US4130934A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for terminating high density cable
Assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
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Filing: 1977-12-06
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Granted: 1978-12-26
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Expires: 1997-12-06
Abstract
Abstract An improved conductor preparation and termination means and method are disclosed for terminating multi-conductor flat cable having a high density arrangement of conductors on close centerlines. The present invention is particularly useful for mass termination of flat transmission cable and/or ribbon cable. The subject method and means is primarily distinguished from the known methods and means for terminating cable in that in the present instance at least some of the conductors are pushed from the insulation of the cable to a position where they are exposed and can be engaged by suitable terminating means.
Inventors
- 👤 John C. Asick
- 👤 Clifton W. Huffnagle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:19
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G1/00; H02G1/12; H02G1/1295; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49204; Y10T29/49208; Y10T29/49218
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for preparing multi-conductor flat cable for termination, said cable having a plurality of parallel spaced conductors encased in insulation, said method comprising the steps of: cutting at least a longitudinal slit in the insulation adjacent each conductor to be terminated; applying force to said conductor from one side of the cable causing said conductor to form a loop exposed from the other side of said cable; and terminating each said conductor by inserting said exposed loop between resilient conductor engaging portions of an electrical terminal making good electrical and mechanical contact therebetween.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for preparing multi-conductor flat cable for termination, said cable having a plurality of parallel spaced conductors encased in insulation, said method comprising the steps of: cutting at least a longitudinal slit in the insulation adjacent each conductor to be terminated; applying force to said conductor from one side of the cable causing said conductor to form a loop exposed from the other side of said cable; and terminating each said conductor by inserting said exposed loop between resilient conductor engaging portions of an electrical terminal making good electrical and mechanical contact therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein: said insulation is slotted on both lateral sides of each said conductor to be terminated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein: at least some of said conductor loops are exposed at a first location extending transversely across said cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein: at least of said conductor loops are exposed at a first location extending transversely across said cable; and at least some of the remaining conductor loops are exposed at a second location extending transversely across said cable spaced from said first location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 3 further comprising the step of: cutting each said conductor at a point remote from, said first location whereby said conductor moves more easily through the insulation during formation of said loop.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein: each said conductor is cut at a sufficient distance from said first location that the free end of said conductor remains in the insulation upon formation of said loop.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein: at least one window is formed in said cable, said at least one window removing a section of insulation and underlying conductor leaving at least one fully insulated conductor between adjacent pairs of windows.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for terminating multi-conductor flat cable having a plurality of conductors embedded in insulation in a parallel spaced array, said method comprising the steps of: cutting a longitudinal slot in the insulation adjacent a conductor of said cable; applying force to said conductor from a first side of said cable causing said conductor to form a loop exposed from the opposite side of said cable; and inserting said exposed loop into a conductor engaging portion of an electrical terminal.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for terminating multi-conductor flat cable having a plurality of conductors embedded in insulation in a parallel spaced array, said method comprising the steps of: cutting a longitudinal slot in the insulation adjacent a conductor of said cable; applying force to said conductor from a first side of said cable causing said conductor to form a loop exposed from the opposite side of said cable; and inserting said exposed loop into a conductor engaging portion of an electrical terminal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 8 wherein adjacent conductors of said cable are exposed in a pattern arrangement thereby avoiding shorting between selected conductors.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for terminating at least some of the plurality of conductors of a multi-conductor flat cable comprising the steps of: forming at least one transverse slot in said cable to cut at least some of said conductors; cutting at least one longitudinal slot in the insulation remote from each said transverse slot and immediately adjacent a respective conductor; applying a force through said slot from a first side of said cable and against said conductor to expose it in a loop from the other side of said cable; and terminating said exposed loop with a first terminal means.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for terminating at least some of the plurality of conductors of a multi-conductor flat cable comprising the steps of: forming at least one transverse slot in said cable to cut at least some of said conductors; cutting at least one longitudinal slot in the insulation remote from each said transverse slot and immediately adjacent a respective conductor; applying a force through said slot from a first side of said cable and against said conductor to expose it in a loop from the other side of said cable; and terminating said exposed loop with a first terminal means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 10 further comprising the steps of: exposing the conductors of said cable in a patterned array of loops whereby shorting between selected conductors is avoided.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein: said transverse slots and said at least one longitudinal slot form windows in said cable removing a section of insulation and the underlying conductor leaving at least one fully insulated conductor between adjacent windows; and terminating said fully insulated conductor with insulation piercing second terminal means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein: said longitudinal slots are formed on both sides of said conductors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-12-25 | 1982-06-26 | 1982-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-12-25 | 1986-06-26 | 1986-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-12-25 | 1990-06-26 | 1990-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |