Abstract: A detachable coupling member (30) at the cable entry end (16) of an electrical connector (10) provides easily removable attachment of the individual wires (54) of a cable assembly to the electrical connector (40). The detachable coupling member (30) permits the conventional solder connection of a wire (54) to an electrically conductive element (32) of the connector (10) to be made at a position spaced from portions (12) of the connector assembly (10) that may be damaged by heat generated in the course of making the solder connection, and provides selective attachment or separation of the wire (54) and connector (10). In use, the wires (54) are joined to the coupling members (30) which are to be plugged into sockets (27) at the rear of contacts (22) and held in place by use of threaded sleeves (42) to permit easy removal of faulty or incorrectly attached wires.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) has a body (12) and seal member (14) in which the body (12) has embedded electrical conductors (18) that extend outwardly from the cable entry end (16) of the body (12). The body (12) also includes integrally formed sheaths (28) that surround a portion (20) of each of the outwardly extending electrical conductors (18). The seal member (14) has internal passageways (38) that are adapted to provide a waterproof seal around each of the sheaths (28) and around the insulation jacket of each wire lead (24) attached to one of the electrical conductors (18). Either one of the body (12) or seal member (14) may be formed of rigid material and the other one formed of a compressible material, or alternatively, both may be formed of compressible material.

Abstract: A rigid nonmetallic shell provides a reaction surface for seal members disposed in a groove in a metal housing. The rigid shell, and at least a portion of the metal housing, are overmolded with a plastic or elastomeric material that is self-bonding with the rigid shell to provide a molecular bond between the overmolded cover and the rigid shell. The present invention effectively addresses the problem of providing a leakproof seal between a metal housing and an overmolded plastic or elastomeric structure surrounding the metal housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a body and seal member in which the body has embedded electrical conductors that extend outwardly from the cable entry end of the body. The body also includes integrally formed sheaths that surround a portion of each of the outwardly extending electrical conductors. The seal member has internal passageways that are adapted to provide a waterproof seal around each of the sheaths and around the insulation jacket of each wire lead attached to one of the electrical conductors. The electrical connector effectively and economically solves the problem of providing a field repairable waterproof seal at the cable entry end of a connector by sealing the sheath surrounding the conductor and the jacket surrounding the wire lead on each side of the electrical connection between the conductor and lead.

Abstract: An electrical connector having pin members that are partially encapsulated within, and socket members that are completely encapsulated within, electrically nonconductive sheaths that are respectively integrally formed with male and female body members. The male and female body members are joined together by an electrically nonconductive coupling member having a plurality of internally disposed passageways that seal around each of the sheaths. The male and female body members and the coupling member are separately disassemblable and the coupling member is replaceable without the use of special tools or equipment.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprises a connector body and an elastomeric sleeve seal. The connector body has an end portion with an outer surface defined by three separate cylindrical surfaces with one of the cylindrical surfaces, disposed between the other two cylindrical surfaces, having a predefined diameter different than that of the other two surfaces. The elastomeric sleeve seal has an end portion in which an internal surface is defined by three separate bore surfaces that, when the sleeve seal is assembled with the connector body, forcibly abut a corresponding one of the cylindrical surfaces of the connector body.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes mating connectors each having a relatively soft outer housing encapsulating a core formed of a hard material. Electrical conductors are partially embedded in the core which extends around the contact portion of preselected conductors to from a rigid sheath around the respective contact. The housings have a bore extending inwardly from a face surface that, upon assembly with a mating connector, sealingly surrounds the rigid sheath of the mating connector. The electrical connectors provide improved open-face waterproof sealing of the connector assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector having pin members that are partially encapsulated within, and sockets members that are completely encapsulated within, rigid, electrically nonconductive sheaths that are respectively integrally formed in male and female body members. The male and female body members are joined together by a resiliently compressible coupling member having a relatively soft body portion surrounded by a flexible external casing formed of a harder material, and has a plurality of internally disposed passageways that seal around each of the sheaths. The male and female body members and the coupling member are separately disassemblable and individually repairable or replaceable without the use of special tools or equipment.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly has an elongated body portion and a sleeve member that has a head provided thereon. The body portion includes a socket, disposed at one end of the body portion, for receiving a pin contact. The head of the sleeve member has an enlarged opening for guiding the pin contact into the socket. The sleeve member also provides an important covering over side wall openings in the socket to prevent intrusion of nonconductive molten material during pressure molding of an electrical connector that may have one or more of the electrical contact assemblies encapsulated therein.

Abstract: An electrical connector having pin members that are partially encapsulated within, and sockets members that are completely encapsulated within, rigid, electrically nonconductive sheaths that are respectively integrally formed in male and female body members. The male and female body members are joined together by a resiliently compressible coupling member that has a plurality of passageways that seal around each of the sheaths. The male and female body members and the coupling member are disassemblable and individually repairable or replaceable without the use of special tools or equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an open-face waterproof, underwater matable electrical connector which can be used in marine seismic operations. The male plug is of a one-piece construction and made of a molded relatively hard and rigid plastic, with electrical connectors encapsulated therein. The body of the female receptacle is of a one-piece construction and made of a relatively soft plastic, with electrical sockets encapsulated therein. The electrical connector also preferably includes an external elongated tubular shell or housing made of a high density plastic material.