Abstract: A wire harness cable assembly comprises an outer casing defining a receiving space therein. The casing defines a first opening on a side thereof in communication with the receiving space. The casing defines a second opening in an end thereof perpendicular to the first opening. A connector is assembled in the casing and the connector has a mating portion protruding from the first opening for electrical engagement with a complimentary connector. A cable is electrically connected to a connecting end of the connector at one end, and another end of the cable extends through the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cable-to-card connectors and more particularly to a system for simplifying plugging and unplugging operations and for preventing any risk of bending pins and damaging contacts first, by guiding the cable and receiving connectors and second by multiplying the operator's insertion/extraction force. The system comprises a pair of guiding posts one on each side of the cable connector and a push-pull unique central screw making the link between guiding posts and the cable connector.

Abstract: A multi-function fastening apparatus for removably attaching an accessory device to a portable data collection terminal and for joining together two or more sections of the accessory device's housing. The multi-function fastening apparatus may include a seal or the like to provide environmental protection to the accessory device's internal electronic components.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a frame which supports contact modules which are equipped with connections for a corresponding number of conductors of a multi-wire cable. The contact modules and corresponding female modules can be freely combined in their selection and arrangement and can be latched together to form compact module blocks.

Abstract: A cable retention system is provided to connect a PC card, for example a PCMCIA card, to a cable. The cable portion includes an electrical connector on a cable that is overmolded with a backshell. The backshell incorporates captivated thumbscrews that can be at least partially withdrawn into the backshell. The thumbscrews may engage threads in the PC card to provide a secure attachment, or the thumbscrews may be withdrawn into the backshell, so that the electrical connector on the cable may be pushed onto the mating electrical connector on the PC card. In another embodiment, an electronic device, such as a wireless or ROM module, is attached to the PC card.

Abstract: A system for securing an electronic component, such as a CPU, includes a support extending substantially in a plane and a fastener coupled to the support. The support may be a heat sink secured to a component for dissipating heat generated during operation of the component. The fastener extends through extensions or fins of the heat sink, generally parallel to the plane of the heat sink and component package. A biasing spring urges the fastener toward a disengaged position. A biased retainer maintains the biasing spring and fastener within the assembly. The component is initially engaged in a receiving socket for installation. The fastener is then engaged in the mechanical support to draw the component into full engagement. A reference surface on the securement assembly contacts the mechanical support to limit engagement of the component. The fastener may include a torque-limiting assembly for limiting the torque applied to the mechanical support upon full engagement of the component.

Abstract: The retention system is provided for a threaded member (14, 54) and an electrical connector (10) which includes a sheet metal shield (46) juxtaposed on a dielectric housing (32). A threaded hole (58) is provided in the shield (46) for 4 threadingly receiving the threaded member (14, 54). A hole (64) is provided in the dielectric housing (32) behind the threaded hole (58) in the shield (46) for threadingly receiving the threaded member (14, 54) after the shank 54 of the threaded member (14, 54) passes through the threaded hole (58) in the shield (46).During assembly, the threaded members (14, 15) self thread into interfering portions of the housing (32) defined by the housing holes (64) to thereby increase the resistance of threading in order to prevent stripping of the threaded holes (58) in the shield (46).

Abstract: An electrical housing (12) for a circuit board assembly (14) comprises interfitting upper and lower housing members (16,18) along which the circuit board assembly is disposed when the housing members are fitted and secured together. One end of the housing members (16,18) has connector-receiving recesses (50,58) in which an electrical connector (88) on the circuit board assembly is disposed for positioning the circuit board assembly longitudinally relative to the housing members. Vertical positioning members (26,68) on the housing members are provided for vertically positioning the circuit board assembly within the housing members. Jack screw-positioning members (32,34,40;74,76,78) are provided by the housing members (16,18) for positioning jack screws (46) within the housing members (16,18) and maintaining the jack screws therein so that they are captured therein.

Abstract: An electrical connector system uses two electrical connector housings and two mating electrical connectors. The electrical connector housings are disposed on a support plate in an end to end relation and spaced apart by a distance smaller than twice the distance from the electrical connector housing to the fastener holding the connector to the connector housing. The fasteners are carried by and engaged with a retainer bar that further engages the connectors to pull the connectors into the connector housings and retain them in connection relationship, ensuring reliability of the connection.

Abstract: An electrical housing (12) for a circuit board assembly (14) comprises interfitting upper and lower housing members (16,18) along which the circuit board assembly is disposed when the housing members are fitted and secured together. End members (56,58) are secured to the respective ends of housing (12) with outer ends of connectors (52,54) extending through slots (65) in the end members. Jack screws (64) have shafts (66) extending through holes (63) of the end members, through channels in the housing members formed by opposing arcuate recesses (40,48) in the housing members (16,18) and clips (69) are pressed onto the shafts (66) to secure and capture the jack screws (64) in housing (12).

Abstract: A biologically implantable percutaneous connector (20) for providing optionally separable interconnection between an implanted connector (21) attached to bone tissue and a removable connector (40). The connectors each include a supporting matrix of dielectric material (86, 94) within which an array of tiny conductive rods (90, 88) are sealed with ends (112, 110) of the rods exposed as contacts at mating faces (94, 92) and the other ends (102, 100) joined to conductors (33, 43) of cables (32, 42). Elastomeric anisotropic connector material (44) is located between corresponding arrays of contacts to provide for repeated reliable electrical connection and disconnection of corresponding contacts. External surfaces of the implantable body (21) of the percutaneous connector may be coated with a bioactive material promoting integration of surrounding tissue into the surfaces of the implanted percutaneous connector.

Abstract: A device of forming a plug base for an electric relay to be fit through an opening in a panel is disclosed. The device comprises a body having a plurality of electric sockets and a width. An electric relay is part of the device and has pins engageable in respective electric sockets of the body and has a plug position where the sockets and the pins are engaged in an approach position where the sockets and pins are in contact. Snap-in resilient lugs are mounted adjacent the body and are flexible between a first position where the lugs are elastically contracted towards the center of the body and a second position in which the lugs are in a normal, non-contracted position. Each of the lugs has a width substantially equal to the width of the body. The relay, when the relay is in the plug and the approach positions, prevents the resilient lugs from moving to the first position.

Abstract: A threaded rod is fitted to a plug-in assembly which can be inserted into a mounting rack, which threaded rod is aligned in the insertion direction and becomes operatively connected to a motor-driven threaded nut during insertion. The first thread pitches are designed such that the rod and nut latch on one another.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector assembly includes interengaging plug and receptacle connector components. One of the connector components is equipped with engagement screws, and the other connector component is equipped with screw-receiving cavities which engage the engagement screws. Each engagement screw has a guide portion in the form of a projecting guide pin fixed to its tip which projects past an endface of the one connector so as to provide a pair of alignment members which are received within the other connector cavities prior to mating of the plug and receptacle components together.With this arrangement, the exact alignment of the plug and receptacle connectors is permitted by inserting the engagement screws in the cavities prior to the mating of these connectors, thereby eliminating the possibility of interference between opposing male and female terminals of the two connector components which would cause damage to the terminals and the connector components.

Abstract: A plug connector housing is provided having a mounting device and a pair of mating housing parts. The mounting device is formed by at least one spring clamp. The at least one spring clamp is snapped into engagement with the mating housing parts to thereby form the plug connector housing.

Abstract: Similar electronic module packages are provided having guide pins and front actuated retaining rods for mounting the package on a mounting panel having threaded mounting holes spaced in a regular pattern to accept the guide pins and retaining rods of several module packages. The guide pins and retaining rods are mounted on diagonally opposite corners of the modules. Front mounting of the modules and front location of electrical connectors avoids a requirement for rear access to the mounting panel. Various arrangements of modules on the mounting panel are allowed by suitable arrangement of the pattern of mounting holes in the panel. The modules include a housing with a face plate and a mounting plate. The housings include either a support panel or a cover. The face plate and the mounting plate extend above and below the support panel or the cover.

Abstract: In a high density multi-pole connector composed of a male connector (21) having a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers and a female connector (41) also having a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers, at least one of the male and female connectors (21, 41) is divided into a plurality of separate connector housings (23, 43); and the separate connector housings are coupled to one another with a coupling block (22, 42) provided with coupling structures (28, 49) formed on both the separate connector housings (23, 43) and the coupling block (22, 42) respectively, for removably coupling the coupling block with the separate connector housings. In the high density multi-pole connector, it is possible to freely increase the number of terminals and modify the terminal arrangement positions within the connector housings; that is, various connectors of any sizes can be assembled with the use of the common coupling block (22, 42).

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a bottom shell, a cover shell covered on the bottom shell, a PC board mounted within the bottom and cover shell and having a male connector extended out of the bottom and cover shells, and two fasteners mounted on respective mounting blocks on the bottom and cover shells at two opposite sides to fasten the male connector of the PC board to a respective parallel port on the computer, wherein each fastener consists of a rotary driving roller mounted on the mounting blocks at either side and having wings for turning by hand, a bolt driven into a respective screw hole on the computer by the rotary driving roller, and a spring received in a polygonal hole on the rear end of the bolt and supported on the rotary driving roller.

Abstract: A holding device (10) includes an elongated base (12) and two raised platforms (14, 16) respectively position at two opposite ends thereof. A central cavity (27) is formed in the base for reception of the protrusion portion (62) of the I/O connector (60) therein, and two retaining holes (17) respectively provided approximate or in the platforms extend perpendicular to the holding device (10) for reception of the corresponding screws (50), respectively. The holding device (10) can be attached to and hold the slide latch (30) by its resilience to combine these two components as one unit, and two screws (50) are also temporarily retained in the retaining holes (17) of the holding device (10) by the resilience of the holding device.

Abstract: The present invention is a connector shell assembly that retains both a conventional connector and a strain relief or radio jack which is attached to the extended rear end of the connector shell. The connector shell assembly also has unisex spring-load turn wheel mechanisms which do not need tools to be installed.

Abstract: The present invention is a connector shell assembly that retains both a conventional connector and a strain relief or radio jack which is attached to the extended rear end of the connector shell. The connector shell assembly also has unisex spring-load turn wheel mechanisms which do not need tools to be installed.

Abstract: A kit of parts for a jackscrew mechanism (1) comprising, first and second cover parts (8) to encircle an electrical connector (19), locking structure (160, 162) on the cover parts (8) adapted to lock the cover parts (8) together prior to receiving separate jackscrews (16) in passages (9) in the cover parts (8), a locking finger (164) in each of the passages (9) adapted to lock behind a collar (198) on a respective jackscrew (16), each jackscrew (16) having an enlarged diameter portion (200) to resist pivoting of the jackscrew (16) while the collar (198) remains in front of the locking finger (164), and a series of ramps (168) along the passages (9) over which the jackscrews (16) glide.

Abstract: The present invention is a connector shell assembly that retains both a conventional connector and a strain relief or radio jack which is attached to the extended rear end of the connector shell. The connector shell assembly also has unisex spring-load turn wheel mechanisms which do not need tools to be installed. The present invention further comprises a unisex connector system which can establish a male or female gender.

Abstract: An avionics display device having a stowable rotatable locking handle disposed therein for facilitating quick and easy installation and/or removal of the display device.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector panel standoff fastener includes a panel-mounted stud with an affixed cap nut which is captive within the cable end connector shell. The stud includes a knurled head which is pressed into the chassis panel from the inside out. The stud includes a knurled head sized so that excessive bulging of the panel cutout does not occur upon pressing the stud into the panel. The desired standoff height is maintained by an end wall within the cap nut which acts as a screw stop. Also, the stud may be internally threaded to receive a screw from the opposite side of the panel to fasten the connector receptacle to the panel. The invention may further include a locking device such as a plug inserted into the threads of the stud.

Abstract: A multiple circuit board assembly includes stacks (50,52) of printed circuit boards each having a series of hermaphroditic edge connector nodes (46,46a, 82) that electrically connect a printed circuit board (56) of one stack to a plurality of boards of a second stack. Each board edge also includes a service cable connector (74) having electrical power and fiber optic input/output connector elements (161,163) that connect the board to a spring mounted service module connector receptacle (42) in a housing structure (16) that carries the assembled stacks of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly and method includes a connector body and at least one unitary fastening member that is deformed at a central region of the fastening member after insertion through a mounting hole in the connector body. Projecting integrally from the deformed region of the fastening member is an internally threaded post which may receive cable screws of a cable mated with the connector assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening member secures a ground strap and a faceplate to the connector body, and the internally threaded post is inserted through a panel of a computer system component.

Abstract: A system for coupling two bodies together and for transmitting torque from one body to another with mechanical timing and sequencing so that (1) the bodies are handled in a safe manner and nothing floats loose in space, (2) electrical connectors are engaged as long as possible so that the internal processes can be monitored throughout by sensors and (3) electrical and mechanical power and signals are coupled. The first body has a splined driver for providing the input torque and the second body has a threaded drive member capable of rotation and also of limited translation embedded within that will mate with and fasten to the splined driver. The second body also has a bevel gear member capable of rotation and also of limited translation embedded within and this bevel gear member is coaxial with the threaded drive member.

Abstract: A connector assembly has a plurality of electrical circuit members and interposer frames with resilient contact members pressed together by a centrally located actuation screw. The actuation screw is supported within a threaded hole in an actuation bar on one side of one of the circuit members. Turning the actuation screw in its threaded hole causes various parts of the connector assembly to be pressed together simultaneously under an evenly distributed load. A load distribution plate located between the actuation screw and the nearest circuit member reduces the bending stresses in that circuit member. Alignment bushings and pins extending through openings in the circuit members maintain the various parts of the assembly in proper alignment while the actuation screw is being turned.

Abstract: An unkeyed insert (4) removably retained in a electrical connector (2) has a mating portion (44) projecting from a forward face of the connector beside a mating structure (12) also projecting from the forward face of the connector (2). The mating part (44) defines a socket (60) for receiving a screw lock (234) on a mating connector (200). The mating part (44) has an open side (58) closely adjacent to the mating structure (12). By virtue of its rectangular shape, the mating part (44) can only be angularly oriented with its open side facing the mating structure (12). The unkeyed insert (4) cannot be mated with a keyed structure (218) of the mating connector (200) since an end face (62) of the mating part (44) would butt against the distal end of a rib (222) of the keyed structure (218).

Abstract: A system for coupling an orbital replacement unit (ORU) to a space station structure via the actions of a robot and/or astronaut. A first female spline connector is located on the space station structure, a male spline connector is positioned on the ORU to connect to the first female spline connector, and a second female spline connector is located on the ORU. A compliant drive rod interconnects the second female spline connector and the male spline connector. A robotic end effector is used for mating with and driving the second female spline connector. Also included are alignment tabs located on the ORU for berthing with the space station structure. The first and second female spline connectors each include a threaded bolt having a captured nut located thereon which can translate up and down the bolt but are constrained from rotation. The nut has a mounting surface with a first electrical connector for translating with the nut.

Abstract: A modular connector assembly comprises a main shell assembly having an aperture therethrough defining a inside surface. An electrical circuit assembly is disposed in the main shell aperture and includes a filter module and a transient suppression module each in electrical engagement with a plurality of electrical terminals. The filter and transient suppression module each define a conductive subassembly shell and each include grounding means disposed to engage the inside surface of the aperture in the main shell assembly in electrical grounding contact. Both the filter and transient suppression modules each define a first and second guide means disposed to engage first and second aligning means of the main shell member permitting facile precision assembly.

Abstract: In a shielded electrical connector assembly (2) for mating with a mating electrical connector (206) and including a connector receiving shell, a metal back shell (12 or 14) and an insulating cover (8 or 10) therefor, a coding key (18) has a keying part (184) projecting forwardly from the assembly and a keying abutment (190) which is of regular polygonal cross section. The abutment (190) is connected to the keying part (184) by means of a neck (189) to define a rib (106) which receives a flange (114) on the back shell (14) and a flange (42) on the connector receiving shell (6), the key (18) being thereby held against axial movement. The key (18) defines a through passage (194) for receiving a jack screw (16) with a mating end (202) thereof in the keying part (184). The shaft (199) of the jack screw is accommodated in recesses (164) in the back shell cover (19).

Abstract: In a screw-fastened electrical connector, a plurality of cylindrical nuts are rotatably provided in a connector housing, a plurality of bolts are securely fixed to a mating connector housing, rotatory gears are secured to the cylindrical nuts and engaged with rotation direction changing gears secured to rotatory shafts at one end of each thereof, other rotation direction changing gears are secured to the shafts at the other ends thereof and engaged with driving gears secured to driving shafts, and the driving shafts are rotated in conjunction with a screw engaging portion. The cylindrical nuts are simultaneously rotated to be engaged with the bolts so that the housings are uniformly and smoothly fastened to each other.

Abstract: A cable connector, terminator, or shield is fastened in place over a port connector in a unit having a lockable cover, by fastening means which can only be accessed when the cover is unlocked and opened or removed. In a first version, the cable connector, terminator, or shield includes a pair of tabs extending into the unit through a slot at each end of the port connector, with each tab having a notch which forms a latching surface. A rotatable bracket, engaging these latching surfaces, prevents the removal of the connector, terminator, or shield. With the cover opened or removed, this bracket can be rotated into a position in which the latching surfaces are released. In a second version, a locking bracket is provided to extend around an outer portion of the cable connector, terminator, or shield. This locking bracket includes a shaft extending through a hole into the unit, to be fastened in place by a nut engaging a threaded portion of the shaft.

Abstract: In a shielded electrical connector assembly (2) for mating with a mating electrical connector (206) and including a connector receiving shell, a metal back shell (12 or 14) and an insulating cover (8 or 10) therefor, a coding key (18) has a keying part (184) projecting forwardly from the assembly and a keying abutment (190) which is of regular polygonal cross section. The abutment (190) is connected to the keying part (184) by means of a neck (189) to define a rib (106) which receives a flange (114) on the back shell (14) and a flange (42) on the connector receiving shell (6), the key (18) being thereby held against axial movement. The key (18) defines a through passage (194) for receiving a jack screw (16) with a mating end (202) thereof in the keying part (184). The shaft (199) of the jack screw is accommodated in recesses (164) in the back shell cover (19).

Abstract: An apparatus by which a connection between a plug and a socket of computer-related equipment can be secured by the reception of male elements in openings associated with the socket. The apparatus includes a continuous belt, wrapped around a housing in which the plug is fixed. By the manipulation the belt, the male elements can be rotated in synchronized fashion. Advantageously, the belt is structured and may be made of a material that prevents overtorquing and, thereby, damage to the connector during rotation of the male elements.

Abstract: A locking mechanism capable of holding together two small housings having minimal room for manual operation is provided. The locking mechanism includes a housing rotatably mounting therein an intermediate gear and two shafted gears, each having an axial hole which receives an engaging element having a threaded portion engageable with threaded hole in another housing in the manner that when any one of the gears is rotated the other two gears will be rotated accordingly.

Abstract: A tool is to be automatically connected to a robot arm in well-defined angular position such that a sufficiently high torque is transmitted. The robot arm has a conical recess extending over a tool cone. A threaded sleeve is rectilinearly guided in the tool cone and displaceable with respect to a spring. A flange of the threaded sleeve engages an annular shoulder. A threaded spindle extending with a threaded head in a recess is mounted in the robot arm. The threaded spindle first pushes the threaded sleeve back against the action of the spring, such that the spindle engages the threaded sleeve with a well-defined force. Then the threaded head is screwed into the threaded sleeve and through the flange pulls the tool and the robot arm against each other by rectilinear movement. The conical surfaces and of the recess and the tool cone ensure the torque transmission.

Abstract: A connector for an Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) includes a screw in an active connector structure which mates with a floating nut in a passive connector structure. Two alignment pins in active structure mate with sockets in the passive structure. As the screw is turned, a push rod assembly in the active structure couples to a one-axis restraint in the passive structure. One alignment pin has a two-axis restraint and the other has a three-axis restraint. The screw is driven manually or by a robot to cooperate with the alignment pins and sockets to provide a three point mount.

Abstract: Keying and fastening of mating connectors includes pairs of mating key members, ones of which include central apertures through which extend respective jackscrews having threaded leading ends, and the others of which have threaded apertures into which the jackscrews are threaded to fasten the connectors together after the pairs of keys permit connector mating. The keys in which the jackscrews are mounted permit rotating the jackscrews. The jackscrew leading ends are recessed slightly behind the leading ends of hood-like keying projections of the key members for protection against damage and misalignment, and the threaded apertures of the other keys extend to the leading ends of the keying projections thereof which are adapted to receive the corresponding hood-like keying projections in axial recesses along the outer surfaces extending about halfway around the circumference of the key.

Abstract: A system of keying and fastening together a pair of mating connectors is provided where each of the connectors is of the type having forward and rearward thin walled metal shells clinched together about their flanged edges to retain a housing means therewithin, with the forward and rearward shells having adjacent aperture lateral flanges. The system includes a pair of key members each securable to the front of the forward shell at a respective lateral flange, seated within correspondingly hexagonally shaped flange apertures of the forward shell only, held against the front surface of the rearward shell. On one of the connectors a pair of jackscrews extend through the flange apertures and through with the apertures being slightly larger than the jackscrew portions extending therethrough, the jackscrews being apertures of the key members of the one connector, secured rearwardly of the connector by means permitting rotation after mounting and simultaneously securing the key members to the connector.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus is provided for removably attaching a first member to a second member. The first and second members include respective mating surfaces which mate with each other. A pivot arm is situated adjacent one end of the mating surface of the first member. A jack screw is retained adjacent the remaining end of the mating surface of the first member. The jack screw includes a threaded end which extends from the mating surface of the first member and which faces the second member. The second member includes a pivot structure adjacent one end of the mating surface of the second member. The pivot structure of the second member permits the first member to pivot about the pivot structure when the pivot arm of the first member is removably engaged in the pivot structure. A screw captivating structure is situated in the second member for captively engaging the jack screw when the mating surface of the first member is pivoted toward and mated with the mating surface of the second member.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved adaptor for connecting a first connector to a data communications plug having at least one flange extending radially therefrom, comprising in combination a body, a first connector at the front end of the body, a well formed within the body and opening onto one of the body sides, a second connector within the well, a notched strain relief plate rotatably connected to one of the body sides of the body, and means for securing the strain relief plate in a closed position, which improved adaptor prevents, by the locking action of the strain relief plate and the flange, the withdrawal of the data communications plug when the plug is inserted into the well to a seated position.

Abstract: A coupling for making electrical connection of an avionics box and for retaining it in a rack has a rotatable jackscrew, by which cooperating parts of an electrical connector on the box and the rack can be drawn together. The jackscrew has a knob at one end with an indicator button which is pulled into the knob by a mechanical linkage when the two parts of the connector are fully mated. The linkage includes a sleeve which embraces the jackscrew and which is pushed towards the knob against a spring when the connector is mated. A ratchet mechansim limits the torque applied by the jackscrew. Ball catches engage asymmetric grooves on the sleeve to make it more difficult to unfasten the jackscrew than to fasten it.

Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting a plurality of signals comprises an assembly of a plug and receptacle. The plug includes a housing member having a cavity at its forward end defined by a peripheral wall and a cavity wall, and a rear wall. The housing further includes contact receiving apertures extending between the cavity wall and the rear wall. An insert is locked in place in the forward cavity, the adjacent wall of the insert having standoff feet to define a gap between the cavity wall and insert wall. The insert has apertures in alignment with the apertures in the housing. The apertures within the insert include a shoulder facing the rear wall of the insert. A contact insertable into the apertures in the housing and insert has a lance which is locatable in the gap between the cavity wall and insert wall to lock the contact in place. The receptacle has a right-angled configuration having pins extending from a mounting face for interconnection to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector (10) for releasably connecting a plurality of first electrical wires with a plurality of second electrical wires. The connector (10) comprises a first connector half (12) comprising a first connector housing (14) provided with a wire cavity (16) for receiving the first electrical wires, the cavity (16) defining an elongated opening (17) and an aperture (20) for routing the first electrical wires into the cavity (16). The first connector half (12) further comprises a pin insulator (25), and a plurality of connector pins (24) mounted on the pin insulator (25). The connector (10) further comprises a second connector half (13) comprising a second connector housing (33) provided with a wire cavity (34) for receiving the second electrical wires, the cavity (34) defining an elongated opening (36) and an aperture (38) for routing the second electrical wires into cavity (34).