Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing damage to memory cards, memory card connectors, host electronics, and other electronic devices by only allowing intended electronic devices to mate with the connector for which it is intended and/or determining when an electronic device has been inserted into a connector upside down.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing flat cables with electric conductors embedded in an isolating material which are arranged at a certain distance from each other, parallel to each other. According to this invention, the band shaped conductors are guided separately in a plane forming two sides of a surface. The surface sides have insulating layers based on thermoplastic synthetic materials. According to this invention, at least one of the insulating layers which covers the surface sides is produced by extrusion coating of a thermoplastic melt.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) includes a base (2) electrically connectable to a printed circuit board, a cover (3) slidably mounted on the base, and an actuation device (4) for actuating the cover to slide along the base. The base forms a projection (221) thereon, and the cover defines a corresponding sliding slot (321). The sliding slot slidably receives the projection when the base and the cover are attached together. The base having the projection is configured to match only the cover having the sliding slot. Thus when assembling a base and a cover during manufacturing of multiple types of electrical connectors having similar structures, an operator can avoid mismatching of a base with the wrong cover, or vice versa. In an alternative embodiment, a projection (322′) is formed on a cover (3′), and a corresponding sliding slot (221′) is defined in a base (2′).

Abstract: An electrical connector and method of making the same includes a radially resilient, cylindrical electrical contact member having a plurality of spaced strips extending between opposite ends of a sleeve. The ends of the strips are held in one or more housings in an angularly offset, end-to-end position. The contact member and the sleeve are urged from the one or more housings into a cylindrical portion of a holder or use element to mount the connector directly in the holder or use element. In one aspect, the contact strips are formed as individual strips joined to the sleeve at one end and at the other end. In another aspect, at least one contact strip is formed with a movable detent releasably engagable in a recess in a pin insertable into the connector to lock the pin in the connector. In another aspect, at least one strip has an extension which overlays a portion of the bare wire end of an electrical conductor mounted in one end of a terminal.

Abstract: A sorting device of electronic card connector socket, which is mounted in the wider socket or the slot of the socket. A gate board is resiliently pivotally mounted in the wider socket for blocking the passage of the socket. Each sorting member is resiliently pivotally mounted in the proximity of the gate board and extends into the socket for locking and preventing the gate board from being pushed away. A gap defined between the two sorting members is larger than the thickness of an incorrect card to be hindered. The thinner incorrect card is unable to at the same time push away both the sorting members and will be hindered by the gate board from being inserted into the wider socket. Reversely, the thicker correct card is able to simultaneously push away both sorting members to unlock the gate board and be successfully inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A frame (10) has accommodating chambers (18) and auxiliary housings (30) are inserted into the accommodating chambers (18) from behind. An identifying portion (33) is formed at a side surface of the rear end of each auxiliary housing (30). The identifying portions (33) are aligned vertically along a side edge (10R) of the rear surface of the frame (10) if all auxiliary housings (30) are inserted properly. The identifying portion (33) of an improperly inserted auxiliary housing (30) is at the wrong side, and can be detected. There is no need to make a vertical interval between accommodating chambers (18) larger because the identifying portions (33) are at sides of the auxiliary housings (30). Thus, the height of the frame (10) can be reduced.

Abstract: An extender (10) includes a female portion (12) and a male portion (14) adapted to be back-to-back assembled. The female portion comprises a first housing (16) defining two slots (28) and a plurality of first contacts (18, 19). A plurality of first passageways (30) is defined in the first housing and communicates with the slots. The first contacts are retained into the first passageways. The male portion comprises a second housing (40) having a pair of tongues (46) and a plurality of second contacts (41). The tongues define a plurality of positioning slits (52, 53) for receiving the second contacts. Each of the first contacts is aligned and cooperated with a corresponding second contact to form a transmission path. Two pairs of latch devices (35, 60) are provided on opposite ends of the female portion and male potion for fastening each other.

Abstract: A method for preforming of two or more flexible cables in an arrangement consisting of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and flexible cable sections extending therebetween. Moreover, also provided is an apparatus for the preforming of two or more flexible cable sections of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and therewith interposed flexible cable sections which are adapted to interconnect the rigid printed circuit boards. The apparatus consists of a tool constituted of an elongated cylindrical member having a tapered leading end which narrows into an ultra-thin flat end section of a blade-like configuration, and which is adapted to be pushed between the flexible cables and so as to preform the flexible cable sections and cause them to yield in a predetermined outwardly bowed permanently relationship between the rigid printed circuit boards at the opposite ends thereof to lengthen the fatigue life of the conductors in the flexible cable sections.

Abstract: A package (1) for packing electrical connectors (4) includes an elongate base (2). The base comprises a top surface (27) from which the connectors (4) are correctly received in the package, and a bottom surface (28) opposite the top surface. The base includes a plurality of rectangular holes (21) and rectangular cavities (23) arranged in a matrix for receiving the electrical connectors therein. A triangular bottom wall (20) is provided in the hole (21) at an upper left corner of the package for functioning as an indicating device for facilitating an operator to easily distinguish the top surface from the bottom surface of the package. Accordingly, the operator can easily correctly put the connectors into the package from the top surface of the package.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for being mounted on a printed circuit board (5) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a number of passageways (220), and a number of contacts (3) received in the passageways. The housing includes a first and a second base sections (20,21) arranged parallel to each other, a first and second mating sections (22,23) projecting from the first and second base sections, and an interconnect portion (27) interconnected the first base section with the second base section. The interconnect portion further comprise a retention portion (28) defining a receiving cavity (280). A board lock (4) is received in the receiving cavity and has a pair of engaging tails (43) engaging with inner walls of holes defined in the printed circuit board for securing the connector onto the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for configuring an electrical connector having a housing comprises the step of, 1) providing at least a pair of silos adapted to be formed on the housing of the connector; 2) providing at least a silo with a key thereon; 3) arranging the silos into different combinations established by events different from one another; and 4) selecting a first event from the combinations for serving configuration of the connector.

Abstract: A plug and receptacle assembly comprises a plug connector and receptacle connector, for high-density interconnections of data cable. The two connectors are fully shielded and include a mating profile including a modified D-shaped configuration where one end of the shroud includes a concave radiused portion and two jackscrews or threaded inserts are located within the area formed by the concave radiused portion. In this manner, the entire width of the connector assembly is reduced for high-density interconnections.

Abstract: A battery body (27) has positive and negative battery electrodes (29, 30), which are provided in two accommodation spaces (32, 33) surrounded by an insulating wall portion (27a) that is an outer wall thereof, and also has terminal insertion openings (32a, 33a) adapted to permit only battery terminals, which correspond to the battery electrodes (29, 30) accommodated in the accommodation spaces (32, 33), respectively, to be fitted thereto. Each of the battery terminals (24, 25) has a connecting flat plate portion (24a, 25a) that has a transversal section of a predetermined shape and can be fitted into a corresponding one of the terminal insertion opening (32a, 33a). One of the terminal insertion openings (32a) has a nearly rectangular opening having an opening width (a1), which is wider than an opening width (c1) of the other terminal insertion opening (33a), and also having an opening height (b1), which is lower than an opening height (d1) of the latter terminal insertion opening (33a).

Abstract: A connector-mounting construction has a printed-circuit board (2) and a connector (4) fastened to each other with a screw (5). The connector (4) has a positioning rib (4a) positioned in a positioning rib hole (2a) on the printed-circuit board (2). The positioning rib (4a) is disposed so that a peripheral surface of the positioning rib (4a) contacts a peripheral surface of the screw (5) to fasten the printed-circuit board (2) and the connector (4) to each other.

Abstract: A polarizing system for electrical connector assembly includes first and second connectors mateable with each other. The polarizing system comprises a pair of polarizing posts projecting on both ends of the first housing. The polarizing posts are arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the first housing and with one of the posts being different from the other post. An elongate polarizing receptacle extends longitudinally along the second connector with a first end dimensioned to receive the first post and a second end dimensioned to receive the second post.

Abstract: The card connector of this invention has an erroneous insertion prevention mechanism that blocks the IC card at a predetermined blocking position when the IC card is wrongly inserted into the connector body. The erroneous insertion prevention mechanism has a blocking member retractably supported on the first side wall and an urging means to normally urge the blocking member to project inwardly from the second side wall. When the IC card is inserted in a correct orientation, the blocking member is guided by the inclined surface of the IC card to be retracted outwardly from the first side wall. When the IC card is inserted in a wrong orientation, the blocking member abuts against the front end of the IC card, blocking the further insertion of the IC card at the blocking position.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a floatable mounting apparatus formed thereon to enable the connector assembly to correct for misalignment between mounting structures. The connector assembly includes a connector housing having peripheral surfaces with an outer contour shaped to loosely fit in an inner contour of a mounting structure, such as a card, panel, circuit board, bulk head, rack assembly and the like. The connector housing is slidably inserted into the opening through the mounting structure. A chamber is provided in the connector housing adapted to securely retain contacts. At least one latch beam is formed with the connector housing and aligned to engage the mounting structure. A float gap is located between the inner contour of the opening through the mounting structure and the outer contour of the connector housing to enable relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a plug having a first mating portion defined by a multi-sided first confining wall, and a receptacle having a second mating portion defined by a multi-sided second confining wall. Each of the first and second confining walls has opposite first and second sides, a pair of opposite third sides respectively connected to two opposite ends of the first side, a pair of fourth sides respectively connected to two opposite ends of the second sides, and a pair of fifth sides each extending between and interconnecting one of the third sides and one of the fourth sides. The first side is longer than the second side. The width between the third sides is greater than that between the fourth sides. The fifth sides are angled away from each other while extending from the fourth sides to the third sides.

Abstract: A male contact 10 has an elongated contact pin 12 and terminal 24. The contact pin 12 and the terminal 24 extend along a longitudinal axis 14. The contact pin 12 has a first end 16, a second end 18, an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22 and is quadrangular in cross-section, and in a preferred mode is square in cross-section. The terminal 24 has a first section 26 and a second section 28 spaced therefrom. The first section 26 has a pair of jaws 30, 32, in crimping engagement with the upper contact surface 20. The jaws are attached to a band or ribbon 34 that is in contact with the lower surface 22 of the contact pin 12. A box structure 36 is positioned between the first section 26 and the second section 28 and has an upper surface area 38 and a lower surface area 40. A polarizing key 42 is formed in the lower surface area 40, as by stamping. The key may be formed asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A coding arrangement is connected between a pair of components that are to be laterally displaced into engagement with each other, thereby to assure that only authorized components may be connected with each other. The coding assembly includes a pair of matching coding elements one of which has at least one projection that carries a pair of angularly arranged coding surfaces which engage a corresponding pair of coding surfaces on the other coding element. According to the method of assembly provided by the invention, the coding elements are mounted on the ends of a synthetic plastic strap by tear strip means, and the strap is deformed to bring the coding elements together into coded engagement with each other, thereby to form a preassembled coding assembly. One coding element of this preassembled coding assembly is initially mounted on one of a pair of components, such as a terminal board to which an authorized printed circuit board or the like, which are to be physically mounted and electrically connected.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cable coupling system for supplying DC power in rack-mounted server systems. The cable coupling system involves grouping related power supply and power return cables and placing ends of those cables in a cable-end housing. Electrically contacting the ends of the cables takes place through apertures in the back surface of the cable-end housing and corresponding electrical contact pins on a connection area of the rack-mounted system. The system also includes a connection guide having a lip that insures that the cable-end housing only connects to the electrical contact pins in one direction, thereby insuring that the polarity is not reversed in the supply of DC power. Further, the lip portion of the connection guide, in combination with a pry aperture on the top of the cable-end housing, assists removal of the cable-end housing by providing locations whereby a screw driver or other mechanism can be used to pry the cable-end housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use with a tractor-trailer includes a receptacle having a generally cylindrical outer body and a molded inner body encapsulating a plurality of conductors secured to connector pins. To provide additional current carrying capacity to accommodate an automatic braking system (ABS) one of the conductors designated as a ground conductor is larger than all of the other conductors. A conductor carrying ABS current is larger than all conductors except the ground conductor. The inner and outer bodies are fastened together by means of a bayonet connection. An additional securing device includes a projection on the inner body which is held in position by means of a bail attached to the outer body. To reduce resistance at the contacts, all contacts are soldered or crimped to their respective conductors and molded within the inner body to protect all wires and connections to the connector pins from environmentally caused corrosion or damage.

Abstract: A receptacle connector (1; 1′) includes an insulative housing (2; 2′), a contact module (3; 3′), a conductive outer shield (4; 4′) and a pair of blocking tabs (441; 441′). The insulative housing defines a receiving cavity (28; 28′), a slot (203; 203′) communicating with the receiving cavity, and a groove (202; 202′) in communication with both the receiving cavity and the slot. The contact module has an insulative portion (30; 30′) assembled in the insulative housing and a number of electrical contacts (32; 32′) retained to the insulative portion and partly extending into the receiving cavity. Each blocking tab has a curved portion (443; 443′) resiliently received in the slot and a finger (445; 445′) extending through the groove into the receiving cavity to prevent an incorrect insertion of a non-complementary plug connector (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable, “snap-in” ground polarization insert for a power connector that accommodates insertion of a corresponding ground polarization pin therein. The insert is molded from the same insulative material as the surrounding housing. The insert remains separate from the connector until assembly of the final product, enabling the user to determine the requisite combination of a proper insert configuration and a corresponding plug or receptacle that is currently available in the inventory. The ability to delay assembly of the connector and insert thereby allows use of the connector with pre-existing plugs and receptacles in view of available inventory and current customer demands.

Abstract: Terminal covers (51, 52) have terminal accommodation spaces, each of which has an opening of a predetermined shape that permits only one of battery terminals (24, 25), which is of predetermined polarity, to be fitted thereto. Each of the battery terminals (24, 25) is formed in such a manner as to have a predetermined shape enabling the battery terminal to be fitted into the corresponding terminal accommodation space.

Abstract: Apparatus connectable to a PC board comprising in combination at least one row of mounting terminals to be received in openings on the board; header structure associated with a row of terminals; support structure having openings to pass the terminals and support header structure; connector structure to interfit the terminals and interlock to the support structure, the connector structure adapted to carry wire terminals electrically connectable to the mounting terminals.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a plugging projection (12) to be plugged into the plugging cavity (24) of a mating connector (20) and a pair of projections (15) provided on one of major faces of the plugging projection (12) so as to enter the corresponding grooves (28) of the mating connector (20) in the regular plugging direction.

Abstract: An electrical connection box (1) is provided with a unit housing (11) for holding an electrical-part mounted unit (21) that is selectively attached thereto in accordance with specifications of the connection box, and a dummy connector housing (12) arranged adjacent to the unit housing. When the unit is not attached to the connection box, a connector (22) of a wire harness, which connector is employed for connection of the unit, can be fitted to the dummy connector housing. When the unit is attached, a free end of a flexible piece (17), which is formed integrally with a partition wall arranged at a location where the two housings (11, 12) are adjoined to each other, is displaced by the unit (21) into the dummy connector housing to thereby prevent the wire harness connector (22) from being fitted to the dummy connector housing, and the connector (22) becomes connectable to the connector of the unit (21).

Abstract: A electrical connector suitable for aligning and connecting a high-density wire bundle to a receiving member. The wire bundle is attached to an adapter positioned within a mounting location containing electronically controlled, adjustable pushrods which are used to make the fine lateral and rotational adjustments to the adapter. A control unit detects the position of the adapter within the mounting location and makes fine adjustments to the adapter position as necessary to insure proper alignment and contact.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (1) comprises a plug (5) and a modular jack (2). The modular jack comprises a housing (10) defining a front opening (12) and a receptacle space (11) in communication with the front opening. A terminal module (20) is received in said receptacle space and includes a base (22) and terminals (21) held in the base, each terminal including a contact portion (21a) extending rearward and upward from the base. An anti-mismating mechanism (40) received in the receptacle space comprises a front girder (43) forming a slanted supporting portion (431) abutting against the contact portions of the terminals, force receiving portions (41) formed on opposite ends of the supporting portion and adapted to be pushed by the complementary plug, and a resilient member (45) exerting a forward pushing force against the supporting portion.

Abstract: A connector device with improved reliability of connection includes a plug and a socket into which the plug is fitted. Uneven portions are formed on one of engaging surfaces of the plug and engaging surfaces of the socket, so that the user can have a tactile sensation that the plug is being erroneously fitted into the socket.

Abstract: A communication cable connector (1) is provided with a malfitting prevention member (10) that allows an associated communication cable plug (21) to be fitted into the communication cable connector (1) while preventing insertion of an unassociated communication cable plug (30) thereinto.

Abstract: A modular jack for receiving an RJ-45 plug and for blocking insertion of an RJ-11 plug is disclosed. The modular jack has stamped and formed deflection members having retention sections, ramp surfaces and blocking tabs extending from ends of the ramp surfaces. The blocking tabs project laterally inwardly toward the plug-receiving cavity and block an RJ-11 plug from being inserted into the modular jack. An RJ-45 plug is wider than the RJ-11 plug and engages the ramp surfaces of the deflection members to deflect the blocking tabs away from the plug-receiving cavity, thereby allowing insertion of the RJ-45 plug.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (1) comprises a plug (5) and a modular jack (2). The modular jack comprises a housing (10) defining a front opening (12) and a receptacle space (11) in communication with the front opening. A terminal module (20) is received in said receptacle space and includes a base (22) and terminals (21) held in the base, each terminal including a contact portion (21a) extending rearward and upward from the base. An anti-mismating mechanism (40) received in the receptacle space comprises a front girder (43) forming a slanted supporting portion (431) abutting against the contact portions of the terminals, force receiving portions (41) formed on opposite ends of the supporting portion and adapted to be pushed by the complementary plug, and a resilient member (45) exerting a forward pushing force against the supporting portion.

Abstract: An enhanced Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface provides for the communication of standard USB signaling and non-standard USB signaling, which may be alternate voltage signals. The chassis within data processing devices operable for receiving such an enhanced USB connector into an enclosed enhanced USB receptacle provide a keying configuration so that the standard USB connector portion is not matable with the non-standard USB portion.

Abstract: A filter connector has a ferrite barrel with a rectangular bore therethrough. The configuration of the bore closely matches the substantially rectangular cross sectional configuration of an electrical connector received within the bore. The connector has a pair of wings upstanding from a base thereof. A single gate or a cooperating pair of gates is(are) attached to one or both of the wings. When folded the gate(s) close the bore through the barrel.

Abstract: Terminal covers (51, 52) have terminal accommodation spaces, each of which has an opening of a predetermined shape that permits only one of battery terminals (24, 25), which is of predetermined polarity, to be fitted thereto. Each of the battery terminals (24, 25) is formed in such a manner as to have a predetermined shape enabling the battery terminal to be fitted into the corresponding terminal accommodation space. The battery body (27) has cover fitting holes (54a, 54b (55a, 55b)), which permit only fitting projection pieces (51c, 51d (52c, 52d)) of the terminal cover (51 (52)) accommodating and holding the battery terminal (24 (25)) to be fitted thereinto, in the vicinity of the battery electrode (29 (30)) so that only the battery terminal (24 (25)) is placed at a fastening/fixing position on the battery electrode (29(30)).

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable, “snap-in” ground polarization insert for a power connector that accommodates insertion of a corresponding ground polarization pin therein. The insert is molded from the same insulative material as the surrounding housing. The insert remains separate from the connector until assembly of the final product, enabling the user to determine the requisite combination of a proper insert configuration and a corresponding plug or receptacle that is currently available in the inventory. The ability to delay assembly of the connector and insert thereby allows use of the connector with pre-existing plugs and receptacles in view of available inventory and current customer demands.

Abstract: A receptacle connector includes an insulative housing (1) having an upper wall (18) a bottom face (15), and two sidewalls (17), with areceiving space (10) defined therebetween. The upper wall defines a passageway (11) and the sidewalls each define a recess (14). A pair of anti-mismating latches (4) is attached in the insulative housing. Each latch includes a connecting arm (42), a resilient arm (41), and a baffle (44) extending from the resilient arm. In assembly, the resilient arm is received in the corresponding recess, and the baffle includes a free end projecting into the receiving space. In mating, a complementary plug connector (20) presses the connecting arms outwardly, causing the baffles to retract from the receiving space into the recesses, allowing the complementary plug connector to be fully inserted.

Abstract: A modular jack includes a substantially rectangular dielectric receptacle housing having a front face, a bottom board mounting wall, and a top, rear and a pair of side walls substantially surrounding a plug-receiving cavity. The cavity extends rearwardly from the front face for receiving a mating plug connector. In order to limit insertion of an undersized plug into a full-sized plug-receiving cavity in the receptacle housing, a stop surface is incorporated into a flexible stop member projecting from the housing and extending into the plug-receiving cavity. The stop surface is located within the cavity so as to ensure contact with a leading edge of an undersized plug upon insertion of the undersized plug into the cavity. A sliding surface is also incorporated into the flexible member. The sliding surface is located within the cavity so as to ensure contact with a leading edge of a plug upon insertion into the cavity of a mating plug having a width appropriate for mating with the jack.

Abstract: A RJ-receptacle connector with anti-incorrect-insertion device comprises a housing defining a receiving space for electrically receiving a complementary plug connector therein. A terminal insert is adapted to be arranged to the housing and includes a plurality of terminals integrally formed thereof. Each terminal includes a contact portion extending into the receiving space, and a solder tail extends downward from a bottom face of the housing. Anti-incorrect-insertion device is arranged in an entrance of the receiving space and blocking insertion of other connectors except the complementary plug connector.

Abstract: An improved jack-plug socket which has a restraint means located in the socket which has a jack (connection slot) of a larger size for prohibiting phone (or Internet link) plugs of smaller size from inserting into the jack.

Abstract: It has been difficult to realize a connector device, and an electronic device and a plug using the same which can improve the reliability of connection sufficiently for practical use. In a connector device having a second connector half provided with a protrusion which falls into an engaging groove of a first connector half, an erroneous fitting preventing portion is formed in the first connector half so as to be deformed or broken by the protrusion of the second connector half when the first and second connector halves are erroneously fitted. Also, in a connector device composed of a plug and a socket into which the plug is fitted, uneven portions are formed on engaging surfaces with the plug and/or on engaging surfaces with the socket. Further, in an electronic device having at least one of a plug and a socket of the connector device, uneven portions are formed on engaging surfaces of the plug with the socket and/or on engaging surfaces of the socket with the plug.

Abstract: A connector device, with improved reliability of connection having a second connector half provided with a protrusion which falls into an engaging groove of a first connector half, an erroneous fitting preventing portion is formed in the first connector half so as to be deformed or broken by the protrusion of the second connector half when the first and second connector halves are erroneously fitted. Also, in a connector device composed of a plug and a socket into which the plug is fitted, uneven portions are formed on engaging surfaces with the plug and/or on engaging surfaces with the socket. Further, in an electronic device having at least one of a plug and a socket of the connector device, uneven portions are formed on engaging surfaces of the plug with the socket and/or on engaging surfaces of the socket with the plug.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing damage to memory cards, memory card connectors, host electronics, and other electronic devices by only allowing intended electronic devices to mate with the connector for which it is intended and/or determining when an electronic device has been inserted into a connector upside down.

Abstract: A Type III PCMCIA communications card for insertion in a slot in a host computer comprises a housing including a top wall and longitudinal, parallel side walls depending from the top wall, the longitudinal side walls and top wall defining an internal cavity enclosed by a bottom cover panel. The housing further has a forward end, a rear margin and a rear end surface, the rear margin of the housing defining at least one substantially longitudinally oriented receptacle extending forwardly from the rear end surface and sized and configured to receive a standard RJ-type modular plug. A substrate, mounted within the cavity of the housing, supports electronic components for carrying out the communications function.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a male connector defining at least two cavities within a first outer peripheral wall and a partition arranged therebetween. Each cavity has a header contact assembled therein. A female connector forms at least two sleeve members corresponding to the cavities. Each sleeve member receives a receptacle contact therein. The sleeve member mechanically engages with the corresponding cavity when the male and female connectors are mated. A second peripheral wall surrounds the sleeve members extending from the female connector. The second peripheral wall and the outer sleeve members define a gap therebetween for receiving the first peripheral wall therein.

Abstract: An improved socket connector has flexible interior barriers to prevent incorrect insertion of smaller sized plugs, where a flexible internal barrier is formed on a side of the socket entry leading into the socket cavity, and is composed of a flexible ramp attached from the socket entry, the ramp extending into the socket cavity and having a inner movable end with a vertical barrier, sized and disposed within the socket cavity so that the insertion of a correctly sized wide plug will engage the flexible ramp, riding along and moving the flexible ramp so that the vertical barrier is moved out of a stopping position, allowing the correctly sized wide plug to be fully and properly seated in the cavity, but further sized and disposed within the socket cavity so that the insertion of an incorrectly sized narrow plug will fail to engage the ramp, will not flex the ramp, and will leave the vertical barrier in the stopping position, where it prevents the incorrectly sized narrow plug from being fully inserted into the

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a male connector defining a number of cavities. Each cavity having a header contact assembled therein. At least one cavity has at least a chamfered corner. A female connector forms a number of sleeve members corresponding to the cavities. Each sleeve member receives a receptacle contact therein. At least one sleeve member has at least a chamfered corner corresponding to the chamfered corner of the male connector. The sleeve member mechanically engages with the corresponding cavity when the male and female connectors are mated. Anti-disorientation means arranged between the male and female connectors includes a protrusion formed on an outer wall of at least one sleeve member of the female connector and a recess defined in an inner wall of at least one cavity of the male connector corresponding to the protrusion.

Abstract: A keying system is provided for a plurality of electrical connectors having different numbers of terminals. The connectors include at least four sets of mating connectors, such as a male and female connector in each set. Each set of connector is adapted for mounting at least one pair of interengaging terminals, with the numbers of pairs of terminals in any given set of connectors being different from that of any other set of connectors, and with the number of mating terminals in the at least four sets of mating connectors increasing in a predetermined progression. The connectors in each respective set thereof have complementary interengaging mating portions. The respective mating portions of the sets of connectors are constructed such that either connector in any given set thereof cannot mate with a connector of any other set thereof.