Clamping Cam Or Wedge Patents (Class 439/863)
  • Patent number: 6099363
    Abstract: Electrical connector (1) comprising a first contact member (10) having an arcuate contact surface (14a) that engages an electrical wire (3), a second contact member (40) has a connecting portion (50) and a pressing portion (48) that presses a free end (30) of the contact section (14). Insulating housing (60) has a first cavity (62) in which a wire-engaging surface (74) is located, and a second cavity (66) which communicates with the first cavity (62). When the first contact member (10) is inserted into the first cavity (62) and the second contact member (40) is press-fitted in the second cavity (66) in a state in which the electrical wire 3 is disposed between the wire-engaging surface (74) and the contact section (14), the pressing portion (48) presses the free end (30) so that the contact section (14) is caused to make electrical connection with the electrical wire (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shirai, Hiroyuki Okazaki
  • Patent number: 6004165
    Abstract: A multiple cable connector and method for electrically connecting and mechanically securing a first cable to a second cable. The connector includes a C-shaped member having a flange disposed therein, a first channel, and a second channel parallel to the first channel and spaced apart therefrom. The first and second channels are inwardly facing and connected by a web extending therebetween. An F-shaped member is also included in the cable connector that has a first arm for retaining the first cable within the first channel, a second arm for retaining the second cable within the second channel, and a projection for engaging the flange when the F-shaped member is press fit into the C-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 5961357
    Abstract: A tube conductor, for example made in copper, is interconnected to a connector housing, for example made of aluminum alloy, by stuffing an insert, for example a steel ball, into the tube. The steel ball expands the tube and clamps it in the cavity of the housing. This construction enables elastic energy to be stored that increases the reliability and lifetime operation of the connector. It also enables a copper conductor to be reliably connected to aluminum connector, even though their thermal expansion coefficients differ, by suitable choice of material and dimensioning of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Mercuzot
  • Patent number: 5911604
    Abstract: An electrical wedge connector having a shell, a wedge assembly, seals and cushions. The wedge assembly has a dielectric frame and electrically conductive bars. The seals are mounted around the outer ends of the bars. The cushions are positioned between the conductors and the shell. When the wedge connector connects the two conductors the bars electrically connect the conductors in a sealed electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Chadbourne
  • Patent number: 5676573
    Abstract: A connector is provided including a plastic bushing having a first bore which extends therethrough in a first direction and a second bore which extends into the bushing in a second direction and intercepts the first bore. A contact extends into one end of the first bore to a surface area facing the second bore, and a central conductor of a coaxial cable may be extended into an opposite end of the first bore to such contact. A retaining member may be inserted into the second bore until the retaining member engages the central conductor to sandwich the central conductor between such retaining member and the contact. The plastic bushing may be inserted into a conductive connector shell which is connected to the coaxial cable and engages a shield layer of such coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: John O. Wright
  • Patent number: 5674097
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprising: a conducting wedge (2), an inclined surface (14) on one side of the wedge (2), a conductive wedge receiving body (3), an opening (4) extending into the body (2), a wire engaging floor (5) on one side of the opening (4), a pair of arms (6) on opposite sides of the opening (4), and the wedge (2) being received in the opening (4) to clamp onto at least one wire (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Earl William McCleerey
  • Patent number: 5632633
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing grounding connectors (1) based on a stamping process on progressive tooling which can produce a grounding connector (1) which is lighter, of a reduced size, and is of low manufacturing cost. The wedge type grounding connector (1) comprises a hollow body (2), a wedge (3), a shear-head bolt (4), two nests (5, 6) for grounding cables (7) and rods (8), and a solid fixture block (9). With the exception of the fixture block (9), all components of the grounding connector (1) are light, and of a reduced size since these components of the grounding connector (1) are manufactured by a stamping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Joannes W. M. Roosdorp, Wilson M. Yamada, Alexandre M. Soriano
  • Patent number: 5609504
    Abstract: A wire connector (10) is disclosed of the type having an outer clamp member (14) and an inner wedge (12) that is inserted into the clamp member to physically and electrically interconnect two conductors (16, 18) together. The clamp member (14) includes a resilient intermediate portion (60) having two walls (62, 64) attached at right angles thereto with opposing channels (66, 68) formed in the two walls. The wedge 12 is arranged to enter into the clamp member (14) and clamp the two conductors (16, 18) against the two channels (66, 68) A pair of flanges (72, 76) extend from the two walls toward each other and have flange surfaces (74, 78) that oppose bearing surfaces (50, 52) on the wedge. When conductors of a certain size combination are being interconnected the bearing surfaces (50, 52) pressingly engage the flange surfaces (74, 78) causing the walls (62, 64) to tend to move inwardly, thereby increasing the clamping force that is exerted on the conductors (16, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Hitesh Cherry, Michael A. Kandros, Daniel V. Nardone
  • Patent number: 5558546
    Abstract: An electrical wedge connector with a sleeve, a separate wedge, and an interconnector. The interconnector connects the wedge to the sleeve when the wedge is not directly connected to the sleeve. This prevents the sleeve or wedge from being accidently lost or dropped prior to assembly. The interconnector can be flexible or rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, William J. Lasko, Gennaro L. Pecora
  • Patent number: 5538447
    Abstract: An electrical connector with a C-shaped sleeve and a one-piece wedge. The wedge has two opposite ends adapted to sandwich conductors against the sleeve and a center section. The center section has outwardly laterally bowed sections. The bowed sections are sequentially oppositely outwardly bowed along the length of the wedge. The wedge is preferably formed from an extruded or formed I-beam shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, William J. Lasko
  • Patent number: 5503575
    Abstract: An electrical connector particularly adapted for connecting the free end of a conductor to a grounded rod. The connector comprises an elongated electrically conductive body having first and second opposite ends connected by a longitudinal axis. A first axial recess in the first end extends along the longitudinal axis partially through the body. A transverse recess extends through the body communicating with the first axial recess. The conductor free end is placed in the transverse recess. The lower end of a plug is placed in the first axial recess and fits snugly in the first axial recess with the lower end contacting and compressing the conductor end extending into the transverse recess. The lower end of the body contains a similar recess for receiving the upper end of a grounding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Harold E. Ciampini
  • Patent number: 5447455
    Abstract: An electrical assembly for terminating magnet wire and the like has a housing with contact receiving cavities provided therein. The contact receiving cavities have separate support members which are positioned adjacent to respective side walls of the contact receiving cavities. The support members cooperate with the wires and the contacts to provide an effective and reliable electrical connection between the wires and the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Hartmuth G. F. Plosser
  • Patent number: 5439391
    Abstract: An electronic connector pin adapter comprises a forward connector pin portion and a rear end portion. The rear end portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending retaining fingers carried in electrically connected relation with the connector pin portion and spaced about an open bore for connecting with and retaining an electronic connector pin, typically of different dimension from that of the forward connector pin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Ventritex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley D. McEtchin, D. Scott Romkee, M. Elizabeth Bush
  • Patent number: 5430254
    Abstract: A self crimping connector for securing very fine wires of the order of 0.0015" diameter into an electrical connector is described. A terminal block having an opening at least five times the diameter of the wire is preferably gold plated and the wire is inserted. A malleable metal pin means, preferably a gold pin having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the opening, is inserted between the wire and a sidewall of the opening. A longitudinal force is applied to the exposed end of the pin so as to radially expand the pin and force it into locking engagement with the wire and the sidewall without deforming or nicking the wire and thus weakening it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Queen's University
    Inventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Raymond A. Peck
  • Patent number: 5340336
    Abstract: A connector 10 is disclosed of the type that interconnects and mechanically secures two electrical conductors together, particularly non-insulated, flat ribbon conductors 46. The connector includes a C-shaped clamping member 42 and a wedge 44 that is conformably received therewithin thereby forming a conductor receiving channel on each side of the wedge 44, between the wedge 44 and the walls of the clamping member 42. As the wedge 44 is forced into the clamping member 42 the walls are elastically deflect outwardly, applying substantial force against the conductors, thereby establishing good electrical contact and a strong mechanical interconnection of the two conductors. The connector 10 is self aligning for a variety of conductor sizes where at least one is a flat conductor. This is achieved by means of a novel combination of concave and convex surfaces on the clamping member and a pair of flat converging surfaces on the wedge, one of which includes a concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Gino Menechella
  • Patent number: 5282761
    Abstract: A toggle connector for connecting the conductors of two or more wires includes a base and two interconnected leaves which may be forced into an over-toggle position to clamp the conductors to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Elmont E. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 5281173
    Abstract: A connector (10) for an electrical distribution system includes an internal member or wedge (12) received within an external member (11) having an inherent resiliency. The external member (11) has a pair of end portions (15, 16), each of which has an opening (17, 18) to receive a respective wire (13, 14), and the wires (13, 14) are clamped mechanically between the side edges of the internal member or wedge (12) and the respective end portions (15, 16) of the external member (11). No special tool is required, either for the initial installation or subsequent disassembly for repair or replacement, and the inherent resiliency of the external member (11) accommodates any material creepage or dimensional instability in the wire material due to line current variations or adverse weather conditions, particularly where aluminum wires are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Hitesh Cherry, Michael A. Kandros, Daniel V. Nardone, Nancy L. Reeser
  • Patent number: 5244422
    Abstract: A wedge connector of the type having a C-shaped member defining wire-receiving channels and a wedge member arranged to be forced between the wires thereby securing the wires electrically and mechanically together. Raised, pointed projections are provided in the inner surface of each channel, these projections biting into the wires to increase the required pull-out force. A slot is provided in the wedge and in the fully engaged position of the connector pieces the slot is exposed adjacent an end of the C-member. This allows insertion of a flat screwdriver which can be backed against the end of the C-member to pry the wedge loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Rocco V. Laricchia
  • Patent number: 5244424
    Abstract: An electrical coupling for a power supply busbar has a U-shape metal body that embraces the busbar and is locked in place by a pin that extends through apertures in opposite limbs of the body. The pin has a shoulder that urges the bar against a flexible metal strip retained in a groove in the body. A plastics sleeve embraces the body and retains the pin in place, the sleeve being retained by a cable stud screwed into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Alan Hessey
  • Patent number: 5240441
    Abstract: An electrical wire connector of the type having a wedge with converging side surfaces forcible into a C-shaped member between converging ears thereof, includes concave channel portions of the wedge side surface opposing arcuate inner surfaces of the ears to clamp a transmission line, stirrup, and strain clamp member therein under substantial clamping force to common and mechanically join them. The strain clamp cooperates with the electrical wire connector to prevent forces applied to the transmission line from being transmitted to the stirrup, thereby ensuring that a positive electrical connection is maintained between the transmission line and the stirrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Rocco V. Laricchia, Randy T. Cole
  • Patent number: 5145420
    Abstract: An electrical wire connector of the type having a wedge with converging side surfaces forcible into a C-shaped member between converging ears thereof, includes concave channel portions of the wedge side surfaces opposing arcuate inner surfaces of the ears to clamp respective wires therein under substantial clamping force to common and mechanically join them. The wedge has a raised region to be adjacent and abut the bight of the C-shaped member to minimize bowing thereof and thereby substantially increase the clamping force applied on the wires by the ears of the C-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Eugene F. Counsel, Gino Menechella
  • Patent number: 4995837
    Abstract: A testing device such as a network analyzer is joined to a test unit, such as a circulator, by an electrical precision test connector 1 having an electrical conductor 2 with conductive end portions 34 and 40, a hollow, bipartite shell 3 and a dielectric insert 4 as part of the conductor 2, the electrical conductor 2 further comprising a flexible, slotted contact end portion 24 with flat, opposing contact surfaces 36 and 37 with the slotted end portion being pinched 38 for a slideable, clamping engagement, above and below, with an inserted tab connector and the hollow, bipartite shell 3 having an end contact surface 24 and being spring biased to provide complete electrical contact with a corresponding portion of the test unit 54 during connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: William D. Couper, George W. Michael
  • Patent number: 4936800
    Abstract: A testing device such as a network analyzer is joined to a test unit, such as a circulator, by an electrical precision test connector 1 having an electrical conductor 2 with conductive end parts 34 and 40, a hollow, bipartite shell 3 and a dielectric insert 4 securing the conductor 2 in place, the electrical conductor 2 comprising a flexible, slotted contact end portion 34 with flat, opposing contact surfaces 36 and 37 with the slotted end portion being pinched 38 for a slideable, clamping engagement, above and below, with an inserted tab connector and the hollow, bipartite shell 3 having an end contact surface 24 and being spring biased at 45 to provide complete electrical contact with a corresponding portion of the test unit 60 during connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: William D. Couper, George W. Michael
  • Patent number: 4906210
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a plug having an elongate prong releasably received in a hollow receptacle and retained for electrical contact by a retainer. An improvement of that electrical contact is achieved by tensioning the prong in the receptacle against the retainer. A spring may be tensioned for that purpose in the receptacle between that receptacle and the prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: IMO Delaval Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard A. McNiel
  • Patent number: 4872856
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically commoning a pair of conductors. More particularly, the connector includes a pair of pivoting toggle blocks which are inserted longitudinally into a C-member at an angle so the combined width is less than the space between conductors disposed in channels in the C-member. As the toggle blocks engage ramps in the C-member, the blocks are forced into a parallel relation to each other, the combined width of which exceeds the aforementioned space whereby the conductors are compressed in the connector and electrically commoned thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Denis M. Pooley, Douglas K. MacKenzie, deceased
  • Patent number: 4842539
    Abstract: A plurality of connector members are provided, each of which is shaped to fit between two adjacent strands in a column of strands on a stator winding (i.e., by manual insertion). Each connector member has a first side provided with an electrically conductive material and a second side provided with an electrically insulating material. An electrically conductive lead is electrically connected to the electrically conductive material on an associated connector member. In this manner, a plurality of electrically conductive leads are connected to an associated plurality of connector members. A plug or receptacle is provided at the opposite end of the electrically conductive leads with respect to the end connected to the connector members. Securing means are provided for pressing the strands against the connector members interposed therebetween in order to insure a conductive connection between each strand and the conductive material of a connector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Emil M. Fort, Leonard B. Simmonds
  • Patent number: 4842558
    Abstract: An electrical connector for releasably connecting a flat terminal, such as the terminal of a biomedical electrode, to an electric wire. The connector comprises a housing having a passageway extending substantially therethrough, and an actuator in the passageway. The housing has a first terminal-engaging surface defining one side of the passageway, and the actuator has a second terminal-engaging surface complementary to the first terminal-engaging surface of the housing. The actuator is slidable generally diagonally of the passageway in the housing between an open position, wherein the first and second terminal-engaging surfaces are spaced apart a distance at least as large as the thickness of the electrode terminal so that the terminal may be placed between the surfaces, and a wedged position, wherein the first and second terminal-engaging surfaces are sufficiently close to clamp the terminal between the surfaces with the actuator being wedged against the terminal to retain the terminal in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jerome E. Strand
  • Patent number: 4797126
    Abstract: A connector having a center conductor contact whose length relative to an enclosing outer conductor contact can be adjusted to make a shoulder of the center conductor contact flush with the end of the outer conductor contact. In a female version of the connector, a cylindrical shell encloses a cavity in which a collette is inserted. An opening in a first end of the shell enables a male center pin to be inserted into the connector to make contact with the collette. The collette shape is such that the contacts between the collette and both the shell and the center pin are substantially at the opening of the first end of the shell. A spring on the other end of the collette presses the collette against the shell to produce wiping contacts at the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Julius Botka
  • Patent number: 4795365
    Abstract: A splice device for in-line splicing of two cables, wires or the like. More particularly, the device includes a body member having axial extending apertures in each end face and transversely extending passages intersecting the apertures. Wedge members, having threaded ends, are positioned in the transverse passages with the threaded ends extending out of the body member of receiving nuts so that the wedge members can be drawn tightly in the passages and thereby securely wedging cables positioned in the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon R. Johnston, Walter M. Werner
  • Patent number: 4775335
    Abstract: An electrical zero insertion force connector includes a tubular elongated conducting body having an opening at its one end for inserting a conductor and a socket with a plurality of integral gripping jaws resiliently extending into the body and away from the opening. An insulating slider is arranged within the body for reciprocating movement between an engaging position, for deflecting the jaws into intimate electrical contacts with the conductor, and a disengaging position, for releasing the jaws from the conductor. The slider protrudes from an end of the body opposite the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventor: Karel Havel
  • Patent number: 4743204
    Abstract: An electric circuit breaker or switch is disclosed having a plug-in connection means with an auxiliary bolt-operated means for enhancing the electrical and mechanical connection between the circuit breaker and a panelboard terminal. A U-shaped terminal clip is mounted in an opening in the circuit breaker case. The terminal clip engages over and frictionally grips a stab terminal on a panelboard to provide an electrical connection. A C-shaped clamp fits over and partially encircles the terminal clip in such a manner that the free ends of the clamp arms project inwardly toward and contact the legs of the terminal clip. A screw, which may be non-conductive, is retained in a bore in the molded case of the circuit breaker, extends into the terminal clip opening and engages a threaded hole in the C-shaped clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Cooper Industries
    Inventors: Thomas L. Fromm, Terry L. Tiede
  • Patent number: 4740773
    Abstract: An ignition device has a housing provided with a high voltage terminal post for receiving a cable. An ignition winding is supported in a coil form. An end of a solid wire is inserted into a hole in the coil form and an end of the ignition winding is wound around a free part of the wire. Then the coil form is inserted into the housing and the free end part of the wire is received in a housing recess at the rear end of the terminal post. A contact pin is pressed into the terminal post unitl the rear end of the pin makes contact with the wire. Then the housing recess is filled with casting resin to fix the pin and the wire with the winding end in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Emil Buchschmid, Manfred Huttinger, Hans-Dieter Schmid, Horst-Gunter Steffen
  • Patent number: 4734062
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors. More particularly, the conductor includes a C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly facing channels for receiving conductors therein and a pair of toggle blocks pivotally joined together and each having outwardly facing channels along one side. The toggle blocks, having a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the channels in the C-shaped body member, compress the conductors therein when forced into the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Goto
  • Patent number: 4723921
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors. More particularly, the conductor includes a C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly facing channels for receiving conductors therein and a pair of toggle blocks pivotally engaging each other and each having outwardly facing channels along one side. The toggle blocks, having a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the channels in the C-shaped body member, compress the conductors therein when forced into the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Denis M. Pooley
  • Patent number: 4723920
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors. More particularly the connector includes a C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly facing channels along each side for receiving conductors therein and a pair of toggle blocks pivotally hinged together and each having outwardly facing channels along one side. The toggle blocks, having a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the inwardly facing channels, compress the conductors therein when drawn into the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter M. Werner
  • Patent number: 4720275
    Abstract: A quick termination assembly for an electrical connector to a flexible wire. The connector comprises an electrical conductive tube. The tube has separate end opening and side opening to the passage and a ramp facing out of and extending towards the side opening from the passage. The end opening and passage are adapted to receive a bare end of the wire upon insertion therein, the ramp, during such insertion, forcing the bare wire to bend and move along the ramp out of the side opening to a position extended away from the tube. A non-conductive sleeve extends around the wire. The sleeve, as it is forced to slide along the wire and tube, engages the extended bare wire, causing the bare wire to bend against an exterior side of the tube and pass over and encircle the bare wire and tube, thereby gripping and retaining the bare wire and tube in electrical and mechanical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Everett/Charles Contact Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Swart, Charles J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4700997
    Abstract: An electrical connector for removably attaching a flat electrode to a conducting cable is shown. Flat, conductive upper and lower jaws are connected at the rear by flexible, resilient spring means, and are spaced apart at the front. The jaws are mounted within a housing, and are surmounted by a slide actuator having a finger movable member passing through a slot in a housing roof. The actuator slides on a guide means having a front planar surface and a rear planar surface higher than the front planar surface, the two planar surfaces connected by a ramp in a transition area. In the forward position, the actuator compresses the jaws together on the surfaces of the flat electrode to tightly hold the electrode in a locked conductive connection, and simple finger movement of the actuator releases the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jerome E. Strand
  • Patent number: 4698031
    Abstract: A barrier for a wire gripping device of the type wherein a tapered jaw assembly is slideably mounted within a tapered tubular shell defining an axis and having an opening at one axial end thereof, and wherein a pilot cup is disposed in the end opening for surroundingly engaging a terminal end of a cable to be introduced into the gripping device for gripping engagement by the jaw assembly therewithin, and also having a compression spring having one end in engagement with an end surface of the tapered jaw assembly opposite the end opening of the shell. The barrier comprises a unitary-part member disposed in the shell at a location spaced apart from the end opening by an amount at least as great as the combined axial extent of the jaw assembly and compression spring when the latter is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Dawson
  • Patent number: 4696532
    Abstract: An apparatus for terminating a coaxial cable includes a connection pin and a spring sleeve having first and second spring portions, the first spring portion receiving one end of the connection pin and the second spring portion receiving an end of a center conductor of the coaxial cable. The second spring portion has a conical outer surface received within a conical hole of a sleeve held in place by first and second connector bodies, the sleeve increasing a clamping force of the second spring portion on the center conductor when the center conductor is subjected to pull-out load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Raychem Corp.
    Inventor: John S. Mattis
  • Patent number: 4684204
    Abstract: A filament assembly which includes spaced posts with slotted ends for positioning a filament. The ends of the filament are secured to the posts in tapered holes which receive a pin or screw to provide electrical contact and tension the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Finnigan Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce S. Johnson, Dennis M. Taylor