Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism is provided for a rectangular connector in which matching grooves are formed in the outer and inner surfaces respectively of the elongated sides of the shells of the plug and receptacle halves of the connector. Elongated wires are positioned in each of the plug shell grooves. Actuating devices are located at opposite ends of the plug shell which act against inwardly extending legs on the ends of the wires for shifting the wires outwardly to become partially lodged in the grooves in the receptacle shell thereby positively locking the connector members together. The actuating devices may be retracted to allow unmating of the connector halves.

Abstract: An electrical penetration assembly for a nuclear reactor containment wall in which solid copper conductors are removably mounted into the penetration canister from outside the containment wall. Each conductor is mounted in a feedthrough pipe by glass-sealed headers, one of which has a metal bellows that permits axial expansion of the conductor when it is subjected to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A hermetic electrical penetrator comprising a shell mounted in a single penetrator plate. A pair of axially spaced sealing members are sealed inside the shell defining a leak sensing chamber therebetween. One or more electrical contacts extend longitudinally through the sealing members in the shell. A sensing port in the wall of the shell communicates with the sensing chamber so that any leakage of gas through the shell can be detected by measuring the pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the shell. Preferably the sealing members are glass beads, and a porous ceramic spacer extends between the beads substantially filling the leak sensing chamber so that pressure differentials may be more easily detected.

Abstract: An assembly for interconnecting a submersible pump motor, such as used in an oil well downhole, to a power cable which extends to the surface of the hole. The assembly comprises an elongated, flexible, liquid and gas impervious metallic tube, which is flattened between its ends. A plurality of electric conductors are disposed in side-by-side relationship between the flat walls of the tube. Electrical connector members are connected to the ends of the tube. A dielectric liquid is introduced through a filling port in one of the connector members to fill the voids in the tube and thereby provide pressure compensation between the interior and exterior of the tube.

Abstract: An underwater electrical connector having an oil filled chamber in one connector member behind the insulator therein in which the contacts are mounted. A pressure compensating bellows is mounted in the wall of the housing of the connector member. An adjustable piston is also mounted in the wall of the housing for establishing a predetermined pressure on the oil in the chamber, whereby the bellows is preloaded thereby enhancing the pressure compensating characteristics of the bellows.