Insulating Body With Spaced, Electrically Interconnected, Duplicate Terminals Or Contacts Patents (Class 439/723)
  • Patent number: 6888077
    Abstract: A protection and control assembly includes several multipole electrical switch devices each having a box (10,20,30) provided with input side and output side conducting connection strips, that project along a vertical axis on a horizontal connection area on the input side, and output side respectively, of the box (10,20,30) and that can be inserted in openings (44) of removable power terminal blocks (40,40?,50,50?,60). The assembly includes at least one connecting element (80,80?) that electrically connects the poles of a first and a second electrical device of the assembly, the connecting element (80) being arranged such that it is positioned firstly between the box (10) and a power terminal block (40,50) of the first device, and secondly between the box (20) and a removable power terminal block (40?,50?) of the second electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: José Garcia, Serge Paggi, Régis Perrocheau
  • Patent number: 6878017
    Abstract: A joint connector (JC) has a housing (30). Fitting recesses (33, 38A, 38B, 38C) are formed in opposite sides of the housing (30) for receiving a power-supply side connector (10) and electric-part side connectors (20). A ground terminal (50) has a row of tabs (55A) projecting from an edge of a busbar (51) and has a grounding plate (52) at an end of the busbar (51). The ground terminal (50) is mounted at a lower level of an intermediate wall (40) of the housing (30) by insert molding, so that the tabs (55A) are in the electric-part side fitting recesses (38A, 38B, 38C). Joint terminals (60A to 60D) have tabs (55B) projecting from opposite lateral edges of a busbar (51) and are mounted at upper and middle levels of the intermediate wall (40) by pressing so that the tabs (55B) are in the fitting recesses (33, 38A, 38B, 38C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Sakurai, Masayasu Fujii
  • Patent number: 6814628
    Abstract: An electrical power connection block housing including a first housing piece and a second housing piece. The first housing piece forms at least a portion of a first exterior side of the block housing. An interior side of the first housing piece has a first slot shaped bus bar mounting area. The second housing piece is connected to the first housing piece. The second housing piece has a portion with a first side located directly opposite the interior side of the first housing piece and a second slot shaped bus bar mounting area on the first side of the second housing piece. The first and second housing pieces form a first bus bar receiving area with the first and second bus bar mounting areas located generally opposite each other on opposite sides of the receiving area for capturing a bus bar therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Chadbourne
  • Patent number: 6781491
    Abstract: A removable quick connect terminal for an electric power switch has a molded housing with an open cavity and an electrically conductive terminal member with a plurality of male terminations that project through slots in a cavity wall in the housing into the open cavity. The terminal member has a tang projecting outward from the housing that is clamped by a conventional collar terminal to a power conductor of the switch projecting into an external terminal recess in the molded switch casing. The terminal member is secured to the molded housing by a pair of oppositely facing chamfered catches engaging an opening in the flat center section of the terminal member. The molded housing of the quick connect terminal has hooks which engage abutment surfaces on the switch casing and a pair of integral compliant latches which engage latch ledges in the external terminal recess to removably secure the housing to the switch casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Jerome Whipple, Edward Ethber Lias
  • Publication number: 20040132349
    Abstract: A joint connector (JC) has a housing (30). Fitting recesses (33, 38A, 38B, 38C) are formed in opposite sides of the housing (30) for receiving a power-supply side connector (10) and electric-part side connectors (20). A ground terminal (50) has a row of tabs (55A) projecting from an edge of a busbar (51) and has a grounding plate (52) at an end of the busbar (51). The ground terminal (50) is mounted at a lower level of an intermediate wall (40) of the housing (30) by insert molding, so that the tabs (55A) are in the electric-part side fitting recesses (38A, 38B, 38C). Joint terminals (60A to 60D) have tabs (55B) projecting from opposite lateral edges of a busbar (51) and are mounted at upper and middle levels of the intermediate wall (40) by pressing so that the tabs (55B) are in the fitting recesses (33, 38A, 38B, 38C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Sakurai, Masayasu Fujii
  • Patent number: 6759140
    Abstract: An injection-molded plastic part having a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component. Areas consisting of the first thermoplastic component are present at least on one surface of the injection-molded plastic part next to areas of the second thermoplastic component. The first thermoplastic component is an LCP and the second thermoplastic component is a syndiotactic polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: W. C. Heraeus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Heiner Bittrich, Stefan Claus, Frank Krüger, Jan Wahode, Volker Zippmann
  • Publication number: 20040121657
    Abstract: Improved switchgear is disclosed that includes a bus bar system that can be assembled from modular parts. The bus bar system includes modules, such as high-voltage cables, connectors coupled to the cables and a third cable-less bus bar that is assembled using mechanical and/or push-on connections. By using these types of bus bars, various configurations, orientations of phase planes, and sizes of bus bar systems may be assembled. The connectors and cable-less bus bar may include either push-on connection points, mechanical connections points or a combination of both. The bus bars may themselves include insulation and semiconductive shields. The improved switchgear may also include solid insulation, such as EPDM rubber, to insulate the bus bar system from the exterior surfaces of the switchgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Muench, Brian Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 6746279
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes a power distribution block and a set of connectors that are configured to be removably coupled to the power distribution block. The exemplary system is useful for distributing power (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, etc.). The set of connectors includes connectors of at least two types. The block includes two or more conduction paths that each have two opposite ends. The block and connectors are configured such that one or more connectors of any type in the set can be removably coupled to at least one of the conduction paths, at either end of the paths. Each end of each conduction path connects (both electrically and mechanically) to no more than one connector. Methods and other systems with different advantageous configurations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: IXOS Limited
    Inventor: Alberto A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6739920
    Abstract: A joint connector (40) is composed of a joint terminal (50) and a relay housing (41). A first housing (10) and a second housing (20) are mounted on an electric part-side connector connection portion (42) of the relay housing (41). A power-source side housing (30) is mounted on a power-source side connector connection portion (46). Terminal fittings are short-circuited with the joint terminal (50). The first housing (10) and the second housing (20) share the power-source side housing (30) and the joint connector (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Fujii, Toshikazu Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6679734
    Abstract: A same potential block has a main body including a plurality of holes. A first metal piece, including a first carrier strip located adjacent to the main body and a plurality of clips extending from the first carrier. Each of the plurality of clips is positioned within a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes formed in the main body. A contact portion is positioned exterior and protruding from the main body and connected to the first metal piece to form a connector mating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Array Connector Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Lomastro, Santiago Llano, David Gracey
  • Patent number: 6666729
    Abstract: A joint connector includes a connecting unit provided with a bus bar on an insulating plate. The bus bar includes a joint area connecting plural pressure welding areas of the bus bar, to which wires may be pressure welded. The joint connector also includes a joint plate with plural pressure welding slots in which connecting units may be inserted to establish connection between the joint plate and joint areas of the connecting units. By stacking plural pressure-welded connecting units and pressure fitting their insulating plates into pressure welding slots of a joint plate, wires pressure-welded to upper and lower connecting units are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Takamura, Yukimitsu Hattori
  • Publication number: 20030124914
    Abstract: A connector for providing semi-permanent connection between a bus bar and a connector contact is formed by ovelapping a bus bar tab with at least one contact tail of the connector contact and gripping the overlapped bus bar tab and the contact tail with a spring clip. In this manner, the spring clip produces the pressure required to establish adequate contact between the bus bar tab and contact tail. According to another feature, the junction including the bus bar tab, the contact tail and the spring clip are isolated by covering them with an electrically insulating sleeve, this sleeve also serving to retain the spring clip in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mills, Miguel Conde, Patrick St-Louis
  • Patent number: 6537094
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an electrical distribution terminal block and modularly couplable electrical receptacles wherein the terminal block is formed by a plurality of stackable wafers. Each wafer has upper channels formed therein that radiate from a common upper interior intersection point to an outer surface thereof, and lower channels formed therein that radiate from a common lower interior intersection point to an outer surface thereof. When the wafers are vertically stacked, the upper channels of one wafer complementally form ducts with the lower channels of another wafer, each duct having an outlet or port in communication with the exterior of the terminal block. An electrical terminal, formed in a configuration adapted to be received in the upper or lower channels, is disposed in each formed duct and includes connectors for coupling to incoming and outgoing wires of a polarity including neutral, and for coupling that polarity or neutral to a terminal of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Pent Asemblies, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. McCoy, Shawn J. Kondas
  • Patent number: 6508656
    Abstract: The multiple pin contactor device for bus bar systems includes at least one bus bar (3) consisting of at least two plates (1) stacked on top of and fixed to one another. This device includes at least one set of contactor pin forks (5) which coincide and are arranged one above the other, in which the contactor pin forks (5) of the different plates (1) are movable independently of one another when the plug-in contactor (10) is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Alain Chevassus-More, Christian Pernot
  • Publication number: 20030003812
    Abstract: An electrical power connection block housing including a first housing piece and a second housing piece. The first housing piece forms at least a portion of a first exterior side of the block housing. An interior side of the first housing piece has a first slot shaped bus bar mounting area. The second housing piece is connected to the first housing piece. The second housing piece has a portion with a first side located directly opposite the interior side of the first housing piece and a second slot shaped bus bar mounting area on the first side of the second housing piece. The first and second housing pieces form a first bus bar receiving area with the first and second bus bar mounting areas located generally opposite each other on opposite sides of the receiving area for capturing a bus bar therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Chadbourne
  • Patent number: 6402569
    Abstract: A bus bar assembly includes a first and a second bus bar plate which are maintained in a plane parallel, spaced apart relationship. Each plate includes a number of tabs projecting from its top and bottom edges. A pattern of metalization is formed on each plate, and this metalization extends to at least some of the tabs on each plate. Metalized tabs provide blade contacts which can accommodate fuses, relays or similar electrical devices. In addition, the pattern of metalization on one of the plates can be connected to an electrical circuit, and the pattern of metalization on the other plate can be connected to a source of power. In this manner, a series electrical connection between the source of power, the electrical device, and the electrical circuit can be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Stefano Spadoni, Thomas Alexander
  • Patent number: 6398593
    Abstract: A conductive contact member for a cable connector includes a tubular body and a clamping portion with a pair of diametrically opposite clamping legs extending axially and integrally from one end of the tubular body. Each clamping leg has an opening formed between opposite end portions, and a spring plate which is disposed in the opening and which has a connecting end portion connected integrally to the respective clamping leg, and a distal end portion. The spring plates are adapted for cooperatively clamping a conductive pin of a cable that is inserted into the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ching-Shan Yeh
  • Patent number: 6386887
    Abstract: A connector (1) is provided with configurable contacts (3) such that the contacts can be connected to each other via a printed circuit (16) comprising strip conductors (20) which connect conductive feed-throughs (19) of said printed circuit. For each contact of the connector, a sliding contact (26) which can be displaced between two positions can be connected or not connected to the contact to which it is opposite. The sliding contacts can be maintained between two stable positions via an insulating grommet (37). In a sunken position, the sliding contacts comprise a conductive end which is in contact with a conductive feed-through of the printed circuit and which is in contact with the contact 3. In a withdrawn position, the sliding contact is only in contact with the conductor opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Gerard Boiret, Christophe Provost
  • Patent number: 6368162
    Abstract: An electrical distribution block has an electrically insulative and temperature resistant housing and a conductive rod having multiple electrical connection locations spaced along its length. The conductive rod is inserted into the housing, and the housing allows access to the electrical connection locations on the conductive rod. An electrical connection may be established by inserting a wire through the housing and into the electrical connection location. A fastener for maintaining the electrical connection is accessible through the housing to press the wire against the conductive rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Kerry L. Reetz, Vern Krupa
  • Patent number: 6361375
    Abstract: A clamp-on multiple lug buss bar assembly that is attached to the electrical terminal stud that extends upwardly from the top surface of an electrical power transmission transformer that is used in an underground transformer vault. After its installation, a mold is placed thereover with its bottom edge contacting the top surface of the transformer. The height of the mold is such that it covers the top edge of the conductor plates that form part of the buss bar assembly. Additionally the mold has risers extending up from its top surface that surround the bottom end of the spade connector fingers extending upwardly from the conductor plates. The cavity of the mold is filled with an epoxy resin and when it has set forms a water tight casing for the electrical conductor plates, the electrical terminal stud extending upwardly from the transformer and the top wall of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6322400
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic part is configured to support a bus bar in an electrical equipment cabinet. The plastic part includes an elongated front wall and an elongated box frame structure projecting transversely from a rear side of the front wall. The front wall and the box frame structure together define peripheral boundaries of an elongated chamber configured to contain the bus bar. The front wall defines a front side of the chamber, and is configured to block electrically conductive access to the bus bar through the front side of the chamber. The box frame structure defines an open rear side of the chamber, and is configured to provide access for insertion of an electrical terminal through the open rear side for connection of the terminal to the bus bar in the chamber. A first aperture in the terminal is configured to receive a fastener which fastens the terminal to the bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Perry, Joseph Williams
  • Patent number: 6322376
    Abstract: The invention is a removable bolt holder for securing a terminal bolt to a power distribution box housing with the bolt positioned to accept a battery terminal and to secure the battery terminal to a bus bar, for example with a nut. The bolt holder is formed separately from the housing, preferably of a material which is more heat-resistant than the material of the housing. The bolt holder is provided with locking structure which allows a first bolt to be inserted shank first into a terminal engaging position, and which further allows a replacement bolt head to be inserted to release the locking connection with the first-inserted bolt. If the bolt is stripped or fractured during assembly the bolt can be removed from the holder without removing the holder from the housing. If the holder is damaged, the entire holder can be removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki North America
    Inventor: James Thomas Jetton
  • Patent number: 6290550
    Abstract: A main body includes a plurality of holes formed therein a main clip and includes an exterior contact portion positioned exterior to the main body, a first carrier strip connected to the exterior contact portion and located within the main body and a plurality of clips extending from this carrier strip, each position within a corresponding hole formed in the main body. A slave clip includes a carrier strip located within the main body and a plurality of clips extending from the carrier strip, each positioned within a corresponding hole of the main body to make the corresponding one of the clips of the main clip. The pair of the clips formed within each hole form a terminal to allow terminal portions of a grounding wire to be connected therein. A cap having a plurality of holes corresponding in position and size to the holes formed in the main body may be frictionally engaged in a hollow portion of the main body to complete the assembly. The same potential block (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Array Connector Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Lomastro, Santiago Llano, Peter J. Dutton, Thomas D. Ratzlaff, Robert D. Gracey
  • Patent number: 6273764
    Abstract: A multiple electrical connector comprising a terminal strip having a bore extending therethrough, a pair of conductor sockets mounted back to back on the terminal strip at the bore and an electrical terminal attached to the terminal strip. One of the pair of conductor sockets has a post and the other has a post receiving bore with the post and the post receiving bore aligned with the terminal strip bore and with each other. The connector socket post extends through the terminal strip bore and into the post receiving bore of the other of the connector sockets with the socket post riveted to the other connector socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Harting KGaA
    Inventors: Dietmar Harting, Ralf Bokamper, Heinz Lambrecht, Stephan Schreier
  • Patent number: 6257938
    Abstract: A databus multiplexing connection system is disclosed including an electrical connector for multiplexing data including in-line CAN-bus splice connector. The connector includes a 4-way connector body and a secondary lock/bussing assembly. The secondary lock/bussing assembly includes a main body, buss-bars, and one or more optional resistors. The secondary lock/bussing assembly secures terminals inside the connector body, provides an interface for connection of a 2-way mating connector thereto, verifies that the terminals are properly installed (i.e. proper orientation) in the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Stoneridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia P. Day, William E. Cross, John S. Norris, Jr., Frank J. Spano, Jr., Terry L. Basinger
  • Patent number: 6247973
    Abstract: A power distribution system for a motor vehicle having a left tail light assembly, a license plate light assembly and a right tail light assembly includes a power distribution block that has a plurality of bus strips embedded in the distribution block with each of the bus strips having at least one tab terminal that projects into an integral input connector socket and at least one tab terminal that projects into at least one of first, second and third output connector sockets. A spliceless chassis wiring harness is plugged into the input connector socket for energizing lights in the left tail light assembly, the license plate light assembly and the right tail light assembly via three spliceless output wiring harnesses operatively associated with the respective output connector sockets and the light assemblies. The power distribution system may also include optional right and left side marker light assemblies that are operatively associated with the second output connector socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charanjit S. Chawa, Joseph A. Bertucci
  • Patent number: 6238225
    Abstract: A bus bar assembly that includes a plurality of bus bars having substantially planar portions disposed in juxtaposition. Adjacent bus bars are electrically isolated from each other. The portion of each of the bus bars is made from an electrically conductive material and has a region provided with at least one interconnect hole extending through the bus bar and adapted to cooperatively receive a pin member. The regions of the bus bars are disposed substantially in a plane so as to permit pin members of equal lengths to be utilized for making electrical connections with the bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: TVM Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Middlehurst, Donald E. Wood, Robert S. Jetter
  • Patent number: 6171140
    Abstract: A joint connector easy to construct and involving less fabricating cost. The joint connector comprises a housing 3 for accommodating a plurality of connecting terminals 2 in a rear-side portion thereof, a bus bar 6 formed out of an electrically conductive metal plate and accommodated in the housing 3 for jointing any individual ones of the connecting terminals 2, a bus bar holder 7 for holding the bus bar 6, and a front cover 9 mounted to the housing 3 in such a way as to cover the bus bar holder 7. The bus bar holder 7 has a plurality of holes to be used for cutting the bus bar 6 to form an arbitrary circuit. The bus bar holder 7 and the bus bar 6 is mounted in the housing 3 so as to be movable in relation to the housing 3 in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the connecting terminals 2 being housed. When the front cover 9 is set in the housing 3, it causes the bus bar holder 7 to be moved and the bus bar 6 to be jointed with connecting terminals 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ryosei Electro-Circuit Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsugio Anbo, Yukifumi Machida, Yoshikatsu Hasegawa, Kenichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6123549
    Abstract: A high integrity electrical connector (10) including an electrically conductive retention clip (12) and an electrically conductive internal contact (14). The retention clip (12) includes a substantially tubular wall (16) presenting a longitudinally extending channel (18) and first and second opposed ends (20,22), the wall defining a window (24) intermediate the ends (20,22) and presenting first and second legs (32,34) extending into the channel (18). The internal contact (14) is received in the channel (18) and retained by the first and second legs (32,34) against longitudinal shifting in the channel (18). Lead wires (58,60) having respective terminals (62,64), when inserted into the channel (18) are retained by tines (40,42) which project into the channel (18) and engage circumscribing bands (68) on the terminals (62,64) to resist separation of the wires from the connector (10) and provide a high integrity splice capable of separation when desired by using a standard extraction/separation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Craig Williams
  • Patent number: 6066804
    Abstract: An electronic circuit package is provided in which a substrate accommodating chamber for accommodating a circuit substrate is formed in a case made of resin. The case has a plurality of terminals fixed thereto each having an internal connecting portion extending in parallel with the substrate. An electronic circuit on the circuit substrate is connected through a plurality of leads to the internal connecting portions. Substrate partitioning ribs for partitioning the internal connecting portions and the circuit substrate are integrally formed on the bottom surface of the substrate accommodating chamber. A terminal partitioning rib for partitioning adjacent internal connecting portions is also integrally formed on the bottom surface of the substrate accommodating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Hamada, Koichi Okamura
  • Patent number: 6030259
    Abstract: A bus bar wiring board has electric contact portions 11a, 11b projected in a tab terminal 11 perpendicularly folded and is constructed such that the electric contact portions 11a, 11b projected in the tab terminal 11 and a folded portion 11d of the tab terminal 11 do not overlap each other on a straight line perpendicular to the folded portion 11d. To achieve this construction, an approximately central portion 11c of the tab terminal 11 constituting the folded portion is punched and both sides of the punched portion 11c are set to the folded portion 11d of the tab terminal 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimasa Yoshigi
  • Patent number: 5980305
    Abstract: A new wiring splice junction block for connecting a power supply cable from a main distribution panel to two or more branch circuits. The inventive device includes a circular housing having a circular wall extending upwardly therefrom disposed inwardly with respect to its cylindrical side wall. The cylindrical side wall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures therethrough. A conductive ring is secured within the circular housing. The conductive ring has a peripheral edge disposed inwardly of the circular wall of the circular housing. A plurality of resilient connectors extends radially from the peripheral edge of the conductive ring in a spaced relationship. The connectors align with the circumferentially spaced apertures of the circular housing. The connectors extend outwardly over the circular wall. A circular lid is dimensioned for covering an open upper end of the circular housing. The circular lid includes a plurality of slotted openings therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Larry R. Bratten, Mary A. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5915998
    Abstract: A low resistance electrical connector comprising a flat bar having multiple lateral fingers projecting from the bar to form flat compression pads for attachment of electrical connectors, and an insulating housing surrounding said bar and including relatively short cylindrical projections enclosing a short extent of each finger and presenting a circular shoulder at the proximal end of each finger or the inner end of each compression pad so that a rocket may telescope over the shoulder and seal the connection to each pad. The number of fingers projecting from each bar may vary and they may project from one or both lateral sides of the bar. The connector is made by laser or waterjet cutting a flat sheet or bar of conductive metal such as copper, aluminum or a laminate to form a blank. The sheet is cut to avoid excessive scrap so that the space between fingers becomes the fingers of another blank. The blank is deburred and placed in a mold to form the insulating housing and cylindrical projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis R. Stidham, David S. Flaherty, Robert G. McPherson
  • Patent number: 5914565
    Abstract: An electrical terminal block for a high wattage high intensity projection lamp, and use thereof. The electrical terminal block is connected to an electrical power supply and has an orifice for plug-in of cable that forms part of such a lamp. The terminal block reduces premature lamp failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen J. Bernardini
  • Patent number: 5882231
    Abstract: A switch connecting structure comprising: a switch in which at least two facing terminal plates are formed within recesses formed in a portion of a housing; bus bars having blade terminals rising from an insulated base; and, connection terminals in which are formed a pair of first resilient clamps that are inserted into said housing recesses and resiliently fit onto said terminal plates, and a pair of second resilient clamps that resiliently fit onto the blade terminals of said bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T AN T
    Inventors: Tsunesuke Takano, Kouichi Sinzawa, Yoji Yabata
  • Patent number: 5795193
    Abstract: A power distribution box (PDB) such as for use in an automotive vehicle, has a busbar adapted to retain a power connection bolt in connection with the busbar, thus permitting the busbar/bolt combination to be inserted from below into an operative position within the PDB housing. This results in the busbar and the bolt being securable within the PDB housing without the need for more costly alternatives such as insert molding or separate fabrication of a receptacle block. The busbar includes a generally U-shaped bolt retention bracket with latch tabs projecting inwardly to engage the bolt head and hold the bolt captive within the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Shenghua Yang
  • Patent number: 5743768
    Abstract: The invention concerns a shunting lattice for electrical distributors that conduct the same potential, such as, e.g., PE ground conductors or reference lines, and it is proposed to arrange a two-dimensional surface structure in the form of a metal plate, an expanded metal grid or the like on the installation side of the shunting lattice, and this plate carries a mounting rail on which conventional, commercially available conductor supply terminals of large cross section are to be locked to the mounting rail with contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: WAGO Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hohorst, Lothar Roland Hennemann
  • Patent number: 5709572
    Abstract: An electrical distribution box comprising a box having a first outer portion and a second outer portion that include multiple stamped and formed circuit grids therein characterized in that at least one of the stamped and formed circuit grids are positioned and retained in the first portion and at least one of the stamped and formed circuit grids are retained in the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Gheorghe Hotea, Martin Listing, Marianne Eva Modler
  • Patent number: 5662499
    Abstract: An electrical terminal strip for potential multiplication includes an insulating terminal housing having a plurality of openings arranged in a row. A comb yoke extends in a direction of the row, and is located within the terminal housing. At least one terminal contact row is located in the insulating terminal housing, and includes a plurality of contact connections disposed side by side in the direction of the row. Each contact connection includes a conductor terminal element having a receiving space therein. Each receiving space is in registration With a respective terminal housing opening, and extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the row. The receiving spaces receive respective protective conductors inserted from an outside of the terminal housing and through the respective terminal housing opening. Each contact connection further includes a conductor protecting element inserted into the respective receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: F. Wieland Elektrische Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Strack, Gerhard Kubernus
  • Patent number: 5645445
    Abstract: A printed circuit board mountable connecting block of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,812 is provided with electrical contacts which include an insulation displacement slot at one end and a circuit mountable tail at the other end. This tail may comprise a conventional solder tail, or in a preferred embodiment, may comprise a "solderless" press-fit tail. The connecting block of this invention may be mounted directly onto (e.g., through) a printed circuit board (or other electronic component). It will be appreciated that this circuit mountable feature is required and advantageous for many applications. In addition, the use of a solderless connector means (preferably a press-fit tail) is particularly advantageous for providing ease of assembly as well as lower cost (relative to conventional solderable tails).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Howard Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5645455
    Abstract: A joint connector comprises: a connector housing (12) formed with a first joint opening (12A) joined with a first mated connector (17) on a first end side thereof and a second joint opening (12B) joined with a second mated connector (18) on a second end side thereof; and a bus bar (13, 23, 33) housed in the connector housing and formed with a plurality of branch terminal portions (13a, 23a, 33a) extending symmetrically toward the first and second end sides of the connector housing (12) and arranged also symmetrically when seen from any of the first and second end sides of the connector housing. Further, a plurality of the bus bars (13, 23) are arranged also symmetrically in the connector housing when seen from both the first and second end sides of the connector housing (12). Therefore, whenever the mated connectors are jointed with the joint connector on either side, it is possible to obtain the same electrical connection conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Seki
  • Patent number: 5632652
    Abstract: The invention is directed to plug-type connectors for backplane wirings composed of blade connector and spring clip, whereby the individual contact springs are surrounded by electrically conductive shieldings that are connected to contactings applied in the intermediate grid both at the backplane side as well as at the assembly side, said contactings being charged with an appropriate potential.The invention discloses various possibilities for contacting between the shielding in the spring clip and the printed circuit boards carrying the shield potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Zell, Juergen Seibold, Peter Seidel
  • Patent number: 5619012
    Abstract: A circuit assembly is made by overmolding, with an electrically insulating material, a unitary framework of electrically conductive material forming coplanar conductors which are connected to each other by an integral structural member. The overmolded material secures the conductors relative to each other and enables portions of the structural member to be severed, electrically isolating the conductors from each other. The overmolded material also positions electrical components having leads that are electrically connected to the conductors. Ends of the conductors are formed into terminals which extend out of a hinge formed in the overmolded material. The hinge enables the terminals to be oriented in a different plane than the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Casali, John E. Opie, Solomon Fridman
  • Patent number: 5531617
    Abstract: A neutral lug assembly for coupling neutral wire conductors to a neutral plate in the panelboard is provided, the neutral lug assembly includes a generally u-shaped bracket adapted to be electrically coupled to the panelboard neutral plate and having first and second stair-step shaped side portions. A cross strap having a first end secured to the first side portion, a second end secured to the second side portion and a middle portion. A securing means is provided for securing the first and second end of the cross strap to the first and second side portions of the bracket, wherein the securing means electrically couples the cross strap to the first and second side portions. A connector is coupled to the middle portion of the cross strap for coupling at least one neutral wire conductor to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Marks
  • Patent number: 5490794
    Abstract: A branch joint box comprising: a base plate; and a pair of connector coupling portions which are, respectively, formed on opposite faces of the base plate so as to confront each other; the base plate being formed with a plurality of insertion openings for inserting therethrough bus bars each including an elongated base portion and at least one pair of tabs extending from opposite sides of the base portion, respectively; the insertion openings extending through the base plate so as to communicate the connector coupling portions with each other; wherein the bus bars are secured in the insertion openings, respectively such that the tabs project into the connector coupling portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kobayashi, Tsutomu Naitou, Kazunori Kurata
  • Patent number: 5474475
    Abstract: A construction for fixing a bus bar for miniature fuses to an electrical connection box, in which the miniature fuses attached to the electrical connection box in parallel with each other at a short interval are connected to the bus bar accommodated in the electrical connection box, comprising: tabs which project from a base portion of the bus bar in parallel with each other at the short interval so as to be connected to the miniature fuses, respectively; a pair of extension portions which extend from opposite ends of the base portion of the bus bar beyond positions for providing the tabs on the bus bar, respectively; a pair of engageable portions which are provided on the extension portions, respectively; and a pair of mating engageable portions which are engageable with the engageable portions, respectively and are provided on the electrical connection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5470254
    Abstract: Disclosed is a terminal block especially suited for rapidly wiring small appliances. The block has an insulating housing holding a plurality of electrically-conductive connectors and in the improvement, at least a first connector is bifurcated to define a pair of jaw-like wire-grasping structures for electrically connecting a pair of wires to one another. The structures are separated by a tongue-like barrier for easy guided insertion of a single wire into each structure. The block is also disclosed in combination with an appliance enclosure having a platform supporting the terminal block. The platform has at least one block retention stud, the terminal block includes at least one surface deformation and the stud and the deformation coactively engage to restrain movement of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: The West Bend Company
    Inventor: Howard W. Kaney
  • Patent number: 5453023
    Abstract: A single modular assembly (10) has two terminals (18) in housing cavities (28) each with a pair of slots (38) for termination by rotary actuation to respective conductors of two cables, for crossconnecting or splicing the tip and ring lines of a customer's service line with those of a cable extending to the main distribution line. Each terminal (18) is in electrical engagement with a circuit wire (40) extending to a separate portion (20) of the module for electrical connection to an active electrode of a protector element (24). The two protector elements (24) each include a ground electrode (76) grounded to a common ground strap (54) which includes a contact section (60,64) exposed along the bottom of the module to be assuredly engaged with a ground strap (122) along the floor (112) of the enclosure (110) upon mounting of the module (10) therein, for grounding to a ground stud for external system grounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Harry M. Capper, James W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5403204
    Abstract: A joint connector having a housing with a plurality of chambers formed by partitioning the interior thereof in each of which a female terminal is located. One or more shorting plates, each of which has a coupling portion and a plurality of contact portion adjacent the coupling portion, are in contact with the female terminal, thereby forming a branched circuit. The side walls of the chambers have resilient locking fingers with a lock projection which engages an aperture in the female terminal. The side walls have slanted portions on their outer faces which inclines and extends outwardly from the end face opposite the distal end of the locking finger to the outer face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Chishima, Yutaka Noro
  • Patent number: 5403210
    Abstract: Narrower connecting strips and wider connecting strips, which each has plural connecting tips and are of different widths, are fixed such that the narrower ones are superposed on the wider ones thereby making combined connecting strips, which are mounted by a rivet in each compartment provided on an insulator base. Thus desired small, medium and large numbers of the connecting tips on combined connecting strips of common electric connections are obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Hasegawa