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AssigneeERICO International Corporation
InventorsGlenn Siracki, Pascal Godard, Richard Sasso, Robert Crozier
Estimating the term…
The terminal block assembly of this invention provides a finger safe method of distributing power while at the same time enabling the installer to make uniform and correct connections to a multiplicity of taps or ports. Each connection includes an abutment or seat physically to engage the end of the conductor and in addition the construction of the block and its insulating case provides the installer with visual access to the tip of the conductor in its proper seated position before the conductor is secured to the block. In order to provide such visual access the walls partially blocking the seating end of each conductor socket are scalloped or provided with an inverted conical section which enables the tip of each conductor to be seen from the top of the block. To facilitate this visual access the entire top of the insulating case is made from a transparent material.
A terminal block for electric distribution comprising a main port for a main power conductor and a series of tap ports for distribution of power, the main and tap ports comprising seating sockets with transversely extending clamp screws adapted to secure conductors seated in the sockets, an insulating case for said block having a transparent cover providing visual access to the tip of said conductors, respective ports in said case for inserting conductors fully seated in said respective ports, and ports in said cover providing access to said clamp screws whereby conductors may be inserted fully seated in said ports and secured with said clamp screws without contact with the block.
An electric distribution terminal block comprising a conductive block having a main power connection in one side and smaller tap connections in another side, each connection comprising a socket to receive the conductor with a blocking abutment at the inner end to ensure proper insertion and to prevent over insertion, and a transverse clamp screw to secure the conductor in the socket when tightened, and an opening at the abutment end of each socket to provide visual access to the end of the conductor when inserted properly against the abutment in the socket.
A method of distributing power from an electrical distribution block to a plurality of tap connections comprising the steps of enclosing the block in an insulating case, energizing the block with a main connection and then adding one or all tap connections uniformly with the case closed while preventing finger contact with the block.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.