US3573708A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tap block assembly
Assignee: ABB Inc USA
•
Filing: 1969-07-22
•
Granted: 1971-04-06
•
Expires: 1989-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A tap block assembly for connecting one or more circuits to a common conductor by the insertion of a conductive plug. All components are captured between upper and lower molding halves which are secured together. A plurality of plug positions are provided in which the plug makes electrical contact with two respective circuits and a common conductor.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles J Yarrick
- 👤 Lee A Davis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:47
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R29/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
325 words
A tap block assembly comprising, in combination: a. an upper housing half comprising a generally flat insulation member having an upper surface and a lower surface; b. a lower housing half comprising a generally flat insulation member having an upper surface and a lower surface; c. means for securing said upper and lower housing halves together with said lower surface of said upper housing half adjacent said upper surface of said lower housing half; d. at least first and second parallel rows of pluralities of spaced electrical contacts extending through cooperating openings in said lower housing half; said first and second parallel rows of contacts extending transversely across said upper surface of said lower housing and having exposed regions extending above said upper surface of said lower housing; pairs of contacts of said first and second pluralities of contacts aligned in a direction perpendicular to said transverse direction; e. a conductive elongated, generally flat bar disposed above the plane of said first and second rows of electrical contacts; said upper housing having a recess in the lower surface thereof for receiving said generally flat conductive bar; support means on said lower surface of said lower housing for engaging said conductive bar and holding said conductive bar spaced from said plurality of contacts; f. a biasing spring disposed between the bottom of said recess and said generally flat conductive bar for biasing said conductive bar toward said upper surface of said lower housing; g. a plurality of channels formed between said upper surface of said lower housing and said bottom surface of said upper housing; said plurality of channels extending in said perpendicular direction and respectively aligned with each of said pairs of contacts of said first and second rows; and h. conductive plug means insertable in any of said channels for making electrical contact between said conductive bar and a respective pair of said contacts, and for raising said conductive bar against said biasing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
325 words
A tap block assembly comprising, in combination: a. an upper housing half comprising a generally flat insulation member having an upper surface and a lower surface; b. a lower housing half comprising a generally flat insulation member having an upper surface and a lower surface; c. means for securing said upper and lower housing halves together with said lower surface of said upper housing half adjacent said upper surface of said lower housing half; d. at least first and second parallel rows of pluralities of spaced electrical contacts extending through cooperating openings in said lower housing half; said first and second parallel rows of contacts extending transversely across said upper surface of said lower housing and having exposed regions extending above said upper surface of said lower housing; pairs of contacts of said first and second pluralities of contacts aligned in a direction perpendicular to said transverse direction; e. a conductive elongated, generally flat bar disposed above the plane of said first and second rows of electrical contacts; said upper housing having a recess in the lower surface thereof for receiving said generally flat conductive bar; support means on said lower surface of said lower housing for engaging said conductive bar and holding said conductive bar spaced from said plurality of contacts; f. a biasing spring disposed between the bottom of said recess and said generally flat conductive bar for biasing said conductive bar toward said upper surface of said lower housing; g. a plurality of channels formed between said upper surface of said lower housing and said bottom surface of said upper housing; said plurality of channels extending in said perpendicular direction and respectively aligned with each of said pairs of contacts of said first and second rows; and h. conductive plug means insertable in any of said channels for making electrical contact between said conductive bar and a respective pair of said contacts, and for raising said conductive bar against said biasing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
93 words
The tap block assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of contacts have a generally J-shape having a bottom portion and two extending legs; one of said legs being longer than the other of said legs and serving as the terminal of said contact and extending beyond the bottom of said lower housing; each of said legs of each of said contacts received in respective openings in said lower housing; said bottom portions of said J-shaped contacts of each of said first and second rows extending along respective common, parallel axes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The tap block of claim 1 wherein said conductive plug, upon connection to said tap block, initially contacts said first row of contacts and initially separates from said second rows of contacts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The tap block of claim 1 wherein said upper surface of said lower housing has a first and second depressed region therein; said first and second rows of contacts disposed in said first and second depressed regions, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tap block of claim 1 wherein said biasing spring comprises an elongated bowed leaf spring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The tap block of claim 1 wherein said conductive bar has a perpendicularly extending terminal arm which extends beyond the periphery of said upper housing; and a tang extending from said terminal arm for engaging one of said plurality of contacts when said conductive bar is seated against said support means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
92 words
The tap block of claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of contacts have a generally J-shape having a bottom portion and two extending legs; one of said legs being longer than the other of said legs and serving as the terminal of said contact and extending beyond the bottom of said lower housing; each of said legs of each of said contacts received in respective openings in said lower housing; said bottom portions Of said J-shaped contacts of each of said first and second rows extending along respective common, parallel axes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The tap block of claim 4 wherein said upper surface of said lower housing has a first and second depressed region therein; said first and third rows of contacts disposed in said first depressed region; said second and fourth rows of contacts disposed in said second depressed region.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3085220A
Cited
US3327278A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-05 | 1974-10-05 | 1975-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-05 | 1978-10-05 | 1979-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-05 | 1982-10-05 | 1983-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |