US 6,443,783 B1 · Electrical terminal connector

Abstract

The transformer box connector comprises a plurality of terminal blocks and a terminal block retainer with a hinged cover mounted on a housing. The terminal block retainer has a plurality of insulating ribs that act as partitions. Terminal blocks for receiving at least one electrical wire are mounted within the spaces between each insulating rib. Each terminal block is mounted to the terminal block retainer by a planar member that extends from its base. A fastening member, which provides an electrical connection from the wire secured in the terminal blocks to the transformer, extends from the planar member and can be configured as a fastening screw or a fastening post. The fastening member provides means for attaching the terminal block to the terminal block retainer and to the transformer housing. The hinged cover may include openings for access to set screws in the terminal blocks.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An electrical terminal connector for mounting in a transformer box for connecting an external wire to a transformer within the transformer box, comprising:

(a) a body comprising a conductive material having a cubic shape comprising a front face, a rear face, two sides, a top and a base with a first bore extending horizontally therethrough from the front face to the rear face, wherein the first bore has an inverted U-shape so that the first bore is larger near the base, and a second bore extending vertically from the top, wherein the first and second bores intersect within the body, the second bore having a thread formed therein, and wherein the two sides are continuous with no openings therethrough;
(b) a set screw for mating with the second bore for trapping the wire inserted through the front face into the first bore;
and
(c) the base further comprising a base extension extending from the cubic shape comprising means for extending a fastener for conductively attaching the body to an internal wire connected to the transformer, wherein the fastener further comprises means for fastening the body to a non-conductive surface within the transformer housing.

1 more element

An electrical terminal connector for mounting in a transformer box for connecting a plurality of external wires to a transformer within the transformer box, comprising:

(a) a terminal block retainer comprising a base portion, a plurality of ribs extending from the base portion, and a hinged cover for covering the plurality of ribs, wherein the terminal block retainer comprises an insulating material and each pair of ribs of the plurality and the base portion therebetween defines a space so that a plurality of spaces are defined, and wherein the hinged cover has a plurality of access openings therethrough corresponding to at least a portion of the spaces;
and
(b) a plurality of individual terminal blocks mounted within the terminal block retainer, wherein one terminal block is disposed within each space so that all surfaces of the terminal block are recessed within the space, each terminal block for receiving at least one electrical wire, wherein each terminal block comprises:
(i) a conductive body having a cubic shape comprising a front face, a rear face, two sides, a top and a base with a first bore extending horizontally therethrough from the front face to the rear face, wherein the first bore has an inverted U-shape so that the first bore is larger near the base, and a second bore extending vertically from the top, wherein the first and second bores intersect within the body, the second bore having a thread formed therein, and wherein the two sides are continuous with no openings therethrough;
(ii) a set screw for mating with the second bore for trapping the wire inserted through the front face into the first bore;
and
(iii) the base further comprising a base extension extending from the cubic shape comprising means for extending a fastener for conductively attaching the body to an internal wire connected to the transformer, wherein the fastener also comprises means for fastening the body to the terminal block retainer.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electrical terminal connector

Life of this patent

Electrical terminal connector

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23