Devices, systems, and method for coupling electrical conductors

• US 7,578,711 B2
• Filed: 03/31/2008
• Issued: 08/25/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Industry Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Robinson, Kristopher Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams; Neil
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, PHUONGCHI T
• Application Number:
  US12/059,268
• Publication Number:
  US 20090088029A1
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 439/801, 439/883, 439/811, 361/634, 361/636, 361/640, 361/655, 335/202, 174/72.B
• US Class Current: 439/801
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2011/0037 with removable or replaceable terminal blocks
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 71/08 Terminals; Connections

Abstract

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a lug coupler that comprises a set of bus bars. Each of the set of bus bars can be adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker. The system can comprise a set of studs adapted to engage a corresponding set of apertures defined by an end connector of one of a set of electrical leads adapted to be electrically coupled to the lug coupler.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a lug coupler comprising a set of bus bars, each of said set of bus bars releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker, each of said set of bus bars snapably connected, via an engagement of a tooth with a corresponding aperture, to an electrically non-conductive housing of said lug coupler, said lug coupler comprising a mounting tab, said mounting tab releasably attaching said lug coupler to a port defined by a support, each of said set of bus bars comprising a lip, when each of said set of bus bars is snapably connected to said electrically non-conductive housing, said lip contacting an extended edge of said electrically non-conductive housing, said extended edge restraining a connected bus bar from motion in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a stud mounted through said connected bus bar.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a set of studs engaging a corresponding set of apertures defined by an end connector of one of a set of electrical leads electrically connected to said lug coupler.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a set of threaded studs engaging a corresponding set of apertures defined by an end connector of one of said set of electrical leads, a head of each of said set of threaded studs substantially surrounded and electrically isolated by said defined cavities of said electrically non-conductive housing.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

said circuit breaker.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

said set of electrical leads.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said electrically non-conductive housing electrically isolating any pair of electrical leads releasably attachable to said lug coupler.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein:

each of said set of bus bars defines a pad; and

each pad defines a set of apertures receiving a set of studs.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said lug coupler is electrically connecting said set of electrical leads to said circuit breaker.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein:

each of said set of bus bars comprises a pad; and

each of said set of pads electrically connected to a set of studs comprised by said lug coupler.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein:

an electrical lead of said set of electrical leads comprises a compression type end connector.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein:

an electrical lead of said set of electrical leads comprises a mechanical type end connector.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said housing substantially surrounds each head of a set of studs, each of said set of studs mechanically connected to an end connector of said set of electrical leads.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said lug coupler mounted in line with terminals of said circuit breaker.

14. A method comprising a plurality of activities, comprising:

electrically coupling a lug coupler to a circuit breaker, said lug coupler comprising a set of bus bars, each of said set of bus bars releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker, each of said set of bus bars snapably connected, via an engagement of a tooth with a corresponding aperture, to an electrically non-conductive housing of said lug coupler, said lug coupler comprising a mounting tab, said mounting tab releasably attaching said lug coupler to a port defined by a support, each of said set of bus bars comprising a lip, said lug coupler comprising a set of threaded studs engaging a corresponding set of apertures defined by an end connector of one of said set of electrical leads, a head of each of said set of threaded studs substantially surrounded and electrically isolated by said defined cavities of said electrically non-conductive housing.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

electrically disconnecting said lug coupler from said circuit breaker.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

electrically connecting an electrical lead of said set of electrical leads to said lug coupler.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

snapably connecting each of said set of bus bars to said electrically non-conductive housing of said lug coupler.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein:

said lug coupler is releasably attached to said circuit breaker.

19. A device, comprising:

a set of bus bars, each of said set of bus bars releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker,

each of said set of bus bars snapably connected, via an engagement of a tooth with a corresponding aperture, to an electrically non-conductive housing of, said electrically non-conductive housing comprising a mounting tab, said mounting tab releasably attaching said device to a port defined by a support, each of said set of bus bars comprising a lip, said housing substantially surrounding each head of a set of studs, each of said set of studs mechanically connected to an end connector of said set of electrical leads.