Abstract: An electrical connector has a housing within which is mounted a genderless electrical contact. The electrical contact has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a planar electrical contact engaging surface with the plane thereof intersecting the contact's longitudinal axis at a predetermined angle. The genderless electrical connector is positionally maintained within the housing so that repeatable electrical engagement can be achieved with a planar electrical contact engaging surface of a corresponding genderless electrical contact.

Abstract: An integrally formed, longitudinally extending, generally planar electrical contact has an arcuate, contact engaging forward portion, a rear, tail end portion and an intermediate portion with an upwardly extending contact housing engaging member and at least one downwardly extending contact positioning member. The electrical contact is designed to fit into a housing to produce a genderless electrical connector.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method for crimping electrical connectors to cables. The apparatus can automatically sense the size of a connector and can automatically determine a minimum acceptable distance of work travel in relation to the size of a connector. The apparatus can crimp articles and control the movement of an indentor by use of a computer. The apparatus can sense predetermined crimping information and at least partially record crimping information. The apparatus can determine the occurrence of a bad crimp. The apparatus can monitor predetermined characteristics of the crimper. The apparatus can sense free travel movement of an indentor and determine appropriate work travel movement of the indentor relative to sensed free travel movement. The apparatus can sense free travel movement of an indentor and compare sensed free travel movement to a stored memory of potential free travel movements and connector sizes.

Abstract: A crimping system for crimping electrical connectors to cables. The system can automatically sense the size of a connector and can automatically determine a minimum acceptable distance of work travel in relation to the size of a connector. The system can crimp articles and control the movement of an indentor by use of a computer. The system can sense predetermined crimping information and at least partially record crimping information. The system can determine the occurrence of a bad crimp. The system can monitor predetermined characteristics of the crimping system. The system can sense free travel movement of an indentor and determine appropriate work travel movement of the indentor relative to sensed free travel movement. The system can sense free travel movement of an indentor and compare sensed free travel movement to a stored memory of potential free travel movements and connector sizes. The system can have a computer controller for, at least partially controlling a hydraulic drive system.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping electrical connectors to cables. The apparatus generally has a ram, an anvil, an electrical ram position sensor, and a computer for at least partially controlling movement of the ram relative to the anvil. The computer can use the position sensor for monitoring the position or location of the ram. The apparatus can have a hydraulic system for moving the ram relative to the anvil and a hydraulic system deactivation valve with a plunger, an extension, means for biasing, and a computer controlled limiter for limiting movement of the plunger and/or extension. The apparatus can also have a pressure sensor for sensing pressure in the hydraulic drive system including two electrical switches and two plungers suitably connected to the hydraulic drive system and adapted to be moveable by hydraulic system pressure at different hydraulic system pressures such that the different hydraulic system pressures can be communicated to the computer by the plungers activating the electrical switches.

Abstract: A cam roller brake for a crimping tool for electrical connectors having a cam actuated toggle mechanism for operating crimping jaws in which the roller brake regulates movement of the cam in precise crimping cycles.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical connections for flat conductor cables and similar articles are produced with flanged hollow rivets which puncture the cable or cables to be connected and then are compressed into an eyelet configuration which clamps and is secured to the cable. Apparatus and procedures for achieving this result are disclosed.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical connections for flat conductor cables and similar articles are produced with flanged hollow rivets which puncture the cable or cables to be connected and then are compressed into an eyelet configuration which clamps and is secured to the cable. Apparatus and procedures for achieving this result are disclosed.

Abstract: A service module or fitting for tapping power from a flat conductor cable wiring system for direct use by the consumer is provided with a strain relief feature designed to prevent or reduce force which might be exerted on the cable connections within the module due to outside stresses placed on the wiring system and the protective grounding shield thereon.