Abstract: The invention provides a connector boot having an integral latch release for engaging an operative portion of a latching mechanism of a connector to switch the latching mechanism between a latched position and an unlatched position. In one embodiment, the boot includes a housing having exterior walls that define an internal cavity sized to accept a portion of the connector. The boot includes a latch release cowl that is integrally formed on one of the exterior walls of the housing. The release cowl comprises side walls and an outer wall that joins the side walls to form the cowl. Slots are formed in each of the side walls so as to form a cantilevered beam in a portion of the outer wall. Thus, when the connector is positioned within the internal cavity of the boot, the cantilevered beam of the release cowl is positioned in operative relation over the latching mechanism of the connector.

Abstract: The invention provides a latch release for engaging an operative portion of a latching mechanism of a connector to switch the latching mechanism between a latched position and an unlatched position. In one embodiment, a latch release is provided comprising a housing that is cooperatively associated with the connector so as to be positioned adjacent to the operative portion of the latching mechanism. A beam is pivotably supported by the housing and comprises a front end positioned adjacent to the operative portion of the latching mechanism and a rear end that is spaced from the operative portion of the latching mechanism. In this way, when the rear end of the beam is moved, the beam pivots so that the front end operatively engages the operative portion of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A cable shielding interconnect is provided that includes a star-anvil having a base and a plurality of radially projecting arms that are circumferentially spaced from one another so as to define a plurality of cable support saddles between the arms. At least two shielded cables, each including a dielectric jacket and at least one shielding member, are positioned within respective ones of the saddles, with each shielding member being electrically and mechanically accessible. A ferrule is positioned in crimped coaxial relation to the star-anvil and the at least two shielded cables are positioned in corresponding ones of the saddles so as to position each of the electrically and mechanically accessible shielding members in electrical communication with the star-anvil. The invention also provides for selective electrical interconnection of shields. A method is also provided for interconnecting cable shielding to a common electrical potential.