Abstract:
An impedance assembly is provided for a termination device, disconnectable connector, or other type of joint for an electrical connection, such as an elbow, to facilitate preventing improper installation. More specifically, an impedance assembly can include an obstruction member that help prevent the insertion of a stud into a female device, such as a bushing, unless the stud is properly inserted through the aperture of the lug of the cable assembly. The obstruction member can include a flexible and/or displaceable member that can be displaced by the lug of the cable assembly. Alternatively, an impedance assembly can prevent the rotation of a female member which rotates to receive the stud of a male device. The impedance assembly can include an element that is received in a cavity, groove, etc. of the female member for preventing the rotation of the female member unless the element is removed therefrom. For example, the element can be removed from the cavity, groove, etc. upon the displacement of a displaceable member operatively connected to the element, thus permitting the female member to rotate.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/042,476, filed Apr. 4, 2008, titled “TERMINATION DEVICE IMPEDANCE ASSEMBLY,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an impedance assembly that may be used with an elbow for connecting two or more components. More particularly, the present invention relates to an impedance assembly for ensuring proper assembly of a cable and lug assembly and the elbow. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An example of a currently available connector system includes three bores and can be used for connecting an electrical cable to various devices, for example, an apparatus such as a transformer or high voltage switch or to a second electrical cable. The cable is typically coupled to a coupling device, such as a metallic lug, to form a cable assembly. The lug typically includes an aperture which, when properly inserted into the elbow, aligns with the receiving cavity of the female device and the stud of the male device. 
     Drawbacks of the currently available systems include improper installation of the cable assembly with the devices being connected. A proper installation comprises a stud being inserted through the aperture of the lug and into the female mating device. However, rather than being inserted through the aperture of the lug, the stud may miss the aperture of the lug resulting in only the top portion of the lug being clamped between the mating device faces. 
     It is thus desirable to provide a system for ensuring proper installation of the cable assembly with the devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an impedance assembly and a cable termination device, such as an elbow, having an impedance assembly for ensuring proper installation of a cable assembly to one or more devices. For example, the impedance assembly can include displaceable impedance members that impede the passage of a stud. More particularly, the impedance members are preferably in the gap between the cable lug and the inner wall of the elbow, thus preventing the stud from being inserted into the female device when the lug is not properly positioned within the elbow. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the impedance members can be moved by the lug so that the lug can be properly positioned. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the impedance member can include an impedance member and a guide member, wherein the impedance member can slide along the guide member away from the lug. Alternatively, the impedance member can include one or more impedance members having one end connected to the inner wall of the elbow or a support member proximate the inner wall of the elbow. The impedance member can be urged by the lug toward the inner wall or the support member as the lug is inserted into the elbow. 
     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an impedance assembly for ensuring proper positioning of a lug in a cable termination device. 
     Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an elbow in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an elbow in accordance with an embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of an impedance member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the impedance member of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a guide member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the guide member of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional perspective view of an elbow and impedance assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of an impedance assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the impedance assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the impedance assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional perspective view of an elbow and impedance assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded front view of an elbow, impedance assembly and cable assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded front view of an elbow, impedance assembly and cable assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a magnified view of section A of  FIG. 13  showing an impedance assembly in a first position; and 
         FIG. 15  is a magnified view of section A of  FIG. 13  showing an impedance assembly in an alternate position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-2 , certain embodiments of an elbow  10 ,  40  in accordance with the invention are shown. Elbow  10 ,  40  can include a bore  12 ,  42  through which a cable assembly (not shown) can be inserted, the cable assembly preferably having a lug having an aperture therein. Elbow  10 ,  40  can electrically connect one or more devices, such as a transformer, high voltage switch, etc. to the cable. 
     The portion of the lug having the aperture is preferably inserted into a cavity  20 ,  50  of elbow  10 ,  40 , more preferably until the aperture is aligned with a stud  14 ,  44  and receiving cavity  16 ,  46 . Stud  14 ,  44  and receiving cavity  16 ,  46  can be integral with elbow  10 ,  40 , for example, molded into elbow  10 ,  40 , or alternatively stud  14 ,  44  and receiving cavity  16 ,  46  can be a part of a device that is inserted into elbow  10 ,  40 . 
     In the embodiments shown, cavity  20 ,  50  includes an extension  22 ,  52  that extends beyond the inner wall of elbow  10 ,  40 . This extension  22 ,  52  is preferably shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of an impedance assembly, certain embodiments of which are described below. 
       FIGS. 3-7  illustrate an embodiment of an impedance assembly  100  having an impedance member  120  and a guide member  150 . In  FIGS. 5-6 , an embodiment of guide member  150  is shown. Preferably, guide member  150  can be positioned within cavity  20 ,  50  of elbow  10 ,  40  such that a portion thereof is located within extension  22 ,  52  of cavity  20 ,  50 . Guide member  150  preferably has a guide curved portion  152  and one or more, preferably two, guide legs  153  extending therefrom. Curved portion  152  preferably conforms to the shape of the inner wall of extension  22 ,  52  and cavity  20 ,  50 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . It is understood that if the inner wall of extension  22 ,  52  and cavity  20 ,  50  were to be angular, undulated, etc., it may be preferred for guide curved portion  152  to have a corresponding angular, undulated, etc. shape to enhance the fit between guide member  150  and elbow  10 ,  40 . Guide legs  153  preferably include one or more rails  154  extending inward on which impedance member  120  can slide or otherwise move in a controlled path. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , impedance member  120  can include an impedance curved portion  122  having a shape generally corresponding to the guide curved portion  152  of guide member  150 . Impedance member  120  can also include one or more, preferably two, impedance legs  124  constructed and arranged to contact the inner wall of guide legs  153  and rails  154 . Preferably, impedance legs  124  are flexible and can be displaced toward and away from each other. In the embodiment shown, impedance legs  124  are urged outward, such that the ends of impedance legs  124  contact and apply a pressure on the inner walls of guide legs  153 . The pressure between impedance legs  124  and guide legs  153  is preferably greater proximate guide curved portion  152 . Therefore, impedance member  120  is urged away from guide curved portion  152  and toward guide legs  153  in the absence of external pressure. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of impedance assembly  100  within an elbow  90 . As shown, when lug  80  is not completely inserted into cavity  96 , impedance member  120  blocks aperture  94  of elbow  90 , thus preventing the stud from being inserted into proper alignment with aperture  94 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , impedance member  120  includes a panel  126  extending from impedance curved portion  122  toward impedance legs  124 . Panel  126  preferably increases the surface area covered by impedance member  120  in cavity  20 ,  50  of elbow  10 ,  40 , which can improve the impedance of stud  14 ,  44  into receiving cavity  16 ,  46  without passing through the aperture of the lug. 
     During installation, lug  80  can be displaced in direction A as seen in  FIG. 7 , thus pushing impedance member  120  in direction A, and impedance legs  124  can slide along rails  154  of guide member  150  until panel  126  clears aperture  94  and enters extension  92 . Preferably, impedance curved portion  122  contacts the inner surface of guide curved portion  152 , thus preventing lug  80  from being inserted too far. Thus proper alignment of aperture  94  of elbow  90  and lug aperture  82  can be facilitated. Preferably, impedance member  120 , more particularly impedance legs  124 , are flexible enough so that once impedance member  120  is displaced by lug  80 , the pressure applied by impedance member  120  on lug  80  is insufficient to push lug  80  out once lug  80  is properly installed, or present a false sense of proper installation to the installer by providing resistance. 
     Another embodiment of an impedance assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-11 . Rather than providing separate guide and impedance members, the embodiment shown provides an impedance assembly generally indicated as  200  having one or more, preferably two, impedance members  220  connected to a support  250 . In the embodiment shown, support  250  has a generally curved portion  252  and legs  254  extending therefrom. Referring to  FIG. 11 , curved portion  252  has a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the inner wall of an elbow and is positioned at least partially within extension  92   a , preferably flushed therewith. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , two impedance members  220  extend inward from support  250 , preferably overlapping at least partially. As shown, impedance members  220  include a fixed end  222  attached to support  250 , and a movable end  224  that is not attached to support  250 . Accordingly, as lug  80   a  is inserted into elbow  90   a  in direction A as seen in  FIG. 11 , lug  80   a  can push and displace impedance members  220 , more specifically, displace movable ends  224  in direction A. Preferably, impedance members  220  are constructed such that they are urged away from curved portion  252  of support  250  in the absence of external pressure. Therefore, the rest position of impedance members  220  is preferably within elbow aperture  94   a  of elbow  90   a , thus hindering a stud from being inserted into elbow aperture  94   a  unless impedance members  220  are displaced. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-11 , two impedance members  220  can be provided, each extending from opposite sides of support  250  extend inward, thus obstructing elbow aperture  94   a . In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as lug  80   a  is moved in direction A as seen in  FIG. 11 , lug  80   a  pushes impedance members  220 , thus displacing them. More specifically, movable ends  224  can be displaced in direction A, thus pivoting impedance members  220  toward legs  254  of support  250  until impedance members  220  contacts support  250  and cannot be displaced further. When such a position is reached, lug  80   a  is preferably properly positioned within elbow  90   a , and lug aperture  82   a  is properly aligned with elbow aperture  94   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a standard elbow  10 A can receive an impedance assembly  100 ,  200  without having an extension  22 ,  52  in cavity  20 ,  50 . Rather, impedance assembly  100 ,  200  can be molded in, inserted, or otherwise installed in a standard elbow  10 A. Preferably, impedance assembly  100 ,  200  is thin enough such that it does not interfere with the proper positioning of lug  80  within standard elbow  10 A. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate an alternate embodiment of impedance assembly  300  that is provided within elbow  10 B, more preferably within a wall of elbow  10 B. As shown, impedance assembly  300  can include a displacement member  310  pivotally connected to an impedance member  320  via a pivoting rod  330 , which preferably pivots about a pivot point  350 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , impedance member  320  can extend partially within or proximate a mating device  400 , for example, a rotatable female threaded device. Preferably, device  400  includes a receiving cavity  420  within a rotating member  410 . During installation, rotating member  410  is preferably rotated to threadingly engage and receive a threaded stud or other connecting device, as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an exemplary arrangement of an embodiment of impedance assembly  300  in an impedance position, wherein device  400  is prevented from rotating. More specifically, impedance member  320  extends within cavity  420  of rotating member  410  of device  400 . Cavity  420  can be sized and shaped such that rotating member  410  is prevented from rotating enough to complete installation when impedance member  320  extends within cavity  420 . Preferably, when impedance member  320  extends within cavity  420 , rotating member  410  is prevented from rotating more than a nominal amount, and more preferably cannot rotate at all. Whereas cavity  420  is described herein as a cavity for receiving impedance member  320 , cavity rotating member  410  can include a cut out, projection, etc. constructed and arranged to prevent the rotation of rotating member  410  when impedance member  320  extends toward rotating member  410 . 
     The impedance position is preferably the default position of impedance assembly  300 . By way of non-limiting example, a spring  340  can urge displacement member  310  toward cavity  20 B such that impedance member  320  is urged toward and into cavity  420  of rotating member  410 . Thus in the default rest position, rotating member  410  is prevented from rotating when lug  80 B is not installed properly. It is to be understood that spring  340  can urge impedance member  320  or alternate devices and methods of making the impedance position the default position can be provided without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
     Once lug  80 B is installed properly, lug SOB can move displacement member  310  away from lug  80 B and toward spring  340 . Therefore, as displacement member  310  moves toward spring  340 , rod  330  can pivot about pivot point  350 , thus moving impedance member  320  out of cavity  420  and away from rotating member  410 .  FIG. 15  illustrates an embodiment of impedance assembly  300  in a retracted position. As can be seen, impedance member  320  clears rotating member  410  of device  400 , and thus rotating member  410  is free to rotate. Preferably, lug aperture  82 B of lug  80 B is aligned with the receiving cavity  440  of device  400  for receiving stud  14 B. Therefore, stud  30  can properly be inserted through lug aperture  82 B and into receiving cavity  440  of device  400  to connect lug  80 B, elbow  10 B, device  400  and second device  402 . 
     Additionally, the embodiments of the termination system illustrated herein preferably includes an elbow, or generally T-shaped housings containing two perpendicular bores. However, it is understood that other housing configurations are contemplated and may be used with the present invention. For example, housings containing more than two bores and/or bores that are not perpendicular may be used. Other housing configurations include, but are not limited to, Y-shaped, L-shaped, X-shaped, vault stretchers, and other disconnectable joints utilizing single and/or stacked elbows, such as 600 Amp elbows. The Y-shaped housing is a good example of a housing containing three non-perpendicular bores. Additionally, device  400  or second device  402  can be formed separately and inserted or molded integrally into elbow  10 B without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
     The examples provided are merely exemplary, as a matter of application specific to design choice, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out novel features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the shape of the impedance members, support, guide, extension, etc. as well as the arrangements thereof, can be changed without deviating from the scope of the invention as a matter of application specific to design choice. Additionally, other alterations can be made, as a way of non-limiting example, the number of impedance members, thickness thereof, the angle or manner in which the impedance members contact the support or guide member, etc. as a matter of application specific to design choice, without deviating from the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.