Patent · US Expired

Electrical assembly with multiple arrangement

US5549488A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
8References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 3, 1994
Grant dateAug 27, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 3, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01R31/06
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A re-wired electrical assembly with multiple keying arrangement has channel-shaped raceways which receive plug receptacles. Electrical contacts are disposed in each of the plug receptacles and are selectively oriented in one of a plurality of predetermined positions. Jumper cable assemblies including two plugs electrically coupled by an intermediate cable are used to join a pair of channels having plug receptacles therein. Terminals are disposed in each of the plugs and are selectively oriented so as to mate with corresponding contacts in the plug receptacles. The keying arrangement prevents improper connection between the plugs and plug receptacles. Specifically, the keying arrangement includes guide members molded on the interior surface of bores surrounding each contact in the plug receptacles. Slotted sleeves enclose the terminals, and a slot mates with at least one of the guide members in the plug receptacle. In this manner, a particular terminal will only mate with a contact oriented in the same direction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.