Patent ID: 8157185
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: B60M,E01B

Abstract:
1. A spring clamp electrical connector for making an electrical connection with a railroad track rail, comprising: a continuous U-shaped body defining an upper member, a lower member and a closed end, wherein a bottom surface of the upper member and a top surface of the lower member are disposed in a spaced and opposing relationship sized to receive a flange of the railroad track rail, and wherein each of the upper and lower members comprises first and second spaced a lateral free edges that respectively define first and second spaced lateral boundary lines; at least a first upper tooth having a base integrally formed with one of the first and second lateral free edges of the upper member and extending laterally away from and beyond the respective first or second lateral boundary line from the upper and lower members to a gripping tip, wherein the gripping tip of the upper tooth extends below the bottom surface of the upper member, wherein the gripping tip has a Rockwell hardness of at least 60; at least a first lower tooth having a base integrally formed with one of the first and second lateral free edges of the lower member and extending laterally away from and beyond the respective first or second lateral boundary line from the upper and lower members to a gripping tip, wherein the gripping tip of the lower tooth extends above the top surface of the lower member, wherein the gripping tip has a Rockwell hardness of at least 60; and a signal cable electrically connected to the U-shaped body.