Importance

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Abstract

A clamp contact device for providing mechanical and electrical attachment for cables, wires, and electrical conductors. A single device can provide simultaneous dual attachment modes for cables, wires, and plugs. One end of the device contains two holes on separate spring legs. The spring legs can be pressed towards each other until the holes are in alignment. By inserting the cable through the aligned holes and releasing the legs, spring tension in the legs tries to force the holes apart, clamping the cable in place. The other end of the device has an opening for insertion of an pin, plug, or similar element. A fork spring that partially extends into the interior of the device provides spring-loaded extensions that contact an inserted plug and hold it in place, without the need to initially press on any part of the device. The device can be manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal. Another embodiment includes a separate spring within the interior of the device, which provides spring tension for the legs, allowing the legs to be made of materials that have good electrical conductivity rather than good spring qualities. This second spring can also serve as a stop to prevent inserted wires from protruding beyond a certain point. This assures that a wire inserted from one end will not interfere with a plug inserted from the other end.

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First Claim