With Support Track For Receiving Plural Insulating Blocks Or Boards Patents (Class 439/716)
  • Publication number: 20030143896
    Abstract: Electrical apparatus comprising a base which can accommodate a constituent member, and which can be fitted to a holding rail, in particular a top hat-type rail, via a locking device with two opposite fastening catches (30), one of which is joined to a slide (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bet, Frederic Delvaux, Michel Girard, Philippe Rix
  • Patent number: 6575771
    Abstract: A terminal block assembly is provided for use in the electrical power supply and/or monitoring signal control bus section of an automated industrial, commercial or residential building, characterized by the provisions of a terminal block containing a first opening for receiving a printed circuit board, and a second opening for removably receiving a replaceable internal bus conductor unit. The bus conductor unit carries first conductors arranged on a thin insulating support plate for connection with the power supply bus and/or the signal voltage lines of the electrical monitoring and/or control system, and second conductors arranged on the support plate for connection with the circuits of the printed circuit board. Jumper connections are provided for connecting selected first and second conductors with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Schnatwinkel, Walter Hanning
  • Patent number: 6549415
    Abstract: A first unit comprises a projection having a first planar portion and a second planar portion, which intersect at an angle. The projection is an extension of the first unit, has a linear axis, and is perpendicular to a base end of the first unit. A second unit comprises a mounting face and a receptacle. The receptacle has a shape for receiving and holding the projection. The base end is aligned with the mounting face by inserting the projection into the receptacle. The receptacle engages the first planar portion and the second planar portion, thereby preventing rotation of the projection, the first unit and the second unit about the linear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Eugene A Miksch
  • Patent number: 6547587
    Abstract: A connection interface system for providing an interface between a unit under test and testing equipment includes a receiver having an upper mounting bar associated with an upper mounting rail to define an upper channel and a lower mounting bar associated with a lower mounting rail to define a lower channel, and at least one receiver connector module releasably mounted on the top panel frame. The receiver connector module includes an upper shoulder mounted within the upper channel, a lower shoulder mounted within the lower channel, an upper positioning member coupled with the upper shoulder that positions the upper shoulder relative to the upper channel and a lower positioning member coupled with the lower shoulder that positions the lower shoulder relative to the lower channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: MAC Panel Company
    Inventors: Roy J. Hurst, Stuart Mellor, Barry V Edwards
  • Patent number: 6530811
    Abstract: An assembly for mechanically mounting and providing electrical connections to overcurrent protection devices having first and second male power plugs includes a non-conductive main structural support member having a plurality of plug passageways formed therein and one or more load busbar modules mounted thereon and also including a plug passageway formed therein, to enable the male electrical plugs to mate with sockets disposed in a conductive line busbar member mounted on said support member and with a socket disposed in a load busbar member included in each load busbar module. Each load busbar module includes a non-conductive housing and a releasable cover within which is mounted the load busbar member. A printed circuit board substrate is preferably also mounted to said support member to provide a support surface for auxiliary signal clip connectors disposed on one side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Michael Padulo, Imad Ghanem, Denis Mayer
  • Publication number: 20030013351
    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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Simone Schlieber
  • Patent number: 6506071
    Abstract: An electrical modular terminal, especially for latching onto a mounting rail, with a base terminal (2) and with at least one plug (3, 4), the base terminal (2) having a terminal housing (7) which made of insulating material, at least one terminal element (8, 9) located in it and at least two sockets which are electrically connected to the terminal element (8, 9) or to terminal elements (8, 9), the plug (3, 4) having a plug housing (13, 14) which is made of insulating material, at least one terminal element (15) located therein and a plug-in contact which is electrically connected to the at least one terminal element (15), and the at least one plug (3, 4) being mechanically connected by means of a fastener to the terminal housing (7) of the base terminal (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Lange
  • Patent number: 6485327
    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: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Mark J. Morlock, Steven J. Masonek, Frederick N. Rabo
  • Publication number: 20020168903
    Abstract: A description is given of a quick-fastening device for fixing an installation unit on a carrying-rail configuration. The carrying-rail configuration has a carrier plate and a hat-profile rail. Integrally formed on the carrier plate is a resilient snap-action hook with a nose that is oriented in the direction of the hat-profile carrying rail and is snapped into one depression on the narrow side wall of the installation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Winrich Habedank, Klaus-Peter Eppe, Ralf Weber
  • Patent number: 6478605
    Abstract: A terminal block assembly includes at each end a generally U-shaped support spring having leg portions that extend upwardly in straddling relation on opposite sides of the stationary resilient contacts at opposite ends of the bus bar, thereby to support the stationary contacts as insulated conductors are displaced by actuator members toward cutting engagement with knife edges on the adjacent ends of the reversely inwardly directed stationary resilient contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Peter Stuckmann, Reinhard Nolting, Stephan Fehling, Torsten Diekmann
  • Patent number: 6475036
    Abstract: A signal input unit transmits detection signals derived from sensors such as switches, limit switches, or pressure switches to a programmable controller by means of serial transmission. A signal output unit transmits control signals from the programmable controller to control apparatuses such as solenoid-operated valve manifolds, indicator lamps, and buzzers by means of parallel transmission. The signal input units and the signal output units are integrated with each other into one unit and a number thereof is changeable. Further, an intermediate section and an end block are integrally assembled to the signal input units and the signal output units to construct a signal input/output apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumio Morikawa
  • Patent number: 6471552
    Abstract: This spring is made from a metal leaf. On one edge it has at least one tab bent toward the terminal block and intended to sit beside the bonding leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Entrelec S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Bechaz, Philippe Dubech
  • Patent number: 6466724
    Abstract: A high density fiber optic connector interface for an electro-optic circuit pack is disclosed. The fiber optic connector interface comprises a elongated housing having an elongated base plate and side walls, a plurality of cable connection assemblies arrayed on the elongated base plate of the housing, and a plurality of slider mechanisms mounted on the elongated base plate. Each cable connection assembly is slanted relative to longitudinal axis of the housing. All the assemblies are arrayed in a row along a line slanted relative to longitudinal axis of the housing with the neighboring assemblies being overlapped. Each cable connection assembly includes an internal cable connector, an external cable connector, an adaptor for receiving the internal and external connectors, and an adaptor holder for holding at least one adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Richard J. Glover, Marius N. Preda, Simon E. Shearman, Grant K. Pacey, Rod Muir
  • Patent number: 6459570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support base and neutral base for an interior assembly in an electrical distribution device and a method of assembling the same. The interior assembly having at least one bus bar and neutral bar connecting the electrical distribution device to a circuit having at least one phase. The neutral bar and bus bar having a bottom wall and side walls. The support base includes a generally planar body defining a mounting surface on one face of the body and means for mounting the bus bar on the mounting surface. The support base also includes means for retaining the bottom wall of the neutral bar abutting the mounting surface of the body. The retaining means is manually operated and integrally formed with the mounting surface and has a plurality of projections upstanding from the mounting surface. The projections are adapted to abut the side walls of the neutral bar so as to prevent movement in at least one direction horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Jeffery James Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6454614
    Abstract: This device includes a fastening catch disposed in an insulating housing (2), the fastening catch including two relatively sliding pieces (6) and each piece (6) exhibiting a hook (12) intended to allow latching on the support rail (4). A central hole (38) substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sliding pieces (6) of the fastening catch is made in the housing so as to allow access to the fastening catch from the top of the housing, and in the latched position of the hooks (12), an edge running transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the hooks of each piece (6) is located in line with the central hole (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Entrelec S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Bechaz, Sylvain Barrat
  • Patent number: 6444931
    Abstract: A customizable, modular circuit breaker housing assembly having an optimized compact form factor for use with electrical and telecommunications equipment. The housing assembly is comprised of an interlocked arrangement of individual housing portions coupled at one end to an end housing portion, and to an end panel portion at an opposite end. The end housing portion and individual housing portions include a load bus chamber and a line bus chamber for receiving load and line bus members, and one or more alarm contact member receptacles for receiving at least one alarm contact member. The line bus member and the alarm contact members may be provided as individually segmented members. In other embodiments, the individual housing portions may include pass-through slots for inserting a common line bus bar, pass-through apertures for common contact members, or both. The line and load bus members are formed of extruded metallic members having substantially the same cross-sectional surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Bartek, Marcus L. Melane, Edward D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6425770
    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: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Lostoski, David S. Wehrle, Gail R. Ball
  • Patent number: 6418027
    Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically and electrically interlinked. Modules are electrically connected to adjacent modules by plug portions The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules. Also, the plug portions are designed to isolate the electrical connections from vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Suzuki, Yasuyuki Nakanishi, Michael S. Baran, Dennis G. Schneider, Anthony G. Gibart, Joel C. Clemente, Kevin G. Hughes, Paul J. Grosskreuz
  • Patent number: 6392319
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus having a modular structure is characterized by a connection module that can be mounted on a carrier rail that is provided with connection levels including double or multiple connections and a serial alignment of disk-shaped base terminal carriers. Several power supply elements are provided on the terminal carriers, the elements being connected to the connection levels via bus bars of the disk-shaped base terminal carriers. The bus bars extend only on one of the sides of the base terminal carrier to the pertinent multiple connections. With the use of base terminal carriers, both a block structure and a disk structure as well as a combination of the two can be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH Co.
    Inventors: Christoph Zebermann, Jens Pilgrim, Manfred Wilmes, Michael Schnatwinkel, Rudolf Steinmeier, Walter Hanning
  • Patent number: 6378825
    Abstract: An L-shaped bracket for mounting DIN rail comprising a support member, a base member, and a brace positioned therebetween to give support to the L-shaped structure. The support member has a rail mounting pin protruding therefrom, which comprises a shank with an oblong head disposed on the end of the shank. A hole for receiving a fastener is disposed on the support member adjacent to the rail mounting pin. A bracket mounting pin protrudes from the base member and comprises a retaining pin and a retaining foot disposed on the end thereof. The retaining pin is dimensioned and configured to slidably engage a slot in a bracket mounting plate and be retained in the slot by the retaining foot. A post also protrudes from the base member and is dimensioned to be received in a post hole. A relief is cut laterally into the base member and extends into the brace to allow the support member and the base member to flex relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Gilbert A. Soares, Richard E. Bernier, Charles Piper
  • Patent number: 6371435
    Abstract: A mounting system for electrical modules (10) having a housing (12) with a rail mounting face (14) including a rail receiving recess (17), includes a pair of spring loaded rail engaging clamps (80) disposed on the mounting face (14) and movable between a first or latched position and a second or open position. Each clamp (80) includes a body portion (85) having a spring receiving cavity (85a), a base (82) extending outwardly from a lower edge of the body portion in one direction and a rail engaging arm (88) extending outwardly from an upper edge of the body portion and in a direction opposite to the base. The body portion (85) includes a wall (86) extending at an angle from the base to the arm and defining a rail latching surface (86a). A partially compressed spring disposed (90) in the cavity (85a) exerts a selected force to hold the clamps (80) in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Landis, David J. Fabian, Rudolf Kraemer, Christian Schrettlinger, Douglas A. Lostoski
  • Patent number: 6358099
    Abstract: A telecommunications power distribution panel has a one-piece cast metal bus bar for distributing power from a power supply to a plurality of power distribution blocks through a circuit interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kolody, Scott C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6354888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a securing system for different types of plug connector, with different types of first insulating element, which are secured in each case to a base plate, wherein a single type of base plate is provided and the said base plate comprises a stationary holding element and a displaceable holding element, which is displaceable in such a manner that each of the different types of first insulating element can be secured to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Gerag AG
    Inventors: Markus Cech, Frank Andrä
  • Publication number: 20020004343
    Abstract: A signal input unit transmits detection signals derived from sensors such as switches, limit switches, or pressure switches to a programmable controller by means of serial transmission. A signal output unit transmits control signals from the programmable controller to control apparatuses such as solenoid-operated valve manifolds, indicator lamps, and buzzers by means of parallel transmission. The signal input units and the signal output units are integrated with each other into one unit and a number thereof is changeable. Further, an intermediate section and an end block are integrally assembled to the signal input units and the signal output units to construct a signal input/output apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Fumio Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20010051466
    Abstract: This spring is made from a metal leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Bernard Bechaz, Philippe Dubech
  • Patent number: 6315580
    Abstract: A connector module for overcurrent protection devices uses a printed circuit board substrate as a support surface for line and load busbar members and auxiliary signal clip connectors disposed on one side of the substrate. Passageways in the substrate enable male current plugs to extend through the substrate to mate with sockets disposed in the busbars. Additional passageways enable auxiliary contact terminals to extend through the substrate. Clip connectors disposed on the substrate are used to make electrical contact to the auxiliary terminals. In a preferred embodiment, the sockets and clips are shaped and dimensioned to mate with the current and alarm contact terminals of a plug-in circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Gilles Hurtubise, Emilio Stinziani, Imad S. Ghanem
  • Publication number: 20010034165
    Abstract: An electrical connector (30) includes a housing having a conductor receiving face (34) and a mating face (58); an array of terminals (80) disposed in respective terminal receiving passageways, the array including at least one selected terminal; a circuit board (66) disposed intermediate the conductor receiving and mating faces (34, 58) and intersecting at least the passageway in which the selected terminal (80) is disposed; and at least one electrical device (102) mounted to the circuit board (66) spaced from the array of terminals (80). The device (102) is electrically connected by a circuit in the circuit board (66) to the at least one selected terminal (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: John M. Landis, David J. Fabian
  • Patent number: 6293820
    Abstract: This fastening catch comprises two relatively sliding pieces (6), each piece exhibiting a hook (12) intended to allow latching to the support rail. A first sliding piece (6) exhibits snap-engagement mechanism (20) and the second sliding piece (6) comprises complementary snap-engagement mechanisms (16, 18) so that these snap-engagement mechanisms cooperate when the sliding pieces (6) are in the unlatched position and possibly also in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Entrelec SA
    Inventors: Bernard Bechaz, Sylvain Barrat
  • Patent number: 6273763
    Abstract: A connector assembly and disassembly device includes a connector having a plurality of connections. A block is provided for receiving the connector in an operative position for forming an array of individual connectors. At least one latch is provided for securing the connector to the block. A latch separator engages the at least one latch to enable the connector to be removed from the block. The connector includes five connections with five pairs of latches for securing the connector to the block. End latches are provided for securing end portions of the connector to the block. The latch separator includes a plurality of projections for engaging individual latches of the connector for disengaging the latches from the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6241561
    Abstract: An internal bus connector device is provided for use in the terminal block of an electrical power and signal distribution system, wherein the connector device includes a thin support plate that extends parallel with the support rail of the system and that carries a plurality of rows of pins each of which includes a pair of orthogonally arranged portions that extend parallel with and normal to the support plate, respectively. The pin portions that extend normal to the support plate are adapted for connection with the circuits of an associated printed circuit board, and the pin portions that extend parallel with the support plate are connected with conductors on the terminal block or with corresponding terminals of an adjacent terminal block mounted on the same support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Christoph Zebermann, Michael Schnatwinkel
  • Patent number: 6196869
    Abstract: In a mounting bracket for a connector block of the type having an elongated wall and a plurality of spaced fingers extending therefrom, each of the fingers has a portion shaped to support the connector block. An insulation is provided along at least one surface of one or more of the fingers and a conductor is supported in spaced relation to the fingers upon or within the insulation. The conductor has an exposed contact at, below, or generally proximate the portion of the finger which supports the connector block. Also, the bracket may be used with a connector block of the type including a body and at least one end cap supported on the body. The end cap houses a plurality of terminals with conductive contacts extending therefrom into the body. A conductive power bus including a rail, a plurality of fingers, and a leaf-spring tail is coupled to the connector block, with the power bus positioned clear of electrical contact with the terminals or the conductive contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Abraham Kay, Ronald Marchisin, Bassel Hage Daoud, Raymond Paul Briggs, Peter F. Eckhardt
  • Patent number: 6183311
    Abstract: A protective conductor clamp having a mounting leg for mounting the clamp on a support rail and a contact rail that is connected electrically conducting to the mounting base and is provided with at least one conductor connection. The mounting base has shaped sections for holding a spring element for bracing the mounting base in the support rail. The shaped sections are formed by recesses in two parallel-arranged side walls of the mounting base, between which the spring element is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Wieland Electric GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Suess, Holger Strack
  • Patent number: 6172875
    Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically interlinked to obviate the need for a rack or back plane. Each module includes a movable plug portion that selectively may be moved into engagement with a corresponding plug receptacle of the next adjacent module. The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Takao Suzuki, Yasuyuki Nakanishi, Michael S. Baran, Dennis G. Schneider, Anthony G. Gibart, Joel C. Clemente, Kevin G. Hughes, Paul J. Grosskreuz
  • Patent number: 6146213
    Abstract: A wire connecting device includes an electrically conductive connection base and two spring-loaded connection plates for holding wires against the connection base. The connecting device is configured to be mounted in two different ways. The device may be mounted directly to a mounting surface by using mounting brackets on either side of the device that fit protrusions and grooves on the device. Alternatively, the device may be mounted to an angle iron by using a securing member shaped to mate with both the device and the angle iron. An electrically conductive connecting member couples the device to one or more similar connecting devices or, alternatively, a connecting member provides structural support between the device and at least one other similar connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Heung-Sik Yoon
  • Patent number: 6135825
    Abstract: A connector for detachable fastening to a rail comprises at least one modular electric or electronic housing having at least one movable latching means and at least one lever arm for detachable fastening of the housing to the rail, where the latching means can be moved from a first locking position to a second unlocking position by a lever movement of a lever arm, and where the latching means has a spring with a free end which engages with a holding region of the housing in such a way that the latching means moves back from the second unlocking position into the first locking position upon release of the lever arm, and the lever arm has an abutment which cooperates with a side wall of the housing and is arranged at about half the distance between a joint for connecting to the latching means and an actuating region for actuating the lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Werner Bock, Franz Muller
  • Patent number: 6132242
    Abstract: A distribution device (1) for distributed wiring is constructed with multiple modules (3) that have, respective disconnect hinges (14) mounted disconnectedly to a first rail (4) on a distribution backbone (2), and quick disconnect fasteners (11) disconnectedly secured to a corresponding other rail (4) on the distribution backbone (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Alton Hall, William John Schnoor
  • Patent number: 6129595
    Abstract: A three phase (3.phi.) sub feed lug accessory is presented. In an exemplary embodiment the 3.phi. sub feed lug accessory comprises a 3.phi. sub feed lug block and a tie down bracket. The 3.phi. sub feed lug block includes a housing having a first end and a second opposing end. At the first end, at least one and preferably a plurality of openings are formed in the housing, wherein each opening has an interlocking slot extending from the opening. The openings are intended to receive corresponding first tabs extending from one side of a load center and once the first tabs are received, they are releasably interlocked within the interlocking slots of the housing. At the second end of the housing, a shoulder is formed, wherein the shoulder defines a planar platform for receiving a first end of the tie down bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James R. Scanlon, Heather Pugliese
  • Patent number: 6086427
    Abstract: A modular bus interconnect system suitable for ganging together modules where the electronic signals are bussed to respective contacts on each module. The modules may be releasably or permanently attached to each other. The modules each have a slot for receiving and electrical contacts for making electrical connections to the contact fingers of an edge board connector. Each of the module's electrical contacts has a cantilever portion for making electrical connections to the connector fingers, and, in addition to the cantilever portion, each module has at least two exposed electrical contact portions that are formed on the outside of the housing. When the modules are ganged together these exposed portions are arranged to make electrical connections with each other thereby distributing the signals among all ganged modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: PCD Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Cahaly
  • Patent number: 6062914
    Abstract: A low profile mounting bracket carries coupling connector blocks that mate with load and line terminals of a molded split case circuit breaker housing. The housing defines a well for receiving an alarm or auxiliary switch, and the switch is received in a central opening in the bracket with the switch terminals in turn received in a connector that fits into the same central opening. Finally, a PC board is used to electrically connect each switch to external circuitry that may generate alarms or otherwise affect the circuit breaker's operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 6039612
    Abstract: A flexible arrangement for providing secondary terminations, such as for switchgear in electric power distribution systems, includes a plurality of molded blocks each having at least one pair of oppositely directed hooks extending from a rear face. The hooks pass through complimentary notches in a mounting slot in a mounting panel, and engage the mounting panel with the molded blocks displaced along the mounting slot so that the hooks are out of registration with the notches. A locking member blocks the realignment of the hooks with the notches. Molded filler blocks without the terminal members can be substituted for one or more molded terminal blocks when fewer terminations are needed. There filler blocks have hand grips such as preferably a longitudinal rib molded on a front face, for inserting and removing the filler block from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jack L. Brown, Rodney William Bruner, Neal Edward Rowe, William Edward Wilkie, II, Robert Yanniello
  • Patent number: 6027380
    Abstract: A locking device serves to lock an electronic module to a bank of terminal blocks, characterized by a body member having at least one pair of integral parallel spaced legs that extend downwardly within a corresponding T-shaped vertical groove contained in one end of a first one of the terminal blocks. The legs are resiliently biased apart and are provided at their free ends with hook or catch portions that extend laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the legs into corresponding locking recesses contained in opposite side walls of the groove, respectively, thereby to lock the body member with the bank of terminal blocks. The adjacent end of the body member contains a longitudinal chamber that slidably receives a locking member that is displaceable between retracted unlocked and extended locking positions relative to the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Hanning, Joerg Richts, Manfred Wilmes
  • Patent number: 6019643
    Abstract: A connection module, in particular a junction block, having connection terminals that are interconnectable by means of moving conductive pieces that can be driven from outside the module. A box of insulating material contains the connection terminals and respective electric link strips for each module, which strips are fixed and terminate in individual extensions serving as contact elements, said extensions extending parallel to a common plane inside the box, with elements on any one level being in alignment. A conductive piece includes at least one comb of parallel spring-blade contact clips enabling it to come into contact with the extensions on a given level by the clips coming astride them when a drive member carrying the clips is moved inside the box from outside the box where said drive member has a handle-forming head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Entrelac S.A.
    Inventors: Sylvain Barrat, Francois Fayard, Bernard Bechaz
  • Patent number: 6017251
    Abstract: An extruded rail-mount, for mounting devices to a variety of rails, with a support leg that provides upward support against the forceful pressure exerted when wires are screwed onto screw terminals at the edges of the mounted device. The mount is substantially constant longitudinally. The rail-mount has a thin, plank-like substrate with latitudinally upward arms and downward kinked legs and a downward support leg. The arms have catches to grab onto/support circuit boards or other devices. Kinked legs have catches to grab onto/mount a chosen rail. When the rail-mount is mounted on a rail, the support leg is of a length to support against the surface to which the rail is secured. Because rails are relatively narrow, the mount's utility is such that attachment to a rail provides support to one side of a mounted device and the support leg provides support for the opposite side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Functional Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert D. Rittmann
  • Patent number: 6004162
    Abstract: For a holding frame for holding plug connector modules and for installation in plug connector casings or for screwing onto wall surfaces, the plug connector modules being inserted in the holding frame and holding means on the plug connector modules interacting with recesses provided on opposite wall parts (side parts) of the holding frame, it is proposed that the holding frame be constructed from two halves connected to one another in an articulated manner and that the recesses for holding the plug connector modules be constructed, in the side parts of the holding frame, as openings which are closed all round. Under these circumstances, the holding frame is unfolded for the purpose of inserting the plug connector modules and is then closed, the plug connector modules then being held in a form-locking manner in the holding frame via the holding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Harting KGaA
    Inventors: Dietmar Harting, Albert Ferderer, Andreas Ruter, Hartmut Schwettmann
  • Patent number: 5989062
    Abstract: A reversible receptacle for housing single ended or double ended connectors where said receptacle can be attached to a structure frontwards or backwards and can be manipulated without any interference from heavy gauge ground cables. The receptacle includes a reversible frame that has both a front and back opening. The openings permit selective access to the mounted connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 5978193
    Abstract: In a switchboard with a databus, a simple apparatus for providing electrical contact with switching devices used with electronics for communication. A switching device unit with a communication capability has an equipment mount that is used for mounting. The equipment mount includes a plurality of switching devices mounted on a standard profile rail, as well as a communication unit which is held on the equipment mount and has plug contacts through which the electrical drive for the switching devices is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Kaaden
  • Patent number: 5928008
    Abstract: An earthing module for the termination of earthing conductors to contact elements and for latching on rails, where quick, convenient and reliable connection and disconnection of one or several earthing lines is possible for a large range of wired diameters. An earthing plate is connected on either side optionally to a known insulation displacement contact with inclined insertion portion via a central tapping portion or to a screw contact terminal or on its one side to an insulation displacement contact with inclined insertion portion via the central tapping portion 15 thereof and on its other side to a screw contact terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Krone Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rafik Munshi
  • Patent number: 5907476
    Abstract: A modular structure for attachment to a rail includes securement members received and supported on either side of the rail. The rail includes a support web and parallel side flanges. The structure is constructed from a molded plastic base unit to which metallic securement members are assembled. The base unit preferably includes a rigid side and a flexible side. The securement members are substantially identical to one another, facilitating manufacturing and assembly, and reducing the number of different parts in the final module. The securement members each include v-shaped slots for engaging the side flanges of the rail. The base unit may be configured as a blank end unit, or may include features for creating terminal blocks, I/O blocks, switches, circuit board supports and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark E. Davidsz
  • Patent number: 5890934
    Abstract: A pluggable assembly for printed circuit boards includes a mounting rail of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration having a base portion mounted on one face of the printed circuit board, and a pair of arm portions extending normal to the base portion for supporting a transversely arranged terminal block, and a conductive pin extending from the terminal block through an opening contained in the mounting rail base portion for connection with a conductive layer on the remote face of the printed circuit via a socket contact that extends through a corresponding opening contained in the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Weidmuller Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Brooks, Phillip C. Dobler, David S. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5863219
    Abstract: A device for fastening of electric equipment on an adapter 1 consists of a bearing plate 17 that can be inserted into the adapter 1 and positively locked, and a mounting rail 26 for carrying the electric equipment, with shoe-shaped extensions 27 which can be inserted into the bearing plate 17 and slid into position and locked. The shoe-shaped extensions 27 of the mounting rail 26 engage with the guides 29, 30 of the bearing plate 17. The mounting rail 26 can be slid in the direction of another piece of electric equipment or terminal which is firmly attached, so that the electric terminal parts can be inserted into the terminal clamps of the other equipment. In the operational position, the mounting rail 26 is locked, but can be slid after release of the snap-in locking between the mounting rail 26 and the bearing plate 17. An advantage of this device is that the adapter 1 with the bearing plate 17 can be retrofitted, and that the mounting rail 26 with the equipment can be slid within the bearing plate 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, LLC
    Inventor: Karl Rischard