Importance

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Abstract

A cam-operated screwless electrical terminal block is provided having a generally box-shaped housing with an open top and an aperture in its front side and containing a generally C-shaped electrical terminal having vertically disposed opposing gripping elements the ends of which are adjacent the front aperture of the housing. The top opening carries a cam-lever pivotally mounted such that when the lever arm of the cam-lever is raised the electrical terminal ends are separated, and when the lever arm of the cam-lever is depressed the upper gripping element of the electrical terminal is depressed toward the lower gripping element so that a wire inserted in the front aperture of the housing between the ends of the gripping elements of the electrical terminal is securely held. The electrical terminal within the housing is adapted to make electrical contact with a circuit board and the terminal block is configured in such a way that a wide range of wire sizes may be conveniently and securely held. The cam-lever is provided with a flattened area on the portion of its face which contacts the upper gripping element of the electrical contact when the cam-lever arm is in the depressed position, and the housing and cam-lever arm possess respectively latching detents so that the cam-lever arm is securely maintained in its depressed position after an electrical connection has been made.

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First Claim