Abstract: In one embodiment, a fastener includes a flexible head and a shank coupled to the flexible head. The flexible head includes a center head portion and a plurality of wing portions coupled to the center head portion. Each of the plurality of wing portions includes a contact area configured to contact a first surface of a part to be fastened. The shank includes a clip groove configured to hold a retainer clip against a second surface of the part to be fastened. The second first surface of the part to be fastened is opposite the first surface of the part to be fastened.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes two pads having the same shape. Each pad has a connector body with a first groove, a second groove, and a hole. The hole extends through the connector body between the first groove and the second groove. A fastener extends through the hole of both of the two pads so that the two pads having the same shape are connected to one another and are pivotable around the fastener relative to one another with the two first grooves contacting a first conductor when the first conductor is in an installed position and the two second grooves contacting a second conductor when the second conductor is in an installed position. A spring is between a first end of the fastener and one of the two pads having the same shape so that the spring biases the two pads having the same shape towards each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a lower jaw assembly and a grounding clamp. The grounding clamp includes a clamp body defining a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The grounding clamp also includes an upper jaw. The grounding clamp further includes a support arm slidably attached to the clamp body. The support arm includes a locking mechanism configured to removably engage the first side of the clamp body and a balance mechanism configured to removably engage the second side of the clamp body. The movement of the support arm is restricted upon the engagement of the locking mechanism and the balance mechanism. The grounding clamp also includes a moveable jaw slideably attached to clamp body and operably coupled to the support arm via a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: The grounding clamp system is for use with an electrically insulated pole and for attachment to an electrical conductor in angled configurations. The grounding clamp system includes a clamping mechanism having an actuatable clamp and an associated ground conductor connector. An attachment coupler is configured to attach to the electrically insulated pole, and an angular adjustment mechanism is coupled between the clamping mechanism and the attachment coupler. The adjustment mechanism is configured to provide angular adjustment between the clamping mechanism and the attachment coupler in at least one axis while also transferring force to actuate the actuatable clamp when attaching the clamping mechanism to the electrical conductor at a selected angular position. The clamping mechanism is configured to create a path to pass ground fault current from the electrical conductor to a ground conductor coupled to the ground conductor connector without including the angular adjustment mechanism in the path.

Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed. The clamping device includes a body having a first end and a second end; a first clamping portion secured to the first end of the body; and a second clamping portion operable to move in a bore of the body relative to the first clamping portion between an open position and a clamped position, the second clamping portion cooperating with the first clamping portion to clamp a cable between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion.

Abstract: A grounding clamp includes a safety lock-out which locks the operation of the clamp in the absence of a cooperating hot-stick. The lock-out employs a clutch which prevents the translation of the clamping members relative to one another until the clutch is disengaged. The cooperating hot-stick is required for the disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a substrate having a plurality of signal contacts and a ground contact along a surface of the substrate. A communication cable includes a differential pair of signal conductors, a grounding element that surrounds the signal conductors, and a cable jacket surrounding the signal conductors and the grounding element. Each of the signal conductors has a wire-terminating end that is terminated to a corresponding signal contact of the substrate, the wire-terminating end projecting beyond a jacket edge of the cable jacket. A ground termination component has a main panel electrically coupled with the ground contact, and a strain relief element engaged with at least a portion of the communication cable. The strain relief element includes a connective terminal electrically coupled to the grounding element.

Abstract: A wire connection system for providing electrical communication between a first conductor and a second conductor includes a housing having a sidewall, a housing surface, and a housing channel. The sidewall extends between a first end and a second end and at least partially encloses a housing chamber. The connection system further includes at least one jaw supported for movement within the housing chamber and configured to engage the first conductor. The connection system further includes a clamp member at least partially disposed within the housing channel, the clamp member including a clamp surface proximate the housing surface in a facing relationship. The connection system further includes a linear actuator coupled to the housing and movable along a longitudinal axis, the linear actuator coupling the housing and the clamp member and movably coupled to the at least one jaw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft operably supported thereon and a jaw member supported at a distal end of the shaft. The jaw member is movable between open and clamping configurations. The surgical instrument also includes a probe that has proximal and distal ends. The distal end has an active blade thereon that is configured to treat tissue when the jaw member is in a clamping configuration. The proximal end of the probe is configured to selectively engage a generator that is configured to selectively couple to the housing. An adjusting assembly is operably supported on the housing and is configured to selectively rotate the probe to engage the proximal end of the probe to the generator to secure the generator to the housing.

Abstract: A connection structure for connecting a differential signal transmission cable to a circuit board. A differential signal transmission cable includes an outer conductor provided around a pair of signal line conductors via an insulator. Parts of the signal line conductors are exposed from a tip of the differential signal transmission cable. A circuit board is provided with a pair of signal pads and a ground pad. A shield-connecting terminal includes a main body which is crimp-connected to the outer conductor and a solder-connecting pin which is solder-connected to the ground pad. The exposed parts of the signal line conductors are solder-connected to the signal pads, respectively, and the outer conductor is solder-connected to the ground pad via the solder-connecting pin of the shield-connecting terminal.

Abstract: A hot line clamp employs a pair of jaw members which have clamp surfaces. The jaw members are coupled under the load of a compression spring. One jaw member has a ring which allows for relative angular positioning so that a clamp surface of the jaw member engages a shoulder of the second jaw member in a cocked position. When a torque is applied to the ring, the clamp members snap together to clamp over a hot line disposed between the clamp surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an upper member, a lower member, a fastening member, and a spring. The upper member includes a first end, a second end, and an upper groove portion. The upper groove portion is between the first and second ends. The first end includes a first opening. The lower member includes a lower groove portion, a receiving area, and a hole. A portion of the upper member extends into the receiving area. An end of the hole is at the receiving area. The fastening member extends through the hole and the opening. The first end of the fastening member includes an operable portion. The spring is between the second end of the fastening member and the upper member. A portion of the spring is in the opening. The first end of the upper member is between opposite ends of the spring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an upper pad, a lower pad, a fastener, and a spring. The upper pad includes a first upper groove, a second upper groove, and an upper hole. The upper hole extends through the upper pad between the first upper groove and the second upper groove. The lower pad includes a first lower groove, a second lower groove, and an elongated hole. The elongated hole extends through the lower pad between the first lower groove and the second lower grove. The fastener extends through the upper hole and the elongated hole. The spring is between the fastener and the lower pad. The spring is configured to bias the upper pad and the lower pad towards each other. The lower pad is configured to be pivotable around the fastener, and relative to the upper pad, at the elongated hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clamp assembly for clamping an electrical wire to the wall of the electrical outlet box. The clamp assembly includes a wire clamp non-rotatably supported in the box adjacent to the wall. The wire clamp has an internally threaded aperture therethrough. A threaded screw assembly is captively retained in the box for rotating movement without longitudinal displacement. The threaded screw extends through the threaded aperture of the clamp such that upon rotating movement of the screw, the clamp is longitudinally movable therealong.

Abstract: A grounding clamp provides a direct connection to ground between a power transmission or power distribution apparatus and a nearby ground plane. As a grounding clamp is being attached to the mating interface of a power transmission or power distribution apparatus, the angled gripping surfaces permit an operator to ground the spade from a distance of live-line tool's length from the frontplate of the power apparatus and apply the requisite pressure to the mating interface, providing an easier to attach grounding clamp and a more secure ground connection.

Abstract: A method senses the readiness of a driver of a motor vehicle to brake. The position of the feet of the driver are sensed by a sensor arrangement at the foot well of the motor vehicle in order to determine the position of the right-hand foot and the left-hand foot of the driver and/or the leg posture of the driver. In order to sense the feet and/or leg posture of the driver, a pressure-sensitive film with a matrix of pressure-sensitive cells may be arranged in the foot well of the motor vehicle. An expected time which the driver takes to activate the brake in a hazardous situation can be derived from the position of the feet at a particular time.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes the following steps: providing a plurality of semiconductor layers; providing means for coupling signals to and/or from layers of the device; providing a layer of quantum dots disposed between adjacent layers of the device; and providing an auxiliary layer disposed in one of the adjacent layers, and spaced from the layer of quantum dots, the auxiliary layer being operative to communicate carriers with the layer of quantum dots.

Abstract: A compliant pin contact and assembly utilizing same in which the contact is comprised of two layers, each of a different material and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than the other, to enable insertion within an opening in either a “cold” or “hot” state to thereby expand and positively engage the opening's walls, thereby securedly holding the pin in position. Representative materials include Invar and aluminum.

Abstract: A spiking tool for spiking high voltage underground power lines includes a safety shield to protect the operator of a shotgun stick from the flame and heat emitted when a hot power line is spiked. A first embodiment of the tool includes a tubular sleeve for encasing a length of power line. The tubular sleeve has a slot therein through which a power line can be introduced into and encased within the tubular sleeve and a spiking assembly with a grounded spike made of an electrically conductive material for penetrating the insulating casing of and making contact with wiring within a power line housed within the tubular sleeve. A second embodiment of the tool includes a shield plate mounted on and extending outward from the shaft of a shotgun stick intermediate a first end of the stick which engages a spiking clamp and a second end of the stick held by the tool operator.

Abstract: A shielded patch panel including a shield coupler that electrically connects a shield layer from an incoming cable to the shielded housing of a modular outlet. The shield layer of a shielded incoming cable is connected to the shield coupler through a spade that facilitates installation of the incoming cable. The shield coupler includes a plurality of arms that electrically connect the shield layer of the incoming cable to a shielded housing of the modular outlet. The shield coupler enhances the transfer impedance of the screened patch panels and results in compliance with the transfer impedance requirements.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus suitable for isolating high voltage equipment and bus-bar systems in utility sub-stations. The switch apparatus comprises a pair of detachable couplers which are connected by a high voltage flex cable, and a pair of terminal adapters. The terminal adapters are connected to respective terminals of the bus-bar or other sub-station equipment. The terminal adapters each include a member for engaging one of the couplers and forming a conductive path between the terminals. To break the conductive path, one or both of the couplers are conveniently detached using a hook-stick. The switch apparatus is easily adapted to various spacings and provides a convenient replacement for conventional blade disconnect switches.

Abstract: A clamp is provided which automatically latches onto a power line when brought into contact with the line for grounding the line or other purposes. The clamp has structural features which prevent inadvertent triggering of the latch mechanism before contact with the power line.

Abstract: This invention involves a portable loadmake/loadbreak switch assembly or system which can be used to make or break high amperage power circuits. This switch is first connected in series with the circuit. When the current is running through the switch, the switch can be opened to break the current in a controlled manner. This switch includes two leads, each of which is provided with a special two part clamp. The first parts of the clamps of both leads are first clamped onto two eyebolt connectors along the circuit. This clamping is accomplished by rotating a portion of each first part in a clockwise direction. A second clamp part is then attached to the first part of the clamp on the loadside lead. Once attached, this second part allows the eyebolt to be loosened by rotating the entire clamp in a counterclockwise direction. Due to the second part of this clamp, the first part of this clamp's grip on the eyebolt is not loosened.

Abstract: A self-cleaning hot line clamping device used by electric utilities, having clamps for electrically connecting a line conductor to another piece of electrical equipment such as a second line conductor or tap conductor. At least one of the clamps has a first jaw in the form of a V-shaped recess, and a second jaw to force a line conductor into the recess in wedging contact with the converging surfaces of the recess. The converging surfaces of the recess are serrated to have a wiping action on the line conductor at the contact points so that when the line conductor is forced into the recess surface oxide on the line conductor at the contact points will be removed.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for grounding electrical power lines and the like. The clamp automatically latches itself into a firm gripping relationship with the electrical power line when brought into contact with the power line.

Abstract: A modular adjustable clamp is provided for use in a multi-clamp assembly. The clamp comprises a frame, a clamp interconnection for connecting the frame to a second clamp, and a portion for engaging a cable. The modular clamp can be connected to the second clamp in an adjustable manner such that various sizes of cable can be clamped with various distances between the cables. A system may also be provided for stabily connecting at least two multi-clamp assemblies for use in attaching a connector to the cables.