled to the hub body 350
`in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited
`to fixedly, slidably, removably, threadably, and mechanically.
`The hub body 350 includes a cavity that traverses the length of
`the hub body 350. The hub body 350 can be made of one or
`more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such
`materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber,
`ceramic, and nylon. The hub body 350 can be made of the
`same or different materials used for the compound chamber
`362.
`The cavity of the hub body 350 can have one or more
`features that are complementary of the features on the outer
`side of the body of the compound chamber 362. For example,
`the cavity walls of the hub body 350 can have smooth surfaces
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`Cooper v. CMP, IPR2018-00994
`CMP Ex. 2005; Page CMP0721
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`25
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`7
`that are disposed at angles that complement the Smooth Sur
`faces of the outer walls of the compound chamber 362. As
`another example, the cavity walls of the hub body 350 can
`have one or more features (e.g., a notch, a mating thread) that
`mechanically couple with complementary features disposed 5
`on the outer walls of the compound chamber 362.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, when the compound
`chamber 362 is positioned inside of and/or coupled to the hub
`body 350, there is a gap that is formed around at least a portion
`of the perimeter of the coupled components. Abottom portion 10
`of the union body 356 is positioned inside of this gap to
`mechanically couple the union body 356 to the hub body 350
`and the compound chamber 362. The union body 356 also
`includes a cavity 360 that traverses at least a portion of the
`union body 356 and through which one or more conductors 15
`are passed and/or positioned.
`The union body 356 can be made of one or more of a
`number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials
`include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic,
`and nylon. The union body 356 can be made of the same or 20
`different materials used for the compound chamber 362 and/
`or the hub body 350. Also, the shape (e.g., cylindrical) of the
`cavity 360 of the union body 356 can be the same or different
`than the shape of the cavity 352 and/or the collar 353 of the
`compound chamber 362.
`When the union body 356 is mechanically coupled to the
`compound chamber 362 and the hub body 350, a gap is
`formed. The gap is sized such that the damming device 100
`fits Snugly within the gap. The damming device 100 can Snap
`into place or merely fit within the gap formed by the union 30
`body 356, the compound chamber 362, and the hub body 350.
`In exemplary embodiments, the damming device 100 is not
`compressed when positioned in the gap between the union
`body 356, the compound chamber 362, and the hub body 350.
`In other words, no compressive force is applied to the dam- 35
`ming device 100 by the union body 356, the compound cham
`ber 362, and/or the hub body 350. In certain exemplary
`embodiments, the damming device 100 is held in the gap
`under tension and without being compressed.
`The damming mechanism 100 can be positioned within the 40
`gap between the union body 356, the compound chamber
`362, and the hub body 350 in one or more of a number of
`ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the damming device
`100 can be positioned in the gap with the bottom surface 112
`facing down toward the compound chamber 362. As another 45
`example, the damming device 100 can be positioned in the
`gap with the bottom Surface 112 facing up away from the
`compound chamber 362.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, the union body nut 358
`is used to mechanically couple the union body 356, the com- 50
`pound chamber 362, and/or the hub body 350. The union
`body nut 358 can be coupled to the union body 356 and/or the
`hub body 350 in one or more of a number of ways, including
`but not limited to threadably, removably, clampably, and slid
`ably. In other words, the union body nut 358 can be a nut, a 55
`clamp, a brace, or any other Suitable fastening device that
`mechanically couples the union body 356, the compound
`chamber 362, and/or the hub body 350. The union body nut
`358 can be made of one or more of a number of suitable
`materials. Examples of Such materials include, but are not 60
`limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The
`union body nut 358 can be made of the same or different
`materials used for the union body 356, the compound cham
`ber 362, and/or the hub body 350.
`FIGS. 4A-C show various views of another exemplary 65
`damming device 400 in accordance with certain exemplary
`embodiments. The damming device 400 is similar to the
`
`US 8,969,741 B2
`
`8
`damming device 100 of FIGS. 1A-D and the damming device
`200 of FIG. 2, with a few modified and added features. For
`example, rather than the side wall 408 joining the outer por
`tion 470 and the inner portion 472 being vertical (i.e., sub
`stantially perpendicular to the top surface 402 of the outer
`portion 470 and the top surface 404 of the inner portion 472),
`the side wall 408 is tapered inward. In other words, the side
`wall 408 forms a conical shape, as the outer radius 426 of the
`inner portion 472 is less than the inner radius 424 of the outer
`portion 470.
`With respect to the damming device 200 of FIG. 2, the
`recessed portions 474 of the damming device 40