Abstract: A locking connector system includes a first body having a rotatable collar mounted thereon and a second body configured to mate with the first body, including one or more components configured to control the breakaway force of the first and second bodies. The first and second bodies include telescopingly engaged body portions and axially mating contacts. The connector system further includes an annular collar encircling the telescoping body portions and rotatively held on the first body and a spring inside the collar. The ends of the spring are confined between the first body and the collar so as yieldingly to resist rotation of the collar relative to the first body. Axially aligned tabs are provided on the collar and the second body for latching the first body and the second body together through a predetermined range of forces.

Abstract: A hybrid receptacle coupler (10,30,50) having at least two modes of coupling, for coupling with complementary plug couplers having disparate coupling modes. A camming latch (12,32,52) is defined on the external surface (16,36,56) for quick connect/disconnect coupling with a quick connect/disconnect coupler (300). Threading (20,40,58,60) is defined on the internal surface (18), or the external surface (32), or on both the internal and external surfaces (52,62) for threaded coupling with threaded plug couplers (100,200).

Abstract: A ruggedized, reliable and sealed connector assembly for the a network, such as the Ethernet, the telephone network, and other applications, includes a housing assembly having push-on, auto-latching connection mechanism that may be used to seal and protect an industry-standard connector. The illustrative connector assembly comprises a first housing assembly for housing a first connector half, such as a jack, and a second housing assembly for housing a second connector half for mating with the first connector half, such as a plug. When the first housing assembly mates with the second housing assembly, the housed plug and jack also mate, in a sealed, protected environment. A locking sleeve is rotated against a spring force during initial insertion of the second housing assembly into the other, and permitted to rotate back into a locking position upon completion of insertion, thereby locking the first housing assembly to the second housing assembly and the first connector half to the second connector half.

Abstract: A breakaway locking connector system includes a first body having a rotatable collar mounted thereon and a second body configured to mate with the first body and automatically disengage from the first body when a predetermined force is applied to the connector system. The first and second bodies include telescopingly engaged body portions and axially mating contacts. The connector system further includes an annular collar encircling the telescoping body portions and rotatively held on the first body and a spring inside the collar. The ends of the spring are confined between the first body and the collar so as yieldingly to resist rotation of the collar relative to the first body. Axially aligned tabs are provided on the collar and the second body for latching the first body and the second body together through a predetermined range of forces.

Abstract: A breakaway locking connector system includes a first body having a rotatable collar mounted thereon and a second body configured to mate with the first body and automatically disengage from the first body when a predetermined force is applied to the connector system. The first and second bodies include telescopingly engaged body portions and axially mating contacts. The connector system further includes an annular collar encircling the telescoping body portions and rotatively held on the first body and a spring inside the collar. The ends of the spring are confined between the first body and the collar so as yieldingly to resist rotation of the collar relative to the first body. Axially aligned tabs are provided on the collar and the second body for latching the first body and the second body together through a predetermined range of forces.

Abstract: A resilient tapered conical insert (40,70) is snap fit into a mating recess in each side of a two-piece multi-circuit connector (50, 80). A coupling body segmented latch arm (501, 801) expands over an insert ramp (410, 701) with segmented tabs (42, 82) and locks into an insert recess groove (402, 702) for a tactile and audible signal of engagement and a secure permanent union. Replaceable contact elements (20, 90) are snap fit in a fluid-resistant self-sealing relationship to selected mating openings (44, 74) in the inserts with a contact protrusion (22, 92) engaging an insert shoulder (140, 170) and contact barbs (23, 93) engaging resilient insert openings (145A, 171). A front contact barb (24, 94) snaps into a larger insert opening (45, 74) for a tactile and audible feedback of complete insertion. Replaceable inserts may be fitted with any desired configuration of paired contact elements assembled in the field. Blank or partially blank inserts (40B, 70B) may be drilled in the field.

Abstract: An outer cable plug sleeve has a sealing ridge with a notch in it to allow interfacial air to escape during insertion and enter during extraction of the cable plug. A cable plug receptacle has a mating sealing groove which receives the sealing ridge covering the notch. A series of mutually engaging overlapping sleeves creates multiple air seals and a long path between an internal pin/contact electrical connection and an external shield plate ground on the plug. A split metal coupling nut slips over the cable and engages the shield plate and screws onto a threaded receptacle cylinder securing the previously coupled cable plug and receptacle together.

Abstract: A two-piece retainer ring is snap-fit together by protruding roll pins in mating holes forming a self-connected ring around a high-voltage cable engaging a cable plug flange. Parallel spring wires intruding into a central opening of a coupling nut engage an exterior groove in the retainer ring with a snap fit forming an interconnected mutually rotatable coupling nut assembly. A bend relief sleeve between the retainer ring and the cable extends away from the retainer ring along the cable. A ridge around the bend relief sleeve engages an interior groove in the assembled retainer ring. A D-shaped cable plug flange engages a D-shaped plug receptacle opening to align plug contact pins with receptacle sockets. Mating threads on the nut and receptacle secure the plug in the receptacle with an extending sleeve on the retainer ring bearing against the flange.

Abstract: A connector for mating a plurality of male and female electrical contacts has two tubular telescoping body portions and an annular collar surrounding them. A spring is confined inside the collar with its ends engaging the collar and a first body portion so as to yieldingly resist rotation of the collar relative to the first body portion. Axially opposed camming tabs on the collar and second body rotate the collar as the bodies are telescoped to a latching position of the tabs locking the connector bodies in mated contact position.

Abstract: A connector for mating a plurality of male and female electrical contacts has two tubular telescoping body portions and an annular collar surrounding them. A spring is confined inside the collar with its ends engaging the collar and a first body portion so as to yieldingly resist rotation of the collar relative to the first body portion. Axially opposed camming tabs on the collar and second body rotate the collar as the bodies are telescoped to a latching position of the tabs locking the connector bodies in mated contact position.