Abstract: A self-locking wire terminal assembly and a shape memory wire termination system includes an electrical terminal constructed with spring legs which provide two opposing points of contact on a mating electrical conductive pin. The points of contact prevent the pin from being removed. The shape memory termination system is formed by electrically coupling a clip assembly to shape memory wire and to an electrical source. In one embodiment, the shape memory wire causes an actuator to activate when the shape memory wire dissipates electrical power. The terminal assemblies may be manufactured by assembling wire with conduction pads onto a continuous reel. The terminal assemblies may be formed from the reel by trimming wire and linkages between the conduction pads.

Abstract: A self-locking wire terminal assembly and a shape memory wire termination system includes an electrical terminal constructed with spring legs which provide two opposing points of contact on a mating electrical conductive pin. The points of contact prevent the pin from being removed. The shape memory termination system is formed by electrically coupling a clip assembly to shape memory wire and to an electrical source. In one embodiment, the shape memory wire causes an actuator to activate when the shape memory wire dissipates electrical power. The terminal assemblies may be manufactured by assembling wire with conduction pads onto a continuous reel. The terminal assemblies may be formed from the reel by trimming wire and linkages between the conduction pads.

Abstract: A self-locking wire terminal assembly and a shape memory wire termination system includes an electrical terminal constructed with spring legs which provide two opposing points of contact on a mating electrical conductive pin. The points of contact prevent the pin from being removed. The shape memory termination system is formed by electrically coupling a clip assembly to shape memory wire and to an electrical source. In one embodiment, the shape memory wire causes an actuator to activate when the shape memory wire dissipates electrical power. The terminal assemblies may be manufactured by assembling wire with conduction pads onto a continuous reel. The terminal assemblies may be formed from the reel by trimming wire and linkages between the conduction pads.

Abstract: An electrical terminal configured to electrically mate with a conductive blade may include a base integrally formed with lateral walls, at least one spring member, and at least one contact rib. The spring member extends from at least one of the lateral walls, and is configured to contact a first surface of the conductive blade. The contact rib extends from an upper surface of the base, and is configured to contact a second surface of the conductive blade. The spring member may include an extension beam angled toward the base, with a tip of the extension beam being canted away from the base, so as not to snag the conductive blade.

Abstract: An installation, insulation displacement, and terminating power tool, for inserting electrical wires into, and for electrically connecting the electrical wires to electrical contact members disposed within, an electrical connector, comprises a piston-cylinder driving assembly for inserting the electrical wires into the electrical connector. More particularly, the piston-cylinder driving assembly comprises a three-chamber pneumatic piston-cylinder driving assembly for developing an enhanced level of driving force necessary for inserting the electrical wires into the electrical connector.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for an automobile mirror assembly or the like, and includes a flexible membrane having electrical traces electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system, and connecting sites for electrically connecting to various power consumers in the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A tool for inserting electrical wires into an electrical connector for mating with a plurality of electrical contact members fixedly mounted within the electrical connector comprises a base fixture upon which the electrical connector is to be installed, an insertion die holder upon which a set of insertion dies is mounted for encountering and forcing the plurality of electrical wires into the electrical connector, a driving assembly for moving the insertion die holder toward the base fixture so as to cause the set of insertion dies to force the plurality of electrical wires into the electrical connector and mate with the electrical contact members of the electrical connector, and structure fixedly mounted upon the base fixture for engaging the electrical connector so as to precisely locate and laterally immobilize the electrical connector upon the base fixture such that the set of insertion dies can accurately insert the electrical wires into said electrical connector.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a plurality of wires to a sub-miniature switch and lamp socket assembly having tabs and a ground pin includes a molded, one-piece housing and a plurality of terminals for joining the plurality of wires to the tabs and ground pin. A plurality of openings are formed within the housing, accepting both the plurality of terminals and the tabs and ground pin of the assembly, and allowing the terminals to connect with the tabs and ground pin. The plurality of openings are formed within the bottom, front, and back faces of the housing. A method of connecting a sub-miniature switch and lamp socket assembly having tabs and a ground pin to a plurality of wires is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a plurality of wires to a sub-miniature switch and lamp socket assembly having tabs and a ground pin includes a molded, one-piece housing and a plurality of terminals for joining the plurality of wires to the tabs and ground pin. A plurality of openings are formed within the housing, accepting both the plurality of terminals and the tabs and ground pin of the assembly, and allowing the terminals to connect with the tabs and ground pin. The plurality of openings are formed within the bottom, front, and back faces of the housing. A method of connecting a sub-miniature switch and lamp socket assembly having tabs and a ground pin to a plurality of wires is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for an automobile mirror assembly or the like, and includes a flexible membrane having electrical traces electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system, and connecting sites for electrically connecting to various power consumers in the mirror assembly.

Abstract: An installation, insulation displacement, and terminating power tool, for inserting electrical wires into, and for electrically connecting the electrical wires to electrical contact members disposed within, an electrical connector, comprises a three-chamber pneumatic driving section for developing an enhanced level of driving force necessary for inserting and terminating the electrical wires into and upon the electrical connector, a quick-release mechanism for mounting a punch or die set holder upon the driving section so as to enable the quick exchange or replacement of the particular punch or die set, a quick insertion system for mounting the driving section-punch or die set holder assembly upon the base fixture or framework, and primary and secondary means for accurately positioning both the electrical connector and an associated pin header upon the base fixture or framework wherein the pin header is also used for integrity verification of the electrical circuits defined between the installed electrical wi

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector is adapted to receive an associated cable having a conductor and a covering over the conductor and secure the cable within the connector. The connector includes at least one contact. Each contact has at least one wall having a slot formed therein and defining bifurcated wall sections. The slot defines an entrance between the bifurcated wall sections. Each wall section has an outwardly inclined surface defining a reversed bevel that is contiguous with an inwardly inclined surface extending into the slot. The outwardly inclined surfaces each having a cutting edge formed thereon. A juncture of the inwardly inclined surface and its contiguous outwardly inclined surface defines an apex.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting and mounting a motor upon a printed circuit board comprises a flexible connection between contact fingers of the connector and a base portion of the connector which serves to isolate the motor from the printed circuit board such that vibrations generated by the motor are not transmitted to the printed circuit board. Movable support members mounted upon the base portion also effectively rigidly support the flexibly mounted contact fingers so as to facilitate insertion of motor tab contacts into engagement with the contact fingers of the connector. The printed circuit board is also a printed thick film type printed circuit board, and the connector comprises three dependent leg members which are adapted to be inserted through apertures defined within the printed circuit board and folded beneath the board so as to secure the connector upon the board.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector is adapted to receive an associated cable having a conductor and a covering over the conductor and secure the cable within the connector. The connector includes at least one contact. Each contact has at least one wall having a slot formed therein and defining bifurcated wall sections. The slot defines an entrance between the bifurcated wall sections. Each wall section has an outwardly inclined surface defining a reversed bevel that is contiguous with an inwardly inclined surface extending into the slot. The outwardly inclined surfaces each having a cutting edge formed thereon. A juncture of the inwardly inclined surface and its contiguous outwardly inclined surface defines an apex.

Abstract: A combination electrical connector and electrical switch comprises a three-sided shroud portion formed upon the electrical switch housing so as to ensure proper electrical connection of the electrical switch and electrical connector in a polarized manner. The electrical connector comprises electrical contacts which include insulation displacement portions for electrical connection to external wiring, and blade reception portions for electrical connection to blade members of the electrical switch wherein all electrical connections are solderless. The blade reception portions of the contacts comprise oppositely disposed, flexible members which are integrally connected together and which are able to self-generate the necessary forces to engage and retain the blade members of the electrical switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch connector assembly, for mating with an electrical switch, comprises a housing having a plurality of electrical contact members disposed therein, wherein each one of the contact members have insulation-piercing members formed upon first end portions thereof for engaging electrical wires, and leaf-spring members formed upon second end portions thereof for engaging prong contact members of the electrical switch. A cover member is snap-engagingly mounted upon the housing so as to cooperate with the housing in retaining the electrical wires mounted therein, and a strain relief member is also snap-engagingly mounted upon the housing so as to co-operate with the cover member in providing strain-relief characteristics to the electrical wires.

Abstract: A ball-lock tie application tool includes a blade projecting from the front face of the tool disposed to engage a ball-containing finger on the head of the tie. During tensioning of the tie around an object by the tool the blade deforms the finger inwardly against the locking ball which results in a greater retention of the initial tension applied by the tool to the tie.

Abstract: A portable tool for simultaneously terminating a plurality of conductors in a mass termination, insulation displacement connector. The connector is positioned in a connector holder mounted on a wiring board. The tool includes structure for detachably mounting the tool on the connector holder. The tool also includes an insertion assembly which reciprocates relative to the holder for moving the conductors to terminate them in the connector. The mounting structure includes locking structure for locking the tool to the holder only prior to termination of the conductors. Thus the operator is prevented from inadvertently removing the tool from the holder prior to conductor termination.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a mass termination connector, of the type adapted to firmly retain conductors prior to their electrical termination in the connector, as the conductors are laid out and positioned to be firmly retained. The fixture includes a base for mounting on a wiring board and a channel-shaped holder joined to the base for holding the connector. The holder is disposed tilted with respect to the base so that the insulation displacement terminal plates of the connector are inclined whereby movement of a tensioned conductor extending between two connectors is resisted by corresponding inclined plates indenting the insulation of the conductor.

Abstract: An improvement in a cable tie installation tool. The tool includes a tool member for fastening a cable tie about a bundle of wires or the like, conveyor means connected to the tool member, and propulsion means for propelling a cable tie through the conveyor means to the tool member. The tool member includes a positioning means for placing the tie about the bundle, a tube receiving the cable tie from the conveyor means and transmitting the tie toward the positioning means, and stop means engagable with the head of the tie for limiting movement of the head toward the positioning means. The improvement comprises braking means for decelerating the tie as it passes through the tube and before the tie head reaches the stop means whereby the likelihood of damage to the tie head upon engagement with the stop means is reduced and the service life of the stop means is extended.