Abstract: A simple, compact multi-conductor tap-connector device incorporates at least three standard multi-contact individual connectors with the corresponding terminals in all of the connectors attached only by short wires running directly between the terminals. Various configurations of mating connectors can be fabricated by the same operations. The interconnecting wires form a unique latticework pattern which permits assembly of the device without the need for excess wire and gives the tap-connector device a degree of structural rigidity. Two forms of specialized apparatus suitable for inserting wires into terminal slots to establish electrical contact are used in assembly of the device.

Abstract: A miniature electrical connector for establishing electrical contact between terminal pads on a ceramic chip substrate carrier to terminal pads on a printed circuit board is disclosed. The connector comprises a frame like member having a plurality of spring contacts located in cavities on the inner edge of the frame member. Individual stamped and formed contacts or contacts mounted on a polymeric film are utilized. A removable cover secures the substrate carrier to the frame member.

Abstract: Wire feeding means which can be used with conventional wire crimping presses are disclosed. A movable funnel is used to precisely position the wires in a crimping station. Movement of the funnel in synchronization with the terminal feed mechanism extracts the wire from the crimping station and relative movement of the wire and the funnel releases the wire from the funnel. A wire gripping channel into which a wire is positioned grips the wire and moves it through the funnel into the crimping station. A sensor which detects the presence of the wire in the channel is located between a barrel and the crimping station. These elements combine to move the uncrimped wire longitudinally into the crimping station and then move the crimped wire laterally out of the crimping station.

Abstract: A tap connection for a multi-conductor cable is disclosed. This tap connection uses two standard separate multi-contact connectors. Cable wires connect corresponding terminals in each of the two connectors. A method and apparatus for assembling this tap connector is also disclosed. Pairs of cable wires are simultaneously inserted into corresponding slotted terminals in both connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for terminating a very fine magnet wire and which, in doing so, becomes the permanent termination thereof. A three sided contact forming three sides of a trapezium has the center side form an acute angle with the serrated second side and an obtuse angle with the third side. A housing has a cavity therein for receiving and retaining the contact. The cavity contains a stopping means against which the junction of the first and center contact sides abut as the contact is inserted into said housing. However, the third contact side continues further into the cavity to alter the said acute and obtuse angles towards right angles, thereby pushing the serrated second contact side in a direction normal to the insertion force and against a given wall of the housing and across which the magnet wire has been positioned.

Abstract: A connector for establishing electrical contact between two insulated conductors is disclosed. The connector employs a generally V-shaped member having multiple slots extending inwardly from one longitudinal edge of a metallic terminal member. Two slots on the terminal member penetrate the insulation and establish contact with the conductive core of each conductor. A rigid insulating housing anchors the terminal and provides a means for forcing the conductors into the slots. This V-shaped terminal configuration results in the generation of resilient stresses which lead to the establishment of a sufficient slot-type electrical contact with a conductor having a relatively large number of strands comprising its conductive core. This connector is also adapted for use with flat multi-conductor cable.

Abstract: A connector for affixing a flexible conduit having external helical grooves to an electrical junction box is disclosed. The connector comprises a stamped and formed metallic retaining clip in conjunction with a rigid housing. The clip engages the helical grooves and also establishes contact with a circular hole in one face of the junction box. Both a secure mechanical and electrical connection are established so that the metallic conduit and the metallic junction box can serve as a continuous electrical ground. A straight-through and a right angle version of the connector are disclosed. The retaining clip is mounted in the housing so that the connector snaps into the circular hole and can be removed without damage.

Abstract: An electrical contact element for use in connecting two printed circuit boards is of substantially U-shape with legs having inwardly directed contact arms for contacting one printed circuit board, and a transverse portion for reception in a hole in a second printed circuit board, a plurality of such contact elements being used together in free-standing manner to provide a complete printed circuit board edge connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing for securing an electrical terminal in a passageway thereof, the passageway includes a first stop means integrally formed from a first area of the passageway and against which a section of the terminal engages to limit movement of the terminal in one direction in the passageway and a second stop means integrally formed from a second area of the passageway and being spaced from the first stop means, the second stop means defining stiffly-flexible means provided with free end means engageable with another section of the terminal thereby limiting movement of the terminal in another direction in the passageway.

Abstract: A tap connection for a multi-conductor cable is disclosed. This tap connection uses two standard separate multi-contact connectors. Cable wires connect corresponding terminals in each of the two connectors. A method and apparatus for assembling this tap connector is also disclosed. Pairs of cable wires are simultaneously inserted into corresponding slotted terminals in both connectors.

Abstract: A serrated wire securing member for use such as a terminal or splice for making connection to at least one wire includes a plurality of side-by-side ridges along an axis perpendicular to the axis of a piece of metal crimped about and encircling the wire. The ridges have floors in the interspaces therebetween of progressively decreasing depth from one end thereof, and have trapezoidal walls, the walls facing in one direction being of essentially one angle, and the walls facing in the other direction being of progressively increasing angle. The varying floor depth and wall angles together and individually promote the flow of the wire conductor material into more uniform contact with the terminal material to form better physical and electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: A contact has a contact portion, a backing member, and a leg integrally connected together and stamped and formed from sheet metal. The contact is crimpable to a flat conductor cable having a conductive layer with first and second insulating layers disposed on the opposite sides thereof. The cable is disposed adjacent the contact with the first insulating layer toward the backing member so that a region of the backing member overlies the conductive layer, with the second insulating layer toward an extended end portion of the leg, and with a cross-sectional section of the cable adjacent a base portion of the leg. The leg is deformed to cause the cable to be pressed between the end portion and the region of the backing member and to cause the extended end portion to pierce the second insulating layer and make electrical contact with the conductive layer.

Abstract: An elongated bus bar is coated with solder and has a first plurality of large holes, and a second plurality of smaller holes formed therein. The holes are spaced apart predetermined distances which correspond to the distances between terminal posts upon which the bus bar is to be mounted. The larger holes are sufficiently large to remain completely free of the bus bar and also of the solder when it is melted. The smaller holes lie individually in sections of the bus bar which are bent in opposite rotational directions with respect to the main plane of the bus bar, and about the longitudinal axis of the bus bar, to provide an interference force fit between each of the smaller holes and the terminal posts inserted therein. These force fits oppose each other in different terminal post insertions because of the bending of the bus bar around the smaller holes.

Abstract: A connector system having tab-like male terminal with stopping shoulders and a female terminal contained in a housing which has an opening for insertion of the male terminal into the female terminal. To provide needed electrical isolation for the female terminal in its unmated condition, the housing extends beyond the male tab receiving outer edge of the female terminal a predetermined distance D.sub.1. Because of industry length standards for male tab terminals the shoulders thereon must abut against the outer edge of the female terminal for proper mating. Thin membranes, which are slitted, are formed in the housing to mate with the male tab shoulders and extend from the outer edge of the housing to a distance back of the outer edges of the female terminal to enable the male tab shoulders to push aside the slitted, thin membranes and abut against the outer edge of the female terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting of a pair of rollers with tangentially meeting perimeters for crimping successive portions of a continuous strip of solder into rings around a strip of terminal posts carried in parallel manner upon a common carrier strip. The roller perimeters each contain a circumferential track of crimping ridges which are both axially and angularly positioned to coincide with corresponding ridges on the other roller to crimp said solder strip around each post on the strip of terminal posts, both strips being simultaneously passed between the crimping tracks on said rollers. Each roller also comprises a circumferential track of spur-type gear teeth, the two tracks being axially offset on opposite sides of said crimping tracks and having bottom lands (the troughs of the teeth) which coincide when the teeth pass through the common tangential or pitch plane of the rollers.

Abstract: A thin, board-to-board zero force insertion and withdrawal connector having a housing containing a plurality of contacts with a first end portion of the contacts secured therein. A pair of parallel rows of rib-like elements extend along the length of the housing and define a U-shaped slot into which the edge of a circuit board can be inserted. The ribs form grooves therebetween which are perpendicular to the rows of ribs. The other end portion of each of said contacts extends downwardly into a groove towards the inner sides of said rib-like elements defining a side of said U-shaped slot, and then further extends upwardly towards the outer side of said rib-like elements. A plate is positioned along the length of said housing and secured thereto by a flexible hinge which divides the plate longitudinally along its length into two sections. A first of these sections extends over the said other end portions of said contacts. The other section of said plate has inclined planes formed on the inner surfaces thereof.