Electrical connectors – Bus duct – Means to join bus ducts
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-24
2001-01-23
Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Bus duct
Means to join bus ducts
C439S213000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176719
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to connections for electrical distribution systems employing cable or round solid conductors and more specifically to a bolted electrical connector for multi-phase electrical distribution systems having generally round conductors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical connections between two adjacent sections of a multi-phase electrical distribution system having round conductors have been made by spring loaded connectors or by a separate bolted connection for each phase of the distribution system that requires additional space for the connection and electrical insulation required to separate the different phases. While spring loaded connections are easily assembled and can be compact in size, there are times when a bolted connection is preferred or required in an area where limited space is available. It is also desirable that a protective housing surrounding the electrical connection be compact and easily converted to a water resistant housing when mated to adjacent sections of a pre-bussed conduit electrical distribution system or electrical metallic tubing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The electrical connector of the present invention provides a means for electrically connecting the round conductors of adjacent sections of a multi-phase electrical distribution system within a limited space. The connector device includes a generally cylindrical housing enclosing two outside insulators and two inside insulators which are clamped together by two connector bolts. An equal number of electrical connectors are fixed to each of the outside and inside insulators, such that, for each electrical connector on one of the outside insulators, there is a corresponding electrical connector on one of the inside insulators. Each pair of corresponding electrical connectors form a pocket for receiving an end of one of the electrical conductors from each of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system. As the connector bolts are tightened, a uniform pressure is applied to the outside insulators through spring washers on the connector bolts. This uniform pressure causes the corresponding electrical connectors forming the pockets to be tightly clamped against the ends of the electrical conductors received within the pockets, thereby making an electrical connection between the conductors of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system. Sealing gaskets can be applied to the housing to provide a water resistant environment for the electrical connection.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3541224 (1970-11-01), Joly
patent: 4310209 (1982-01-01), Fleming et al.
patent: 4585092 (1986-04-01), Lu
patent: 4643512 (1987-02-01), Prodel
patent: 4684196 (1987-08-01), Smith et al.
patent: 4964813 (1990-10-01), Francois et al.
patent: 4985003 (1991-01-01), Francois et al.
patent: 5266044 (1993-11-01), Whitney et al.
patent: 5399095 (1995-03-01), West et al.
patent: 5415558 (1995-05-01), Baker
patent: 5484300 (1996-01-01), Whitney et al.
patent: 5516302 (1996-05-01), Kim et al.
O'Nan Glen S.
West Rodney J.
Williams Patrick
Wittmer Daniel L.
Bradley Paula
Golden Larry I.
Gushi Ross
Shrout Larry T.
Square D Company
LandOfFree
Bolted electrical connecting device for multiple electrical... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Bolted electrical connecting device for multiple electrical..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bolted electrical connecting device for multiple electrical... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2552156