With Support Track For Receiving Plural Insulating Blocks Or Boards Patents (Class 439/716)
  • Patent number: 9640342
    Abstract: A system has an electronics housing and a grounding contact assembly for electromechanical switchgear that can be mounted on a mounting rail, wherein the grounding contact assembly can be mounted in the electronics housing. The base region of the electronics housing faces a mounting rail, is provided with an externally accessible mounting duct for a grounding contact that can be mounted in the duct, and contacts the mounting rail in a spring-leaded manner. The contact part has a blade contact at one end and at the other end a terminal receiving part which is angled perpendicularly to the first free end of the blade contact and is designed as a detent pin. The grounding contact assembly can be pushed into the mounting duct irrespective of the position of the electronics housing on the mounting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Knoerrchen, Stephan Stanke, Ulrike Radermacher
  • Patent number: 9640878
    Abstract: A terminal block arrangement includes a housing and a plurality of connection terminals, each connection terminal including at least one terminal unit for contacting at least one conductor, which can be received on the connection terminal, and at least one associated actuation unit for actuating the terminal unit in order to selectively transfer the terminal unit between at least two positions. At least one of the positions is an open position and at least one of the positions is a contact position. The terminal block arrangement also includes a blocking device, wherein, in a blocking position, the blocking device is capable of preventing, jointly, the actuation of the actuation units of at least two of the plurality of connection terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Jochen Mestars
  • Patent number: 9607783
    Abstract: A switch device structure includes at least one contact seat having a first end wall, a second end wall, two sidewalls, an upper section and a bottom section to together define a cavity for arranging a contact assembly. Each of the first and second end walls of the contact seat has a protruding assembling section and an oblique socket directed to the assembling section. The switch device structure includes a contact support equipped with a fixing board. The contact support is formed with latch sections detachably latched with the assembling sections. An operator can use a tool to directly pass through the oblique socket to unlatch the latch section from the assembling section to quickly install/uninstall the contact seat and the contact support. This solves the problem of the conventional switch device that it is troublesome and time-consuming to install/uninstall the contact seat and the contact support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Switchlab Inc., Switchlab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Wu, Wu Yi Tsai
  • Patent number: 9601844
    Abstract: What is described is: a spring-loaded connection terminal (3) comprising a busbar piece (5) which has a base surface (6) and side walls (7) emerging laterally from the base surface (6). Mutually opposite side walls (7) delimit a receiving area (35) on both sides. The spring-loaded connection terminal (3) has a terminal arrangement for the terminal connection of an electrical conductor at an associated clamping point with at least one clamping spring (8), which is operatively connected to the busbar piece (5). At least one current bar (25, 25a, 25b) which is separate from the busbar piece (5) is introduced into the receiving area (35) of the busbar piece (5) and arranged in the receiving area (35) so as to form a clamping surface for the terminal connection of an electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: WAGO VERWALTUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Stephan Gassauer, Jan Steussloff
  • Patent number: 9553406
    Abstract: A wire connection terminal structure includes a seat body and a conductive clip disposed therein. One end of the seat body has an extending side and a recessed side and a slope formed between the extending side and the recessed side. The conductive clip has a holding mouth. The slope is formed with a wire plug-in opening aligned with the holding mouth. A wire plug-in protection wall is formed on an edge of the recessed side. The wire plug-in protection wall protrudes in a direction as an extending direction of the extending side. The slope and the wire plug-in protection wall define a recessed configuration on the end of the seat body. The wire plug-in protection wall on the outer edge of the wire plug-in opening provides a shielding and guidance effect so that the conductive wire can be easily aimed at and plugged into the wire plug-in opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: Switchlab Inc., Switchlab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Wu, Shao-Te Chang
  • Patent number: 9545027
    Abstract: An electronic device is detachably mounted on a DIN rail. The DIN rail includes a first protruding edge and a second protruding edge. The electronic device includes a main body and two clips. The two clips are movably disposed on the main body. Each clip includes a base and an extension part. The base includes a notch. The notch is selectively engaged with or disengaged from the first protruding edge or the second protruding edge. The extension part is connected with the base and extended from the base. The extension part includes a double-bevel bulge and an elastic extension arm. The elastic extension arm is located beside the double-bevel bulge. A free end of the elastic extension arm has an engaging part. The notches of the two clips are engaged with or disengaged from the first protruding edge and the second protruding edge, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Tzu-Tsung Chiang
  • Patent number: 9478874
    Abstract: A spring-loaded terminal connection (1) comprising at least one clamping spring (2), which is bent in the form of a loop, and comprising a busbar (9) is described. The clamping spring (2) has a resting limb (6), which rests on the busbar (9), a spring bend (5), which adjoins the resting limb (6), and a clamping limb (3), which adjoins the spring bend (5) and points with a free clamping end (4) in the direction of the busbar (9). The resting limb (6) has at least one notch (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: WAGO Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Henry Stolze
  • Patent number: 9420719
    Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device having a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other device, an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry and a terminal block mount surface, and a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the terminal block mount surface of the I/O module. The terminal block mount surface has a width that is greater than a corresponding width of the terminal block such that a portion of the terminal block mount surface extends beyond the terminal block, said portion of the terminal block mount surface extending beyond the terminal block including at least one vent for permitting the flow of air through the I/O module and along the terminal block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Ctr. Pte., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon Seng Kang
  • Patent number: 9374924
    Abstract: A mounting enclosure assembly configured to mount an electronic component onto a DIN rail. The mounting enclosure assembly includes a mounting bracket having a slot configured to receive the DIN rail therein. The mounting enclosure assembly further includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively engage the DIN rail. The locking mechanism includes a release button and a protrusion positioned proximate the slot and configured to releasably engage a first flange of the DIN rail. The locking mechanism further includes a first hinged armature connected to the release button and the first protrusion, wherein the first protrusion is configured to disengage the first flange of the DIN rail when the release button is depressed. Other embodiments of the mounting enclosure assembly, as well as methods directed to the mounting enclosure assembly, are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: David Boretti
  • Patent number: 9353777
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching and detaching a device to and from a DIN rail, the apparatus includes a housing carrier with a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly including one or more operator links, the one or more operator links rotatable relative to the housing carrier about a pivot, and the coupling assembly includes at least one DIN rail catch. The operator links have a first position in which the at least one DIN rail catch is in a first coupled position, and the operator links have a second position in which the at least one DIN rail catch is in a second uncoupled position. The operator links are operable to move the at least one DIN rail catch from the first coupled position to the second uncoupled position when the operator link is rotated about the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sal Eminovic, Jeffrey Annis
  • Patent number: 9303811
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame configured to hold an electronic device. A back side of the frame includes a plurality of clips which are configured to receive a mounting rail. One or more retractable levers are attached at a first portion of each clip to prevent movement of the frame along the mounting rail. The frame includes a plurality of mounting apertures that are configured to receive the electronic device based on a plurality of mounting configurations. The frame is configured to attach onto the mounting rail via the clips in various orientations selected from the plurality of mounting configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Lutz, Jr., Mark Feldmeyer, Lwin O. Tint, Justin X. Hower, Jason R. Hess
  • Patent number: 9306298
    Abstract: A terminal block including at least one housing for a connection terminal, the housing extending at least partly within a volume delimited by: a first plane transverse to two side planes delimiting the insulating body, substantially parallel to a general direction joining a first end and a second end of a fastening member, and passing through a connecting area of the fastening member, and a second plane transverse to the two side planes delimiting the insulating body, substantially parallel to the first plane and passing through a connecting area of the rear face, at least a third plane transverse to the two side planes delimiting the insulating body, substantially transverse to the first plane and to the second plane, and passing through the furthest elastic branch of the fastening means intended to interact with an edge of the support rail, and at least a fourth plane transverse to the two side planes delimiting the insulating body, substantially transverse to the first plane and to the second plane, and pa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Philippe France, Romain Villard
  • Patent number: 9059539
    Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system includes a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other I/O device, an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry, a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the base portion, and an ejection device configured to eject the I/O module or the terminal block from the base portion by pushing the I/O module or the terminal block out of engagement with the base portion when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Bodmann, David S. Wehrle, Joseph G. Vazach, Robert J. Kretschmann, Nathan J. Molnar, Gregg M. Sichner
  • Patent number: 9055688
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning status indicators on a terminal block of an I/O device by locating the status indicators directly adjacent to or integrated directly within their respective terminals on the terminal block. The status indicators are illuminated by LEDs or other light emitters disposed within a housing of the I/O device. Light from the LEDs are directed to the status indicators by light pipes disposed within the housing of the I/O device. LED activation circuitry disposed within the housing determines a manner in which to activate the LEDs to illuminate the status indicators based on inputs and outputs between the I/O device and a controlled process. In certain embodiments, the status indicators are disposed on a raised section of the I/O device, which may be part of a removable LED indication assembly including the LEDs, light pipes, and LED activation circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan J. Molnar, David S. Wehrle, Douglas R. Bodmann, Robert J. Kretschmann, Joseph G. Vazach, Gregg M. Sichner, Terence S. Tenorio
  • Patent number: 9039460
    Abstract: A terminal block arrangement includes a plurality of generally rectangular terminal blocks having vertical parallel side walls, vertical end walls, and horizontal top and bottom walls, a connecting arrangement connecting said terminal blocks in contiguous side-by-side stacked relation, thereby to define a terminal block assembly in which at least portions of the terminal block top and bottom walls are exposed, and a fastening arrangement for fastening the bottom portion of the terminal block assembly to a fixed support. In a first embodiment, the fastening arrangement includes vertically displaceable end support members arranged at each end of the terminal block assembly, each support member having pairs of support feet arranged for connection with the fixed support. In a second embodiment, an adapter plate is secured to the fixed support, and the terminal block assembly is fastened to the adapter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Hackemack, Joerg Richts, Bernhard Jaschke, Roetger Sander
  • Patent number: 9033746
    Abstract: A rail-based fastening structure for terminal blocks includes a fastening clip, a positioning rail and a bus body. The fastening clip has a base plate and two side plates each extending upward from the base plate and having an engaging hook. The positioning rail includes a bottom plate and two tracks extending upward and then outward from two opposite sides of the bottom plate, so that the bottom plate and the tracks define a valley. The bottom plate has an opening. The bus body deposited in the valley has a slot and two shoulder portions. The shoulder portions are positioned at two sides of the slot and extend toward the slot. The fastening clip is inserted into the opening through the slot so that the engaging hooks engage with the shoulder portions, respectively. Thereby, the rail-based fastening structure allows quick and convenient mounting/dismounting operation, low manufacturing costs and firm installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DINKLE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shang Tsai Wu
  • Patent number: 8986033
    Abstract: An electrical module includes a rectangular carrier frame adapted for vertical transverse mounting on a horizontal support rail, a housing for mounting an electrical component in an open-top chamber contained in the carrier frame, and a rectangular electrical connector mounted on and extending across the upper end of the carrier frame, thereby to enclose the component and afford electrical connection with upper terminals thereof. The connector is pivotally connected at one end with the carrier frame for displacement between open and closed positions, and a fastener device serves to lock the connector in the closed position to the carrier frame. Alternatively, the ends of the connector are removably fastened to the carrier frame. Lower terminals of the component are connected with lower contacts arranged at the bottom of the chamber for connection with corresponding lower contacts of adjacent modules mounted in stacked relation on the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Timo Berger, Stephan Fehling, Georg Kulturidi, Daniela Luecke-Janssen, Matthias Niggemann, Klaus Pueschner, Michael Schnatwinkel, Ralf Schumacher, Klaus Wohlgemuth, Gordon Opitz
  • Patent number: 8961208
    Abstract: An electric through-wall terminal having a housing and a contact device, at which a plug zone is provided for accommodating a test- and/or connection plug. A first conductor terminal is provided which is connected with a first contact unit of the contact device. A second conductor terminal is connected with a second contact unit of the contact device. The housing comprises plug-in apertures on two sides from each of which a test- and/or connection plug can be inserted into the plug zone for contacting the first and second contact units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Harry Bentler, Thorsten Diessel, Torsten Schloo
  • Patent number: 8911267
    Abstract: Container for electrical/electronic circuits, comprising an insulating body (110) having internally at least one central space (111) for receiving a printed circuit (2), and a side closing cover (3), at least one female seat (120) extending outwards in the longitudinal direction (X-X) in between the opposite top part and bottom part of the body (110), and a pin (201) which forms part of a conducting element (200) for electrically connecting together the connector (1) and the printed circuit (2) being arranged coaxially inside the said engaging seat (120), said pin (201) having a fold (201b) extending in the transverse direction (Y-Y) and integral with an edge (202b) of a first flat body (202) of the connector (200) parallel to the longitudinal direction (X-X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Morsettitalia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Pizzi
  • Patent number: 8900018
    Abstract: A plug connector system for a plug connection between electrical conductors, wherein the plug connector system accommodates plug modules with electrical contacts contained therein. The plug modules are first inserted into a region of a holding frame. A plug insert may be arranged in the holding frame and locked in place, and then subsequently slid 90° sideways in the holding frame and held in place. The holding frame is designed as a self-supporting part of the plug connector system, for the purpose of accommodating the plug modules, and can provide protection from external influences by means of a surrounding housing. The plug modules can be inserted into the holding frames from both sides, meaning in the direction in which the connection is made, or also in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Riepe, Martin Schmidt, Nicole Spilker
  • Patent number: 8801442
    Abstract: A device for positioning at least one multiple round plug on a profiled support, including an adapter with a plurality of external functional surfaces wherein a first functional surface having latch-type profiles is provided for snap fastening the adapter onto the profiled support, and a further functional surface, offset from the first functional surface is provided with a retaining device for releasable attachment of the housing of a round plug. The adapter includes at least one space which is open toward at least one external functional surface and through which flexible cables can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: LQ Mechatronik-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Jose Quero, Steffen Lentmaier, Mike Wenzel
  • Patent number: 8740654
    Abstract: A flexible organizational connect is shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible receiver assembly for receiving an interchangeable test adapter for a mass interconnect device. Typically, the flexible receiver assembly includes an integral structural unit and an interchangeable connection assembly. In other embodiments, a mass interconnect device includes an interchangeable test adapter and a flexible receiver assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Philip Anthony Sedberry, Jr., David Mark Wilson, Donald Wayne Helton, Christopher John Boggs, James Alan Hall, Glen Christopherson
  • Patent number: 8715017
    Abstract: A terminal block for mounting on a DIN rail includes a plurality of stacked modules with each module having a contact body and an extender body mounted on the contact body. A circuit board or electronic component is mounted on the contact body and the extender body. Different size extender bodies may be mounted on a common contact body to accommodate mounting different size circuit boards or components on the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Lee Barber, Michael Anthony Correll, Michael Brauns
  • Patent number: 8668530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector system for a plug connection between electrical conductors, wherein the plug connector system accommodates plug modules with electrical contacts contained therein, wherein said plug modules are first inserted laterally into a region of a holding frame, wherein a plug insert is arranged in the same and locked in place, and then subsequently slid 90° sideways in the holding frame and held in place. The housing frame is designed as a self-supporting part of the plug connector system, for the purpose of accommodating the plug modules, and can provide protection from external influences by means of a surrounding housing. In addition, in contrast to conventional arrangements used to date in plug connectors, the plug modules can be inserted into the holding frames from both sides, meaning in the direction in which the connection is made, or also in the opposite direction, and can be removed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Riepe, Martin Schmidt, Nicole Spilker
  • Patent number: 8647157
    Abstract: A modular electrical assembly adapted to be electrically connected to at least one other modular assembly by means of a connecting jumper. The assembly includes a storage structure for storing the connecting jumper associated with the assembly. A method of electrically connecting a modular electrical assembly to at least one other modular electrical assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Mei Sing Gan, Chee Yeong Ya
  • Patent number: 8647158
    Abstract: A cam pin provided so as to project from a tip portion of an elastic tongue piece formed on a base unit of a protector S is inserted into a cam groove of a cam member disposed between the base unit and an operation member, and the operation member is moved in a direction in which the operation member moves away from or closer to a lower horizontal portion of the base unit to move the cam member, thus moving the cam pin between a locked position at which the cam pin a is positioned near a boundary between a inclined groove portion and a parallel groove portion of the cam groove of the cam member to inhibit the protector from being disengaged from a DIN rail and a unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sankosha Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kawabata
  • Patent number: 8602816
    Abstract: A connector device for electronic modules including a housing, i.e., in automation systems, having a termination panel with plug-in locations for wiring, wherein the termination panel is pivotally guidable onto the electronic module, and wherein the connector device is pivotable to a pre-wiring position outside the housing to provide access to the plug-in locations of the termination panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Donhauser, Gennadij Drehmann
  • Patent number: 8597063
    Abstract: A modular electrical assembly adapted to be electrically connected to at least one other modular assembly by means of a connecting jumper. The assembly includes a storage structure for storing the connecting jumper associated with the assembly. A method of electrically connecting a modular electrical assembly to at least one other modular electrical assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Mei Sing Gan, Chee Yeong Ya
  • Patent number: 8576579
    Abstract: A mounting and fixing apparatus for analog-to-digital electrical equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a mounting rail (11), an electrical equipment-insulated pedestal (12) and a stop element (16). By translation and locking of the stop element (16) mounted on the electrical equipment-insulated pedestal (12), the dimension of the opening mounting and fixing the electric equipment to the mounting rail (11) may be manually varied or locked, which greatly improves the firmness and stability for mounting the electric equipment, and thereby realizing convenient mounting and dismounting of the electric equipment or convenient movement or rearrangement of the electric equipment in the mounting rail (11), and enhancing the interchangeability and compatibility for coordination and mounting of the electric equipment to the mounting rail (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xianfeng Wang, Gang Yan
  • Publication number: 20130225012
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution housing (100) has an elongate opening (104) intended to allow the adapters/plugs (1400) to be inserted to receive electrical power at any point along the housing. A springleaf assembly (300) is mounted adjacent to the elongate opening (104) and extend to close the elongate opening (104) during a non-use situation. A safety grounding plate (200) is mounted on top of the springleaf assembly (300). Power conductors comprising multiple clips (402) are mounted conductor compartments (102) within the housing (100). When an adapter/plug (1400) is inserted into the housing (100) through the elongate opening (104), limbs (1001) will force the corresponding springleaf (301) to open by flexing it onto a springleaf profile (101). The adapter/plug (1400) rotates to “closed” position to slide a contact (807) into engagement with a corresponding contact (402) of the power conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Lip-Sing Leng, It-Seng Leng
  • Publication number: 20130217276
    Abstract: An electric through-wall terminal having a housing and a contact device, at which a plug zone is provided for accommodating a test- and/or connection plug. A first conductor terminal is provided which is connected with a first contact unit of the contact device. A second conductor terminal is connected with a second contact unit of the contact device. The housing comprises plug-in apertures on two sides from each of which a test- and/or connection plug can be inserted into the plug zone for contacting the first and second contact units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Harry Bentler, Thorsten Diessel, Torsten Schloo
  • Patent number: 8496488
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and a cover. The housing can include a surface to receive a terminal block to transmit power to an electrical component. A shroud to be inserted within the electrical component can extend away from the housing surface. The cover can have an end for hingedly attaching to the housing. Another cover end can be configured to releasably lock to the housing. The housing and the cover can have notches. The cover is pivotable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover and the housing together form an enclosure for the terminal block, and the notches of the housing and the cover cooperatively define passageways configured to receive external wires to connect to the terminal block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Don Grimm, Edward John Kliewer, Kwok Keung Lee, Sam David Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8480441
    Abstract: A connection member and a lead terminal seat structure with the connection member including a terminal seat and a connection member. The connection member has a first edge and a second edge, which are formed with alternately arranged depression sections and protrusion sections. The terminal seat has a recess formed with ridge sections and through sections in adjacency to the ridge sections. The ridge sections and the through sections are arranged corresponding to the depression sections and protrusion sections of the connection member with the connection member received in the recess of the terminal seat with the depression sections and the protrusion sections insert-connected with the ridge sections and the through sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Switchlab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Wu, Meng-Yew Tasi
  • Patent number: 8460038
    Abstract: A modular terminal having a terminal housing, a busbar, and two terminal elements for connecting two conductors to the busbar. Two functional slots are formed at both connecting ends in the terminal housing. The first functional slot provides a first connection possibility for a first test socket or a test plug, and, the second functional slot provides a second connection possibility for a fixed link or a jumper. In order to be able to mount the testing and switching equipment in a simple and flexible manner in the modular terminal, an additional third functional slot is formed at both connecting ends in the terminal housing, a third connection possibility corresponding to the third functional slot is formed at both connecting ends in the busbar, and the connection possibilities in the busbar are openings into which test sockets, test plugs, fixed links, or jumpers can be alternatively plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Eisert, Heinz Reibke, Norbert Hoemann, Carsten Pollmann, Dirk Goerlitzer, Harry Bentler
  • Patent number: 8298018
    Abstract: A multi-phase cross connection link for carrying potential between at least two switching devices modularly connected on a support member, each switching device having connector holders for accepting the potential, includes a conductor rail associated with each phase and disposed in a housing, the housing being made of insulation material and extending in a lengthwise direction. A plurality of tabs is associated with the conductor rail, the tabs extending outward in a comb-like manner in a shared plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the housing. The plurality of tabs is arranged next to each other in a sequence having a row distance that corresponds to a first grid distance of the connector holders of the switching device. At least one end, relative to the lengthwise extending, of the cross connection link has incoming contact openings leading to the conductor rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Knoerrchen, Stephan Stanke, Jan Karol Nowak
  • Patent number: 8167663
    Abstract: The power connector includes a plug assembly and a casing with a plug seat. The plug seat is formed with a room. There is a pair of rails in the room. Two electrode pins are separately mounted in the rails with exposed flexible contact portions. The plug assembly is provided with two plug pins and a pair of troughs corresponding to the two rails. Each of the plug pins has a conduction portion protruding from the troughs for making an electric connection with the flexible contact portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chyi-Lang Lai, Yen-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 8092237
    Abstract: An electrical coupling bar is described. The coupling bar includes an electrically insulating support with two parallel grooves and metallic strips engaged in the grooves. The metallic strips project out of the grooves with opposite interior faces delimiting a free engagement space. Further, the other surfaces of metallic strips of the coupling bar are covered for protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Francis Geiser, Michel Braillard, Grégory Crausaz
  • Patent number: 8062061
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism for fastening a detachable electronic device onto a DIN rail includes a frame, a first slab member and a first resilient element. The frame includes a base, a first extension part and a second extension part. The first extension part and the second extension part are arranged at bilateral sides of the base. A first perforation is formed between the first extension part and the base. The first slab member is movable along the bottom surface of the first extension part and has an end penetrating through the first perforation to be disposed over the base. The first resilient element is coupled to the first slab member and exerts a clamping force for claming a first extending edge of the DIN rail between the first slab member and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Thailand) Public Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Choo Soo Lim, Chaisri Phumchai
  • Patent number: 8033873
    Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a communications or data patch cable used to conduct a signal between computing or telecommunications devices. The invention provides a physical indication of the location of an opposite end of a given patch cable when a switching means on the first end of the same cable is activated. The invention utilizes an existing pair of wires in category-type cables to send a DC voltage when activated to illuminate a light emitting diode in the opposite end of a patch cable thereby providing an immediate indication of the location of the termination of the opposite end of a patch cable making it possible to visually identify a cable without removing the cable from service or from connection of the modular plugs on either end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Link Light Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Ankerstjerne
  • Patent number: 8011951
    Abstract: Rail mounting apparatus including a base having a mount surface including at least one tab for mounting a first edge of the rail relative to the mount surface, a side surface including a guide clip, and a connector guide slot extending from the side surface; a mounting clip including: a body slidingly mounted in the guide clip, a rail engaging member at a first end of the body for engaging a second edge of the rail, a connector mount at a second end of the body; and a connector extending through the guide slot and received in the connector mount of the mounting clip, wherein coupling of the connector to the connector mount slidingly moves the mounting clip in the guide clip to engage the rail engaging member with the second edge of the rail and hold the second edge of the rail relative to the mount surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Todd Moore, Ryan Richard Tenga
  • Publication number: 20110177724
    Abstract: An electrical conducting part including a body including a cross-section substantially in the form of an overturned “U” having a longitudinal base, wherein at least one end of the body includes a longitudinal extension with an upwards fold, and a vertical flank, wherein the body defines at least one first opening elongated in the transverse direction and at least first elastic lugs extending in the vertical direction and integral with the flanks of the “U” and arranged in the longitudinal direction opposite each opening in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Morsettitalia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Pizzi
  • Patent number: 7980902
    Abstract: An electrical terminal block whose base has four or more lugs projecting downwardly from a generally flat under-surface for locking the block against a fixed support having edges which are co-planar, in a plane parallel to the block's undersurface; at least two of the lugs being formed with opposed channels, each open at one side for receiving and laterally abutting against one of two corresponding oppositely-extending edges of the fixed support so as to lock the block against the support, at least two others of the lugs being stops for laterally abutting corresponding edges of the fixed support; whereby the block may be fixed to the support by resting its undersurface against the block and twisting it in the plane of the undersurface until all the lugs are in abutment against the corresponding edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Apollo Fine Detectors Limited
    Inventor: Alan Capaldi-Tallon
  • Patent number: 7938690
    Abstract: A mounting plate includes a first fixing device for an electrical device and a second fixing device for a top-hat shaped mounting rail having a first offset support flange and a second offset support flange. The second fixing device includes a first holder and a second holder each having a contact portion and each being disposed mirror-symmetrically about a longitudinal axis of the mounting plate on a rear surface of the mounting plate. The second fixing device further includes an abutment opposite the first and second holders, and a metal projection configured to clamp at least one of the first and second offset support flanges against the contact portions of the first and second holders. The projection is configured to deform upon clamping of the at least one of the offset support flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Henkel, Helmut Eusterholz
  • Publication number: 20110062011
    Abstract: A modular terminal that has a terminal housing, a busbar composed of two sections, two terminal elements for connecting a conductor to each section of the busbar, and an isolating blade which is pivotally mounted in the terminal housing. The two sections are interconnected in a first position of the isolating blade while being disconnected from each other in a second position of the isolating blade. The ends of the sections of the busbar which face away from the terminal elements are bent in such a way that the end of the first section of the busbar contacts the isolating blade in an upper contact zone while the end of the second section (4) of the busbar contacts the isolating blade in a lower contact zone in the first position of the isolating blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Carsten Pollmann
  • Publication number: 20110059658
    Abstract: A modular terminal having a terminal housing, a busbar, and two terminal elements for connecting two conductors to the busbar. Two functional slots are formed at both connecting ends in the terminal housing. The first functional slot provides a first connection possibility for a first test socket or a test plug, and, the second functional slot provides a second connection possibility for a fixed link or a jumper. In order to be able to mount the testing and switching equipment in a simple and flexible manner in the modular terminal, an additional third functional slot is formed at both connecting ends in the terminal housing, a third connection possibility corresponding to the third functional slot is formed at both connecting ends in the busbar, and the connection possibilities in the busbar are openings into which test sockets, test plugs, fixed links, or jumpers can be alternatively plugged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Eisert, Heinz Reibke, Norbert Hoemann, Carsten Pollmann, Dirk Goerlitzer, Harry Bentler
  • Patent number: 7887340
    Abstract: A fixing structure of a relay connector includes: a guide block fixed to a lower portion of the relay connector; a movable support shaft movable in a first direction perpendicular to a second direction which is parallel to an axial direction of the coaxial connector; lock plates provided at both ends of the movable support shaft; a fixing operating lever provided inside the guide block so as to swing around a lever support shaft and provided with a cam part; and a rail member provided with a pair of slide parts, the guide block inserted between the slide parts. When the fixing operating lever is swung to be tilted to one side, the upper and lower surfaces of the slide parts are clamped and fixed between the side parts of the lower portion of the relay connector and the lock plates. When the fixing operating lever is swung to be tilted to the other side, the relay connector can move in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yokowo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Suzuki, Ryoichi Hirako
  • Patent number: 7871276
    Abstract: An electrical coupling bar is described. The coupling bar includes an electrically insulating support with two parallel grooves and metallic strips engaged in the grooves. The metallic strips project out of the grooves with opposite interior faces delimiting a free engagement space. The coupling bar further includes metallic strip protection means covering the other faces of the metallic strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: Francis Geiser, Michel Braillard, Grégory Crausaz
  • Publication number: 20100304602
    Abstract: An automation appliance includes a terminal module, in which a function module that is plugged into the terminal module, the automation device being suitable for modular extension by arranging in a row further terminal modules. The terminal module comprises a first holding device for holding the function module, a second holding device including a first contact device for holding a connecting module which has a second contact device, where a supply voltage for the function module is passable through the connecting module, and where a voltage monitoring device for monitoring the supply voltage is integrated in the function module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Michael Bräunlich, Michael Chowaniec, Stefan Dausend
  • Patent number: 7806719
    Abstract: A module having terminals for actuators and sensors includes a lower portion having at least one recess configured to receive a shape-coded ribbon cable, and an upper housing portion configured to receive a circuit board and to be disposed on the lower portion via a fastening device. The module further including a guidance device configured to cooperate with the first and second longitudinal sides of the upper housing portion so that the upper housing portion is guidable into an initial fastening position. Further, at least one of the upper housing portion and the lower portion include a contact device having at least one contact pin configured to at least partially penetrate the shape-coded ribbon cable when the shape-coded ribbon cable is received in the at least one recess so as to contact with the plurality of conductors when the upper housing portion is fastened to the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Beier, Bernd Behling
  • Patent number: 7775806
    Abstract: A printed circuit board arrangement and method includes a planar generally-rectangular vertically-arranged printed circuit board having front and rear surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, at least one of the front and rear surfaces having a conductive printed circuit thereon. The printed circuit board has a vertical side edge portion containing a recess, and arranged adjacent the recess is a fixed contact connected with a conductor portion of the printed circuit. A relatively narrow conductor housing arranged outside the peripheral edge of the printed circuit board is mounted in the recess with a movable contact carried by the housing in electrical engagement with the fixed contact. The connector housing is supported by a rear wall mounted on the rear surface of the printed circuit board, and by a resilient clip on the connector housing that engages the printed circuit board adjacent the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Heggemann, Jens Oesterhaus, Matthias Boensch, Matthias Niggemann, Michael Lenschen, Stephan Fehling, Torsten Diekmann