Patents Represented by Attorney W. J. Bethnum
  • Patent number: 4379611
    Abstract: A one-piece socket contact (20) for removable emplacement within a cavity (56) of a receptacle connector (10) comprises a pair of tuning-fork shaped tapered tines (34), an upstanding support (40) and a common connection there amongst to form therefrom a generally parallel cantilevered tripartite tine-support structure. A hood (48) is provided with a bevelled, oval-shaped opening (50) which overlies the tines to compensate for mismatch between an engaging pin contact with the socket contact. Compensation is afforded either by the elongated major axis of the oval-shaped opening or by the ability of the hood to deflect along the opening's minor axis. The contact is retained by engagement between a retention tab (54) and an opening (70). An anti-flotation engagement occurs between spurs (30) and a cavity wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ronald E. Foege, Leslie L. Kerek