Abstract: A cable assembly for use in undercarpet wiring systems has a flat multiconductor cable encased in electrical insulation and an electrically conductive shield overlying the cable insulation, extending lengthwise with the cable and having successive extents which are respectively unsecured and secured to the cable. Electrical connection of the shield to the cable ground conductor is made redundantly at each such secured extent of the shield whereby physical continuity of the shield may be interrupted without interrupting electrical continuity of the shield to ground. Folded cable assemblies and methods for folding are set forth which facilitate cable directional change in wiring systems.

Abstract: A tool for selectively aligning the conductors of a first multiconductor flat cable with selected conductors of a second multiconductor flat cable comprising a base plate having handle means to position the tool with respect to said cables, a first stop means to engage a first edge of the first cable and position same with respect to said base plate and second stop means to engage a first edge of a second cable and position such cable with respect to said base plate and in orthogonal overlapping relationship to said first cable aligning selected conductors of each cable. Edge guides align the cable edges on the base plate and guide pins provide mating contact with associated apertures in insulation means to align the insulation with the overlapping portions of both cables.

Abstract: The method for creating an environmental seal for the end of a severed multiconductor cable and for sealing the joints between the conductors of such cable with the contacts of a multiple contact connector into which such cable is inserted. A tape of a soft, pliant material is coated on both sides with a flowable, pressure-sensitive adhesive and is formed into a blank which can be adhered to the cable in various ways. In a first form, the blank encompasses the severed end and portions of the cable adjacent the end. When the connector into which the cable has been inserted is compressed, the adhesive is displaced to seal the contact-conductor joints. Folded-over end flaps seal the cable ends. A midspan use of the blank permits the joints to be sealed without reference to the cable end.

Abstract: A liquid-tight connector for joining a jacketed flexible metal clad cable to an electrical enclosure with a continuous ground path between the cladding and the enclosure. To a standard body-gland nut arrangement is added a sealing ring and a grounding ring effectively operated to grip the cable jacket and metal cladding respectively as the gland nut is tightened upon the body. Reduction of the sealing ring bore to cause the ring to grip the cable jacket is accomplished by an undercut in the ring wall and a dual outer diameter arrangement which deforms the sealing ring as its enlarged portion is forced into the body bore and as the ring is compressed between the gland nut and stops on the grounding ring. The sealing ring further operates the grounding ring whose upstanding arms are moved and deformed into intimate contact with the metal cladding of the cable. Supports on the arms assure proper displacement of the arms while stops insure proper compression of the sealing ring.

Abstract: A socket for a printed circuit board to permit the selective connection and disconnection of jumper cables from such boards. The socket has a tail portion for insertion into a plated through hole in a board and attachment to the underside thereof. Two spaced apart, generally parallel arms provide a cavity for the selectively releasable receipt of a jumper conductor. Each arm has an inwardly directed intermediate portion and an outwardly directed distal end to aid in inserting the conductor into the cavity and preventing its unwanted withdrawal. A downturned end of the inturned opposite end of one of the arms cooperates with the base to position the socket and maintain its stability.

Abstract: A zero insertion force type connector for receiving a printed circuit board or the like for making selective electrical contact with the electrical circuitry thereon. The connector comprises a housing having one side thereof with an opening for insertion of a printed circuit board into the housing and a plurality of individual conductors supported within the housing. Each of the individual conductors is movable between a contact position in which the conductor is adapted to engage an associated contact portion on the printed circuit board and a non-contact position in which the conductor is spaced from the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is in the housing. The individual conductors are normally biased toward and non-contact position so that the printed circuit board may be inserted into the housing with minimal force. A corresponding individual selectively operable actuator member is provided for each of the individual conductors.

Abstract: A reinforced electrical connector junction means for flat conductor cable lying along a floor. The electrical connector junction means includes a base having a substantially flat support surface for mounting of the base on the floor adjacent a flat conductor cable and a housing for the base having an upper wall and depending side walls defining an interior space above the base for receiving the flat conductor cable and a second conductor for electrical connection together. An upstanding reinforcing supporting member is affixed to the base and extends upwardly thereabove. The reinforcing supporting member includes an upper supporting surface for supporting the upper wall of the housing when the housing is positioned over the base and the supporting member.

Abstract: A zero insertion force connector wherein a central member supports a plurality of electrical contacts at a first end with the free ends thereof mounted in two side members pivotally coupled to such central member. The manipulation of first distal ends of such side members controls the position of the second distal ends and in turn the electrical contacts. In a first position, the second distal ends are separated permitting external electrical contact to be non-engagingly moved between the electrical contacts of the connector. In the second position, the second distal ends bring the electrical contacts into mechanical and electrical contact with the inserted external electrical contacts. A latching member permits the second position to be maintained while various bias means and stops assist. The electrical contacts are of the insulation piercing type and engage the conductors of a flat cable when a cover forces the cable into the insulation piercing portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving an insulator assembly supports end closures for relative movement to be placed in fluid sealed relation with ends of the insulator assembly. A fluid conduit extends interior to the end closures and is accessible exteriorly thereof. A unidirectional valve is registered with the conduit whereby the insulator assembly may be interiorly pressurized for expansion of a sleeve member therein.

Abstract: A preferably circular cam driver coupled to one of a pair of pivotally coupled die carrying members and operated by drive means is cooperatively engaged with a cam member coupled to the other of the pair of die carrying members and which, in turn, is rotated by and exerts a force upon the cam driver to selectively move the work engaging portions of the die carrying members into engagement with a workpiece located therebetween.

Abstract: A method and tool are disclosed for use in cleaving fiber optic elements preparatory to a splice for joining of two such fiber optic elements. The method comprises the steps of first moving a grooving tool about the entire circumference of a fiber optic element to form a circumferential groove therein, and then stressing the fiber optic element in the vicinity of the groove to provide a clean, mirror type end surface of the element which is suitable for subsequent splicing thereof with another suitably prepared element. The tool which is useful in cleaving a fiber optic element comprises support means having a longitudinal axis for supporting the fiber optic element therealong, grooving means for forming a groove in the surface of the fiber optic element, and mounting means for mounting the grooving means to revolve about the longitudinal axis of the support means to circumferentially groove a fiber optic element about its entire circumference.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector for providing an electrical connection to a conductor of a coaxial cable, the conductor being surrounded by an insulating member. The connector comprises an elongated longitudinally extending sleeve member for arrangement coaxially about the insulating member. The longitudinally extending sleeve member includes a tongue member which is adapted to bend on a bending axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve member. The tongue member has a pair of spaced insulation piercing tines which are spaced apart less than the diameter of the conductor to be engaged. The pair of tines thus define a slot which is adapted to receive the conductor. In this manner, when the tongue member is bent along the transverse bending axis, the insulation piercing tines traverse the insulation and pass on opposite longitudinal sides of the conductor so that the conductor is received within the slot and engaged by the tines to make electrical contact with the conductor.

Abstract: A tool for the selective joining of the individual conductors of a multiconductor flat cable. The tool may be set according to indicia on a selection device to punch any pattern, which can be correctly employed, on the cables guided and oriented on the tool base. After punching, connectors are manually inserted through the punched apertures and the tool is reapplied to simultaneously crimp all of the connectors to complete the joints.

Abstract: An installation kit for wiring systems includes flat multiconductor cable, insulation piercing connectors for electrically joining cable conductors and insulator-spacer elements, for disposition overlying a cable and insulatively spacing the connectors from the cable shield. The cable shield is in displaceable overlying relation to the cable conductors to permit installation of connectors and spacers and remains electrically connected to the cable ground conductor.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for storing the circuit conditions existing between a plurality of points established by the conductors of a "known" multiconductor harness and for comparing the circuit conditions existing between a plurality of points established by the conductors of a multiconductor harness to be tested with the circuit conditions of the conductors of the said known multiconductor harness.

Abstract: A tool for the selective severing of a conductor in a multi-conductor flat cable and preforming the remaining free end comprising a punch means with a first conductor relief slot and a die means with a second conductor relief slot such that when the die and punch means are applied to a conductor it is severed and the free end trapped between the first and second conductor relief slots. Guides on the tool and die means permit alignment of the tool with a selected conductor while grooves on the die means prevent unwanted cable movement.

Abstract: A terminal connector for flat cables. The connector comprises a bendable member for bending along a bending line which divides the bendable member into first and second arm portions separated from one another by the bending line. The first arm portion includes a male die member thereon extending away from the surface thereof, and the second arm portion includes a die opening for receiving the male die member when the bendable member is bent along the bending line to move the first and second arm portions toward one another into a closed connecting position.

Abstract: A remote socket for a DIP component composed of a panel mounting means for mounting in a console panel or the like, a socket in said panel mounting means to accept the DIP component, a first connector coupled to the panel mounting means and adjacent the socket to also receive the DIP component, a second connector at the desired location on a printed circuit board or the like and cable connecting said first and second connectors. Various panel mounting means and means to couple the connector to the panel mounting means are described.

Abstract: An insulator for covering an electric cable has recesses for receiving any portions of a connector which extend beyond a surface of the cable covered by the insulator. If the connector extends between overlapping portions of a pair of cables, the connector and the overlapping portions of the cables can be completely enveloped by sandwiching them between a pair of insulators.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connector for optically coupling one or more fibers to a like number of fibers. The individual fibers are supported upon members having resilient supports to permit the fibers on one member to be positioned onto the support of the other member and provide support during the complete coupling operation. Various clamps and strain reliefs are provided to minimize the effects of forces upon the cable or individual fibers. The cable may take a flat, circular or other configuration and the fibers may be of glass or plastic and may be coated with reflective sheaths or the like.