Abstract: A collapsible insulation displacement terminal is disclosed for terminating an insulated wire having an electrical conductor with a sheath of insulation thereabout. The terminal includes at least one terminal wall portion deflectable for displacing the insulation and for engagement with the conductor upon application of a force on the terminal in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insulated wire. The first terminal wall portion includes a blade portion deformable therefrom generally parallel to the axis of the insulated wire to present a substantial area of contact with the conductor of the wire. A second terminal wall portion is deflectable upon application of the axial force into engagement with the blade portion of the first terminal wall portion to insure contact between the electrical conductor and the first terminal wall portion.

Abstract: A generally elongated electrical terminal pin is adapted to be inserted into a plated-through hole in a circuit board. The pin is a stamped and formed metal member and includes a mating portion adapted to contact an electrically conductive element and a compliant portion adapted to make electrical contact with conductive plating material defining an interior surface of the plated-through hole. The compliant portion, in a lateral direction, is formed by a generally W-shaped curved cross-section sized such that the outer legs of the W-shape contact the interior surface of the plated-through hole. In the exemplary embodiment, the compliant portion has a substantially uniform thickness, and the outer legs of the W-shape are substantially shorter than the central portion of the W-shape.

Abstract: A floating panel mount for an electrical connector is provided. The floating panel mount includes a central support post from which a pair of helically configured inwardly collapsible vanes extend. The vanes are tapered to define a minor cross-sectional dimension less than the diameter of a mounting aperture in the panel and a major dimension which exceeds the diameter of the mounting aperture. The support post is generally circular in cross-section throughout substantially the entire length thereof and includes a bore in a distal end thereof to decrease insertion forces of the post into the mounting aperture in the panel. The vanes are spirally collapsed in response to ramping forces generated as the floating panel mount is urged into the mounting aperture of the panel. The vanes then resiliently return to their undeflected condition to engage the panel. In this mounted condition, the vanes permit radial float of the electrical connector relative to the panel, but prevent backup in response to mating forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring operation of a valve is disclosed in which a signal, such as an alternating current electrical signal, is propagated through a fluid path defined by the valve. The occlusion of the fluid path is indicated by monitoring the propagation of the signal. The system is highly immune to electrical noise and to variations in fluid conductivity. The system is also well adapted for monitoring operation of valves having a plurality of ports. In installations employing a plurality of valves, as plurality of valve monitors can be used without mutual interference.