Screw Axis Intersects Conductor Axis (e.g., Set Screw) Patents (Class 439/810)
  • Publication number: 20100167599
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided, comprising a continuous annular wall having therein a connection area, and an inward facing surface including a concave portion. First and second leg portions continuously, smoothly, and uninterruptedly extend from the concave portion, with a single continuous and uninterrupted taper having a continuously increasing taper rate, to spaced-apart leg ends. A concave trough portion is disposed opposite to the concave portion. A convex interface extends between each of the first and second leg ends and the trough portion, with an increased taper rate with respect to the single continuous taper, before continuously, smoothly and uninterruptedly transitioning to a decreased taper rate upon extending to the trough portion, thereby forming lateral support members for maintaining the ground conductor laterally with respect to the trough portion. Associated apparatuses and methods for connecting a ground conductor to a grounding member are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Reuben E. Clark, Gary K. Weise
  • Patent number: 7744424
    Abstract: An expansion connection module is disclosed for connecting to at least two coil connectors of an electromagnetic switching device, in particular a contactor. In at least one embodiment, the expansion connection module includes a housing; at least one fastening device for fixing the expansion connection module to the electromagnetic switching device or to a switchgear unit positioned adjacent to the electromagnetic switching device; at least two connection openings and at least two terminal blocks associated with the at least two connection openings for the purpose of connecting voltage supply lines; and at least two flexible leads for electrically connecting the terminal blocks of the expansion connection module to the at least two coil connectors of the electromagnetic switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Khalil Hadir, Manuela Lüftl
  • Patent number: 7728704
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Publication number: 20100112873
    Abstract: What is specified is a clamping screw (2) for fastening an electrical conductor in a metallic terminal which is designed as a tubular piece and which in its wall has at least one through hole provided with a thread and intended for receiving the clamping screw. A rotating element (10) which can rotate about at least one axis is mounted on that end of the clamping screw (2) which serves for bearing against the electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Ing. Gert Stauch, Peter Grötsch, Volker Markgraf, Jurgen Krauss
  • Patent number: 7704105
    Abstract: An installation switch having a housing and a connecting arrangement for a conductor having a terminal shoe. The connecting arrangement includes a socket having an interior, an insertion opening, and an access opening, and a screw having a screw head and a screw shank disposed in the interior of the socket. The screw is actuatable longitudinally between an open and a clamped state. The arrangement further includes a connection plate having a screw hole with threads for threadably engaging the screw when in the clamped state, and a retaining device preventing the screw from being removed when in the open state. The arrangement is configured so that the open state allows the shoe to be inserted into the insertion opening, the clamped state provides the screw being engaged with the shoe, and access to the screw is provided via the access opening of the socket to actuate the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Matthias Bitz, Ralf Kraus, Klaus-Peter Eppe
  • Patent number: 7607955
    Abstract: An electrical connector for transformer studs accommodates two different size transformer studs, at different times, in a slip-fit blind bore. A large circular bore is threaded and over-sized for a slip fit of a stud of the largest size with ample clearance space to facilitate placement of the large stud in the bore. A smaller threaded recess is created by an arc formed in a periphery of the large circular bore and is sized to fit a smallest stud. A set screw holds the smaller stud in the threaded recess or the larger stud in the large circular bore. The matching threads provide an effective, efficient, long-lasting, and sturdy electrical transformer connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Sales Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Hill, Nick Moraitis
  • Patent number: 7604516
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power feeding module including screw-clamping terminals for delivering power and push-lock terminals. The power feeding module is particularly easy to assemble and wire with a power distribution system to which several consumer branches can be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Adunka, Berthold Heldmann
  • Patent number: 7591656
    Abstract: A grounding terminal block assembly for securing to an existing ground wire to provide additional connection points for electrical systems such data, cable TV, and phone lines. The grounding terminal block assembly includes an elongated grounding bar with a plurality of threaded bores extending laterally therein. Fasteners are threaded into one or more of the threaded bores to provide connection points for ground wires from one or more electrical systems. A channel on one end of the grounding bar includes a slotted headless set screw for establishing a secure connection to an existing ground wire. Legs are provided integral with the grounding bar for providing direct connection to a wall or other structure. A detachable insulating cover is secured to the grounding bar to shield the grounding body and all wiring connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7537467
    Abstract: A grounding terminal block assembly for establishing proper grounding or electrical connection to earth through a path of sufficiently low impedance. The grounding terminal block assembly includes an elongated tubular body with a central longitudinal bore and a plurality of threaded bores extending into the body at right angles to the central bore. Fasteners are threaded into one or more of the threaded bores to provide fastening points for one or more phone, data, or cable TV wires. The top of the tubular body includes a threaded nose portion and lock nut for establishing a secure connection to a service panel. Conversely, for providing a grounding block in a standalone configuration without an associated service panel, legs are provided integral with the tubular body for providing direct connection to a wall or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7534151
    Abstract: Electrical connection terminal has a connection terminal housing formed of an insulating material, at least one conductor connection element located in the connection terminal housing for connecting at least one external conductor, and at least one contact element which is electrically connected to the conductor connection element. The connection terminal housing has at least one conductor insertion opening for inserting a conductor to be connected and at least one actuation opening for actuating the at least one conductor connection element. The conductor insertion openings are surrounded by a peripheral wall which projects beyond a housing surface in which the conductor insertion openings are formed, and the actuation openings are surrounded by a peripheral wall which projects beyond a housing surface in which the actuation openings are formed. An electrical terminal having pin contacts can be assembled with another similar electrical terminal or a base body having U-shaped or tulip-type contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martina Billerbeck
  • Publication number: 20090053940
    Abstract: A screw assembly for use with an electrical connector securing a conductor includes a threaded body configured to be releasably coupled to a coupling portion of the connector. A contacting structure includes a plate spaced from the threaded body and has a flat contacting surface configured for contacting the conductor. The plate is coupled to the threaded body. The plate is rotatable relative to the threaded body when the threaded body is coupled to the coupling portion of the connector. The plate is restricted from movement away from said threaded body when the threaded body is not coupled to the coupling portion of the connector. A spacer may be positioned between the plate and the threaded body and is configured to urge the plate away from the threaded body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ILSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas M. Sweeney, Kevin Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7488913
    Abstract: A mountable circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a housing having first and second housing members and a latch member. The housing defines a rail receptacle for mounting the circuit breaker on an elongated channel rail. The latch member includes a base portion that includes a movably positionable retainer that moves toward or away from a biased position that is established by a stem portion of the latch member. Movement away from the biased position expands the rail receptacle for mounting the circuit breaker to the rail channel when an external force is applied to a tool receptacle adjacent the junction of the base and stem portions of the latch member. Removing the external force results in the base portion returning to its biased position, securing the circuit breaker to the channel rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Marshall Durham, Timothy Bernard Hasenour
  • Publication number: 20080268721
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector set-screw. The electrical connector set-screw includes a body part and a head part. The body part includes a threaded section and a channel. The threaded section extends between a first end and an opposite second end of the body part. The channel extends through a portion of the body part. The channel is spaced from the first end and the second end of the body part The head part is connected to the body part. The head part includes a top section and an integral locking section. The top section is configured to be received by a tool. The integral locking section extends through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Peter A. Waltz
  • Patent number: 7438607
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved connector bar and techniques for making the same. The connector bar includes a metal body having side-by-side conductor ports, transverse threaded pedestal mount apertures, and set screw openings. The transverse threaded pedestal mount apertures extend completely through the body of the connector bar and are adapted for attachment to a pedestal box. The set screw openings are adapted to each receive a set screw for securing a conductor in one of the conductor ports. Preferably, the transverse threaded pedestal mount apertures and set screw openings are formed from the same side of the connector bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Fong
  • Publication number: 20080153361
    Abstract: The screw-terminal block assembly includes a screw-terminal block and a snap-in contact member which is adapted to be crimped at one portion thereof to a lead wire, the snap-in contact member including lance portions which are moveable and flex relative to the remainder of the contact member so as to allow the contact member to be inserted into the terminal block, the lance portions rebounding to engage a mating portion of the terminal block when the snap-in contact member is correctly positioned in the terminal block. The snap-in contact member further includes a portion which is configured to receive a terminal screw for an electrical lead connection, such as from an electronic instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: GERALD K. HEIN
  • Publication number: 20080132126
    Abstract: An electrical audio connector assembly includes an XLR connector and an RJ connector mounted on opposite ends of a body structure. Three metal binding posts project from the body structure, and they are conductively coupled to both the XLR connector and the RJ connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight Hyland, David Gibson, Jim Curtin, Yohay Hahamy
  • Patent number: 7377817
    Abstract: A standard ceiling recessed lighting fixture can be modified to a low-slung AC or DC light fixture with a screw-in extension rod. The extension rod with bulb can be used to light a restaurant table or a pool table or a workbench and the like. A series of extension rods can be screwed together for a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Ideawerks, LLC
    Inventor: Calvin T. Switzer
  • Publication number: 20080099317
    Abstract: A service switching device is disclosed which includes a housing. The housing includes a face side, a fastening side and a narrow side lying therebetween. A connection terminal is held in a terminal accommodating area of the housing which is located in the vicinity of the narrow side. The connection terminal includes a clamping screw, which is accessible from the face side, having an actuating end and a clamping end opposite the actuating end. A clamping body, in which a busbar and/or a connecting conductor can be pressed against a conductor bar by the clamping screw, is accessible via a first housing opening in the wall of the narrow side. The clamping area can be covered by a terminal covering part. The terminal covering part is coupled to the clamping end of the clamping screw and can be carried along thereby in the movement direction of the clamping screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: ABB PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf WEBER, Klaus-Peter Eppe
  • Patent number: 7311563
    Abstract: A set screw electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a set screw drive plug. The connector includes at least one set screw portal sized to accommodate a set screw therein. The set screw drive plug is formed of electrically insulative material and is configured to engage and drive the set screw into the connector. The connector assembly may include an insulative housing formed about the connector for providing a water tight seal with a cable terminated to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 7309264
    Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes a circuit board on which electronic component is mounted and a chassis housing the circuit board. The chassis is provided with a biasing force applying member applying a biasing force to at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the circuit board to hold the circuit board in position such that the circuit board is allowed to be displaced in a direction parallel to a plane of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Mizutani, Satoru Umemoto
  • Patent number: 7250836
    Abstract: A terminal assembly for use in a circuit breaker. The terminal assembly includes a first member and a second member abutting the first member. The second member includes a pair of protruding arms to be inserted into a corresponding pair of recesses in a circuit breaker housing. Because the pair of protruding arms are inserted into the housing, the first member is protected against rotational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis W. Fleege, Randall L. Siebels, Allen L. Lukas
  • Patent number: 7249982
    Abstract: An obstruction assembly for use in connecting a cable to a disconnectable joint is provided, wherein the connection is to be covered by a sleeve. The obstruction assembly includes a shear bolt having a torque head portion and a main bolt portion, the torque head portion designed to at least partially detach from the main bolt portion at a predetermined torque, and wherein the main bolt portion is designed to connect a cable to a disconnectable joint. The obstruction assembly also includes an obstruction piece having a projection extending away from the main bolt portion a sufficient distance so as to inhibit the placement of a sleeve on the connection between the cable and the disconnectable joint. Preferably, the obstruction piece is removable, in whole or in part, after the torque head portion is at least partially removed from the main bolt portion, such that the sleeve can be properly positioned on the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Douglas Craig
  • Patent number: 7241185
    Abstract: An integral bonding attachment includes an insulated section of a conductive wire with an exposed, uninsulated section. A sleeve covers the insulated and uninsulated sections of the conductive wire, and the sleeve includes a flattened section encasing at least a portion of the uninsulated wire section to form a generally integral structure with the core of the conductive wire. At least one generally tubular section is positioned at an end of the flattened section to engage the insulated section of the conductive wire. An aperture may pass simultaneously through the inner core and flattened sleeve section for attaching the integral bonding attachment to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tensolite Company
    Inventors: David Charles Cecil, Jack Edgar Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7234968
    Abstract: A fuseholder with a power distribution terminal for providing simultaneous fused connections to multiple devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Todd F. Lottmann, Daniel B. Giblin
  • Patent number: 7232349
    Abstract: A receptacle includes: a receptacle housing defining a pair of prong-inserting slots for extension of a pair of prongs of a plug therethrough and into the receptacle housing; a pair of conductive terminals mounted in the receptacle housing and adapted to be connected to the prongs of the plug; and a lock unit including a latch mounted movably in the receptacle housing and operable to move between a locked position, in which the latch is adapted to engage one of the prongs of the plug, thereby preventing undesired removal of the plug from the receptacle housing, and an unlocked position, in which the latch is adapted to disengage the plug, thereby permitting removal of the plug from the receptacle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7232348
    Abstract: An electrical connection device for supplying power to a bushing that delivers filaments, especially glass filaments. The device includes a connection jaw clamp and an electrical connection piece with no protective sheath and including a flexible body, having one end that is connected to the jaw clamp and a free opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vetrotex France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Renaudin, Bertrand Flin, Jean-Louis Thiriet, Jean-Francois Vincent
  • Patent number: 7210970
    Abstract: A shouldered connector pin socket (14) is shown having an open channel (14a) formed in the face surface of a wall member of a circuit breaker housing. An electrically conductive spring member (16, 16?) is received over the channel and is formed with a first set of spring fingers (16d) that are adapted to engage a connector pin along a first axial length (14c) of the channel making electrical engagement with the pin and urging the pin against the channel surface as the pin is slidingly inserted into the channel. The spring fingers urge the flange of the connector pin into a recess formed by a stepped shoulder defining the entrance to a second axial length (14d) with the stepped shoulder and the spring fingers cooperating to retain the connector pin in the channel. A second set of spring contact fingers (16e) can also be used to engage the connector pin along a third axial length (14e) and thereby provide a redundant contact system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian V. Pellon, Michael J. Lavado, Jacky C. Chan
  • Patent number: 7128619
    Abstract: A connector system includes a member having a surface with an opening in the surface and an open end defined by one or more walls, where the walls include a first end attached to the surface and a second end having a notch. The connector system further includes a contact element defined by a passage in an axial direction and an opening that is perpendicular to the passage, where the contact element is sized to fit within the open end of the member such that the notch in the second end of the walls aligns with the passage in the contact element. The connector system also includes a probe element connectable to the opening in the surface of the member and the opening of the contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Frank J. Muench, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7104832
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a conductive body having a cavity therein. The cavity is configured to receive an end of a cable. A clamping member is provided for making electrical connection with the end of the cable. A first electrical bus portion is on a first side of the body, and a second electrical bus portion is on a second side of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Campbell, Mark A. Hoisington, Brian C. Inberg, Mark D. Matthies, Charles Mitchell, Walter R. Romanko, Richard D. Twigg
  • Patent number: 7090544
    Abstract: A connector module includes a conductive body configured to receive an end of at least one cable. A clamping member is provided for clamping the end of the cable against an interior wall of the body. A female electrical bus portion extends into a side of the body and is configured to receive a male bus portion of a mating connector module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Campbell, Mark A. Hoisington, Brian C. Inberg, Mark D. Matthies, Charles Mitchell, Walter R. Romanko, Richard D. Twigg
  • Patent number: 7086900
    Abstract: A connector suitable for mounting to a solenoid or the like includes a contact holder adapted to receive and hold a plurality of contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes a band of closed configuration and having a central opening for receiving the stripped end of a wire, and a contact adapted to couple to an associated contact of the solenoid. A screw is threadedly received in each band and adapted to force the contact into electrical engagement with the wire held within the opening of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Comini
  • Patent number: 7056163
    Abstract: A neutral bar assembly for providing an electrical connection for a wire to a neutral bar, with the neutral bar assembly having a neutral bar and a neutral bar saddle assembly. The neutral bar has a first end, a second end, an upper portion having a top surface, a lower portion having a bottom surface, and an intermediate portion located between the upper and lower portions. The intermediate portion has a sidewall and the upper portion has a top flange that has a sidewall, a lower edge, and a sloping surface portion extending between the lower edge and the intermediate portion sidewall. The neutral bar saddle assembly includes a collar and a wire binding screw, with the collar having a top surface with an aperture formed therein, a sidewall having at least one aperture formed therein, a pair of spaced apart lower interior sidewalls, and two collar flange members separated from one another by the neutral bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Connector Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hay
  • Patent number: 7047075
    Abstract: To provide a positive indication that a medical lead terminal is properly secured within the longitudinal bore in the header of an implantable medical device there is provided a force sensor (strain gauge) positioned within the device's lead receiving bore and cooperating with the lock mechanism to provide an indication of the amount of force being exerted on the lead terminal to retain it in place. The force sensor provides an output signal through the device's feedthrough wires to the electronic circuit contained within a hermetically sealed housing and is compared by a microprocessor to preprogrammed values. The results of the comparison may then be telemetered to an external programmer device for analysis by a physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6929517
    Abstract: A terminal seat comprises a first receiving portion, a second receiving portion and a joint portion formed between the two. The second receiving portion corresponds to the first receiving portion and has similar shapes. The joint portion formed between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion has a smaller lateral cross-section and a smaller lengthwise cross-section than the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion so as to form an annular groove. A plurality of terminal seats can be assembled together by a fixing member. The fixing member crosses the annular groove and fastens the assembly of the plurality of terminal seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Tsai
  • Patent number: 6888077
    Abstract: A protection and control assembly includes several multipole electrical switch devices each having a box (10,20,30) provided with input side and output side conducting connection strips, that project along a vertical axis on a horizontal connection area on the input side, and output side respectively, of the box (10,20,30) and that can be inserted in openings (44) of removable power terminal blocks (40,40?,50,50?,60). The assembly includes at least one connecting element (80,80?) that electrically connects the poles of a first and a second electrical device of the assembly, the connecting element (80) being arranged such that it is positioned firstly between the box (10) and a power terminal block (40,50) of the first device, and secondly between the box (20) and a removable power terminal block (40?,50?) of the second electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: José Garcia, Serge Paggi, Régis Perrocheau
  • Patent number: 6884124
    Abstract: A barrier head bolt for use in power feeder applications including a main bolt portion and an extended torque head portion, the torque head portion designed and constructed to shear off the main body of the bolt at a predetermined torque, and which projects above the main body portion a sufficient distance so as to inhibit or prevent the application of a joint sleeve without first shearing off the extended torque head portion of the bolt, thus ensuring that the joint is properly tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Patent number: 6867675
    Abstract: An electromagnet assembly for an electromagnetic apparatus has a ring member, a coil bobbin having an electrical wire wound a spool of the ring member, and a ring case. The ring member is disposed in an annular groove of the ring case. An opening is formed through the ring case adjacent to its closed end surface. A connector is disposed on the ring case adjacent to its closed end surface and covers the opening. A first and a second ends of the electrical wire and a first and a second ends of a lead wire are joined in, respectively the connector. A projection portion formed on the connector is inserted into the opening, and is fixed adhesively to an end surface of the ring member of the coil bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Suda
  • Patent number: 6764354
    Abstract: An electrical connector having a parallelepiped-shaped block made of electrically conductive material. The block has conductor channels extending into the body from a first surface and set-screw channels extending into the block from a second surface, there being at least one set-screw channel associated with each conductor channel. Each set-screw channel intersects its associated conductor channel. Each conductor channel has a conductor receiving section and an adapter receiving section, the adapter receiving section located between the conductor receiving section and the associated set-screw channel. The connector has an elongated adapter for each conductor channel, the adapter generally sized and shaped to fit in the adapter receiving section in the conductor channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michel Kaine, Jean Langelier
  • Patent number: 6733347
    Abstract: This system is applicable to the connection and assembly between electric or electronic modules or devices (1 and 2) which are fitted with input and output connectors installed in corresponding bases which are supplemented with protective covers installed on the connector input and output sections proper. The novelty consists of the input connector sections (5) of the module (2) including, reproduced and integrated, the base (7) and cover (8) of the output connector section (4) of the module (1), as a result of which these bases (7) and cover (8) of the module (1) can be changed over to the output connector sections (6) of the module (2), it therefore being possible for this module to be supplied without said base and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: GE Power Controls Iberica, S.L.
    Inventors: Marti Palet Mercader, Miguel Ortiz Gimenez
  • Patent number: 6726510
    Abstract: A cable lug for mounting on the end of a cable for making electrical connection between a conductor of the cable and other electrical equipment. The lug includes a palm for connecting the lug to the electrical equipment, a generally elongate cylindrical barrel for receiving therein one end of the cable conductor, and an insert for disposal within the barrel and for extending around and along the inner surface of the barrel to align the lug more concentrically on smaller cables, preferably with the barrel being conveniently made with uniform wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH
    Inventors: Emil Schad Norbert, Falk Hardt
  • Patent number: 6669515
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for clamping cable. The apparatus is a barrier that clamps and/or adheres to the cable. The barrier has a base, and the base has a diameter greater than an aperture through which the cable passes. The base of the barrier hinders the cable from pulling through the aperture, yet the barrier allows the cable to push through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Blake R. Urban, Isaac D. M. White, James E. Dickens, Kevin Forsberg, Charles Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6663443
    Abstract: A lay-in electrical connector having a lug body with multiple dividing walls defining multiple conductor-receiving channels, multiple lug caps each associated with one of the conductor-receiving channels, and a tang secured with the lug body. The electrical connector is free of welded joints as the tang is coupled with the lug body by a clamping force applied by binding screws of the lug caps to conductors positioned within corresponding ones of the conductor-receiving channels. The tang, including the mounting holes extending through the tang, may be formed by an extrusion process. A removable plug element is provided for holding the lug caps and/or tang in a pre-assembled relationship with the lug body prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ilson Corporation
    Inventors: William Smith, Dave Wood, Bill Wolins
  • Patent number: 6572418
    Abstract: A terminal device of an electric apparatus having a terminal board of a main circuit includes a hollow member connected to the terminal board of the main circuit of the apparatus. The hollow member is formed of an elongated metal plate having a screw hole, one end with a projection, and the other end with an engaging groove. The elongated metal plate is bent such that the projection and engaging groove are directly joined together to connect the one and the other end. A terminal screw is engaged with the screw hole of the hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Yutaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6531941
    Abstract: A clip designed to retain a conductive strap to a circuit breaker case is disclosed. The clip comprises a main body portion and a flange. The main body portion includes a first edge and a second edge. The flange depends from the first edge of the main body portion and includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the flange is configured for attachment to the conductor strap and the second end of the flange and the main body portion configured to secure the conductor strap in mounting stability within the case and to prevent movement of the conductor strap relative to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randall Lee Greenberg, Roger Neil Castonguay
  • Patent number: 6529112
    Abstract: A ring tongue lug retainer in a circuit breaker with the circuit breaker having a line bus conductor and a load bus conductor, wherein electrical conductors are connected to the line and load bus conductors. The ring tongue lug retainer comprises a lug body having a throughbore defining at least two interior walls and a threaded screw hole aligned perpendicular to and in communication with the throughbore. A thread portion may be provided in each interior wall of the lug body engages the binding screw configured to threadingly engage the screw hole and the lug body. The binding screw has a ring tongue protrusion configured to engage a ring tongue terminal of the electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Leone
  • Patent number: 6437268
    Abstract: An improved connector comprises a circuit breaker terminal having a cold formed, countersink aperture on a top surface of the breaker terminal and an extruded raised ring on the bottom surface of the breaker terminal. The wire connector is a square-shaped element having a plurality of openings for receipt of at least one wire, the circuit breaker terminal and the wire connector shoe. In assembly of the three piece connector, the circuit breaker terminal is inserted into an opening in the wire connector. The wire connector shoe is then inserted into at least one opening in the wire connector and surrounds a portion of the circuit breaker terminal within the wire connector. The wire connector shoe has a protrusion, which is cold formed by displacing shoe material into the countersink aperture on the top surface of the circuit breaker terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Ronald Etscheidt, Donald Nohavec, Joni Orum, Douglas Thomas
  • Patent number: 6437671
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing including an abutment wall, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the contacts. A terminal is at least partially disposed within the housing. A locking plate is positionable between the terminal and the abutment wall for securing the terminal within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lance Gula, Mark A. Janusek
  • Patent number: 6429760
    Abstract: A cross bar designed to securely retain a conductive strap to a circuit breaker case is disclosed. The cross bar comprises a main body portion having a first end and a second end. The main body portion is configured for attachment to the conductive strap and the first and second ends are configured for attachment to the circuit breaker case. The cross bar secures the conductive strap in mounting stability to the circuit breaker case to prevent movement of the conductive strap relative to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randall Lee Greenberg, Roger Neil Castonguay, Dean Arthur Robarge, Jacinto Endaya Malabuyoc
  • Publication number: 20020081914
    Abstract: A terminal device of an electric apparatus having a terminal board of a main circuit includes a hollow member connected to the terminal board of the main circuit of the apparatus. The hollow member is formed of an elongated metal plate having a screw hole, one end with a projection, and the other end with an engaging groove. The elongated metal plate is bent such that the projection and engaging groove are directly joined together to connect the one and the other end. A terminal screw is engaged with the screw hole of the hollow member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Yutaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6390829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly for a printed circuit board which alleviates the need to remove stingers from the assembly when removing the printed circuit board. The assembly of the present invention comprises a male connector for receiving one or more stingers. The stinger, which is located at the end of a cable such as a coaxial cable, forms an electrical circuit within the male connector. The male connector is inserted within a female connector coupled to a printed circuit board, forming an electrical connection. If the printed circuit board is removed from the assembly, the female connector is disconnected from the male connector enabling the stinger to be maintained in place with the male connector easing the replacement operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Antec Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Rademacher