Abstract: An interface board for use, for example, in a motor vehicle to provide electrical interconnection between a plurality of electrical circuit control elements and a wiring harness. The board comprises a box structure including a plurality of circuit outlets on the upper face of the structure for plug in receipt of the electrical circuit control elements, a plurality of power outlets on a lower face of the structure for plug in receipt of electrical power input and output elements, and a series of electrical paths extending between the power outlets and a circuit control outlets. Each electrical path includes a first conductor extending generally parallel to the first and second faces and second conductors extending generally perpendicular to the first and second faces. The first conductors comprise flat ribbon elements and the second conductors comprise flat ribbon elements connected to the flat sides of the first conductors utilizing clinch joints.

Abstract: A modular connector assembly particularly useful in the wiring systems of motor vehicles. The connector assembly includes a single terminal connector member and a plurality of separate terminal connector members which collectively and matingly engage with the single connector member. The separate terminal members are contained in the chambers of a multi-chambered flange which retains them in mating orientation with respect to the single connector member. An H-bar is configured to engage and unite the plurality of separate connector members and the flange to form a united assembly. The united assembly is then engaged with the single connector member to establish electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: A female blade terminal assembly including a female blade terminal having a cage structure adapted to receive a male blade terminal and a shroud of seamless tubular cross sectional configuration adapted to fit over the cage structure in surrounding relation to the beam portions of the cage structure. The female blade terminal is formed from a single piece of conductive sheet material of a given thickness and the beam portions have a thickness less than the given thickness. The cage portion further includes front and rear annular collar portions of the given thickness with the reduced thickness beam portions extending between the annular collar portions. The shroud precludes outward splaying of the cage structure in response to insertion of the male blade terminal, limits the outward deflection of the beam portions to preclude plastic deformation of the beam portions, and precludes the entry of contaminants into the electrical interface between the beam portions and the male blade terminal.

Abstract: A sealable electrical connector includes a housing having a passage therethrough which is open at both ends. A portion of the length of the passage defines a seal retaining region and includes an undercut edge. The seal retaining region receives an elastomeric seal ring which engages, and is retained by the undercut edge. A grip member which includes projecting electrical contacts is affixed to one end of the housing so as to seal the passage, to further retain the seal ring therein and to support the electrical terminal into the passageway. When a mating connector is inserted into the passageway for contact with the terminal therein, the sealing ring provides a sliding, seal with the mating connector against environmental conditions. Also disclosed is an improved ring seal providing uniform resistance to the insertion of a mating connector.

Abstract: A modular electrical connector assembly for use with the wiring systems of vehicles. The assembly includes a plurality of modular blocks, each having one or more tapering mortises formed on the sides thereof and a plurality of tubular, singled walled, double tenon wedges which are insertable into the mortises to assemble the blocks together. Preferably, wedges are formed with an upwardly tapering ramp disposed on each tenon which terminates in an upwardly depending stop surface for engagement with a downwardly depending stop surface formed on the mortises of the modular blocks to prevent relative verticle motion between the blocks and the wedges.

Abstract: A positive connector latch to be used on a connector resiliently engagable with a corresponding structure on a matable connector. The latch includes a latch assembly formed of a connector housing having at least one external surface, and a cantilevered latching beam extending therefrom. The latching beam has a latching member disposed thereon for engagement with the corresponding structure of the matable connector, the latching beam being resiliently deflectable in a direction toward the housing to release the latching member from the corresponding structure. An elastomeric pressure pad is associated with the latch assembly and disposed between the latching beam and the housing to resiliently bias the latching beam into positive connection with the corresponding structure, while not interfering with normal function of the latch.

Abstract: A terminal connector for retaining and supporting a female electrical terminal. The terminal connector is formed of an electrically insulating material and is configured such that the socket of the terminal and a portion of, but not the entire, edge of the terminal proximate said socket is exposed to allow access to the exposed portion by a probe to permit testing of the terminal.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed vehicular air bag sensor. The sensor employs a conventional ball and tube accelerometer which supplies an electrical signal when subjected to a deceleration of force equal to or greater than a preset limit. All of the electrical connections of the sensor are disposed in the interior thereof, and the interior is sealed from the operating environment of the vehicle, thus enhancing reliability and minimizing accidental damage thereto.

Abstract: A reconfigurable jig for assembling a wiring harness includes a number of fixture heads, each supportable in a variety of indexable positions and configurations by an adjustable post assembly which may be mounted in various configurations upon a perforated board.

Abstract: A latch unit for releasably latching a lid to a mating container. The latch unit comprises a horizontally disposed resilient beam which is spaced from the rim of either the lid or the container and includes a resilient finger plate which extends toward the bottom of the lid or container to terminate in a free end. The finger plate has a detent disposed at its other end with a horizontal abutment surface. A locking cage is disposed on the side wall of the other of the lid or container and includes a horizontally disposed stop for engagement with the abutment surface when the latch unit is latched. The latch unit may be unlatched by flexing the finger plate to release the detent from the stop.

Abstract: A multiple terminal connector assembly comprises a male and female connector; each connector includes a plurality of sockets for receiving electrical terminal members and each further includes a wedge member for locking the terminals into the sockets. The connector assembly further includes a particularly configured sealing gasket associated with one of said connectors and a flange associated with the other of said connectors. The gasket and flange are operable to create a vertical seal which limits passage of moisture therepast. The connector assembly also includes a locking bolt for affixing the two connectors in mated engagement and an elastomeric seal extending along at least a portion of the length of the bolt.

Abstract: A package for electrical components provides for environmentally sealed, internal connection to the component. The package is operative to lock the electrical terminals of the component to terminals associated with external leads. The package further includes a grommet for sealing the interior thereof from ambient conditions.