Abstract:
A current take-off unit is provided which may be readily connected to or disconnected from an external current-carrying element. The unit includes a housing having an opening formed in a wall thereof. The housing is positioned so that the wall opening is disposed adjacent the external element. A conductor means is disposed within the housing and has a portion thereof terminating at the wall opening. Adjustably mounted on the terminating portion of the conductor means is a connector assembly which is adapted to be moved between extended or retracted positions relative to the wall opening. The assembly includes a pair of conductive jaw members which are adapted to project through the wall opening and grippingly engage the external current-carrying element. The assembly also includes an elongated member which extends transversely through the jaw members and conductor means portion and retains same in an assembled relation. The elongated member carries a manually adjustable means which when adjusted in one direction causes the jaw members to move towards one another into gripping engagement with the external element. When the adjustable means is manually adjusted in a second direction, the jaw members can be moved out of gripping relation, whereby the jaw members can assume either an extended or retracted position.
Abstract:
A socket for a watt-hour meter is provided with an automatic bypass means to prevent interruption of power to a load when the watt-hour meter is removed from the socket. The by-pass means comprises a pair of identical by-passing devices each having a pair of contact brackets. An end portion of one bracket of each pair is connected to a line terminal of the meter socket and an end portion of the other bracket of each pair is connected to a load terminal of the meter socket. An insulating contact housing is supported on the other end portions of the brackets of each pair, which other end portions are spaced apart to serve as stationary contacts. A spring-loaded bridging contact contained within each housing is driven away from the spaced end portions of the associated contact brackets by a plunger engageable with the watt-hour meter and is released when the meter is removed from the socket to bridge the spaced end portions of the associated contact brackets to complete a current path between the line and load terminals.
Abstract:
A socket base assembly is provided which includes an apertured insulating panel fixedly mounted on a support piece. The insulating panel is provided with a non-circular aperture which is aligned with a current-carrying means positioned therebehind. Removably mounted within the panel aperture is a conductive jaw means which is connected to the current-carrying means. The jaw means is provided with a base portion having a central segment disposed within the panel aperture and conforming substantially to the shape thereof and peripheral segments angularly disposed relative to the central segment and being impassable relative to the panel aperture. A pair of jaw-like protuberances project outwardly from and are integral with the base portion. Fastening means cooperate with the center segment of the base portion to removably secure the jaw means to the current-carrying means.