Devices, Systems, and Methods for Coupling Electrical Conductors

• US 20090088029A1
• Filed: 03/31/2008
• Published: 04/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Industry Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Industry Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Robinson, Kristopher Scott
• Granted Patent: US 7,578,711 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/716
• 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 adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker, each of said set of bus bars adapted to be snapably coupled, 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 adapted to releasably attach 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 coupled to said electrically non-conductive housing, said lip adapted to contact an extended edge of said electrically non-conductive housing, said extended edge adapted to restrain a coupled bus bar from motion in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a stud mounted through said coupled bus bar.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

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 said lug coupler.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a set of threaded studs adapted to engage 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 adapted to electrical isolate 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 adapted to receive a set of studs.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said lug coupler is adapted to electrically couple 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 is electrically coupled 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 adapted to be mechanically coupled to an end connector of said set of electrical leads.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein:

said lug coupler is adapted to mount 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 adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker, each of said set of bus bars adapted to be snapably coupled, 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 adapted to releasably attach 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 adapted to engage 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 decoupling said lug coupler from said circuit breaker.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

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

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

snapably coupling 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 adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding terminal of a set of terminals of a circuit breaker, each of said set of bus bars adapted to be snapably coupled, 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 adapted to releasably attach said device to a port defined by a support, each of said set of bus bars comprising a lip, said housing adapted to substantially surround each head of a set of studs, each of said set of studs adapted to be mechanically coupled to an end connector of said set of electrical leads.