With Support Track For Receiving Plural Insulating Blocks Or Boards Patents (Class 439/716)
  • Publication number: 20100203774
    Abstract: A wire form rail adapter for use in connecting an electrical component to a mounting rail includes a wire form spring clip that is formed to provide both a connection portion and a spring portion. The connection portion is configured to selectively engage the mounting rail and retain the rail against the rail adapter. The spring portion is configured to provide a biasing force that urges the wire form spring clip toward a position in which the connection portion engages the mounting rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Raymond LANNING, Roger William HELMS
  • Patent number: 7753739
    Abstract: An electrical terminal block, especially for locking onto a mounting rail, has a plurality of adjacent base terminals and connectors. Each base terminal has a terminal housing, with at least one conductor terminal element and at least one receptacle electrically connected to the conductor terminal element or at least two interconnected receptacles. The individual connectors have a connector housing, with at least one conductor terminal element and a plug-in contact electrically connected to the conductor terminal element. The individual connectors can be plugged onto the individual terminal housings. Reliable mechanical fixing of the connectors on the base terminals is ensured since each outer side of the base terminals has a fixing device on the terminal housing. Sides of adjacent connectors have a fixing cover with a fixing mechanism corresponding to the fixing device, so that the connectors can be mechanically connected to the fixing base terminals via the fixing covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harry Bentler, Michael Strato, Thorsten Diessel, Heinz Reibke, Carsten Pollmann, Heinz Pannek
  • Patent number: 7704102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (1) having a housing, with attachment means for attachment of the housing to a mounting rail (4) being arranged on the lower face of the housing, and with at least one connection for telecommunications and/or data cables being arranged in the housing, in which case the housing is formed in at least two parts and comprises an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) which are latched to one another, with the attachment means for the mounting rail (4) being arranged on the lower part (3) and the upper part (2) having at least one holder (23) for the connection (34) with the lower part (3) being formed with at least one bearing and the upper part (2) being formed with a corresponding bearing holder via which the upper part (2) is attached to the lower part (3) such that it can pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventor: Ferenc Nad
  • Patent number: 7690952
    Abstract: A connecting module (1) having a insulating-material housing (2), at least one conductor connecting terminal (7) which is fitted into the insulating-material housing (2) and is accessible via an associated conductor insertion opening in the insulating-material housing (2) in order to hold an electrical conductor, and having at least one busbar bar (3), which is electrically connected to one or more associated conductor connecting terminals (7), is in the form of a round bar and is laid in associated channels (4) in the insulating-material housing (2) is described. At least one busbar bar (3) is angled and has a first connecting section (5, 9) which contains a free end and extends at an angle to a direction section (8) which extends to the connecting section (5, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: WAGO Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Hans-Josef Koellmann, Konrad Stromiedel, Lars Binner
  • Patent number: 7674129
    Abstract: A clamping device for a DIN rail is provided, in which a positioning blade spring is fixed on a base, a first positioning component and a second positioning component are disposed on a sliding element, and the sliding element moves relative to the base, so that the positioning blade spring is enabled to move from the second positioning component to the first positioning component for being fixed and positioned, so as to solve the problems of the prior art that the clamping device cannot be easily detached from the DIN rail and is easily damaged, thereby achieving the technique efficacies of simplifying the process of detaching the clamping device from the DIN rail and facilitating detaching the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Moxa Inc.
    Inventor: Chih Hsiung Liu
  • Patent number: 7666005
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a planar vertical printed circuit board includes a housing having a pair of parallel space planar vertical side walls defining an open-topped vertical chamber in which the printed circuit board is mounted. First electrical connectors mounted on the vertical end edges of the printed circuit board include body portions that extend outward beyond the vertical edges of the side walls, which extending body portions contain access openings affording communication with first connector contacts in electrical engagement with the printed circuit board. Protective side cover members are fastened to the housing side walls to partially enclose the extending connector body portions, which cover members contain openings opposite the connector body access openings. The cover members contain ventilation openings for cooling the printed circuit board, and the housing includes a mounting foot arrangement for mounting the printed circuit board assembly on a support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Heggemann, Jens Oesterhaus, Matthias Boensch, Matthias Niggemann, Michael Lenschen, Stephan Fehling, Torsten Diekmann
  • Patent number: 7666037
    Abstract: An electrical series terminal with a terminal housing, with two conductor connecting elements located in it, and with two current busses, first end regions of which are each assigned to a conductor connecting element and second end regions of which together form an elastic contact region for accommodating the contact plug of a test plug. In the electrical series terminal, when the test plug is inserted into the test opening, elastic contact legs of the second end regions are bent back relative to one another and which together form a second elastic contact region for holding the contact plug of a test plug. The second contact region in the insertion direction is located in front of the first contact region so that an inserted contact plug first makes contact with the second contact region and only upon further insertion with the first contact region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thorsten Diessel
  • Patent number: 7575484
    Abstract: A multi-contact connector case may be configured on a support. The case may include a case body including at least one fastener portion configured to co-operate with the support when the case is mounted on the support; at least one bolt element movable relative to the case body between an unlocked position and a locked position in which the bolt element presses against the support when the case is mounted on the support, the bolt element moving closer to the fastener portion of the case body on passing from the unlocked position toward the locked position; and at least one resilient return member configured to move the bolt element from the unlocked position toward the locked position, the bolt element including at least one elastically deformable tab configured to press against a first abutment of the case body when the bolt element is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Radiall
    Inventors: Marnix Van Der Mee, Bernard Van Den Meersschaut, Stephane Moyon
  • Patent number: 7549878
    Abstract: Retention of replaceable subassemblies, with automatic forced disconnection. The invention relates to a terminal module 1 for locking a subassembly or a PS module 2 on the terminal module in a way that satisfies safety requirements. The subassembly 2 is hinged onto the terminal module 1. The terminal module 1 has a sliding catch 3 for fixing the subassembly 2 on the terminal module 1. Disconnection of electrical contacts is guaranteed during the hinging-on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Brada, Michael Bräunlich
  • Patent number: 7540790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-fixing device on electrical installation equipment, in particular, on a power breaker, residual current circuit breaker, or similar, for clipping the same to a standard profile rail in particular a top-hat rail, whereby the electrical installation equipment comprises a recess on the fixing side with a fixed lug arranged on a wall of the recess and a moving lug permanently pressed inwards against a spring force in the direction of a wall, said lug engaging in the assembled state behind the longitudinal edge of the free arm of the top-hat rail. The sprung lug is moulded to a bar, connected in one-piece to the installation equipment by at least one sprung connector web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Weber, Steffen Weingärtner, Klaus-Peter Eppe
  • Patent number: 7524214
    Abstract: Electrical connection devices and systems for the electrical interconnection of systems and components within an aerospace vehicle, such as a production airplane, are disclosed. A typical quick lock interconnect comprises a manually installed and coupled modular electrical connector. The connector receptacles may be designed to “snap” onto a structural support, such as a stamped and formed or extruded rail, providing an inherent electrical ground path. A typical quick lock production interconnect may be fabricated from thermoplastic materials and plated with a metallic finish to provide for electrical bonding and shielding. The connector device may also include a novel slide latch coupling mechanism that provides a positive visual indication of a fully coupled connector eliminating the need for specialized tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Johnson, Gregory D. Gessell, Marnix van der Mee
  • Patent number: 7522428
    Abstract: Electric device, designed to be attached to a mounting rail, comprising a body fitted with means for locking onto the rail comprising at least one lug that can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position, designed to interact with a first edge of the rail, the lug being subjected to the action of an elastic element placed in a housing of the body and pressing on the latter and on the movable lug, wherein the elastic element is of elongated shape, substantially rectilinear in a rest position, the housing comprising an opening for the insertion of the elastic element, placed substantially along the same axis as that of the elastic element in the rest position and leading to the outside of the body, on the lateral face of the body perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventor: Eric Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090088029
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a lug coupler that comprises a set of bus bars. Each of the set of bus bars can be adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker. The system can comprise a set of studs adapted to engage a corresponding set of apertures defined by an end connector of one of a set of electrical leads adapted to be electrically coupled to the lug coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Kristopher Scott Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090068901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (1) having a housing, with attachment means for attachment of the housing to a mounting rail (4) being arranged on the lower face of the housing, and with at least one connection for telecommunications and/or data cables being arranged in the housing, in which case the housing is formed in at least two parts and comprises an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) which are latched to one another, with the attachment means for the mounting rail (4) being arranged on the lower part (3) and the upper part (2) having at least one holder (23) for the connection (34) with the lower part (3) being formed with at least one bearing and the upper part (2) being formed with a corresponding bearing holder via which the upper part (2) is attached to the lower part (3) such that it can pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: ADC GmbH
    Inventor: Ferenc Nad
  • Patent number: 7491084
    Abstract: A connector system includes a plurality of conductor piercing units supported by a frame for vertical displacement between upper disconnected and lower connected positions relative to a plurality of parallel spaced insulated conductors supported in a horizontal plane by a base plate. The piercing units are displaced between said upper and lower positions by operating disks eccentrically mounted for rotation on a horizontal support shaft that extends between an opposed pair of side walls of the frame. The base plate, frame and piercing unit assembly are arranged in an open-topped support housing that is closed by a cover member or lid. Electrical components may by mounted on the lid for connection with the piercing unit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Wedler, Günter Lucht, Joachim Bury, John Witt, Paulo Russo, Peter Stuckmann, Thomas Pieper, Thomas Salomon, Thorsten Diekmann, Uwe Arlitt
  • Patent number: 7491096
    Abstract: A modular terminal block for connecting leads or wires to an electrical body includes a module stack of side-by-side module assemblies and an alignment plate. Each module assembly includes a housing, a number of conductors extending from the housing, and a cover member to cover the conductors. The alignment plate accurately positions the conductors despite variations in housing dimension due to manufacturing tolerances. The housing includes walls supported on both sides when forming part of the module stack. The walls resist deflection of the conductors during installation of the alignment plate and electrical body. Each cover member engages and is held closed by a conductor extending from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Correll
  • Patent number: 7458860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power distribution unit with output power terminals and electrical leads with mating portions connected to extensions of the terminals, with adjacent mating portions and connected extensions offset from one another. Alternatively, an electrical power unit may have one or more power output terminals connected to a corresponding number of power distribution circuits by leads, each lead having a portion parallel to and offset from other adjacent leads in a first direction and another portion parallel to and offset from each adjacent lead in a second direction. The present invention further relates to an output power assembly with inner and outer faces, a first set of terminals on the outer face which are electrically connected to a common conductor along the inner face and a second set of terminals each having individual connectors along the inner face, the individual connectors being offset from each adjacent connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Cabrera, Sergio Cardoza
  • Patent number: 7408766
    Abstract: A power supply system for supplying electrical power to at least one load includes a base plate, a support rail and a power supply module fastened to the base plate, at least one bus bar module, and a rail mounting device for mounting the bus bar module on the support rail. The rail mounting device includes conductor members for supplying power from the power supply module to bus bars contained within the bus bar modules, respectively. A first plug has contacts that engage contacts of each of the bus bars of the bus bar module via access slots contained in the cover member thereof, thereby to supply three-phase power to a load such, as a motor, via a heavy-duty power switch and a circuit breaker that are both mounted on the base plate, and associated second and third connecting plugs. Single-phase power is supplied to an auxiliary load, such as an electrical appliance, from two or more bus bars of the bus bar module via a fourth plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Oesterhaus, Jörg Sheer, Walter Hanning, Daniel Brugger, Max Hufschmid, Paul Hug
  • Patent number: 7374453
    Abstract: Disclosed herein relates to an enclosure-to-rail retaining system. The system includes, a rail that is fastenable to a structure, and an enclosure that is receptive of the rail. The enclosure has a slot therein that intersects a channel therein and is slidably engagable by a clip such that a portion of the clip can extend into the channel to thereby narrow a portion of the channel to a dimension less than a width of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David John Allcock, Hafiz Talukder
  • Patent number: 7351116
    Abstract: A connecting element (1), with a housing (2), with attachment means (3, 4, 5) for attaching the housing (2) to a support rail (9), preferably for attaching a top-hat rail (9), and with two connections (10, 11) in the housing (2) for cables (12, 13), particularly for telecommunication and/or data cables, such that each connection (10, 11) defines the direction of feed (18, 19) for the given cable, and the connections (10, 11) are so positioned that the feed directions (18, 19) for the cables (12, 13) enclose an angle smaller than 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: MC Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Dold
  • Patent number: 7316591
    Abstract: A one-piece holding frame formed of plastic for a plug-type connector, in which several connector modules are arranged adjacent to one another. Several wall segments with window-like openings are formed in the collar-shaped mating side of the holding frame via slots. Two wall segments that lie opposite of one another respectively form a receptacle for one connector module, wherein projections arranged on the connector modules snap into the openings of the holding frame when the connector modules are inserted into the holding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Albert Ferderer
  • Patent number: 7286340
    Abstract: An adapter is for mounting an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, on the back panel of an enclosure, such as a switchgear cabinet. The back panel has at least one aperture. The adapter includes a first end portion coupled at or about the aperture of the back panel, an engaging portion engaging and securing the circuit breaker to the adapter, a fastener, and a second end portion disposed distal from the first end portion and including an elongated slot. The elongated slot receives the fastener in order to couple the adapter to the back panel when the fastener is fastened, while enabling adjustment of the adapter and the circuit breaker coupled thereto, with respect to the back panel, when the fastener is unfastened. The first end portion, the engaging portion and the second end portion form a single piece adapter. An enclosure assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Syed M. Karim, James L. Gehlbach
  • Publication number: 20070238368
    Abstract: A battery pack for an electric appliance has a base body, a locking device for locking the base body to the electric appliance, at least one contact element for producing an electrical contact with the electric appliance, and a contact holding unit for holding the contact element. The locking device and the contact holding unit are fastened to the base body by means of a shared fastening module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel Hirt
  • Patent number: 7234961
    Abstract: An electrical connector arrangement taps off electrical current from a plurality of coplanar parallel input insulated conductors and supplies the same to a plurality of output conductors, respectively. A rectangular base member is provided having a horizontal upper surface that supports a plurality of parallel coplanar longitudinally-extending input conductors, respectively. A pair of pivot members are connected with the ends of the base member for pivotal movement about transverse horizontal pivot axes, respectively. As the pivot members are pivoted from disengaged positions toward engaged positions parallel with and directly above the base member top surface, bifurcated insulation-piercing knives on the pivot members pierce the insulation layers of the insulated conductors and electrically engage the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Arlitt, Paulo Russo, Rainer Schulze, John Witt, Günter Lucht, Joachim Bury, Torsten Diekmann, Andreas Wedler, Thomas Salomon
  • Patent number: 7192316
    Abstract: An electrical connecting terminal with a connecting terminal housing has on its wide side a housing wall and bus bars running one above the other are disposed in the housing configured for connecting conductor connections arranged on opposite sides of the connecting terminal housing. The conductor connections are arranged laterally offset to each other in the longitudinal direction of the bus bars. The bus bars are connectable to each other by mean of an electrical component. To ensure that uncurved plates with the simplest geometry can be used as potential connectors between two bus bars arranged one above the other, at least one bus bar is curved in its course between the conductor connections in the direction of the housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Carsten Pollmann
  • Patent number: 7144280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power distribution unit with output power terminals and electrical leads with mating portions connected to extensions of the terminals, with adjacent mating portions and connected extensions offset from one another. Alternatively, an electrical power unit may have one or more power output terminals connected to a corresponding number of power distribution circuits by leads, each lead having a portion parallel to and offset from other adjacent leads in a first direction and another portion parallel to and offset from each adjacent lead in a second direction. The present invention further relates to an output power assembly with inner and outer faces, a first set of terminals on the outer face which are electrically connected to a common conductor along the inner face and a second set of terminals each having individual connectors along the inner face, the individual connectors being offset from each adjacent connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Cabrera, Sergio Cardoza
  • Patent number: 7066677
    Abstract: A plug-connector body for latching-in in a switch cabinet or the like includes pin-shaped fastening elements mounted on the plug connector body for sliding into latching slits on a carrier body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Rüter
  • Patent number: 7040913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of security gate operating systems, more specifically a method and apparatus for attaching control module housings to a printed circuit board containing at least a portion of the controller for the security gate operating system. A controller module unit is disclosed with a plurality of controller module connectors of a first type mounted on a printed circuit; a controller module housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposing elongated walls and a pair or opposing shorter walls; a module housing second type of connector extending from the bottom wall may comprise an elongated second type connector body having a plurality of second type connector elements; the module housing second type connector body enters into a respective connector bay and enables connection between the first and second type connector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Parsadayan
  • Patent number: 6935903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device with a modular construction, comprising at least one equipment module (1), preferably several equipment modules (1), the module(s) being fixed onto a mounting rail (2). To mount or dismount a module (1) from a mounting rail (2) in a simple manner, the module (1) is fixed onto an adapter (3) for mounting on the mounting rail (2). The adapter (3) for one embodiment fulfills its fixing function by use of a bistable snap-on process and is configured in such a way that no tool is required for the manual mounting or dismounting process. This adapter (3) includes an actuator button (8) used to move catch hooks (5) against spring forces to enable mounting and dismounting of the equipment module (1) to the adapter (3) and also to move catch hooks (18) or (23) to enable mounting and dismounting of adapter (3) to the mounting rail (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Othmar Gaidosch
  • Patent number: 6923680
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus for mounting on a frame that allows lateral connection as well as rear connection. The electrical apparatus (10) has connecting tabs (70, 70?) arranged for connection to the electrical terminals (80, 80?) of electrical apparatus (10) in such a way that they are removable and can be oriented in a lateral or rear position. The electrical terminals (80, 80?) have mounting zones (80a, 80?a) forming an angle ? equal to 45° with a rear wall (40) of the casing (20), and the connecting tabs (70, 70?) have connecting segments (70b, 70?b) forming an angle ? equal to 135° with the mounting segments (70a, 70?a). The casing (20) of the electrical apparatus (10) also has lateral openings (60, 60?) and rear openings (61, 61?) for the passage of connecting tabs (70, 70?) wherein the lateral (60, 60?) and rear (61, 61?) openings are closed by a cover (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Socomec, S.A.
    Inventors: Roger Dumont, Olivier Robert
  • Patent number: 6916214
    Abstract: A connecting terminal has a connecting structure with a connector that allows making contact with at least one conductor. The connecting structure further has a conductor track connection for connecting the connecting terminal to a profiled protective conductor bar. The conductor track connection is integrally connected to the connecting structure in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Gerd Conrad
  • Patent number: 6882140
    Abstract: A network sensing assembly is provided that includes an interface configured to receive a plurality of patch cords and a sensor element positioned proximate the interface. A plurality of contacts establish electrical connection to the sensor element when the patch cords are connected to the interface. At least one conductive element is attached to one of the patch cords and the sensor element. The conductive element is configured to couple more than one of the plurality of contacts when one of the patch cords is connected to the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Green, Sam Denovich, Paul John Pepe, Ralph Sykes Martin, James Joseph Eberle, Jr., Sheldon Easton Muir
  • Patent number: 6872099
    Abstract: A terminal clamping mechanism for use with a conventional battery having an upwardly extending post. The clamping mechanism includes a compressible battery terminal exhibiting a substantially annular shaped portion generally corresponding to an exterior configuration of the battery post. First and second projecting portions extend in spaced apart manner from opposing ends of the annular shaped portion. A lever arm exhibits an elongate and arcuate shape, a first end of which is secured to a fastener extending through apertures in the spaced apart projecting portions. An intermediate portion of the lever arm abuts against a selected projecting portion and, upon inward actuation of a second arcuate shaped end of the lever arm concurrent with placement of the annular shaped portion about the battery post, the lever arm compressing the terminal in a spring biasing and engaging fashion about the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Limited
    Inventor: Gavril Cret
  • Patent number: 6848951
    Abstract: An electrical and/or optical interface device between a first piece of equipment, especially of the automatic-machine type, and at least one other piece of equipment of an industrial plant, is disclosed. The device is capable of receiving at least one multipoint connector for serving communication channels between functional elements of the first piece of equipment and functional elements of at least said other piece of equipment, and it is made in the form of a modular assembly whose components are distributed among an alignment of functional modules, of the terminal-block type, that are placed side by side. Each communication channel is served by a functional module containing the interface components which fulfill out the functions that relate to this channel and receiving the multipoint connector part serving this channel, the various functions carried out by the interface device being distributed among various functional modules of said alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Entrelec S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Bechaz, Jean-Paul Gaillard, Christophe Louis-Chevrau
  • Patent number: 6840819
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus including a base configured to be fitted to a holding rail with opposing coplanar arms, and configured to accommodate a component member of the apparatus and fitted with a locking device having two opposing catches each intended to hook onto a respective arm of the rail. Further, at least one of the two catches is joined to a slide configured to slide in a direction and can be moved by a manual unlocking member. In addition, he manual unlocking member includes a lever pivoted around at least one bearing pin having an axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide, and the lever cooperates with the slide bar via a cam device guiding through a slide track having an axis parallel to the axis of the bearing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bet, Frédéric Delvaux, Michel Girard, Philippe Rix
  • Patent number: 6832935
    Abstract: A connector for an electric apparatus has a case and a base which are engaged to each other or integrally formed. The base has an elastic hook and a latch formed integrally on its bottom surface for engaging both edge parts of a rail so as to mount the connector removably to the rail. The case has side surfaces extended from the lower edges to provide extended members for covering both side surfaces of the elastic hook for providing protection against damage when the connector is accidentally dropped. Protrusions may be provided on the bottom surface of the base between the extended members and the elastic hook for limiting twisting deformation of the elastic hook. The bottom surface of the elastic hook has a curved portion for relieving any impact force that may be damaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Minowa, Keisuke Yano, Yojiro Saruwatari
  • Patent number: 6827582
    Abstract: A connector block having an alarm-isolation circuit includes a first alarm input terminal, a second alarm input terminal, a first alarm output terminal, a second alarm output terminal, and at least one diode. The first and second alarm input terminals are operable for electrical connection with a two-wire alarm input. The first and second alarm output terminals are electrically connected respectively to the first and second alarm input terminals. The at least one diode is electrically connected between the first alarm input terminal and a first alarm output terminal, thereby forming a portion of the alarm-isolation circuit. The one alarm-isolation circuit is capable of forwarding an electrical signal to a remote location. In other embodiments, a diode is used between each alarm input terminal and alarm output terminal, thereby inhibiting feedback among the alarm output terminals and the associated alarm input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Morris, Janneth Badillo, William A. Holder
  • Patent number: 6802737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular connection system for industrial applications having electronic modules which have at least one data distribution device and can be mounted on a mounting rail. The electronic modules have a plurality of connections, which can be contacted via universal module locations, wherein a databus and a power supply connection are located between the electronic modules mounted on the mounting rail. Connection modules are attachable to the module locations of the electronic modules and can be fastened there mechanically to produce an electrical connection between optical or electric cables and the connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp GmbH
    Inventors: Bert Bergner, Guenter Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 6790058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing switchgears (2,4) on mounting rails, especially top hat rail adapters, comprising lower fixing means (8) which are used to secure the device on the mounting rail and upper fixing means (10a, 10b) which are used to secure at least one switchgear (2,4) on the device. According to the invention, at least one of the active elements (8b; 10b) is mounted in such a way that it can move in a linear manner on the fixing axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Moeller GmbH
    Inventor: Simone Schlieber
  • Publication number: 20040152367
    Abstract: A connecting terminal has a connecting structure with a connector that allows making contact with at least one conductor. The connecting structure further has a conductor track connection for connecting the connecting terminal to a profiled protective conductor bar. The conductor track connection is integrally connected to the connecting structure in one piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Gerd Conrad
  • Patent number: 6767223
    Abstract: An input/output device (10) includes housings (12, 120) defining a circuit board receiving cavity (25). An input/output module 160 is removably connected to the housings (12, 120). Circuit board (102) is engaged within the circuit board receiving cavity (25) and has power and data terminals (40, 60) electrically engaged therewith. Each of the power and data terminals (40, 60) have portions extending from the circuit board (102) and are adapted for being electrically engaged with complementary portions of terminals of adjacent devices in a stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Lostoski, David S. Wehrle, Gail R. Ball
  • Patent number: 6767244
    Abstract: Female and male connectors (10, 20) are provided on body and trim panels (1, 5), respectively. A supporting plate (35) is raised from the trim panel (5), and a loose hole (36) is formed in the supporting plate (35). A leg (31) projects from a bottom end of the male connector (20) and a fastening plate (32) is at the leading end of the leg (31). The leg (31) is inserted into the loose hole (36) and the fastening plate (32) engages surface areas adjacent the loose hole (36). A guiding receptacle (50) is provided on the bottom surface of a holder (11) of the female connector (10). The leg (31) moves in the loose hole (36) of the supporting plate (35) during connection to correct displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Saito
  • Patent number: 6752653
    Abstract: An electrical extension cord assembly including a cord having a male plug attached to one end and a female receptacle head attached to the other end of the cord. The receptacle head is configured so that it can removably engage a base plate that is attached to a stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Mark J. Morlock, Steven J. Masonek, Frederick N. Rabo
  • Patent number: 6733344
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device which can be removably mounted onto a mounting rail which includes a locking element located in an underside of the housing. The locking element can be moved from a first position in which the housing can be fastened onto the mounting rail into a second position wherein the housing can be lifted off the mounting rail. The locking element is associated with a retaining element for retaining the locking element in the second position. The retaining element includes a spring section extending substantially parallel to the locking element and a retaining section extending substantially perpendicularly thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Quardt, Jörg Söfker, Reinhard Gottlieb Starzinger, Hans Peter Wintersteiger
  • Patent number: 6733330
    Abstract: This terminal block comprises; an insulating casing in which at least one housing for accommodating a connector, which can be plugged into the housing in a direction (D), is provided, means for locking the connector to the casing. The locking means comprise: at least one locking arm which: is secured to the casing, swings around an axis of rotation (&Dgr;), between a withdrawal position and a locking position, is equipped with a catching element intended to cooperate in the locking position with a complementary catching element of the connector, means for immobilizing the arm in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Entrelec S.A.
    Inventors: Stephane Prost, Sylvain Barrat
  • Publication number: 20040043671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a converter with a head part (1), which can be connected to an external data bus, and one or more connection module (2), which can be connected to it by way of plug-in mounting in the form of rows, with the following features: the head part (1) has a plug-in connection (3) with plug-in contacts (4) associated with an internal data bus; each connector module (2) has a counter plug-in connection (5) matching the plug-in connection (3) of the head part (1); counter plug-in contacts (6) of the counter plug-in connection (5) are connected to circuit connection contacts (7) for the connection of a circuit support (8) having an electronic circuit and to plug-in contacts (4) for the connection of the counter plug-in contacts (6) of a further connection module (2); each connection module (2) has at least one device connection (9) for the connection of an actuator or a sensor, which communicates via the internal and external bus with a control device which can be connected to the external bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Dierk Brasse, Michael Mandel
  • Patent number: 6692311
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a plurality of sensor bodies arranged aligned and adjacent to each other, each of said sensor bodies being connected to an electric cord including at least a signal line via a connector. Each connector has a power feed terminal, and a detachable fitting for electrically connecting the power feed terminals of the connectors is provided between the connectors. The power supplied to the connector of any of the sensor body through the power feed line in the electric cord is distributed to the power feed terminal of another sensor body through a row of connectors. By this configuration, the number of power feed lines for the overall system can be significantly reduced, and common bodies not distinguished for the main and sub bodies can be used as the sensor bodies, whereby the cost can be reduced and inventory management can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kamei, Kiyoshi Imai, Toshinori Sato, Kazuaki Miyoshi, Satoru Shimokawa
  • Patent number: 6655982
    Abstract: An electrical terminal including a housing (1) for receiving a contact element (2) having fork-shaped receptacles and pivotable drive elements (3-6). Contact element (2) has with four receptacles (9-12) each designed to connect a conductor. The receptacles as well as the associated drive elements (3-6) are configured pairwise in two planes one above the other in order to allow as many as four connections while being of minimum bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Woertz AG
    Inventors: Roman Marcel Bolliger, Lars Thomas Bolliger
  • Patent number: 6648692
    Abstract: An in-plane fuse adapter provides a conductive extension that may be received by a standard terminal of a terminal block relay or the like to present side surfaces conforming substantially to the width of the terminal block relay allowing other terminal blocks to be closely abutted to the left and right side of the terminal block relay when it is attached to a connector rail. A wire terminal is held by the housing and attached to the second socket positioned to receive and retain an external electrical conductor of a type normally received by the plurality of terminals of the terminal block relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elmar Gillrath, Randy Pohl, Darrell S. Filtz
  • Patent number: 6631076
    Abstract: A switch cabinet (1) comprises a case (2), several modules (3) and a supporting rail (4), the modules (3) being secured on the supporting rail (4). The disclosed switch cabinet (1) is characterised in that it is designed in functional blocks and modules, so that all modules (3) required by a machine and only those modules are mounted in the switch cabinet case (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Thorsten Behr, Roland Berg, Achim Fürhoff, Christoph Leifer, Heinz Reibke, Markus Rohs, Jürgen Weczerek