Abstract: A plug connector includes a back shell defining a sleeve having a projection and a locking bale. A connector shell defining a collar is configured to receive the sleeve of the back shell. The collar includes an axial channel to receive the projection of the back shell and a circumferential channel coupled to the axial channel to allow rotation of the back shell relative to the connector shell. A resilient latch is located over the circumferential channel and arranged to be resiliently deflected by the bale when the back shell is rotated about the longitudinal axis between an inserted position and a locked position. The latch including a retention mechanism to retain the bale when fully rotated into the locked position.

Abstract: A plug connector includes a back shell defining a sleeve having a projection and a locking bale. A connector shell defining a collar is configured to receive the sleeve of the back shell. The collar includes an axial channel to receive the projection of the back shell and a circumferential channel coupled to the axial channel to allow rotation of the back shell relative to the connector shell. A resilient latch is located over the circumferential channel and arranged to be resiliently deflected by the bale when the back shell is rotated about the longitudinal axis between an inserted position and a locked position. The latch including a retention mechanism to retain the bale when fully rotated into the locked position.

Abstract: A novel connector pair suppresses arcing during connection and disconnection. In one general aspect of the invention, first and second insulating barriers are configured to extend beyond corresponding first and second contacts, the barriers being arranged to cover a leading end of at least one of the contacts, and to engage with each other when the contacts are separated by a small gap, thereby closing off substantially all through-air arcing paths between them. In another general aspect of the invention, at least one electrical contact in a connector pair is a bimetal contact having a transitional segment made from high resistivity metal. The transitional segment is configured to make first and last contact during the initial phases of mating and un-mating, thereby increasing electrical resistance and significantly lowering the electrical current and the energy available for electrical arcing.

Abstract: A novel connector pair suppresses arcing during connection and disconnection. In one general aspect of the invention, first and second insulating barriers are configured to extend beyond corresponding first and second contacts, the barriers being arranged to cover a leading end of at least one of the contacts, and to engage with each other when the contacts are separated by a small gap, thereby closing off substantially all through-air arcing paths between them. In another general aspect of the invention, at least one electrical contact in a connector pair is a bimetal contact having a transitional segment made from high resistivity metal. The transitional segment is configured to make first and last contact during the initial phases of mating and un-mating, thereby increasing electrical resistance and significantly lowering the electrical current and the energy available for electrical arcing.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing system includes a plug housing, a receptacle housing, and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism pivots on pivot posts on one housing and hooks to latching posts on the other housing, thereby securing the mated housings together. Catches on the latch mechanism engage with tabs near the latching posts when the latching mechanism is latched. The catches must be released using a screwdriver or similar tool before opening the latching mechanism and separating the mated housings. A protective barrier can be included to block direct access to the engaged catches and tabs. The housings include overlapping shells which exclude water and dirt, and the latching mechanism at least partially covers and further protects the shells when closed. In embodiments, a retaining mechanism automatically holds the latch open against gravity, facilitating connection and release of the housings with one hand and/or while wearing gloves.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing system includes a plug housing, a receptacle housing, and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism pivots on pivot posts on one housing and hooks to latching posts on the other housing, thereby securing the mated housings together. Catches on the latch mechanism engage with tabs near the latching posts when the latching mechanism is latched. The catches must be released using a screwdriver or similar tool before opening the latching mechanism and separating the mated housings. A protective barrier can be included to block direct access to the engaged catches and tabs. The housings include overlapping shells which exclude water and dirt, and the latching mechanism at least partially covers and further protects the shells when closed. In embodiments, a retaining mechanism automatically holds the latch open against gravity, facilitating connection and release of the housings with one hand and/or while wearing gloves.

Abstract: Electric barrier terminal strips which enable conversion from a screw type format of wiring terminals to a higher pitch row of female connectors. To compensate for the larger spacings between the screw type format of screw wiring terminals, the screw type wiring terminals can be arranged in first and second rows, either staggered or not, one on each side of the row of female connectors. Individual female connectors in the row are connected alternatively with a screw wiring terminal from the first row and a screw wiring terminal from the second row. The single row of female connectors can be arranged in a EURO format housed within a EURO style shroud, for connection to a row of conductor pins in a EURO style header. Alternatively, the single row of female connectors can be provided near a flat bottom surface of the barrier terminal strip, for connection to a row of conductor pins projecting from a printed wiring or circuit board.