Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A terminal block (20) includes a plurality of wells each having a protector32) disposed therein and each having a bore which communicates with a U-shaped terminal (60) so that a portion of the protector extends through the bore into engagement with a bade (66) of the terminal. Tangs (68--68) of each terminal depend downwardly. Also, the terminal block includes a plurality of terminal posts (62--62) each having a spade (69) depending therefrom. A first plastic material (70) encapsulates the base and innermost portions of each U-shaped terminal and post. Individual conductors of a pair in a cable (50) extend to a depending tang of a terminal and to a tang of an associated terminal. A strap wire interconnects the other depending tang of each U-shaped terminal to a spade of an associated terminal post. A second plastic material encapsulates the wiring and the outermost portions of the U-shaped terminals and of the spades of the terminal posts. In making this terminal block, the use of a two step plastic encapsulation process allows the terminals and terminal posts to be held in position with wiring exposed during electrical tests. If the test results are acceptable, the remaining portions of the U-shaped terminals and terminal posts are encapsulated with the second plastic material. If the test results are not acceptable, defects are corrected and then the other portions are encapsulated with the second plastic material.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim