Abstract: A circuit board for an instrument cluster comprises injection-molded plastic springs connecting islands of the circuit board to a main portion of the circuit board. Each island further has integrally-molded clips residing in the plane of the island. The clips are adapted for insertion and retention of terminals of electrical gauge movements. When the electrical gauge movements are attached to the circuit board via the clips, the springs provide compliance so that the gauge movements can then be attached to one or more face plates of the instrument cluster. The compliance provided by the springs allows tolerance stack-ups among the various components of the instrument cluster assembly to be overcome.

Abstract: An electrical power connector having a housing that substantially surrounds a mounting body. The mounting end of the mounting body extends beyond the end of the housing so that when the electrical connector is mounted on a back plane there is a gap between the end of the housing and the back plane which allows the electrical power connector freedom to pivot with respect to the back plane so as to accommodate misalignment between the electrical power connector and its mating connector and to provide a better electrical connection. An electrically conducting arm is also provided that can be inserted into the mounting body of the electrical power connector to convert the electrical power connector from a female connector to a male connector.

Abstract: A connector (10) between an optical connector (35) and a receptor (11). The connector (10) has a housing (14) with an upper portion (20) and a lower portion (21). A printed circuit board (45) is received in the upper portion (21) and extends outwardly from the front of the upper portion (20). The printed circuit board (45) is vertically and laterally moveable within the upper portion (20). An optical connector (25) is received in, and retained between, side clips (30, 31) on the lower portion (21) of the housing (14). The optical connector (35) is matable with the optical portion (12) of the receptor (11) and the printed circuit board (45) is self-aligning and matable with the electrical portion (13) of the receptor (11).

Abstract: A system is provided for effectively and efficiently interconnecting a first rigid circuit with a second rigid circuit. The interconnected circuit system includes, in addition to the first and second circuits, a compressive conductive member and a rigid conductive member. The compressive conductive member has a first end for interconnecting engagement with the first circuit and a second end for interconnecting engagement with a first end of the rigid conductive member. The rigid conductive member has a first end for interconnecting engagement with the compressive conductive member and a second end for interconnecting engagement with the second circuit. The first end of the compressive conductive member interconnectingly engages with the first end of the rigid conductive member. The second end of the rigid conductive member interconnectingly engages with the first circuit and the second end of the compressive conductive member interconnectingly engages with the second circuit.

Abstract: An RF coaxial connector is disclosed which has an internally floating member which allows both ends of the coaxial connection to remain fixed, with the floating section compensating for any necessary axial or radial float. The floating section includes a pin and socket connection where the pin and socket section has various regions of intentional impedance mismatch. The geometries of the pin and socket are specifically designed such that the reflections are substantially self cancelling at all frequencies and at all various longitudinal positions between the pin and socket section.

Abstract: The present invention features an electrical and electronic connector module having six degrees of freedom. The connector module is particularly useful in advanced electrical and electronic wiring systems, such as multiplexed wiring systems, wherein many electrical functions or signals share common wire pathways. The connector module comprises a male header containing a plurality of male connector elements. A plurality of female connector elements disposed in a receptacle assembly is designed to align and mate with respective ones of the male connector elements disposed in the male header. The header and receptacle align by means of a pair of header shoulder bolts that seat within apertures disposed on distal ends of the receptacle. The mating of the male-female connectors is assured by reason that the receptacle is allowed to float within a housing, which forms part of the receptacle assembly.

Abstract: An article such, as an electrical connector, for mounting upon a substrate, such as a printed circuit board. The article includes a mounting plane having locating and centering means thereon. The locating and centering means comprises first and second spaced apart, depending lugs, each of which tapers from a first diameter proximal the mounting plane to a second diameter, narrower than the first diameter, distal said mounting plane. The first lug has a longitudinal slot extending its length in a given direction and the second lug has a longitudinal slot extending its length in a direction orthogonal to the given direction. The slots extending in different directions provide a centering and holding response which fixes the connector in position so that subsequent operations may be performed.

Abstract: An article such, as an electrical connector, for mounting upon a substrate, such as a printed circuit board. The article includes a mounting plane having locating and centering means thereon. The locating and centering means comprises first and second spaced apart, depending lugs, each of which tapers from a first diameter proximal the mounting plane to a second diameter, narrower than the first diameter, distal said mounting plane. The first lug has a longitudinal slot extending its length in a given direction and the second lug has a longitudinal slot extending its length in a direction orthogonal to the given direction. The slots extending in different directions provide a centering and holding response which fixes the connector in position so that subsequent operations may be performed.

Abstract: A module is loaded on a submerged installation to interface an umbilical termination head with a pump module by way of vertically and horizontally directed connection units (21, 26) carried by the module and from which connection members are projected into respective receptacles (70). The units and the receptacles are mounted so as to be readily alignable to ball-and-socket joints (46) or universal couplings (74). The connection members can be projected in a first stage to effect alignment and in a subsequent stage to effect hydraulic and/or electrical connection. The mounting of the units and receptacle is such as to permit retrieval of the module in the event of a failure to withdraw the connection members back into the units.

Abstract: A function expanding apparatus for electronic devices having a mechanism for supporting a connector body. Two elastic members hold a connector body which is freely slidable between the two elastic members. The connector body is movable in multiple directions so as to connect to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An edge mounted connector assembly for a printed circuit board (10) wherein the connector block (22) which mates with a connector receptacle on a mother board (12) is connected to the printed circuit board (10) by means of a flexible circuit member (44). A cover member (30) is mounted on the connector block (22) in such a manner that it is free to move relative to the connector block (22) in a first direction. The printed circuit board (10) is mounted to the cover member (30) in such a manner that it is free to move relative to the cover member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The flexible circuit member (44) is free to flex in both directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved two part floating electric connector which prevents damage to a solder joint and deformation to terminals which are caused in coupling and decoupling conventional floating type connector parts when misalignment is present. The two part floating electric connector includes a housing body molded integrally with a collar and attached together by frangible bridging portions. A pair of fitting nails are fixed to the opposite ends of the outer stationary collar so that these nails may prevent the inner floating housing from rising above the outer stationary housing while allowing horizontal floating.

Abstract: A polygonal section connector comprises a male portion (1) and a female portion (9) that are suitable for coupling together, each supported by a respective support, with at least one of said portions being supported in floating manner. The female portion and/or the male portion is/are provided with alignment means (7, 16; 8, 17) for aligning the male portion in the female portion. One of the connector portions is fitted with centering means for centering it relative to the other portion, which means are suitable for prepositioning said portion, even when presented with an offset and/or an inclination relative to the other portion. The alignment means comprise prealignment means for prealigning the male portion in the female portion and including a skirt (12) which is polygonal in section and designed to receive the male portion as precentered by the centering means. The skirt (12) and the male portion (1) are provided with complementary reliefs (7, 16) for prealigning the male portion in the skirt (12).

Abstract: Electrical connector (2) is mounted in a cut out (65) in a mounting panel (66) by means of a pair of straps (82) which are secured to the rear face of the panel by means of bolts (84) the connector (2) has opposite coplanar flanges (22). The straps (82) have portions (92) which project away from the panel (66). The flanges (22) of the connector (2) are slideably received between the inner faces (94) of the straps (82) and are also spaced from the ends of the straps so that the connector is capable of both up and down and tilting movement with respect to the panel (66).

Abstract: A plug-in multiple-pin connector has a plug mounted on the backboard of a bookshelf-type unit and a socket mounted on the rear end of a package insertable into the bookshelf-type unit. The plug includes arrays of pins fixed to the bottom of a box-shaped insulative casing and an aligning plate having through holes through which the pins extend. The aligning plate is held in sliding contact with the inner wall surfaces of the plug. The socket has arrays of contact insertion holes defined therein and arrays of socket elements having ends each disposed in the contact insertion holes. When the socket is inserted into the plug, the socket pushes the aligning plate over the pins toward the casing bottom until the aligning plate is held against the casing bottom whereupon engaging prongs on the aligning plate are each forcibly fitted in engaging prongs in the aligning plate. When the socket is pulled out of the plug, the aligning plate is stopped against dislodgement by stoppers of the casing.

Abstract: Electrical connector (2) is mounted in a cut out (65) in a mounting panel (66) by means of a pair of straps (82) which are secured to the rear face of the panel by means of bolts (84) the connector (2) has opposite coplanar flanges (22). The straps (82) have portions (92) which project away from the panel (66). The flanges (22) of the connector (2) are slideably received between the inner faces (94) of the straps (82) and are also spaced from the ends of the straps so that the connector is capable of both up and down and tilting movement with respect to the panel (66).

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting electrical connection between the main machine and a module containing the apparatus for advancing a sheet through the transfer zone and to registration for information developed on the photoreceptor belt. The connector on the main machine is mounted to permit engagement with a complementary connector on the module, but provide for movement when the module is raised slightly to contact the photoreceptor module. The apparatus minimizes which otherwise would inhibit this upward movement and detract from proper operation of the machine and the quality of the copy produced.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a frame member which is positioned on a housing and is movable between an terminal insertion position and a terminal lock position. The frame member has resilient fingers with extend into terminal receiving cavities of the housing to properly position and maintain the terminals in the terminal receiving cavities when the frame member is in the terminal lock position. The frame member has anti-rattle projections which cooperate with a panel when the assembly is mounted therein. The anti-rattle projections ensure that a positive electrical connection will be effected and maintained over time.

Abstract: The electrical connector (4) is mounted to float in a back panel (P2) of a drawer containing a power supply distribution module. The panel has a T-shaped cut out (178) therein, the cut out having a transverse part (182) and a perpendicular part (180). The housing (100) of the connector (4) has upper flanges (144) projecting from opposite sides thereof, lower flanges (146) also projecting from opposite sides thereof, and a top flange (150). The upper flanges (144) disposed forwardly of the lower flanges (146) and the top flange (150).

Abstract: A inner jacket member 1 having slit elements 1a is inserted into an outer jacket member 2. An inner jacket member pressing portion, 4, 13 for closing or dilating the inner jacket member 1 is formed within said outer jacket member 2 in such a manner as to be opposite the front end portions 1b of the split elements 1 a. A male terminal 7, 8 to be contacted with an electric part, such as the leadless IC or the like, under pressure is disposed at a tail end of either of the outer and inner jacket members 2 and 1.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing (100) is mounted to float in a back panel (P2) of a drawer. The panel has a T-shaped cut out (178). The housing (100) has upper flanges (144) lower flanges (146) and a top flange (150). In order to mount the connector hosing (100) to the panel, the upper flanges (144) are inserted through the transverse part (182) of the cut out (178) and the housing (100) is then moved along the perpendicular part (180) of the cut out, so that the upper flanges (144) engage the front face of the panel (P2) and the lower flanges (146) engage the rear face of the panel (P2), to retain the connector in the cut out (178). The top flange (150) has one or more sockets (152) and in the, or each, socket (152) a panel lock member (162) having a pnael lock (176). The, or each, panel back member (162) is latched in a retracted position in the socket (152).

Abstract: A shielded electrical connector includes an insulating body having at least one terminal-receiving passageway extending therethrough. A metal shield is disposed about the insulating body. Complementary interengaging detents and apertures are provided between the insulating body and the metal shield to hold the shield about the body. The metal shield is sufficiently oversized relative to the insulating body to provide a floating action therebetween notwithstanding the shield being held on the body, to facilitate inserting a terminal in the terminal-receiving passageway.

Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting the contact pads (52, 56) of components (49, 53) features a planar lamination of insulating sheets forming a body (39) having recesses (46, 48) and apertures (44) containing contacts (10) formed of flat metal stock having spring characteristics including spring elements (22, 26, 30, 36) which provide a redundancy of contact interface through extending upwardly and downwardly relatively to said lamination to engage and interconnect the contact pads. Each of the spring elements is attached to a contact base with a free end providing a cantilever spring action, including wipe of contact points.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for floatable mounting to a panel. The connector includes a plurality of centering beams for engaging edge regions of a mounting aperture in a panel and for exerting centering forces against the edge regions to return the connector to a centered and aligned position. At least one of the centering beams includes a latch for engaging an aperture adjacent to the mounting aperture in the panel to enable float and centering in each of two opposite directions. The connector further includes a TPA component engaged to the rear of the connector housing in a preload condition and in a final seated position. The forward end of the TPA component includes secondary locking latches for engaging the terminals.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector body having at least one terminal, an electrical conductor connected to and extending away from the terminal, and a one-piece, molded grommet/seal member. The grommet/seal member is injection-molded around a portion of the connector body, the point at which the electrical conductor and terminal are connected, and at least a portion of the electrical conductor. A portion of the grommet/seal member is formed so as to sealingly attach to an opening in a housing. The grommet/seal member is formed of a flexible material, such as neoprene, so as to allow the connector body to be laterally displaced for purposes of alignment with a mating connector assembly.

Abstract: An assembly (42) includes plurality of receptacle contacts (46,44) mounted to a clevis block (66) between respective pairs of salients (86) and along a shaft (64) extending through the salients. The receptacle contacts (46,44) are incrementally moveable after assembly and thus define a floating separable interface for an array of blade shaped contacts (122,124) when assembly (42) is mounted within a card cage (10) and blade shaped contacts are along rearward ends of bus bars (118,116) mounted on upper and lower edges (108,112) of daughter cards (102) insertable into the card cage, defining a system for distributing electrical power from the card cage to the daughter cards.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided including a panel mountable connector that can float relative to a mounting aperture in the panel and that is self-alignable relative to the mounting aperture. The floating connector includes a generally rectangular housing having a mounting flange extending outwardly therefrom. The connector further includes clusters of deflectable beams extending from each side. The deflectable beams include a locking beam having a locking projection for engaging a side of the panel opposite the side engaged by the panel. Each cluster further includes a pair of deflectable centering beams for centering and rotationally aligning the connector to the mounting aperture in the panel.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a molded plastics material female housing member incorporating a skirt and a molded plastics material male housing member adapted to be inserted into this skirt. Guides on one housing member align the male and female housing members during insertion of the male housing member into the skirt. There are multiple channels in each housing member. Those in one housing member are adapted to receive male electrical connection members and those in the other housing member are adapted to receive corresponding female electrical connection members. At least one housing member is joined to a support by corrugated elastic strips, so that it can oscillate in the support.

Abstract: A connector with a retractable base plate to protect its contact outlets, the connector functioning to ensure connections between various parts of television type cathode ray tubes and correspoding printed circuits, comprises a contact holder casing, a sliding base part supporting the contact holder casing, the sliding base part having hollowed out housings, integral therein, contact outlets into which the housings are respectfully inserted, guiding and click and spring work systems for maintaining said contact outlets in said housing, the aforementioned guiding and click and locking systems functioning to lock the base plate onto the casing whereby pressure brought on the casing perpendicular to the printed circuit causes the base plate coming into contact with the printed circuit to undergo translation, effectuating the passage of contact end pieces from the housing through holes in the base plate whereby the contact outlets can be brazed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for facilitating insertion and maximizing resiliency, reliability and conductivity of button contacts in button board type circuit interconnectors.

Abstract: A system interconnects electronic modules with one another, to a power supply and to signal lines through a printed circuit board. The modules are electrically connected to traces on the printed circuit board using blind mateable connectors. EMI shielding plates are mounted to the circuit board at the I/O connectors for the external cables. Guide elements, such as pin and socket guides and printed circuit board edge guides, are mounted to the circuit board to guide the blind mateable connectors. The syustem eliminates the numerous cables which would otherwise be required. The printed circuit board is mounted within the system housing and acts as an air duct barrier to aid proper air circulation. The circuit board also acts as a structured element helping to stabilize the housing and various module supports and serves as a mounting structure for various elements, such as cooling fans.

Abstract: A sliding gimbal comprises a first hollow mounting frame having an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one mounting member associated with the outer surface. A pair of oppositely disposed stud receiving slots is formed on the first frame inner surface, and this pair of slots is elongated. A second hollow mounting frame having an inner surface and an outer surface and including a pair of oppositely disposed cylindrical studs projecting therefrom is mounted within the first frame with the studs engaging the slots.

Abstract: An assembly for remotely handling an electrical plug connector, including a ottom block, including a crane hook attachable to a crane, a first plug member fixed to the bottom block and electrically connectable to a power supply, a second plug member electrically connected to a load, a retaining device retaining the second plug member such that electrical coupling and decoupling between the first and the second plug member can be effected by mere movement of the bottom block in the horizontal and the vertical plane. When the first and second plug members are vertically aligned, coupling and decoupling can be effected by mere lowering and raising of the bottom block. The retaining device has parallel prongs with recessed surface areas to hold the second plug member, alternatively, in a locking position and a withdrawing position. The second plug member has a spherical thickened contour portion acting as a pivot enabling it to swing into alignment with the first plug member.

Abstract: A one piece jumper power cord molded out of rubber or some other insulating material. The one piece power cord conforms to the rear shape of a vertical stack of electronic devices that it interconnects. By keeping the power cords short and properly shaped, power can be jumpered from a lower device housed in a lower enclosure of the vertical stack to an upper device housed in an upper enclosure without a loose jumper cord dangling therebetween, wasting space and providing a possible hazard for passing objects or persons to catch on.

Abstract: A connector assembly for blind mated back plane interface connections of optic fibers with active optical devices includes a shroud mounted in a back plane panel within which are received a receptacle assembly mated to connector modules. The modules, each associated with a cable of a plurality of optical fibers, subdivide the mated fibers into separately connected groups to avoid expensive tolerance requirements. The receptacle includes a housing and shims for precisely locating the active optical devices relative to the ends of the optic fibers. The interface connections are shielded from interference by conduction between the receptacle housing, a fiber termination ferrule and a rear housing and strain relief portion of each connector module.

Abstract: A wire harness coupling unit intended for use on a vehicular instrument panel to facilitate coupling of connectors of a wire harness on the instrument panel with corresponding connectors of a wire harness on the dashboard side. The wire harness coupling unit essentially includes: a male coupler member provided on one of the dashboard and instrument panel and carrying connectors of one of the wire harnesses in predetermined positions; a female coupler member provided on the other one of the dashboard and instrument panel in face-to-face relation with the male coupler member and carrying connectors of the other one of the first and second wire harnesses in predetermined positions; the male and female coupler members being engageable with each other upon assembling the instrument panel onto the dashboard to couple the connectors of the two wire harnesses with each other.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided with terminals (30) that are movable relative to the connector housing (2). The terminals (30) are provided in terminal receiving housings (34) and are secured therein. The terminal receiving housings (34) are configured to receive various types of terminals therein. The terminal receiving housings (34) are provided in the electrical connector housing (2) in such a way as to prevent the removal of the terminal receiving housings (34) from the electrical connector housing (2), while still permitting the terminal receiving housings (34) to move relative to the connector housing (2). This movable mounting of the terminal receiving housings (34) in the electrical connector allows the terminal receiving housings (34) to compensate for misaligned or bent mating terminals (56) which are inserted therein.

Abstract: A portable mass storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive) is shock-isolated at all times; (a) within the chassis of a computer and (b) during its removal and transport to a location remote from the computer chassis. The mass storage device is housed within a canister which is removably mountable within the chassis. A bracket is attached to each lateral side of the mass storage device and a pair of suitable elastomeric shock-isolators extend between each respective one of the brackets and its adjacent canister sidewall so as to mount it in spaced relation to the canister. Power supply to the mass storage device (or any other electrical component) may be disabled/enabled automatically in response to relative separation/closing movement between a pair of connectors. In this manner, "arcing" and other problems which might occur with such a removable unit are automatically avoided in a fail-safe and cost effective manner.

Abstract: A connector for a printed circuit board (9) comprises a housing (1) containing contacts (5,6,7). The housing is fixed to the board by the engagement of splined pins (4) at either end, in corresponding holes 11 in the board. As the connector is pressed down onto the board, the contacts engage contact surfaces (10) on the latter and are pushed back into the housing. A layer (8) of frictional material, through which the contacts pass retains them in their adjusted position during subsequent handling and soldering. The contacts can have lower ends of different profiles of which three are shown.

Abstract: A drawer connector is provided with modular components to facilitate the replacement of those portions of the drawer connector that are subject to the greatest wear. The drawer connector comprises mateable female and male panel mount drawer connector housings having mateable terminals press fit or otherwise lockingly engaged therein. The conductive leads are not permanently terminated to the terminals of the drawer connector. Rather, the conductive leads are terminated to modular connector terminals or terminal assemblies which in turn are lockingly but releasably mounted to the respective rear sides of the panel mount assemblies of the drawer connector. Thus, the panel mount assemblies can be discarded and replaced upon the damage of the frequently connected and disconnected terminals therein, while still retaining the time and labor intensive termination work on the conductive leads.

Abstract: A movable connector having a movable housing which is to be secured to a panel is provided with spring members on for insertion into a fitting groove formed in the panel. The spring members serve to flexibly absorb displacements caused when a partner housing from a partner connector is fitted to the movable housing.

Abstract: A system interconnects electronic modules with one another, to a power supply and to signal lines through a printed circuit board. The modules are electrically connected to traces on the printed circuit board using blind mateable connectors. EMI shielding plates are mounted to the circuit board at the I/O connectors for the external cables. Guide elements, such as pin and socket guides and printed circuit board edge guides, are mounted to the circuit board to guide the blind mateable connectors. The system eleminates the numerous cables which would otherwise be required. The printed circuit board is mounted within the system housing and acts as an air duct barrier to aid proper air circulation. The circuit board also acts as a structured element helping to stabilize the housing and various module supports and serves as a mounting structure for various elements, such as cooling fans.

Abstract: A quick connect drive up receptacle which includes a receptacle supported by spaced arms. An adjustable spring supports the spaced arms so that the receptacle is held at a desired height. Male connectors on the vehicle are so configured that the arm supported receptacle will engage the male connectors to supply current to one or more devices on or in the vehicle.

Abstract: A connector mounting system allows a measure of lateral motion for a connector relative to its printed circuit board to accommodate any thermal expansion of the board. A mounting bracket is connected between the connector and the printed circuit board and includes openings through which guide members extend, the openings having a larger dimension in at least the lateral dimension of the printed circuit board than that of the corresponding dimension of the guide member to allow a measure of lateral clearance and movement of the bracket relative the guide member. Each guide member includes a flange portion that captures the bracket and constrains the bracket and the connector from torque-induced movement where the connectors are not mounted in the direct line of force for either inserting or extracting the connector.

Abstract: A bus bar assembly comprises a frame in which circuit modules are slidable on rails towards and away from a power bus bar. Each module has a receptacle for receiving the bus bar when the module has been slid to a home position in the frame. Each receptacle is secured to a guide fork for guiding the receptacle into mating relationship with the bus bar, the guide fork being fixed to a slide block mounted on the module for sliding movement transversely of the rails to take up play between the module and the rails.

Abstract: A self-aligning electrical connector is provided for aligning and connecting multiple pins of a male coupler with corresponding multiple pin sockets of a female coupler in a blind environment. A cylindrical standpipe is attached to and extends axially from the female connector. The end of the standpipe remote from the female coupler comprises a ramp or cam sloping to a lug slot in the standpipe that extends toward the female coupler. The male coupler includes a lug comprising a cam follower or roller for following the cam of the standpipe. During connection of the couplers, the action of the cam follower on the cam causes axial rotation of the male coupler until the cam follower engages the lug slot to align the couplers. A jackscrew extending through a longitudinal bore along the axis of the male coupler engages a threaded socket located at the axis of the female coupler to draw the pins of the male coupler into mating connection with the pin sockets of the female coupler.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning, mating and unmating connectors as a result of relative motion between apparatus operatively associated with the two parts of the connector is disclosed. Specifically, as the apparatus operatively associated with the two parts of the connector move with respect to each other, the parts of the connector move along at least first and second angularly displaced paths to align, mate and unmate the connector as a result of such motion.

Abstract: An ultra multi-pole connector includes a plurality of small size multi-pole connectors each having a connector housing which has a plurality of terminals connected to a plurality of wires therein and engagement shoulders projecting from the upper portion of the connector housing, and a casing having a plurality of hollow sections to which said small size multi-pole connectors are mounted, respectively, and each of said hollow section having an engagement members, thereby the small size multi-pole connectors can be displaceably mounted in the hollow sections by engagement of the engagement shoulders and the engagement members.