Connector for use with oxide coated conductors

Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus are herein provided for making electrical connections using oxide coated conductors. A binding plate may be provided having an array of ridges formed thereon which ridges define at least one pocket. A binding device, e.g., a screw or the like, cooperates with the binding plate to urge a conductor against the binding plate until the ridges on the binding plate fracture the oxide coating on the conductor and penetrate the virgin metal thereof. The array of ridges is sized so that the ridges defining and completely surrounding at least one pocket will penetrate the virgin metal so as to form a gas-tight space between the binding plate and the conductor. The ridges may be formed as sharp cutting projections for fracturing the oxide and for facilitating the penetration of the virgin metal. Alternatively, the ridges may merely comprise the edges defining each pocket, which edges need not extend above the surface of the binding plate. In one form of the invention, the array of ridges may define concentric circles disposed about a binding post and intersected by radially extending ridges. In another form of the invention, the array may comprise one or a plurality of indentations machined into the surface of the binding plate by a punch or the like. In still another form of the invention, a washer may be provided having at least one pocket formed in a radial face thereof. The washer is disposed between the binding plate and a binding device which is then operable to urge the washer against the conductor to perform the functions of fracturing the oxide coating and of establishing an electrical connection with the virgin metal of the conductor. In any form, however, each pocket is defined by a ridge which completely surrounds that pocket, and which is sized to define an opening which is completely covered by a conductor when urged thereagainst.

Inventors

• 👤 J Tibolla

Bibliographic Details