Abstract: A clip terminal for fixedly retaining a casing is provided. The terminal may have a connector part, at least one upstanding retention clip having a first height relative to a surface of the connector part, and a shielding part. The shielding part is located on an edge of the connector part and projects upwards relative to a surface of the connector part, and has a second height relative to the surface of the connector part which is greater than the first height. Alternatively, a clip terminal comprises a connector part, at least one upstanding retention clip, and a shielding part wherein the shielding part includes an extension portion at a top end that forms a surface for interaction with a suction instrument. A method of retaining a casing relative to a circuit board is also provided. Forming a clip terminal is provided along with a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: A female electrical socket for receiving an electrical pin and for connection to a PCB is provided. The socket provides a body having a first end and a second end, each having an opening, wherein either opening is configured to receive a male electrical pin to form a connection with the female socket, and wherein the body has a central longitudinal axis. The socket further provides a plurality of contact fingers on the body, wherein a first end of each of the fingers is attached to the body and a second end of each of the fingers is radially directed inwards relative to the first end towards the central longitudinal axis to provide a retention force to engage with the electrical pin. At least one wing extends outwardly from the first end of the body. A corresponding method of manufacturing the socket is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for retaining a component to a surface which includes a surface; a component; and at least two elements. Each element has a base connected to the surface, the at least two elements provide means for retaining the component to the surface, wherein a first means is biased to a first position in which the first means extend beyond an edge of a first base such that when the component is placed on the surface the first means are configured to move to a second position in order to retain the component in its position relative to the surface. The component provides at least one cavity defined by at least two inner faces, and wherein upon placement of the component on the surface, the base of each element is situated solely within the at least one cavity of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a female electrical contact comprising a body portion and a contact portion that is distal to the body portion. The contact portion comprises a plurality of fingers tapered towards the longitudinal axis of the contact. The contact portion further comprises a tip portion at an end of the contact portion that is distal to the body portion, wherein the pluralities of fingers of the contact portion bend outward at the tip portion, away from the longitudinal axis of the contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two electrical connectors together includes a locking collar, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes one or more electrical contacts arranged to mate with one or more electrical contacts in the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection, and the collar is arranged to receive at least a portion of the connectors and releasably lock the first and/or second connector. At least one of the electrical connectors includes a main body portion with at least one channel on a surface for cooperating with the protrusion of the locking collar, and a contact portion with a cartridge positioned within the main body portion. The contact portion further includes at least a first male contact and a first female contact connected to the cartridge. A corresponding method and electrical connector are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact from a piece of material by removal of material from the piece of material by machining. The removal of material comprises forming at least one first hole in a first end of the material to form a contact portion, the at least one first hole formed along a longitudinal axis; making at least two slits in the contact portion to produce contact fingers, the slits extending from the first end along at least a portion of length of the contact portion. A corresponding single piece female contact is provided. Another embodiment provides a latching mechanism for an electrical connector housing, the latching mechanism comprising: a planar body portion; a neck portion extending in a first direction from one end of the body portion, the neck portion including a raised portion; and a locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for locking two electrical connectors together is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a locking member having a radially extending element; a collar with a through hole for receiving the locking member; and a spring positioned between the locking member and the collar, and a second assembly comprising a retaining member having a guide channel such that in use the radially extending element of the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the guide channel to form a bayonet type connection and lock the first assembly and second assembly together.