Screw Axis Intersects Conductor Axis (e.g., Set Screw) Patents (Class 439/810)
  • Patent number: 6392514
    Abstract: A terminal unit having connection conductors to be connected to corresponding terminals of a switch is installed in a terminal section of the switch, and an external electric wire is connected to each terminal section of the connection conductors. Thus, the insulation distance between phases for the terminal sections and the insulation distance between the terminal section and a panel cut surface are increased according to the requirement of the switch. The shape and size of the terminal unit can be set regardless of the switch, so that a required insulation distance is obtained without increasing the size of the switch main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Kawata, Naoshi Uchida, Katsunori Kuboyama, Mitsuyoshi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6361381
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic cover for a connector bar that includes providing a mold having a substantially rectangular shaped block, having a first surface and a second surface adjacent the first surface. Both the first and second surfaces each have at least one generally cylindrically shaped projection extending outwardly away from the respective surfaces. To form the plastic cover, the mold is dipped into a polymer solution and is allowed to dwell in the solution for a certain period of time. Next, the plastic cover is cured for a sufficient period of time so that the polymer solution hardens to form the plastic cover. After the cover is formed around the mold, it is removed from within the cover through a slit opening. After the mold is removed from the cover, a connector bar can be inserted through the opening into the cover's cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eger Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Koebbe
  • Patent number: 6349466
    Abstract: A method of preventing vibration loosening of a clamping screw 26 of a circuit protection apparatus 10 is provided. The circuit protection apparatus 10 has a conductor receiving member 28 including a conductor receiving opening 40 for receiving an electrical conductor 46 therein. The conductor receiving member 28 has an aperture 42 extending from a surface 50 thereof into communication with the conductor receiving opening 40. An overall extent of the aperture 42 includes threads. The method provides a clamping screw 26 having a threaded shaft 50. The threaded shaft 50 has a surface feature 52 in the threads thereof near an end 54 of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Redler, Jon D. Pickens, Richard Hudson
  • Patent number: 6338658
    Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed having enhanced pull-out resistance for a stranded conductor secured therein. The metal body of the electrical connector includes a conductor-receiving bore for receiving the stranded conductor and a threaded bore for receiving a binding screw that orthogonally intersects the conductor-receiving bore. One or more opposed side walls of the metal body further includes at least one slot that is adapted to receive strands of the conductor displaced therein by a binding force applied by the conical tip of the binding screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ilsco Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6265680
    Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker (12) for mounting in an electrical distribution panel (10) comprises a dielectric housing (14) having a switch mechanism compartment (20) and an insulation-displacement connector assembly compartment (24), an electrical contact (48) on the housing for electrical connector to an electrical bus member in the electrical distribution panel, a temperature-sensitive switch mechanism (22) in the switch mechanism compartment and having a spring-biased contact (44) electrically connectable with the electrical contact, and an insulation-displacement connector assembly (26) in the insulation-displacement connector assembly compartment including an insulation-displacement contact (26a) electrically connected to the temperature-sensitive switch mechanism and for electrically connecting an insulated electrical wire thereto and an insulated movable actuator (26b) mounted in the housing for moving the insulated electrical wire from a wire-receiving position in the insulation-displacement contact
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: James William Robertson
  • Patent number: 6255927
    Abstract: A cable lug conductor adapter for connecting to a circuit breaker bus having two lug attachment openings and which is structured to engage ND sized lugs, which are larger than lugs having a first size, to a cable terminal having a single opening which is structured to engage a lug having a second size, where the adapter includes a planar member having three threaded openings. Two of the three openings are threaded and sized to engage a lug of the first size, and one the three openings is threaded and sized to engage a lug of the second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Martin Fischer, James Russell Everett
  • Patent number: 6213818
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided comprising a frame and at least one set screw. The frame comprises a connector head having multiple intersecting conductor receiving passageways capable of receiving an electrical conductor in one of a plurality of directions. The at least one set screw is connected to the connector head to intersect the conductor receiving passageways. The frame is formed from a single piece of flat conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: FCI USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Chadbourne
  • Patent number: 6211759
    Abstract: A gas deflector for a line-in connector of a circuit breaker. The gas deflector is coupled to a collar with a top and a cavity, a threaded opening through the top, a screw threaded in the threaded opening. The collar is attached to the line-in for the circuit breaker. The gas deflector is an L-shaped shield with an integral screw sleeve and a slot sized to allow a terminal strap to pass therethrough. The terminal strap is connected to the collar. The shield device covers the collar top and the cavity and is held in place by the screw passing through the sleeve and by the terminal strap passing through the slot. The shield substantially reduces the amount of ionized gas infiltrating into the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Little, David C. Funyak, Craig J. Puhalla
  • Patent number: 6191672
    Abstract: A plug socket for relays has contact chambers that comprise plug slots open toward an upper base member side for the acceptance of flat plugs and into which plug jacks are inserted proceeding from the underside. These plug jacks have catch tongues branched off at both sides for latching in catch channels of the contact chambers. The contact chambers with the inserted plug jacks are narrower than the plug slots and are offset in alternation toward the ends of the plug slots. The oppositely applied catch channels are thus offset relative to one another in the partitions. In this way, more standard contact jacks can be accommodated in standardized contact chambers in the same space than present aligning arrangement of the contact chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Lages, Hans-Joachim Koslowski, Joris Dobbelaere
  • Patent number: 6172586
    Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) including a terminal barrier system (140). The terminal barrier system (140) includes a terminal barrier (142) attached to a circuit breaker base (12) at the terminals (16, 18), line and load, of the breaker (10) and a terminal connector (144) mounted in the terminal barrier (142) to align with a terminal (16, 18) of the breaker (10). Several embodiments of the terminal barrier (142) and terminal connector (144) are provided which allow flexibility in combining the various terminal barriers and terminal connectors for a given current rating of the breaker (10). The terminal barrier system (140) protects the terminals (16, 18) of the circuit breaker during short circuit condition operations, prevents pole to pole electrification and prevents accidental contact with live electrical wires in the contacts (42, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Ferree, W. Dale Robbins, Michael W. Souza, Stacey L. Duvall, James H. Blessitt, Peter P. Clickner
  • Patent number: 6123573
    Abstract: A strain relief assembly is readily adaptable to clamp electrical cords of various sizes and/or shapes. The assembly is provided with differently configured clamping surfaces that may accommodate a variety of cords without compromising the ability of the clamp assembly to secure the various cords, and a user of the assembly may easily select a desired clamping surface. The assembly includes a base clamp member with a clamping surface, a securing member that may also include a clamping surface, and an insert that includes a clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6102749
    Abstract: An electronic thermostat having high and low voltage control capability and varied functional capabilities. The thermostat is particularly suited for use with fan coil heating and cooling units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lynn, Allen Morris, Richard A. Perry, June R. Carper
  • Patent number: 6084188
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having separable main contacts and an operating mechanism utilized to cause the separable main contacts to open and close. A trip unit is provided to actuate the operating mechanism in desirable circumstances. The circuit breaker has external terminals which are connectable with an external load and an external power supply. A collar is used to interconnect the circuit breaker terminals with the load and power supply. The terminal collar in this case is non-symmetrical. The non-symmetrical collar provides two functions: the first function is that the path of electrical continently between adjacent collars is enlarged for higher voltage applications because of the non-symmetrical nature of each collar; secondly, the circuit breaker case has a seat therein which has the same cross-section as the non-symmetrical collar, so that the collar can only be inserted therein in one cross-sectional orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Mueller, Thomas A. Whitaker, Wayne C. Sumpman
  • Patent number: 6074121
    Abstract: A vibration-tolerant torque limiting fastening lug whereupon tightening of the set-screw produces a parasitic torque at the thread plane defining the set-screw/housing interface. The resultant parasitic torque acts in opposite direction to the installation torque such that the actual torque below the thread plane is less than the installation torque. As a result, the tensile force experienced by the set-screw and which acts against the housing of the lug is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Jay C. Medeiros, Gregory C. Marik, James E. Boettcher, Harry C. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6061230
    Abstract: A panelboard/switchboard assembly for accommodating bolt-on modules, plug-in modules and lugs. The panelboard/switchboard includes vertical, edge forward bus bars having a plurality of openings formed therein. The edge forward alignment allows plug-in modules to be mounted to the bus bars. The openings in the bus bars receive bolts for mounting straps to the bus bars and for mounting lugs to the bus bars. The openings have a shape having at least one linear element and receive a bolt having an anti-rotation portion with a similar shape. The interference between the opening and the anti-rotation portion of the bolt prevents the straps, and the modules connected to the straps, from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. Mazzella, Kevin F. Nolan, Rick A. Vonrotz, Thomas F. Vrnak, Melanie A. Lewis, Grady W. Broadnax, Jr., Robert R. Leclair, Robert B. Wallace, Jeremy Palmer, Hamon L. Craft
  • Patent number: 6053780
    Abstract: A fusible link mounting method in which a fusible link is mounted onto a fusible link housing, and a leg portion of the fusible link and a terminal of an electric wire are tightened and connected together by a bolt. In the method, the bolt is previously tightened provisionally with respect to the fusible link housing, after then, the terminal including a bridge portion so formed as to be able to pass outside a head portion of the bolt provisionally tightened is slid and inserted in a direction right angles to the bolt tightening direction in a separate step to thereby position a connecting portion of the terminal between the head portion of the bolt and the leg portion of the fusible link, and, next, the bolt is actually tightened to thereby connect the leg portion of the fusible link and the connecting portion of the terminal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Ono, Masaji Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5978208
    Abstract: A circuit breaker system having load and line terminals interconnectable with load and line conductors by way of a solderless collar has a central opening which encloses an overlapping portion of the internal load or line terminals and the associated load or line conductors. The collar has a set screw in the top thereof which is turned down on the overlapping terminal and conductor until a secure connection is made. The collar has a joint, which may be affected by the setscrew action associated with securing the external conductor with the internal terminal. The joint is T-shaped and is provided with vertical tabs on one portion thereof to prevent the weakest portion of the joint from rotating outwardly under the affects of the securing action and thus jeopardizing the strength of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Helms, Donald R. Nutter
  • Patent number: 5957733
    Abstract: An electrical terminal connector comprising a connector body and a set screw. The connector body has a block section with a conductor receiving passageway. The set screw is connected to the block section to intersect the conductor receiving passageway. The block section further defines a porthole extending therethrough. The porthole intersects the conductor receiving passageway forming a lower recess therein. When a conductor is inserted into the conductor receiving passageway, the recess receives a portion of the conductor which is clamped down upon by the set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith F. Mello, Raymond G. Lavoie, Christopher G. Chadbourne, William J. Lasko, Roger H. Hanks
  • Patent number: 5944551
    Abstract: An electrical connector generally comprising a housing, a terminal member and a clamping member. The housing has a first open end, a generally closed second end including a conductor passage, and an internal cavity extending between the ends. The terminal member has a first end which includes an IDC mating contact, a second end which includes a planar electrical contact, and a middle portion extending therebetween. The terminal member is positioned in the housing with the first end adjacent the first housing open end and the middle portion extending through the housing cavity. The second end is positioned within the clamping means conductor receiving area. A conductor is connected to the second end of the terminal member by passing it through the conductor passage into the conductor receiving area and actuating the clamping member which moves the planar electrical contact into contact with the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Scott Kline, John Thomas Larkin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5934948
    Abstract: A terminal device for an electric equipment is formed of a frame having a terminal housing, a fixed terminal situated in the terminal housing, and a terminal screw having a male screw to be coupled to a tapped hole of the fixed terminal and an inverse L-shaped washer. The inverse L-shaped washer includes one side for rotatably holding the male screw and a guide plate section bent relative to the one side. A guide groove is formed in the terminal housing for receiving the guide plate section therein to vertically guide the same. Also, the terminal device includes an engagement section having a first engaging part formed on the guide plate section and a second engaging part formed at a portion facing the guide groove and engaging the first engaging part to temporarily hold the guide plate section in the guide groove. Thus, the terminal screw can be held directly above the tapped hole, which enables the male screw to be stably and easily inserted into the tapped hole, and which facilitates simple rewiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsuya Hiramatsu, Takato Hirota, Katsumi Shibata, Makoto Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5899774
    Abstract: A flat, surface mounted, flexible, multi-purpose wire has a plurality of flat elongated conductors spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship. Each of the flat conductors includes a plurality of copper layers. An adhesive material separates the flat conductors and an insulation layer surrounds the flat conductors and the adhesive material, with the adhesive material bonding to the insulation layer. A cross-sectional height of the flat conductors and insulation layer is such that the multi-purpose wire will blend in with the surface when painted or after wallpaper is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Jay Sexton
  • Patent number: 5816852
    Abstract: A bus bar for a series terminal includes a round rod having end portions with two sides and parallel surfaces on both of the sides. A cross connection for a bus bar includes a flat material having a longitudinal direction and a top part. The flat material has a longer first slit extending centrally therein in the longitudinal direction forming at least two U-shaped clamps being joined together in the top part. The clamps each have one shorter second slit therein forming clamp tongues with free ends. The free ends have circular-arc-shaped recesses formed therein being adapted to a diameter of a round rod of a bus bar. A method for producing a bus bar for a series terminal includes cold forming end portions of a round rod of a conductor material having an original round shape, to form parallel surfaces on both sides and a middle region retaining the original round shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Gerd Conrad
  • Patent number: 5788541
    Abstract: An electrical box wiring termination lug to ease installation of thick wires into tight areas within these boxes. An elbow lug similar in appearance and function to a plumbing elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Lueder
  • Patent number: 5727314
    Abstract: An electrical set screw connector has an insulating cover over a metal body which includes conductor receiving passages or ports and intersecting set screws adapted to clamp down on conductor ends in the conductor receiving passages or ports. The connector insulating cover includes a vestibule or tubular chamber for each set screw. The outer end of the vestibule is restricted to capture the screw and each vestibule is internally threaded. The outer end of each vestibule includes a drive hole for the set screw. The connector insulating cover is made by dipping using the backed out set screws as core pins for each set screw vestibule with removable shanks in the set screw recesses forming the drive holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas K. Ashcraft
  • Patent number: 5718610
    Abstract: A cable clamp terminal for use with an electrical apparatus is provided, the cable clamp terminal including a terminal block having a threaded hole defined therein. An intermediate screw and an upper screw are disposed in the threaded hole, whereby the intermediate screw divides the threaded hole into a lower housing and an upper housing. A lower opening extending through the terminal block and communicating with the lower housing provides access for an end of a corresponding lower cable to be positioned and secured in the lower housing. An upper opening extending through the terminal block and communicating with the upper housing provides access for an end of a corresponding upper cable to be positioned and secured in the upper housing. The lower cable can be secured in the lower housing by tightening the intermediate screw without removing the upper screw from the threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Timothy Robert Faber
  • Patent number: 5630735
    Abstract: An electrical connector for coupling together at least two electrical conductors in electrically conductive relationship to each other is disclosed. The connector is a plastic, nonconducting block encasing an electrically conductive bus exchange. The bus exchange is a conductive metal sheet with at least one rolled, hollow portion for receiving and electrically coupling a pair of said electrical conductors. The rolled portion includes two crimps disposed approximately at the rolled portion in mirror opposition which serve as respective contact stops for the electrical conductors. The electrical conductors preferably comprise insulated electrical wires with stripped ends, the stripped ends being received in the electrically conductive bus exchange. The block includes longitudinal bores for receiving the electrical wires to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: John C. Eckert
  • Patent number: 5580285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection terminal for an electrical switchgear apparatus, designed to prevent incorrect connection of a cable.This terminal comprises a tunnel, a contact pad and a tightening screw. At its lower part, the tunnel is provided with two protuberances arranged to cooperate with two flexible hooks of a shield. This shield is formed by a rigid plate which can be securedly affixed to the tunnel to partially mask the opening of the tunnel when an electrical wire or cable of small diameter is connected.The fit-on shield is advantageous in that it enables all conditions of use to be met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Schneider Electric S.A.
    Inventor: Daniel Vanzetto
  • Patent number: 5533913
    Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating the end of an electrically conductive wire is formed from two principal components, namely a body member preferably constructed of an electrically insulating material, and an elongated, electrically conductive strip of metal or electrically conductive member. The body member is preferably made of plastic and includes two openings: a first opening for receiving the electrically conductive wire and a second threaded opening for receiving a set screw which, when tightened, secures the electrically conductive wire in said first opening and to the conductive metal strip. The body member may be formed by extrusion or molding, and may be of any color to provide easy identification. The electrically conductive member may be flat or bent according to its particular intended use, and is provided with a mounting aperture for securing the connector to a mounting surface on an electrical bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Connector Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William J. Boehm, Gunter E. Dinkel
  • Patent number: 5516302
    Abstract: An end feed connector for connecting a plurality of feed lines to a pre-bussed rigid conduit which has feed line connectors that fit in slots in an insulating housing. Within the housing, the slots communicate with conductive sleeves that are disposed in the pattern of the pre-bussed rigid conduit with which the end feed connector is intended to mate. Bus bars within the housing connect the feed line connectors to the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Han Kim, Aubrey Bryant, Steven F. Reed, Robert I. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5494462
    Abstract: A ground rod clamp for clamping a ground rod and at least one ground wire employs a clamp body and a bolt. A transverse orifice in a first portion of the clamp body receives the ground rod and ground wire. A threaded portion of the bolt is received by a threaded axial bore in a second portion of the clamp body. The distal end of the bolt engages the ground rod and ground wires. Torquing the bolt head clamps the ground rod and ground wires within the clamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Auclair
  • Patent number: 5470795
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of connecting the terminals of at least one heat-sinked, plastic-encapsulated power transistor to circuits of a printed-circuit board. In the method, a main flat surface of the plastic-encapsulated power transistor is adhered to a first side of a heat sink. The transistor has a plurality of terminals projecting from one end of a transistor body in an orientation generally parallel to the main flat surface of the transistor. On a printed-circuit board, a mechanical coupling device is mounted that has respective conductors with respective, terminal-receiving apertures, for receiving the terminals of the transistor. The conductors are connected to respective circuits of the printed-circuit board. The printed-circuit board is adapted to be located on the mentioned one side of the heat sink in an assembled position. The heat sink, with the transistor mounted thereon, is positioned such that the terminals are respectively inserted into respective apertures in the mechanical coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Vladimir V. Shushurin
  • Patent number: 5269710
    Abstract: A lay-in lug (10) with a lug body (12) having a pair of generally parallel, opposed breaker stabs (14, 16) that are engageable in line contacts (44, 46) of a main circuit breaker (48) and securement flanges (20, 22) for attachment of the lug body to an electrical power distribution device. The lug (10) also has a lug cap (30) attachable to the lug body (12) for capture of an electrical cable (42). The lug cap (30) and lug body (12) are preferably formed by extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Donnerstag
  • Patent number: 5244423
    Abstract: A turn prevention electrical connection assembly to prevent cable or other conductor connection lugs from turning on an electrical bus includes a turn prevention member, usually of cross-like configuration and having at least as many arms as there are connection lugs on one side of the bus. The turn prevention member is mounted on the bus in nested alignment with the connection lugs so that each connection lug is aligned closely adjacent to at least one arm of the turn prevention member. The turn prevention member and the connection lugs interact with each other to preclude turning of the lugs from their preset alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Boltswitch, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Erickson, James A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5206789
    Abstract: A conductor terminal clamp using a screw to maintain in tight overlapping relation an electric cable and the flat conductor end. The clamp collar is constructed without the use of welds and is provided with a pair of opposing movable finger members. The terminal end is disposed within the collar between the movable finger members which apply a gripping force transversely upon the terminal end as the screw applies the clamping force perpendicularly upon the overlapping collar and conductor end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Ernest D. Barbry
  • Patent number: 5201914
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a socket adapted to receive an end of an electrical conductor (32). The socket comprises an open channel member (14) into which the end of the conductor (32) may be laid, a cover member (22) which together with the open channel member (14) surrounds the end of the conductor (32), and a sleeve member (26) fitting, in use, around the open channel member (14) and the cover member (22). The cover member (22) and the sleeve member (26) have corresponding apertures (24,28) which together constitute a threaded bore through which extends a locking screw (29) for releasably securing the end of the electrical conductor (32) to the open channel member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: B & H (Nottm) Ltd.
    Inventor: David J. Hollick
  • Patent number: 5197907
    Abstract: In general, a termination device or terminal is provided in one form of the invention which device is lanced from an electrically conductive sheet material. The lead termination device includes a generally flat body having a pair of integral angularly arranged legs, a pair of opposite end sections on one of the legs, a flange extending beyond one of the opposite end sections, a pair of openings through the opposite end sections, respectively, and a slot through the one leg and spaced adjacent the other of the opposite end sections. The one leg is deformed into a generally closed loop, and the opposite end sections on the one leg are arranged in overlaying engagement with each other. The flange on the one opposite end section is inserted into the slot in the one leg spaced adjacent the other opposite end section, and the openings in the opposite end sections are aligned with each other in overlaying engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jerome P. Hurtgen
  • Patent number: 5190485
    Abstract: An electrical termination lug is described comprising a block member having a top portion, bottom portion, front portion, back portion, and opposite side portions. The block member has a first opening formed therein which is adapted to receive a large electrical connector therein. A set screw threadably extends into the block member for engagement with the large connector in the first opening to maintain the large connector in the first opening. The block member is provided with one or more openings formed therein adapted to receive small connectors therein or which are adapted to secure small connectors to the block member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Ransdell
  • Patent number: 5137476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector for coupling together at least two electrical conductors in electrically conductive relationship to each other. The connector has an elongate hollow tubular conductive sleeve in which the conductors are inserted to be coupled. At least one radial aperture extends through the sleeve, and a fastening means extends through the aperture for fastening the conductors in the hollow tubular sleeve by pressing the conductors against the interior surface of the sleeve. An electrically insulative coating covering substantially the entire exterior surface of the sleeve eliminates the potential for electrical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: John R. Noble
  • Patent number: 5129844
    Abstract: An electrical wire connector has a bifurcated bolt having opposed prongs coextending spaced from each other defining a wire-receiving channel therebetween. A nut is threaded onto the bolt until an insert carried by the nut is pressed tightly against one of the two wires disposed along the channel, to clamp the wires tightly against the bottom of the channel and electrically interconnect the wires. The nut has an internally threaded lower section within which a body section of the insert is disposed, and an upper section joined to the lower section at a frangible section adapted to break upon sufficient torque being applied to the nut by a tool, thus providing a torque limit and a visual indication of full assured interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Goto, Gino Menechella, Janusz Szyndlar
  • Patent number: 5117211
    Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker with increased ampere rating employs a latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition against a pair of powerful operating springs. To increase the mechanical advantage required to move the operating handle against the springs, a retractable handle extender is attached to the handle. For higher-rated circuit applications, a lug cover extension is added to the line end of the breaker to assist in extinguishing the intense arc that occurs during circuit interruption and to protect the line lugs from inter-phasal circuit faults. A visual access slot is arranged next to the circuit breaker handle to ascertain and verify the condition of the circuit breaker contacts. The line and load terminal straps are slotted to receive protrusions on the bottom of the line and load terminal lugs and provide anti-turn facility to the line and load terminal lugs under short circuit overcurrent conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger J. Morgan, Irenaeus S. Panus, Ronald G. Pekrul, Thomas F. Papallo, Jr., Robert A. Morris, Henry J. Tucholski, Hamon L. Craft
  • Patent number: 5107396
    Abstract: An industrial-rated circuit breaker line and load terminal lug and connector for connection with the power distribution line and load cables also includes a receptacle that allows connection with an auxiliary device for load indication and voltage metering. The receptacle is in the form of an insulative sleeve arranged around a metal contact blade in electric circuit with the line and load lugs. Electrical connection with the line and load cables and the auxiliary device occurs when the combined terminal lug and connectors are connected with the power distribution line and load cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James L. Rosen, Donna C. DeRosier
  • Patent number: 5030131
    Abstract: An improved solderless electrical terminal connector includes a plurality of serrations or notches formed on its lower surface for improving the electrical and thermal contact between the connector and the surface onto which it is mounted. The wire receiving portion of the connector includes a set screw for holding the wire securely in place in a body member. The cross-sectional area of the body member in the direction of the wire is reduced so that it is less than the diameter of the set screw thereby to improve pullout characteristics. The opening for the wire in the body member extends into a tang to form a stop to provide for ease of installation of the wire. This placement of the wire will also reduce electrical resistance. In an alternate embodiment, a spiral groove may be formed in the wire receiving opening to cut into the wire as it is clamped in place both to improve pullout characteristics and to lower the electrical resistance between the wire and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Connector Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William Boehm
  • Patent number: 5005104
    Abstract: A clip-connected terminal conductor uses a terminal lug for tightening together with a screw the line cable and the conductor end. A channel is provided in the lug for inserting therein, and guided by lateral wall of the channel, a spring-like member having centrally a boss which engages the aperture of the conductor end. The spring-like member has opposite ledges for clipping with the front and the rear edge of the base of the lug and channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Grunert, Delfin Pabon, Ronald A. Cheski
  • Patent number: 4985003
    Abstract: A spacer for use in a branching electrical connector comprises two jaws and clamping device for clamping the jaws together. At least two parallel channels are defined by the jaws, the spacer being adapted to hold one of the channels temporarily at least partly open. Overridable abutment on the spacer yield when sufficient force is applied to the jaws by the clamping device to enable the temporarily open channel to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: S.I.C.A.M.E. Societe Industrielle de Construction d'Appareils et de Material Electrique
    Inventors: Pierre Francois, Michel H. M. F. Prodel
  • Patent number: 4946405
    Abstract: An improved solderless electrical terminal connector includes a plurality of serrations or notches formed on its lower surface for improving the electrical and thermal contact between the connector and the surface onto which it is mounted. The wire receiving portion of the connector includes a set screw for holding the wire securely in place in a body member. The cross-sectional area of the body member in the direction of the wire is reduced so that it is less than the diameter of the set screw thereby to improve pullout characteristics. The opening for the wire in the body member extends into a tang to form a stop to provide for ease of installation of the wire. This placement of the wire will also reduce electrical resistance. In an alternate embodiment, a spiral groove may be formed in the wire receiving opening to cut into the wire as it is clamped in place both to improve pullout characteristics and to lower the electrical resistance between the wire and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Connector Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William J. Boehm
  • Patent number: 4861290
    Abstract: An aluminum electrical connector lug (2) has a lug body (4) with a threaded opening (12) having an electroplated coating layer (22) with substantially the same thickness at the roots (16) as at the crowns (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence R. Halmstad, Steven R. Schachameyer
  • Patent number: 4820206
    Abstract: A screw connection device for electric conductors, is provided having at least one screw-clamping piece assembly. A structure integral with the insulating body of the terminal, partially surrounds the screw head and has at least one heel. This heel is applicable against an inclined face of the clamp and is adapted so as to hold the screw-clamp assembly in position against removal along the axis of the screw and against tipping towards the conductor insertion side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventors: Claude Jullien, Gerard Lerude, Raymond Llabres
  • Patent number: 4810212
    Abstract: The disclosed electrical connection apparatus includes an enclosure of electrical insulation having a cavity containing a screw-activated clamp for gripping a wire against a contact member, the screw being accessible for operation at the wire-entry side of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Connectron, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander R. Norden
  • Patent number: 4809132
    Abstract: Line and load lugs are fixedly attached to each pole of a multi-pole molded case circuit breaker without requiring screws. The lugs are positioned within the line and load lug compartments at opposing ends of the breaker by grooves formed along the sides of the lugs and rails formed within the internal surfaces of the compartments. A lug support cap fitted to the bottom of each line and load lug interacts with detents formed on the inner surfaces of the compartments to securely retain the line and load lugs within the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Palmieri, Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold, Robert A. Morris
  • Patent number: 4778413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground clamp for a welding apparatus. The ground clamp comprises a fastening screw rotatable in a body and a counter jaw formed in the body, which fastening screw and jaw together form a screw clamp by means of which the ground is fastened to a workpiece. The ground clamp further comprises a connection for fastening a ground cable to the body. Known ground clamps have structural disadvantages on account of which they are not reliable in operation and do not conduct sufficiently current in proportion to their size. The disadvantages are due to the fact that the contact between the workpiece and the ground cable is not sufficiently good to guarantee an even flow of the electric current. For the elimination of these disadvantages the connection of the ground cable comprises a cavity formed in the counter jaw perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the fastening screw, and fastening means which lock both a naked part of the ground cable and a cable insulation in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Reino Saarinen