Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector subassembly. The electrical connector subassembly includes a frame member and a first pad. The frame member includes a first leg section and a conductor receiving area connected to the first leg section. The first leg section is configured to be connected to an electrical isolator. A length of the conductor receiving area extends in a first direction. The conductor receiving area is configured to receive a first electrical conductor in a second direction. The first pad is movably connected to the frame member adjacent to the conductor receiving area. The first pad is configured to contact the first electrical conductor. The first pad is configured to be movable toward the conductor receiving area and the second direction.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/833,642 filed Jul. 26, 2006, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/904,080 filed Feb. 28, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a conductor connection and, more particularly, to an in-line switch conductor connection. 
     2. Brief Description of Prior Developments 
     In the electrical utilities industry, it is sometimes required to disconnect the current from electrical conductors at electrical distribution poles. This disconnect is most often performed at the pole. However it can be accomplished on the line by utilizing a line disconnect device, which may be an in-line switch for example. 
     An in-line switch generally comprises two mechanical dead ends with an insulator in between them. U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,961 discloses one configuration of a dead end for use in electrical transmission lines. The conductor is mechanically connected to each dead end and than cut in center between the dead ends. The dead ends may have a knife switch blade mounted/fastened to each dead end. This knife switch blade allows the current to flow from one dead end to the other. The knife switch blade may be permanently fastened to one of the dead ends and may be disconnectable from the other. When one end of the blade is disconnected from the dead end, it stops the flow of the current. Conventional configurations require a lineman/utility worker to support the in-line switch while it is being connected. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to provide an in-line switch comprising an improved and robust conductor connection which facilitates installation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electrical connector subassembly is disclosed. The electrical connector subassembly includes a frame member and a first pad. The frame member includes a first leg section and a conductor receiving area connected to the first leg section. The first leg section is configured to be connected to an electrical isolator. A length of the conductor receiving area extends in a first direction. The conductor receiving area is configured to receive a first electrical conductor in a second direction. The first pad is movably connected to the frame member adjacent to the conductor receiving area. The first pad is configured to contact the first electrical conductor. The first pad is configured to be movable toward the conductor receiving area and the second direction. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a frame having a first section, a second section, and an electrical isolation section between the first section and the second section. The first section includes a first conductor receiving area and a first pad adjacent to the first conductor receiving area. The conductor receiving area forms a first longitudinal axis. A first end of the first pad is configured to contact a first conductor. A second end of the first pad is rotatably connected to the first section about a pad rotation axis. The pad rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The first pad is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. The second section includes a second conductor receiving area. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a conductor connector frame member assembly is disclosed. A conductor connector frame member having a first leg section and a conductor receiving area connected to the first leg section is provided. The first leg section is configured to be connected to an electrical isolator. A length of the conductor receiving area extends in a first direction. The conductor receiving area is configured to receive a first electrical conductor in a second direction. A first pad is connected to the conductor connector frame member. The first pad is configured to contact the first electrical conductor. The first pad is configured to be movable toward the conductor receiving area and the second direction. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a conductor connector is disclosed. A frame having a first section, a second section, and an electrical isolation section is provided. The first section includes a first conductor receiving area. The first conductor receiving area forms a first longitudinal axis. The second section comprises a second conductor receiving area. The electrical isolation section is between the first and second sections. A first pad is connected to the first connection section. A first end of the first pad is configured to contact the first conductor. A second end of the first pad is rotatably connected to the first section about a pad rotation axis. The pad rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational side view of an in-line switch incorporating features of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational side view of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1  with an arm of its electrical connection section moved to an open condition; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a wedge connector shell of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the wedge connector shell of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of a portion of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross section view of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1  taken at the wedge connector shell; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1  wherein pads of the section are in a home position; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1  wherein pads of the section are in a conductor insertion position; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the pad shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial view of the first connection section of the in-line switch shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating pivot mounting areas and a spring; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the pads shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of a first connection section in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is perspective view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is perspective view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of a first connection section in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial perspective view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of a first connection section in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 24  with a pad of the first connection section rotated downward; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial perspective view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 24  with the pad of the first connection section rotated in a full open position; and 
         FIG. 27  is a cross section view of the first connection section shown in  FIG. 24  taken along a pad rotation axis. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an elevational side view of an in-line switch (which may be a vacuum recloser for example)  10  incorporating features of the invention. Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     The vacuum recloser  10  is shown connecting a first electrical conductor  12  to a second electrical conductor  14 . For example, the conductors  12 ,  14  could be high voltage overhead power distribution lines. However, the vacuum recloser  10  could be used in any suitable application. The vacuum recloser  10  forms a switch between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . When the switch is open, the first and second conductors are not electrically connected to each other through the switch. When the switch is closed, the first and second conductors are electrically connected to each other through the switch. In this embodiment the vacuum recloser is an in-line design connected in-line between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . However, in alternate embodiments, the vacuum recloser could be provided other than in an in-line design. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 2 , the vacuum recloser  10  generally comprises a frame  16 , an electrical connection section  18 , and a control  20 . The frame  16  generally comprises a first connection section  22 , a second connection section  24 , and an electrical isolation section  26 . The electrical isolation section  26  structurally connects the first connection section  22  to the second connection section  24 . In this embodiment the electrical isolation section  26  comprises two parallel sections  28 . Each section  28  has two opposite ends connected to the first and second connection sections, respectively. An open area is formed between the two sections  28 . Each section  28  comprises an electrical insulator assembly for electrically insulating the opposite ends of each section  28  from each other and, thus, electrically insulating the first and second sections  22 ,  24  from each other while still structurally connecting the sections  22 ,  24  to each other. 
     In this embodiment, the first and second sections  22 ,  24  are substantially mirror images of each other. However, in alternate embodiments the two sections  22 ,  24  could be different. The first connection section  22  is preferably comprised of metal, such as cast metal for example. The first connection section  22  generally comprises an integral wedge section  30  for use with a wedge connector shell  32  for connecting the first connection section  22  with the first conductor. One example of a wedge connector shell is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,671 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable system for mechanically and electrically connecting the first conductor  12  to the first connection section  22  could be provided. The first connection section  12  comprises two leg sections  34  and a bottom platform section  36 . The leg sections  34  are connected to the sections  28  of the electrical isolation section  26 . The bottom platform section  36  extends between and beneath the two leg sections. However, in alternate embodiments, the first connection section  22  could comprise any suitable shape. The second connection section  24  is identical to the first connection section; just reversely orientated. 
     The electrical connection section  18  generally comprises a first end  38  movably connected to the first connection section  22  and an opposite second end  40  movably connected to the second connection section  24 . In this embodiment the first end  38  is pivotably connected to the platform section  36  of the first connection section by a pivot connection  42 . However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of movable connection could be provided. The pivot connection  42  electrically connects the first end  38  to the first connection section  22 . The second end  40  is removably connected to the platform section of the second connection section by a latch assembly  44 . The latch assembly  44  electrically connects the second end  40  to the second connection section  24 . The latch assembly could comprise a primarily friction latch assembly, for example, and could comprise a detent system for preventing unintentional disconnection of the second end  40  from the latch assembly  44 . 
     The electrical connection section  18  forms a movable arm connected between the first and second sections  22 ,  24 . The arm comprises the first and second ends  38 ,  40  and a vacuum bottle section  46  between the two ends  38 ,  40 . The vacuum bottle section comprises an outer housing  48  and at least two contacts  50 ,  52  located inside the housing  48 . The first contact  50  is adapted to be moved into contact with and out of contact with the second contact  52 . The housing  48  could comprise a window to allow a user to view the location of the contacts  50 ,  52  relative to each other, or the vacuum bottle section  46  could have any other suitable type of visual indicator to signal a user of the open or closed state of the contacts  50 ,  52 . When the contacts  50 ,  52  are in an open state, the first and second connection sections are not electrically connected to each other. When the contacts  50 ,  52  are connected to each other in a closed state (with the electrical connection section  18  in the closed configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; contacting the latch assembly  44 ), the first and second sections  22 ,  24  are electrically connected to each other. 
     The control  20  generally comprises three sections; an inductively coupled power supply section  54 , a recloser electronic control section  56 , and a capacitive discharge and solenoid actuation section  58 . These three sections could be mounted on a single printed circuit board as separate modules for example. The inductively coupled power supply section  54  generally comprises a current transformer. Electricity can be inductively generated by the power supply section which is stored by the capacitors and powers the control section  56 . The recloser electronic control section  56  generally comprises a voltage monitoring section. The control section  56  can continuously monitor the voltage from the current transformer and, thus, monitor the current being transmitted through the vacuum closer  10  between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . A memory is provided on the printed circuit board which contains pre-installed action criteria. The recloser electronic control section  56  can use this pre-installed action criteria and sensed real time conditions to determine if the contacts  50 ,  52  of the vacuum bottle section  46  should be opened to stop transmission of current through the vacuum recloser  10 . 
     The capacitive discharge and solenoid actuation section  58  generally comprises capacitors and a solenoid  60 . Electricity from the transformer can be stored in the capacitors for use in actuating the solenoid  60  when directed by the recloser electronic control section  56 . The solenoid  60  is connected to the first contact  50  of the vacuum bottle section  46  by an armature mechanism  62 . When the solenoid relay piston of the solenoid is moved outward, the armature mechanism  62  is adapted to move the first contact  50  out of contact with the second contact  52 . Similarly, when the solenoid relay piston of the solenoid is moved inward, the armature mechanism  62  is adapted to move the first contact  50  into contact with the second contact  52 . In one type of embodiment the solenoid is a bi-polar solenoid. However, any suitable solenoid could be used. Alternatively, any suitable type of armature drive system could be used. 
     The control  20 , in combination with the armature mechanism  62  and the vacuum bottle section  46  form a first system for opening and closing a path between the first and second connection sections  22 ,  24 . This first system can function automatically based upon real time conditions, such as opening the switch when a voltage overload is occurring. In addition to this first system, the vacuum recloser  10  comprises a second system for opening and closing the path between the first and second connection sections  22 ,  24 . The second system allows a user to manually open and close the path by manually connecting and disconnecting the second end  40  of the vacuum bottle section with the second connection section  24 . Referring also to  FIG. 3 , a further description will be provided. 
       FIG. 3  shows the vacuum recloser  10  in a manually open state.  FIGS. 1 and 3  show the vacuum recloser in a manually closed state. In the manually closed state, the contacts  50 ,  52  of the vacuum bottle section determine if the switch is opened or closed. In the manually open state, the switch is open regardless of the position of the contacts  50 ,  52  relative to each other. In the manually open state, the user has moved the second end  40  of the electrical connection section  18  away from connection with the latch assembly  44 . This breaks the circuit path through the electrical connection section  18 . The second end  40  has a handle  64  for the user to grasp or attach a hot stick to, in order to move the electrical connection section  18  to its open position. When the user is completed performing tasks downstream from the vacuum recloser, the user can then merely return the electrical connection section  18  back to its closed position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Cycling of the electrical connection section  18  between its manually open and manually closed positions could also be used to reset the solenoid  60  and armature mechanism back to a home state. 
     The invention relates to the development of components and devices to modify and improve the application of an in-line switch and will enable it to act as a vacuum recloser. The application of this switch in this fashion eliminates several costly processes and component parts to dramatically reduce production costs while offering similar performance with several additional labor saving and safety related enhancements. Key features include reduced cost, and an ability to unlock a vacuum bottle switch component and swing it down to visually and electrically isolate the downstream circuit for safety reasons. This provided an elimination of a “one shot to lockout” design requirement. The invention is modular so as to allow offering a 1 phase version and a 3 phase version. The present invention reduces the number of additional products typically required and associated with a typical vacuum recloser installation. 
     The invention could be offered as a switching device product that requires installation with a WEJTAP system, such as with the shells  32 . The WEJTAP system is offered by FCI USA, Inc. under the BURNDY line of products. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of connection system for connecting the assembly  10  with the electrical conductors  12 ,  14  could be provided. The invention could be incorporated into a distribution class (15-35 KVolt) switching device that is installed directly onto an aluminum bare conductor. The switching device can serve as a vacuum recloser, similar to conventional vacuum recliners now commonly used and understood in their traditional, but the invention can comprise a novel feature that it is spliced directly in-line and mid span on the bare overhead conductor and not mounted on any supporting structure as they are now traditionally done. By suspending the switching device mid span, many expensive insulating and heavy mounting components are eliminated reduce its installation cost by 30% or more. 
     The invention can comprise an in-line switch frame, a vacuum bottle connected between energized sections of the in-line switch frame to serve as the switching medium, a driver circuit consisting of at least one solenoid relay for opening and closing the vacuum bottle mechanism, a voltage/current sensing and control circuit to continuous monitor electrical readings and provide intelligence for energy interruption during predetermined conditions that otherwise could be detrimental to the electrical system and other connected electrical components. The system could also comprise a one-way or a two-way communication circuit  66  (see  FIG. 1 ) to allow communication between multiple components in close proximity, or communication to and/or from a remote central monitoring station. Any suitable communication circuit could be provided, such as a wireless cellular or satellite communications device for example. For example, if the communication circuit  66  allows communication with a remote central monitoring station, the communication circuit  66  could inform the monitoring station when the switch is automatically opened. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication circuit  66  could be used by the monitoring station to remotely trigger changing of the switch in the vacuum bottle section from an open state to a closed state. This might be particularly advantageous for reaching lines which otherwise would be accessed by helicopter. A stored energy circuit could be provided that utilizes Ferro resistant technology to store capacitive energy to power the vacuum bottle switching, the voltage/current sense and control circuit, and the communication circuitry. 
     The set of contacts  50 / 52  can open and close to energize and de-energize the circuit while the switch remains in the visual representation shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . With a conventional vacuum recloser, the contacts inside the vacuum bottle cannot be seen visually and there is way by which a person can visually verify a vacuum bottle open or closed contact state; except to trust an indicator mechanism on the solenoid armature mechanism that the contacts are open or closed. The invention, on the other hand as shown by  FIG. 3 , allows a user to physically disconnect the vacuum bottle from one of the high-voltage transmission lines. Historically, a user has always been very nervous about trusting his or her life to the little armature mechanisms that say the contacts (which are inside the little bottle and cannot seen) are open or closed. 
     After installation, when the line is energized, the power supply module takes power inductively from the energized circuit and allocates it to the recloser control module and the capacitive module section. The recloser electronic control supplies the intelligence to make open/close decisions. Signals from the current transformer and the voltage monitoring section of the power supply module are fed into the electronic control and are continuously monitored. Its decision to act is based on a comparison of what it is seeing (real-time) on the line with what is stored into its pre-installed memory as action criteria. If a line fault or disturbance occurs, it will be fed real-time to the closure control module. If the sensed real-time conditions meet the criteria required for an opened or closed action, it will instruct one or more of the power capacitors to discharge. The discharging capacitors have the required power to cause the solenoid to open or close causing the solenoid relay piston to move forward or backward. The piston is connected through a mechanism that is, in turn, connected to the vacuum bottle armature. The completed action results in the vacuum bottle contacts being opened or closed rapidly. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 4-6 , there is shown a first connection section  22  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The first connection section  22  preferably comprises a one-piece frame member  70  forming the leg sections  34  and the bottom platform section  36 . At a junction of the leg sections  34  and the bottom platform section  36  the frame member  70  comprises two pivot mounting areas  72 . A conductor receiving seat, or conductor receiving area,  74  is located between the areas  72  and extends along the length of the mounting section  76 . The integral wedge section  30  extends from the bottom side of the mounting section  76 . The seat  74  is sized and shaped to receive the conductor  12  therein. The seat or groove  74  forms a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the mounting section  76 .  FIGS. 7-8  show one example of the conductor shell  32 . As seen in  FIGS. 9-10 , the conductor shell  32  can be mounted onto the integral wedge section  30  to wedge the conductor  12  between the surface  78  of the shell  32  and the seat  74 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 11-15 , the first connection section  22  also comprises two latches  80 . The latches  80  are pivotably mounted to the pivot mounting areas  72 . Each latch  80  is preferably spring loaded on the frame member  70  by a spring  82  in an up position shown in  FIG. 11 . The latches  80  cover a portion of the seat  74 , but can be moved out of the way when the conductor  12  is inserted as seen in  FIG. 12 . In the position shown in  FIGS. 11 and 15 , the top sides of the latches  80  form a V shape to funnel the conductor  12  into the seat  74 . The latches can spring back to their home positions after the conductor  12  is inserted. 
     In the electrical utilities industry it is sometimes required to disconnect the current. This disconnect is most often done at the pole. However it can be accomplished on the line. In order to make a line disconnect, a device called an in-line switch, is used. The in-line switch consists of two mechanical dead ends with an insulator in between them. 
     The conductor is mechanically connected to each dead end and than cut in the center between the dead ends. The dead ends have a knife switch blade mounted that is fastened to each dead end. This knife switch blade allows the current to flow from one dead end to the other. The knife switch blade is permanently fastened to one of the dead ends and is disconnectable from the other. When the one end of the blade is disconnected from the dead end it stops the flow of the current. 
     The embodiment of the dead end consists of a pre-installation design for hanging it on the conductor. The pre-installation hanging design, consist of two pads or latches  80  that are spring loaded (or biased). The pads are mounted 180 degrees apart. The pad has a pivoting point that allows it to rotate approximately 90 degrees. The pivoting point is located at the top of the pad and is offset to one side. The pad has a surface that is tapered downward and away from the pivoting point. When the two pads are assembled into the cavity of the body the tapered surfaces form a ‘V’ shape and act as a guiding area for the conductor to enter into the body  70 . 
     The opposite area of the taper portion of the pad has a notch. The one side of the notch is the leg which the spring makes contact with, and other side prevents the pad from rotating in the cavity of the body  70 . The pad has a relief area (notch) along the length of the pivoting axis&#39;s. This notch is for the spring to be inserted into. One end of the spring makes contact with the back side of the pad and the other end makes contact with the cavity surface. The cavity is part of the dead end body  70 . The cavity has a notch and, on each side of this notch, there are perturbing legs. The two legs have a hole in each one; that is the pivoting point for the pad. The pad is installed between the two legs and a pin is installed thru the legs and pad. 
     The in-line switch can be easily installed on to the conductor. The spring loaded pads  80  on each of the dead ends allows the in-line switch to be installed onto the conductor with very little effort. The conductor is inserted thru the middle of the two pads (in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the mounting section  76 ) and, because of the limited rotation of the pads, they do not allow the conductor to exit. This keeps the in-line switch or connector attached to the conductor or conduit so that the lineman&#39;s hands can be freed during installation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , there is shown an exploded perspective view of a first connection section  122  comprising a one-piece frame member  170  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The first connection section  122  and the one-piece frame member  170  are similar to the first connection section  22  and the one-piece frame member  70  of the first embodiment and similar features are similarly numbered. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the one-piece frame member  170  comprises leg sections  134 , a bottom platform section  136 , a conductor receiving seat or groove  174 , and an integral wedge  130  as described above for the first embodiment. 
     One difference between the first connection section  122  and the first connection section  22  is that the first connection section  122  does not comprise the two latches  80 . Instead, the first connection section  122  comprises a two-piece pad assembly  111  and conductor guide rails  113 . 
     Further illustrated in  FIGS. 19-20 , the two-piece pad assembly  111  comprises an arm/pad member  115  and a swivel pad  117 . The arm/pad member (or arm member)  115  comprises a main body portion  119  and an extending arm portion  121 . The extending arm portion  121  is suitably sized and shaped to fit within a slot  123  of the swivel pad  117 . When the extending arm portion  121  is disposed within the slot  123 , an opening  125  in the extending arm portion is aligned with openings  127  in the swivel pad  117  to allow for a pin  129  to be fitted within the openings  125 ,  127 . The pin  129  rotatably attaches the swivel pad  117  to the arm/pad member  115 . Additionally, a spring  131  may be fitted around the pin  129  and between the swivel pad  117  and the arm/pad member  115 . 
     The swivel pad  117  also comprises a conductor contact surface  133  and a conductor guide surface  135 . The conductor guide surface  135 , along with the conductor guide rails  113 , act as lead in features which facilitate insertion of the conductor  12  into the groove  174 . It should be understood that although the figures illustrate two conductor guide rails  113 , any number of conductor guide rails  113  may be provided. 
     The arm/pad member  115  fits within a pad cavity  139  of the one-piece frame member  170 . It should be noted that the pad cavity  139  may be a cavity within a raised pad or boss  141  as illustrated in the figures. However, the cavity  139  may be disposed within any suitable portion of the one-piece frame member  170  or the raised boss  141  may be a separate component bolted on to the frame member  170  for example. The cavity  139  comprises a suitable shape for receiving the arm/pad member  115 . The pad cavity  139  also comprises an open side  143 , facing the conductor groove  174 , which allows for the extending arm portion  121  to extend therethrough. 
     The two-piece pad assembly  111  is fitted within the pad cavity  139  in order to clamp and secure the conductor  12  to the first connection section  122 . The pad assembly  111  travels in a vertical position or direction inside of the cavity  139 . The cavity  139  may have a generally cylindrical shape for example. The cavity  139  is also preferably oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the conductor groove  174 . Therefore the vertical position or direction generally refers to a pad assembly  111  insertion direction (into the cavity  139 ) as shown in the figures. 
     When the pad assembly  111  is partially in the cavity  139  (as shown in  FIG. 19 ) the swivel pad  117  rotates in the downward direction toward the conductor groove  174 . This allows the conductor  12  to pass by the swivel pad  117  and enter the groove  174  thus preventing the conductor  12  from exiting the groove  174 . After the conductor  12  is fitted within the groove  174 , the pad assembly  111  is lowered into the cavity  139  towards the conductor  12 . Additionally, the swivel pad  117  may comprise pad guide rails (or guide tabs)  145  at opposite ends of the swivel pad  117  which are received by guide rail slots (or guide tab slots)  147  within the cavity  139 . The guide rails  145  and guide rail slots  147  secure the swivel pad  117  by preventing rotation of the swivel pad  117  and maintaining contact with the conductor  12 . 
     A threaded eyebolt  149  is inserted into the cavity  139  from a bottom side (opposite the side comprising the conductor groove  174 ) of the one-piece frame member  170  to secure the pad assembly  111  within the cavity  139 . Although a threaded eyebolt  149  is shown in the figures, it should be noted that any suitable fastening feature between the eyebolt  149  and pad assembly  111  may be provided. The eyebolt  149  may further comprise a flange  151  to serve as a stop feature against the bottom side of the one-piece frame member  170 . When the pad assembly  111  exits the cavity  139  only then can the conductor  12  exit the conductor groove  174 . This occurs because the swivel pad  117  is allowed to rotate upward (as shown in  FIG. 20 ) and away from the conductor groove  174 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , there is shown a perspective view of a portion of a first connection section  222  comprising a one-piece frame member  270  in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The first connection section  222  and the one-piece frame member  270  are similar to the first connection section  22  and the one-piece frame member  70  of the first embodiment and similar features are similarly numbered. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the one-piece frame member  270  comprises leg sections  234 , a bottom platform section  236 , a conductor receiving seat or groove  274 , and an integral wedge (not shown) as described above for the first embodiment. 
     One difference between the first connection section  222  and the first connection section  22  is that the first connection section  222  does not comprise the two latches  80 . Instead, the first connection section  122  comprises a one piece pad  279 . 
     The one piece pad  279  comprises a first end  281  and a second end  283 . The first end  281  is configured to contact the conductor  12 . The second end  283  is configured to have a suitable shape allowing for rotation of the pad  279  about a cavity  239 . The design allows the pad  279  to rotate in two directions clockwise and counter clockwise at about ninety degrees. The pad  279  rotates about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the groove  274 . The cavity  239  may be an opening within a pad or boss  241  fastened to the one-piece frame member  270  as illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 . However, it should be understood that the raised pad or boss  241  may be integral with the one-piece frame member  270 . Or alternatively, there may be no raised pad or boss  241  at all and instead a suitably shaped cavity within the one-piece frame member  270  may be provided. The cavity  239  in the body or boss  241  consists of a cylindrical hole with two protruding stops  285  about ninety degrees apart at the opening of the cavity  239 . Additionally, although the figures illustrate the cavity  239  and the second end  283  of the pad  279  as being cylindrically shaped, any suitable shape allowing for rotation may be provided. 
     The boss  241  is also configured to allow the pad  279  to travel in a vertical position or direction (parallel to the cavity  239  centerline) inside of the cavity  239  as well as rotation about the cavity  239  centerline. When the pad  279  is in the upward position (as shown in  FIG. 23 ) the boss  241  is configured to allow the pad  279  to rotate in a clockwise direction (about ninety degrees) to an open position. In the open position, the conductor  12  can then be installed into the conductor groove  274 . When the pad  279  is rotated in a counter clockwise direction (about ninety degrees), the conductor  12  cannot exit the conductor groove  274 . When the pad  279  is in the full counter clockwise position, the pad  279  may then be clamped on to the conductor  12 . It should be noted that although the figures illustrate a pad rotation of about ninety degrees, pad rotations less than or greater than ninety degrees are also envisioned. Additionally, the pad  279  may be secured within the cavity  239  by any suitable fastening means, such as the threaded eyebolt configuration of the second embodiment for example. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 24-27 , a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. This design consists of a combination of the first concept (swing a-way pad) and the second concept (rotating pad).  FIG. 24  shows the assembly in the upper position.  FIG. 25  shows the swivel pad rotated downward allowing the conductor to enter.  FIG. 26  shows the assembly in the full open position in 90 degree rotation.  FIG. 27  shows a section view of the eyebolt and the pressure pad assembly. The new design consists of a pivot arm  402  and a swivel pad  401 . The swivel pad  401  has a pivoting pin  405 . The pivoting pin  405  is the axis which enables the swivel pad  401  to rotate. The swivel pad  401  can rotate in a counter and counterclockwise direction (PS) about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conductor receiving seat (or groove). The surface  406  on the swivel pad  401  limits the rotation travel (PS). The surface  406  makes contact with  406 A on the pivot arm  402  to create this action. The radius  407  allows the pad to rotate without interference. The pivot arm  402  has a protruding boss  408  in which the pivot pin  405  is inserted into. The swivel pad  401  has a recess  413 . The recess  413  is the area where the boss  408  has to be inserted into. The pivot pin  405  is then inserted thru the swivel pad  401  and into the boss  408  thus allowing the swivel pad  401  and the pivot arm  402  to act as a complete assembly. 
     In the area where recess  413  is, a torsion spring  422  is inserted. The loop  422 A of the torsion spring  422  is where the pivoting pin  405  is inserted into. When the torsion spring  422  is inserted into the assembly, it allows the swivel pad  401  to return to the limit surface area  406  and area  406 A. This action is created because one of the legs  422 B is in contact with the pivot arm  402  and the other leg  422  is in contact with the swivel pad  401 . When the assembly is together and installed into the cavity wall  409 , the surface  403  and the surface  412  acts as a guide for the conductor  411 . The assembly has a threaded hole  418  in which an eyebolt  421  is inserted into. The eyebolt  421  has a flange  421 A that makes a bearing surface against the body  424 . The assembly has a spring  423  between the bottom of the pivot arm  402  and the bottom of the cavity  420 . The spring  423  allows the assembly to automatically return to the open position. The pivot arm  402  has a limited rotation surface  414  and  416 . The surface  414  allows the assembly to rotate 90 degrees only in the clockwise direction and  416  limits the rotation of the assembly in the counterclockwise direction. 
     The surface  414  makes contact with the surface  415  and limits the rotation in the clockwise direction. The surface  416  makes contact with the surface  417  and limits the rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Because the swivel pad  401  is allowed to rotate downward, this allows the conductor  411  to enter the wire groove  410 . When the swivel pad  401  returns to the upper position the conductor  410  is captured in the wire groove. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.