Method and apparatus for locking assemblies
AssigneeVekcus, LLC
InventorsJim Steve STAVRIANOUDAKIS, John Steve STAVRIANOUDAKIS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Locking assemblies are provided for connecting to a stranded element. The locking assemblies include a housing with a receiving bore, locking bore, and aperture. The stranded element enters the housing through the receiving bore. A drive shaft can advance a locking element in the locking bore such that the locking element contacts the stranded element to apply a force to secure the stranded element to the locking assembly. Ends of the stranded element can be pushed by the locking element out of the housing through the aperture. The locking assemblies can be used for mechanical and/or electrical connections. Examples of stranded elements include electrical wires, mechanical stranded cables, rope, and other multi-strand materials.
Claims76
A locking assembly, comprising:
- a housing having a receiving portion, a locking portion and an exit portion disposed between the receiving portion and the locking portion;
- a receiving bore within one side of the housing, the receiving portion adapted to accommodate a multiple strand element;
- a locking bore within one side of the housing locking portion adapted to accommodate a locking element;
- an aperture formed in the housing exit portion in communication with the receiving bore or the locking bore;
- the locking element;
- and
- a drive shaft adapted to advance the locking element along the locking bore.
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A method of securing a multiple strand element to a housing, comprising:
- inserting the multiple strand element through a receiving portion of the housing until a first portion of the multiple strand element is visible within an exit portion of the housing;
- and
- driving a locking element through a locking bore in the housing to secure a second portion of the multiple strand element within the housing.
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A locking assembly, comprising:
- a housing having a receiving portion and a locking portion;
- a receiving bore within one side of the housing, the receiving portion adapted to accommodate a plurality of stranded elements;
- a locking bore within one side of the housing locking portion adapted to accommodate a locking element;
- a locking element configured to contact the plurality of stranded elements and when in contact with the plurality of stranded elements the locking element is configured to maintain electrical contact between the plurality of the stranded elements;
- and
- a drive shaft adapted to advance the locking element along the locking bore.
A method of forming an electrical connection between a plurality of stranded elements, comprising:
- advancing a first stranded element into a receiving bore of a housing;
- advancing a second stranded element into the receiving bore of the housing;
- advancing a locking element within the housing to contact the first stranded element and second stranded element such that the first stranded element and the second stranded element are in electrical contact and in contact with an interior of the housing.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.