Abstract: A coupling device for interconnecting first and second slender members includes a positioning sleeve sleeved on one end of the first slender member and having a radial outward stop flange and a radial stop projection at opposite ends thereof. An externally threaded sleeve is sleeved and secured on one end of the second slender member, and has an externally threaded front-end portion. A nut member is sleeved on the positioning sleeve, and has a surrounding wall for engaging the externally threaded sleeve. A limiting member is sleeved between the nut member and the stop projection of the positioning sleeve, thereby arresting movement of the nut member from a fully tightened position.

Abstract: An electrical connector has an insulating body centered on an axis, carrying at least one conductor, and having a radially outwardly directed tooth having a radially outwardly directed outer surface with an apex spaced at a predetermined radial distance from the axis. A nut rotatable about the axis on the body bears axially forward on the body and has a radially directed tooth axially level with the body tooth and having a radially inwardly directed inner surface with an apex forming on rotation of the nut about-the body an orbit having a radius from the axis greater by a predetermined spacing than the predetermined radial distance of the body-tooth outer-surface apex. A radially compressible ring surrounding the body overlies the tooth outer surface. The ring has a cross-sectional diameter equal to more than the predetermined spacing between the nut tooth and the body tooth so that for the nut tooth to angularly pass the body tooth it must compress the ring to the predetermined spacing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical connector having a resilient gasket between mating components. This resilient gasket serves a dual purpose. The resilient gasket provides both a seal and also when compressed, loads the electrical connector in a manner that resists vibration.

Abstract: A backshell adapter assembly includes an adapter body, a coupling nut, a retaining ring and a one-piece shuttle mechanism. The one-piece shuttle mechanism is formed as a tubular member and is adapted to be received in a retaining groove on the adapter body. In order to facilitate loading of the one-piece shuttle into the retainer groove on the adapter body, the one-piece shuttle is cut along its length to enable the cut ends of the device to be spread apart in order to load the shuttle mechanism into the retaining groove on the adapter body. The one piece shuttle mechanism includes a thrust bushing portion and one or more concentrically formed spring arms that are adapted to provide axial loading in the direction of an electrical connector shell when the backshell adapter assembly is assembled to an electrical connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector has an insulating body centered on an axis, carrying at least one conductor, and having a radially outwardly directed tooth having a radially outwardly directed outer surface with an apex spaced at a predetermined radial distance from the axis. A nut rotatable about the axis on the body bears axially forward on the body and has a radially directed tooth axially level with the body tooth and having a radially inwardly directed inner surface with an apex forming on rotation of the nut about the body an orbit having a radius from the axis greater by a predetermined spacing than the predetermined radial distance of the body-tooth outer-surface apex. A radially compressible ring surrounding the body overlies the tooth outer surface. The ring has a cross-sectional diameter equal to more than the predetermined spacing between the nut tooth and the body tooth so that for the nut tooth to angularly pass the body tooth it must compress the ring to the predetermined spacing.

Abstract: A backshell 2 of an electrical connector has an outer nut 20 screwed onto the rear of the connector front assembly 1, which is formed with triangular locking teeth 13. An internal assembly 50 within the nut 20 prevents rotation of the backshell 2 on the connector when locked in position. The internal assembly 50 includes a rear cylinder 70 and a forward annular member 80 located between the cylinder and the front assembly 1. The cylinder 70 is of metal-plated plastics, which makes electrical connection at its rear end with screens 5 of cables 3 within the connector. The annular member 80 is of a metal and at its forward end has triangular teeth 85 that engage the teeth 13 at the rear of the front assembly 1. The rear of the annular member 80 and the forward end of the cylinder 70 both have rounded teeth 82 and 74 that engage with one another so as to avoid sharp edges on the cylinder that could lead to damage to its plating 170 caused by electrical transients.

Abstract: An electrical connector has first and second matable connector housings with circular cross-sections, and has a fixing ring which is rotatably mounted at an outer circumference of the first connector housing. In use, the fixing ring is engaged with the second connector housing to form a screw-action cam mechanism. This draws the connector housings into mating engagement when the fixing ring is rotated in a first rotational direction relative to the connector housings. The connector also has (i) a detent for detaining the fixing ring at a predetermined position corresponding to full mating engagement of the connector housings, and (ii) a return spring which applies a return bias to the fixing ring in the opposing rotational direction as the fixing ring is rotated in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector for mounting in an opening (2) of a wall (3), includes a connector element (4) having a bayonet threaded shaft (7) that projects into the opening and a clamp element (5) with a nut part that can be threaded onto the threaded shaft until shoulders on the two elements abut the wall, where the connector includes a latching mechanism (40) that prevents loosening of the clamp member. The latching mechanism includes a holder ring (54) on the connector element, that lies within a latch ring (50) on the clamp element. The latch ring has inwardly-extending projections (42, 44), while the holder ring carries at least one latch member (14). When the clamping member is tightened on the connector element, the distal end (15a) of the latch member readily rides over the projections. However, when the clamping member begins to loosen, the distal end resists such loosening.

Abstract: A sealed connector assembly (10) for use with equipment subject to submersion under water includes two electrical connector shells (25, 29) which are inserted in bayonet fashion into opposite sides of a locking member (40), which is then manually rotated to lock the parts together and shield the electrical connection. The three parts have alignment marks (56, 58, 59) for axial assembly and another mark (57) indicating the rotation of the locking member (40) to a locked position. A body of grease (55) is disposed in one connector shell (25) and an O-ring (50) is placed on the barrel (27) to provide sealing when the connector shells (25, 27) are locked together. The connector shells (25, 29) have wire entry ports and sealing ports for admitting an encapsulating material to seal the wire entry ends. Score lines (68, 69) allow for fracture and removal of the locking member (40) during servicing. Methods of assembly and disassembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-decoupling arrangement for an electrical connector (as well as an electrical connector incorporating such an anti-decoupling arrangement) is made up of just three operative components: a spiral lock clutch, at least one spring ring, and ratchet teeth or serrations formed on an inside surface of the coupling nut. The ratchet teeth are in the form of serrations formed into the inside diameter of a recessed area of the coupling nut in which all of the components reside, and each spring ring is a self-supporting ring that has spring cantilevers with engaging tines of a given number located around its outer circumference, the engaging tines engaging the serrations in a radial direction. The engaging tines thus provide a torque/ratchet mechanism when they glide over the radial cuts of the tooth ring in the uncoupling direction, and stay engaged which forces the spiral lock clutch to expand and slide smoothly over the plug shell with minimal torque in the coupling direction.

Abstract: An electrical outlet or plug includes a body, which encloses a connecting jack, which can be connected to a cable, and a grip element for clamping the cable. The body and grip element are provided with complementary features, which limit the axial unthreading movement of the latter in relation to the former and for preventing their disconnection once they have been connected. A locking nut is joined to the grip element axially, with the possibility of remaining joined to the said grip element, and through this, to the body when the nut is completely unscrewed and removed. Structure is also provided for preventing the unscrewing rotation of the nut once it has been screwed down.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a male coupling assembly including a male coupling ring and a male connection insert and a female coupling assembly including an anti rotational washer and female connector insert. The male coupling assembly is equipped with interengaging portions which prevent rotational movement between the male coupling assembly and the male connector insert. The female coupling assembly includes interengaging portions which prevent rotational movement between the female coupling ring and the female connector insert.

Abstract: An anti-decoupling arrangement for an electrical connector includes a spiral lock clutch, a spring ring, and a separate ratchet wheel or tooth ring having a plurality of radial cuts, all surrounding the connector shell and sandwiched between a flange or shoulder on the connector shell by a conventional snap ring. The tooth ring is situated in a space between the thread of the coupling nut and the flange or shoulder that forms the inner surface of a recessed area with the coupling nut. The shell includes two grooves, one for the spiral lock clutch and the other for the snap ring, that are behind the flange or shoulder towards the rear of the connector, the shell providing axial alignment of all components except the spring ring.

Abstract: An RF connector includes a shell that forms a cavity with the shell including external threads having a recessed portion therein which does not extend into the cavity so as not to cause a disruption in a signal transmitted through the connector. A locking slug is secured within the recessed portion for example by using an adhesive. The locking slug increases friction between the external threads and complementary internal threads of an interface plug to prevent the RF connector from loosening from the interface plug.

Abstract: A cable connector coupling having a nut for attachment to a cable connector and a body joined to the nut so that the cable of the cable connector passes through the nut and body, the nut having a first internal annular groove and the body having a first external annular groove, with a lock ring positioned in the first grooves so that the nut and body translate axially together, an annular engagement ring positioned around the body for sliding axially on the body, the engagement ring having a second internal annular groove and the body having a second external annular groove, with a drive ring positioned in the second grooves, with the nut and engagement ring axially interengaging for varying the overall axial length of the nut and body as the nut is rotated relative to the body, with the body and engagement ring interengaging for limiting rotation of the engagement ring relative to the body, and with the drive ring and body interengaging for urging the engagement ring and nut into engagement for limiting rota

Abstract: A connector has a coupling nut rotatable on a body and lockable by means of a locking ring mounted on the nut. When slid axially to its locking position, the locking ring engages splines on both the nut and the body to prevent relative rotation. A circular spring carried in a groove on the nut engages behind a vertical wall on the inner surface of the locking ring to prevent the locking ring being unlocked. The locking ring is unlocked by pushing a release ring axially into the locking ring so that a ramp surface on the release ring pushes the spring in and allows the locking ring to be slid back.

Abstract: A locking coupling comprises a body (1) adapted for connection to a separate body, a coupling collar (2) rotatably mounted on said body (1) and adapted to cooperate with said separate body to hold it in axial connection with said body (1), a locking collar (4) mounted on said body (1) and longitudinally movable thereon between locking and unlocking position, bias means (8) that urges the locking collar (4) towards the locking position, and locking formations (11, 10) on the locking collar (4) and coupling collar (2) that interengage axially when the locking collar (4) is moved to the locking position so as to restrain the coupling collar (2) against rotation on said body (1). The locking collar (4) can be retained in the unlocking position by retention formations (5, 9) on the locking collar (4) and body (1) that interengage longitudinally. The locking collar (4) is held captive longitudinally on the body by The coupling collar, and the latter is held captive on the body by an internal circlip (3).

Abstract: A connector for joining two electrical connection assemblies including first and second assembly housings, each having a generally tubular wall open at one end. The first assembly housing has a cam. A collar is slidably attached to the exterior of the tubular wall of the second assembly housing. A moveable tab on one of the second assembly housing and the collar is in axial alignment with the cam of the first assembly housing. A stop ridge on the other of the second assembly housing and the collar is aligned with the tab so that the tab contacts the stop ridge at a predetermined point and restricts axial movement of the collar relative to the second assembly housing.

Abstract: A joint for plasma arc cutting torches comprising a fixed female element, to be applied to the generator, and a movable male element, being connected to the torch, which can be fitted into said fixed element and is provided with a ring (5) which can be screwed on said fixed element, and a sleeve (11) engaging said ring, means (15, 16), which can be disengaged by a tool, being provided for engaging said sleeve in order to prevent its rotation.

Abstract: A system for releasably locking and unlocking a connector and backshell combination for supporting conductors that extend from the connector includes a threaded clamping ring in an assembly having facing first and second detent rings that are formed with respective multiplicities of mating detent members. The first detent ring is angularly fixed relative to the clamping ring; the second detent ring is affixed to or integral with a flange ring that is affixed to a body of the backshell. The backshell body can have an enlargement such as for a conductor clamp, in which case the detent ring is affixable subsequent to location of at least the first detent ring between the flange ring and the enlargement when the enlargement would block assembly from that direction. A nested plurality of cone-shaped spring washer axially holds the detent rings in facing engagement, whereby a total surface contacting area of engagement between the detent members is at least 0.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a shell having a radially extending annular flange, a coupling nut, and an anti-decoupling arrangement. The anti-decoupling arrangement is made up of a flexible friction producing member which is captured in a compressed state to hold the coupling nut in place solely by virtue of the frictional engagement between the friction producing member and the coupling nut.

Abstract: A two-part screw-type coupling suitable for coupling together electrical and/or mechanical components in an aircraft, for example, has a rotation lock feature that prevents the unintentional spontaneous loosening of the screwed connection as a result of vibration and shock. The coupling includes a generally cylindrical support body and a collar nut rotatably mounted thereon and retained by a retaining element. A rotation lock element locks the collar nut and the support body together against relative rotation. The lock element includes a spring or a spring-loaded ring, which is rigidly connected to the collar nut or the support body and which applies a sufficient clamping tension against the other part of the coupling to achieve the desired locking function. The rotation lock can provide a finely stepped static adjustment and locking, or a fine step-less dynamic adjustment and locking of the tightening torque of the collar nut on a component to which the coupling is screw-connected.

Abstract: A locking coupling primarily for backshell connectors includes basically a main cylindrical body through which wires pass to an electrical connector, a coupling collar for connecting the backshell to the connector and a locking collar in one position permitting the coupling collar to rotate relative to the main body and in a second position locking this coupling collar to the main body, the main body having a circumferential ring of radial and axially extending teeth, a pawl having teeth carried by the coupling collar in alignment with the teeth of the main body, the locking collar forcing the teeth of this pawl into tight engagement with the teeth of the main body in the locking position.

Abstract: A male screw portion 13 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connector 10, a female screw 22 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the tube 21, and the two are screwed together to prevent withdrawal. A ratchet catch projection 15a1 is provided on the bottom surface of the arm 15a formed on the side of the connector body 10, arranged in such a way that it allows turning in the fastening direction with respect to the catch projection 24a of the lock member 24 formed on the edge of the opening 21a, and does not allow turning in the reverse direction.

Abstract: An accessory for an electrical connector, known as a backshell adapter assembly, includes a coupling nut and a generally tubular adapter body. The adapter body is axially secured relative to the coupling nut without the use of a retaining ring by flaring one end of the coupling nut and forming an annular shoulder about the inner circumference of the flared end. The annular shoulder formed on the flared end of the coupling nut cooperates with an annular shoulder formed on the adapter body to provide axial securement of the coupling nut relative to the adapter body once the flared end is crimped. An important aspect of the invention is that the backshell adapter assembly can be used as a stand-alone device or can be used with one or more accessories, such as a grounding spring and an antidecoupling ring for custom applications.

Abstract: A connector including a locking mechanism to prevent a charge coupling from being broken when charging. A supply connector connected to a power source and a vehicle battery connector installed in an electric vehicle has a handle grip and a connector body attached to a distal end of the handle grip. The handle grip is provided in its interior with a lock mechanism which maintains and releases the coupling of the supply connector to the vehicle inlet and with a control which controls the lock mechanism. The control includes a detector for detecting a complete coupling of the supply connector to the vehicle connector. The control actuates the lock mechanism only when the detector detects the complete coupling and commencement of charging and releases the lock mechanism only when charging is stopped.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (10) of the type having a pair of mateable cylindrical plug and receptacle shells (18,22) secured together by a rotatable coupling ring (16). The connector assembly is provided with a decoupling retardation mechanism which includes engageable teeth (34) on the interior of the coupling ring (16) and a pair of leaf spring members (46,72) mounted to the plug shell (18) inwardly of the teeth (34). The leaf spring member (46,72) includes a fixed beam portion (62,82) having a projection (64,84) which engages the teeth (34). The sides of the teeth and the projection are steeper on one side than the other. The steeper side is the one which is engaged when the coupling ring (16) is rotated in the direction to decouple the shells (18,22). Accordingly, greater torque is required to decouple the shells than to couple the shells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-permanent backshell and connector assembly for use with a harness having a plurality of conductors. More particularly, the invention relates to a connector and backshell assembly that inhibits unauthorized service and repair. The invention comprises a connector, an annular adapter sleeve, and a backshell. The adapter sleeve defines a locking surface that has at least on dog extending therefrom. The dog engages tooth-like projections on the connector. The adapter sleeve can rotate relative to the cylindrical extension before the backshell is installed due to the at least one dog being displaceable away from the tooth-like projections, and the adapter sleeve cannot rotate relative to the cylindrical extension after the backshell is installed due to the stopping surface preventing the at least one dog from displacing away from the tooth-like projections.

Abstract: A coaxial cable end connector includes a tubular post having a first flange at a front end thereof and a port fastener rotatably supported on the front end of the post, the fastener having a second flange adapted to coact in mechanical interengagement with the first flange. The first and second flanges establish a non-planar interface of interengagement which acts as a signal seal in response to being interengaged. The first flange includes a surface indentation which coacts with a surface protuberance of the second flange in response to the fastener being connected to a signal port. In addition, an interference protuberance associated with the fastener coacts with an inclined surface associated with the tubular body to establish another non-planar interface of interengagement which acts as an additional signal seal.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an insert (16) having a plurality of connecting elements disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. A coupling nut (22) is disposed about the insert (16) and has inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange (34) having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36) forming teeth. A washer (24) includes asymmetrical projections or teeth on one surface which engage the annular flange of the insert when coupling nut (22) is tightened. The washer (24) further includes second symmetrical projections (50) on a second, opposed surface to form a driving engagement with corresponding teeth on the coupling nut.

Abstract: A self-seating backshell includes a backshell body, a coupling ring, and a spring. The backshell body has a first plurality of teeth. The coupling ring is mounted on the backshell body for coupling the backshell body to an electrical connector. The electrical connector has a second plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth are arranged to seat against the second plurality of teeth. A spring retains the coupling ring on the backshell body and biases the first plurality of teeth into seating engagement against the second plurality of teeth even though the first plurality of teeth initially are not properly seated against the second plurality of teeth.

Abstract: The electrical connector is connectable to a matching connector and has a body for receiving contacts that carries a threaded rotary locking nut for cooperation with a threaded portion of the matching connector. The nut is fast with internal ratchet teeth having edges each separating a face with a lower slope from a face with a steeper slope relative to a circumferential direction. The body of the connector is non-rotatably connected to a one-piece ring having teeth cooperating with notches formed by the ratchet teeth to establish a ratchet effect that opposes rotation of the ring in an unscrewing direction in which the teeth abut the steeper faces.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a threaded part having a conductor, an unthreaded part having a conductor, fittable along an axis with the threaded part for engagement of the conductors with each other, and formed with front and back axially spaced stops, and an internally threaded nut axially displaceable on the unthreaded part between the stops through a predetermined axial distance, rotatable about the axis on the unthreaded part, and threadedly engageable with the threaded part to lock the parts axially together with the nut engaging the front stop. The nut is formed with at least one axially extending and radially projecting tooth, the unthreaded part is formed with at least one axially extending and radially projecting tooth, and the teeth are so positioned that they come into engagement with each other only during a small fraction of the displacement of the nut on the unthreaded part immediately prior to engagement with the front stop.

Abstract: A connector assembly has two rotatable parts both of which have external splines. An internally-splined locking ring is slidable along the assembly into a locking position where the splines on the ring engage the splines on both the rotatable parts so that relative rotation of the parts is prevented.

Abstract: An electrical connector with a cover lockably coupled to a retainer body to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the cover from the retainer body. The cover and retainer body are locked together by a locking arrangement which includes a locking screw or member, a passageway formed in either the cover or the retainer body for threadedly receiving the locking screw therein, and a recess formed either the cover or the retainer body for receiving the tip of the locking screw therein. In a preferred embodiment, the recess is an arcuate slot with an inclined locking surface which slopes towards the locking screw in the direction of rotation for uncoupling the cover from the retainer body. In another embodiment, the recess is a tubular or cylindrical bore with a pair of locking surfaces.

Abstract: An electrical coupling (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an elastomeric insert (16) having a plurality of inner cylindrical conductive contacts forming a socket and disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. The electrical coupling (10) further includes a coupling nut (22) disposed about the insert (16) and having inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36). A washer (24) disposed intermediate a second, opposed surface (26b) of the insert's peripheral flange (26) and the coupling nut's inner flange (34) includes first projections on a first surface thereof which engage the annular flange's second surface when the coupling nut (22) is tightened.

Abstract: An electrical connector segment, for use in industrial and transportation application, which provides engagement to another complementary coupler segment with fine incremental adjustment and prevents disengagement from vibration, jarring and shock and by those unfamiliar with its function, including a backshell assembly for joining an electrical cable to the connector segment, with the same features plus means by which ready access is provided to the juncture, of the wire leads of the cable, with the connector elements within the connector segment for maintenance, repair and modification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for locking and unlocking a connector pair having a threaded clamping nut or ring that is rotatably coaxially supported on a first shell body for holding connector contacts in axial engagement. A multiplicity of first detent members angularly fixed relative to the clamping ring engage a corresponding multiplicity of second detent members fixed to the first shell body, and a cone-shaped spring washer axially holds the members in facing engagement, whereby a total surface contacting area of engagement between the detent members is at least 0.1 times the product of an average engagement pitch diameter and the width of engagement. The first and second detent members can engage at shallow contact angles of not more than about 40 degrees. The spring washer contacts the first detent ring, which can axially slidably engage an engagement surface fixed to the clamping ring, along a continuous annular contact path for uniform axial biasing of the detent members.

Abstract: The invention provides a locking coupling having a hollow cylindrical body with a circumferential ring of axially extending radial teeth, a first coaxial collar having a plurality of spring fingers extending axially therefrom with inwardly directed, axially extending teeth overlying the teeth on said body and a coaxial locking collar slidably mounted on said body between two positions and having a region overlying the spring fingers, the locking collar forcing the teeth on the spring fingers into engagement with the teeth on the body in one position and permitting the teeth to become disengaged in the other position.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plug connector having a plug shell formed with a flange and a receptacle connector having a receptacle shell provided on its outer circumference with a fitting device. The electrical connector further includes a coupling ring surrounding the plug shell and rotatable and holding the flange of the plug shell. The coupling ring has on its inner circumference a fitting device fitted with the first mentioned fitting device and a flange urging portion for urging the flange, and a key provided between the receptacle shell and the plug shell for preventing relative rotation therebetween. The electrical connector includes at least one wave-shaped annular spring interposed between the flange and the flange urging portion and rotatable together with the coupling ring.

Abstract: An electrical plug assembly providing internal, adjustable gripping means and sealing means for electrical cords of various sizes. The internal, adjustable gripping means is a three-jaw grip assembly using pie-shape jaws which are slidably mounted on tracks and moved towards and away from the center of plug body to form a gripping circle around cords of various sizes. The cord seal consists of a notched rubber bushing formed between two rings. As the cover is tightened over the clamping jaws, the rings on either sides of the rubber bushing are urged together causing the bushing to collapse inward and seal the cord. The cord seal also provides means for locking the cord seal in place and increasing torque needed to remove the cover.

Abstract: An axially oriented detent system interacting between a contact plug housing and a coaxial coupling ring. The coupling ring includes an inner peripheral rib that provides an axially outwardly facing shoulder. Detent springs or a detent washer with resilient detent elements engage the serrated face of a cover part. The cover part is secured to the sleeve so that the springs or elements move across the face during rotation of the coupling ring. The springs and elements have flexible arms that incline from a base apex to a distal free end. Movement of the serrations from the free end toward the apex creates a compression force that is absent when the serrations move in opposite direction. As such, the system creates a resistance to rotational decoupling that exceeds the resistance to coupling.

Abstract: An electrical connector system is provided, of the type that includes housings of plastic-metal hybrid construction, which provides good moisture-tight sealing between the plastic shells and metal inserts and around grounding springs. The receptacle connector has a front edge to which the plastic shell and metal insert extend, and the plug connector includes a ring-shaped elastomeric first seal (90, FIG. 3) that is compressed by the front edge of the receptacle shell and insert (96, 98), to not only seal the inside of the mating regions of the connector but also to seal any slight gap (100) between the plastic shell and metal insert of the receptacle. The forward edge of the plug presses against a second elastomeric seal (92) which is on the receptacle, with the first and second seals sealing a region containing a grounding spring (80) that electrically connects the inserts of the plug and receptacle.

Abstract: An electric connector comprising connecting means between a connector plug body and lock which are adapted to brake the rotation of the lock in the unscrewing direction with a force greater than the force braking the lock in the direction of screwing of the latter.

Abstract: An assembly which prevents a nut carried by an electrical conduit from decoupling from a connector. The inner periphery of the nut near the rear end teeth which define a pair of surface portions between each pair of adjacent teeth. An adapter has a spring biased detent adapted to be received in the space between an adjacent pair of teeth or in engagement with one of the surface portions. The first surface portion of each pair of teeth extends at a relatively steep angle away from the inner periphery of the nut, and a second surface portion extends at a relatively shallow angle away from such inner periphery.

Abstract: Electrical connector characterized in that the plug body (4) and the coupling nut (10) comprise in one case a circular alignment of catches (12), and in the other an axially movable ring (13) provided with at least one complementary catch referred to as a dog (14) oriented towards the alignment of catches, elastic means (15, 16) being provided to co-operate with the ring (13) and, in a position of nonassembly of the connector, to maintain the dog apart from the alignment of catches, the ring and the elastic means being disposed in the path of the body of the coupling connector (3) so that the coupling connector body pushes the dog resiliently between the catches when assembly of the connector is completed.

Abstract: A locking type of connector assembly consists of two connector halves, one half having a more compliant surface in pressure contact with a surface of the other half. The surfaces have mating protrusions and recesses which are in pressure contact. The torque required to misalign the mating surfaces after tightening the connector is sufficiently great to prevent loosening of the connector by vibration.

Abstract: A connector accessory for electrical connectors containing a detent or locking member or members for preventing disconnection from an attached connector when the assembly is subjected to vibration, shock or other stresses. The accessory consists of a coupling and a body containing the accessory which in one form is a detent and in another form serves as a detent in one direction of rotation and a permanent or temporary lock in the other direction of rotation. The coupling is provided with screw threads to engage an accessory thread at the rear of an electrical connector and the body contains features which are required to provide proper mechanical and environmental interface characteristics to mate with various electrical connectors, i.e., teeth, splines, seals, etc.

Abstract: A ratchet apparatus is disclosed for preventing inadvertent decoupling of two couplable members, such as plug and receptacle parts of an electrical connection apparatus. The plug has a coupling nut mounted on it, the coupling nut having threads for engaging the receptacle member and drawing the plug and receptacle together in response to relative rotation between the coupling nut and receptacle. An elongated ratchet strip bearing ratchet teeth is disposed about the outer circumference of the plug member. The coupling nut carries ratchet pins distributed generally about its inside diameter for engagement against the ratchet strip teeth. The coupling nut also carries a spiral wound ratchet retaining ring about the outside of the ratchet pins for exerting and maintaining radially inward force on the ratchet pins to maintain resilient engagement of the pins with the teeth of the ratchet strip.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism (11) comprising a receptacle (13) having an open cavity (31) therein, a plug (15) receivable in the cavity (31), and a rotatable coupling member (17) drivingly coupled to the plug (15) and coupling the plug (15) to the receptacle (13). A locking member (19) is mounted on the coupling member (17) for rotation with the coupling member (17) and for translation relative to the coupling member (17). A spring (21) acts between the locking member (19) and the coupling member (17) and urges the locking member (19) to translate with the coupling member (17). Translation of the locking member (19) is limited so that the spring (21) is compressed to store energy. A cam track (33) and a cam follower (105) have interlocking members which are driven into interlocking relationship by the stored energy in the spring (21) when the locking member (19) and the receptacle (13 ) are in a predetermined angular position relative to each other.