Abstract: A connector for discharge electrodes of luminous gas tubes includes an insulative barrel receiving a power cable at one end for attachment to a fixed end of a resilient contact member. The opposite end of the barrel is open and threaded, to receive the crimped and headed tip of a gas tube having electrode conductors projecting therefrom. A lock element is applied to the crimped portion of the gas tube end and is axially captured thereon so that following insertion of the tube tip and lock element into the barrel open end, a cap surrounding the gas tube engages the threads of the barrel to radially and axially retain the tube tip within the barrel interior with its electrode conductors firmly biased against a displaceable end of the resilient contact member.

Abstract: A coupling engagement mechanism for an electric connector comprises engagement fixtures and an insulating housing element which includes engagement fixture receiving portions for accommodating the engagement fixtures. Each of the engagement fixtures is unitarily formed of a springy metal plate. An engagement portion which engages an abutting portion of a mating connector is formed at one end of a body of each engagement fixture. A manipulation portion is formed at the other end of the body. Elastic pieces whose upper ends are continuous to the body and which extend downwards are formed on both right and left sides of the body. Each of the elastic pieces is formed with, at least, a first coming-off-preventive bend and a second coming-off-preventive bend at a predetermined interval in a direction of the extension. Each engagement fixture receiving portion of the insulating housing element is formed with a first protuberance and a second protuberance at an interval in the extending direction.

Abstract: To easily change an ordinary waterproof connector to a ventilation waterproof connector provided with a ventilation tube for introducing an atmospheric pressure into the connector housing to reduce pressure difference between inside and outside of the connector, a single ventilation tube is mechanically fixed to a connector terminal in the same way as when plural connector wires are electrically fixed to the same connector terminals, without changing the housing structure or preparing additional parts.

Abstract: An electrical terminal having an insulating sleeve thereon. More particularly, the terminal includes a copper ferrule located on the wire barrel of the terminal and an insulating sleeve over the ferrule. The sleeve is secured to the terminal by an end thereof being clinched between a bell-mouth end of the ferrule and the wire barrel.