Abstract: A modular connector system allows a user to configure physical and functional aspects of a sensor or electrical connector assembly to suit the requirements of a particular installation or application. A header module houses an electrical component, such as a photo sensor, a proximity switch, a safety sensor, etc. A variety of field modules and adapter modules are provided that can be selectively added to the header module to accommodate a wide range of applications. These field and adaptor modules can include power modules, communication modules, or other types of signal processing modules. The housings and electronics of the header, field, and adapter modules are designed such that the field and adapter modules can be rotated relative to the header module to suit physical environment of the connector's location.

Abstract: A modular connector system allows a user to configure physical and functional aspects of a sensor or electrical connector assembly to suit the requirements of a particular installation or application. A header module houses an electrical component, such as a photo sensor, a proximity switch, a safety sensor, etc. A variety of field modules and adapter modules are provided that can be selectively added to the header module to accommodate a wide range of applications. These field and adaptor modules can include power modules, communication modules, or other types of signal processing modules. The housings and electronics of the header, field, and adapter modules are designed such that the field and adapter modules can be rotated relative to the header module to suit physical environment of the connector's location.

Abstract: A safety lock mechanism is provided that facilitates accurate and consistent alignment between a locking bolt and a locking receptacle prior to engaging the locking bolt. To this end, a safety lock configured to mount to a door frame is provided with an internally disposed hard stop that protects the electrical and mechanical components within the safety lock housing from door impact shock. An extended portion of the hard stop protrudes through the housing facing the direction of door travel. A corresponding receptacle assembly configured to mount to the door is fabricated to include a bolt receptacle hole as well as an open window that engages with the extended portion of the hard stop when the door is in the closed position. When the window in the receptacle is engaged with the extended portion of the hard stop, door movement is limited in five directions even when the locking bolt is not yet engaged.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor and method for sensing a target at a predetermined location. The photoelectric sensor includes a light source that emits light, an output circuit including first and second photodetectors, and first and second receive lenses respectively positioned adjacent to the first and second photodetectors, respectively. If the target is at the predetermined location, then a first portion of the emitted light is received by the first photodetector after being reflected off of the target and passing through the first receive lens, and a second portion of the emitted light is received by the second photodetector after being reflected off of the target and passing through the second received lens. Further, the output circuit produces an output signal indicative of a sensed characteristic of the target based on signals generated by the first and the second photodetectors.

Abstract: A safety lock mechanism is provided that facilitates accurate and consistent alignment between a locking bolt and a locking receptacle prior to engaging the locking bolt. To this end, a safety lock configured to mount to a door frame is provided with an internally disposed hard stop that protects the electrical and mechanical components within the safety lock housing from door impact shock. An extended portion of the hard stop protrudes through the housing facing the direction of door travel. A corresponding receptacle assembly configured to mount to the door is fabricated to include a bolt receptacle hole as well as an open window that engages with the extended portion of the hard stop when the door is in the closed position. When the window in the receptacle is engaged with the extended portion of the hard stop, door movement is limited in five directions even when the locking bolt is not yet engaged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photoelectric sensor and method for sensing a target at a predetermined location. In at least one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor includes a light source that emits light, an output circuit including first and second photodetectors, first and second receive lenses respectively positioned adjacent to the first and second photodetectors, respectively, and a support structure for supporting each of the light source, the photodetectors, and the receive lenses in relation to one another. If the target is at the predetermined location, then a first portion of the emitted light is received by the first photodetector after being reflected off of the target and passing through the first receive lens, and a second portion of the emitted light is received by the second photodetector after being reflected off of the target and passing through the second received lens.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a socket housing and a plurality of socket contacts disposed within the socket housing. Each of the plurality of socket contacts comprises a body and at least two members extending from the body towards a pin-receiving end and separated by longitudinal slots. Each of the members has a tapered cross-section thicker towards an end adjacent to the body than towards a distal end through which the socket contact receives a mating pin.

Abstract: A quick-fastening plug and socket arrangement includes a locking sleeve arranged concentrically between the plug and the circular socket opening within which the plug is axially inserted, which locking sleeve includes a resilient projection that is radially biased outwardly into locking engagement with screw threads carried by the inner circumferential surface of the socket opening. Alternatively, the projecting portion is biased radially inwardly for locking engagement with screw threads carried by the outer circumferential surface of the plug member. The sleeve is connected against longitudinal displacement relative to one of the plug and socket members, which sleeve is rotatable relative to the associated plug and socket member, thereby to release the plug for removal from the socket opening.

Abstract: A quick-fastening plug and socket arrangement includes a locking sleeve arranged concentrically between the plug and the circular socket opening within which the plug is axially inserted, which locking sleeve includes a resilient projection that is radially biased outwardly into locking engagement with screw threads carried by the inner circumferential surface of the socket opening. Alternatively, the projecting portion is biased radially inwardly for locking engagement with screw threads carried by the outer circumferential surface of the plug member. The sleeve is connected against longitudinal displacement relative to one of the plug and socket members, which sleeve is rotatable relative to the associated plug and socket member, thereby to release the plug for removal from the socket opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensing device mounting mechanism allowing for a sensing device to be mounted in relation to a supporting structure. The sensing device mounting mechanism comprises a housing portion having a snapping mechanism. The snapping mechanism allows the housing portion to be coupled to at least one of the supporting structure, the sensing device, and an additional portion of the sensing device mounting mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting device for supporting a sensing device in relation to a supporting structure, and related method of installing a sensing device, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the mounting device includes a first housing portion having a first appendage, and a second housing portion having a second appendage, where the second housing portion is slidable in relation to the first housing portion. The mounting device further includes an actuating portion capable of causing sliding movement between the housing portions, where the sensing device is supported within at least one of the housing portions. In some embodiments, a rotatable swivel ball on which the sensing device is supported is contained within at least one of the housing portions, and actuation of the actuating portion results in both the coupling of the mounting device to a supporting structure and a setting of a position of the swivel ball.

Abstract: An electrical connector, electrical connection assembly implementing at least one such electrical connector, and method of making such an electrical connector are disclosed. The method includes attaching a wire to a conductive component that includes at least one of a pin and a socket, positioning the conductive component into a supporting structure, and positioning a retaining component in relation to the supporting structure, where the retaining component serves to substantially prevent relative movement of the conductive component relative to the supporting structure. The method further includes overmolding at least portions of the supporting structure and the wire.

Abstract: A cable and modular connector system are provided for a power and data transmission network. The cable includes a pair of power conductors and a pair of signal conductors disposed in an insulative cover. The conductors are positioned to minimize differential mode noise imposed on the signal conductors by external sources. The connectors include a base module which is coupled conductors in the cable by insulation displacement members. Once installed, the base module may remain resident on the cable. An interface module is fitted to the base module for connecting a node device to the cable conductors via the modular connector. The system facilitates installation while providing a high degree of immunity to noise.

Abstract: A network system is provided for transmitting electrical power and data signals between a plurality of device nodes. The system includes a trunk cable in which a pair of dedicated power conductors and a pair of dedicated signal conductors are embedded in an insulative cover. Modular connectors are electrically coupled to the cable conductors at each device node. Each connector includes a base module and an interface module. The base module is attached to the cable via insulation piercing members and thereafter remains resident on the cable. The interface module is mated with the base module and serves to transmit power and data signals between the base module and a networked device. Several types of interface modules may be utilized interchangeably to permit the base module and cable to accommodate various types of devices and device drop cables.

Abstract: A connector (10,200,300) for termination to a multiconductor cable (12,306) along a length thereof and including a housing (20,202,302) and a cover (22,204,304) securable to each other around the cable. The housing contains a plurality of contacts (60,220,320) with first contact sections (66,234,328) adapted to penetrate insulation of said cable upon actuation and engage the cable's conductors (16). A pair of gaskets (34,36;334,334;600,602) along faces of the housing and the cover define a seal surrounding termination regions of the cable upon installation of the connector to the cable.