The Whitaker Corporation

Amp LLC

Michael A Kandros

Hitesh Cherry

Daniel V Nardone

James Lee Fedder

Nancy Lee Reeser

A wire connector (10) is disclosed having a clamping member (12) and a mating wedge (14). The clamping member includes two oppositely formed rolled over edges (18, 20) that form two opposing concave channels (22, 24) for receiving a pair of conductors (26, 28) and the wedge for locking the conductors tightly in place. The wedge includes two opposite edges (44, 46) that engage the two conductors when the wedge is in its closed position. A pair of members (64, 66) extend from an end (48) of the wedge and have edges (68, 70) that converge from the edges (44, 46) toward the longitudinal axis 42 of the wedge for engaging and camming the conductors into position within the clamping member during insertion of the wedge. The two members (64, 66) are spaced apart to form a clearance cutout for straddling the jaw of an insertion tool.

Electrical wire connector with improved wedge

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).

Wire connector with improved clasp

The invention relates to a mechanical connector splice for joining a pair of aligned cables, such as helically wound aluminum or copper conductors, where such cables are a part of the distribution system of a power network. The splice includes an outer, generally circular metal shell, typically aluminum or copper, consisting of a midportion and a pair of tapered end portions, where each end portion terminates in an opening into which the cable is received. Within the shell are a pair of generally circular tapered inserts within the respective end portions, and the insert is arranged to move axially of the metal shell to securely engage the cable. Further, a spacer member is provided within the midportion to initially position the tapered inserts, where the spacer member includes a pair of pusher members positioned to exert an axial movement on a respective insert. Finally, an access is included in the metal shell and spacer member to receive an externally applied tool to effect the axial movement on the inserts in a manner to securely grip the respective aligned cables.

Mechanical connector splice for cable

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.

Electrical distribution system connector

The present invention relates to latching devices for removably retaining circuit cards in zero insertion force card edge connectors. More particularly the invention includes a pair of pivoting, card edge gripping members positioned at the ends of the card edge receiving slot in the connector. The members are cammed in to grip the inserted card concurrently with the closing of the connector.

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Harrisburg, PA, United States of America

Michael A Kandros