Abstract: An electrostatic discharge contact (70) comprises a proximal portion (72), a distal portion (74), and substantially flat outside (76) and inside surfaces (78) extending therebetween. Retention dimples (80) are disposed in spaced-apart relation on the proximal portion (72) of the outside surface (76). The retention dimples (80) are adapted to engage a corresponding cavity (100) in an insulative connector housing (15). An arm (82) extends away from proximal portion (72) of the electrostatic discharge contact (70). The arm (82) includes a rounded distal end (86) that is adapted to electrically engage a portion of a board mount (130) that is already assembled to the electrical connector (10).

Abstract: An actuator mechanism (25) comprising: a latch arm holder (26) with an interior (27) adapted to encircle an electrical connector (1), latch arms (28) pivotally mounted on the holder (26), engaging ends (29) of the latch arms (28) adapted to engage with, and to pivot and disengage from, another, mating electrical connector (30), an actuator (33), actuating ends (32) of the latch arms (28) facing toward the actuator (33), the actuator (33) being slidable along the holder (26) and against the actuating ends (32) to pivot the latch arms (28) and the engaging ends (32).

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (1) comprises, a first electrical connector (2), electrical contacts (7) in the first electrical connector extending to a mating face (6) of the connector (2), alignment posts (12) and first ground contacts (10) along the alignment posts (12), both of which project beyond the mating face (6); and another, mating electrical connector (3) provided with post receiving cavities (11) with second ground contacts (10) in the cavities (11) engaging the first ground contacts (10) along the posts (12).

Abstract: There is disclosed a hardwareless panel retention system in which an electrically conductive panel has opposed major surfaces with a mating connector aperture extending therebetween. The panel has opposed edges formed into a pair of channels. A connector having a housing with contacts secured therein is secured to the panel. A shield secured to the connector housing has a flange along opposed edges for receipt in respective opposed channels of the panel to secure the connector to the panel.

Abstract: A circular cross section dielectric housing (4) of a circular DIN shielded electrical connector (2, 2') for mounting in a vertical position on a circuit board, is provided on its bottom face (16) with angular orienting lugs (54). An outer shield (10) which defines a circular seat for the dielectric housing (4) has a bottom wall (106) defining a hole (108) for receiving contact tails (44) on electrical terminals (12) in the housing (4). The bottom wall (106) of the shield (110) has notches (122, 124) therein for receiving the orienting lugs (54). The angular orientation of the housing (4) with respect to the shield (10) can be selected by aligning each lug (54) with a chosen notch (122, 124) in the bottom wall (106) of the shield when assembling the housing (4) to the shield (10).

Abstract: A method of producing a circular cross section electrical connector sub-assembly (94) comprising a tubular wire housing (10) and a contact housing (12). The wire housing (10) is placed in a jig (180) with the aid of a handling tab (100) thereon and is located in a vertical position by means of a levelling spigot on the tab (100), which is engaged with a reference surface (188) near the jig (180). Wires (W) of a shielded cable (C) are inserted from below through the housing (10) and are dressed into notches (32) therein. The contact housing (12) is then lowered onto the wire housing (10) with the aid of a handling tab (120) on the contact housing (12). A hood (48) on the contact housing (12) captures the wire housing (10) and the housihg (10 and 12) are then located vertically with the aid of the handling tabs (100 and 120). Radially projecting parts of the wires (W) are trimmed and the contact housing (12) is forced down onto the wire handling (10) fully to mate therewith.

Abstract: A tubular wire housing (10) has at one end, a ring of notches (32), each communicating with a slot (36) for receiving a slotted plate wire connecting portion (64) of a respective contact element (42) of a mating contact housing (12). The wire housing (10) is formed with external half-channels (28). The contact housing (12) has a hood (48) formed with internal half-channels (58). End portions of wires (W) of a shielded cable (C) are inserted through the wire housing (10) and are dressed into the notches (32). The housings (10 and 12) are then mated by capturing the wire housing (10) in the mouth of the hood (48), trimming the radially projecting parts of the wire end portions and then pressing the housings (10 and 12) into full mating relationship. During this operation, the trimmed ends (SP) of the wire end portions become fully enclosed in the half-channels (28 and 58).

Abstract: A circular cross section DIN connector comprises, a wire housing (10), a contact housing (12) and a shielding shell (14). The wire housing (10) has a through bore (16) for receiving an end portion of a shielded electrical cable (C) with wires thereof dressed into notches (32) at one end (30) of the wire housing (10) and extending over slots (34) in the bases (33) of the notches (32). The housings (10 and 12) are mated so that insulation displacement portions (64) of contact elements (42) of the contact housing (12) enter the slots (34) to make electrical contact with the cores of the wires (W). The mated housings (10 and 12) are received in the shell (14) which completely surrounds them. Parts (90) of the shell (14) are crimped down to engage the shielding braid (BS) of the cable (C) and firmly to retain the sub-assembly comprising the mated housings (10 and 12) in the shell (14) which is preferably a seamless drawn shell.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for effecting interconnection of like gender connectors (78, 80) on the ends of existing cables (82, 84) or between a cable and an equipment panel is formed by a pair of connectors (12, 14) of the same gender terminating opposite ends of a short length of multi conductor cable (16). The connectors (12, 14) are fixed in a back-to-back condition with the cable (16) and the gap between the connector enclosed in cover members (70, 72). The thus formed assembly can be used to mate cables and equipment having connectors of like gender which must be mated.

Abstract: An improved shielding assembly for an overmolded electrical connector is formed by a pair of mating metal shell members which engage a peripheral metal housing of a standard connector and enclose the rear conductor exiting portion thereof. The shell members each include embossed strengthening means as well as interengaging side walls to completely enclose the rear of an electrical connector. The shell members are each further provided with overmolding pressure release means which opens at a predetermined pressure and allows a limited amount of overmolding material to enter the shell members while equalizing the inner and outer shell member pressures. The shell members also include gripping apertures which allow overmolding material to enter and harden thereby becoming fixedly attached to the shell members to prevent withdrawal due to shrinking as the overmold material cools.

Abstract: A metal latching-ground block is used in conjunction with mating electrical connectors to form both a locking means and a ground path. One embodiment is a unitary block member which has mounting portions at both ends of the connector, each portion including a surface having a formed or captivated nut opening to receive fastening means from the mating member and a grounding tab acting in conjunction with the mounting means for the connector member. The other embodiment is individual latching-ground blocks received on each end of a connector member each block defining a pair of spaced surfaces having formed or captivated nut openings, each of which receives a respective fastener from each of the connector members to secure them together.