Abstract: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications, and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking, and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured along with GPS location and time, and stored on the field mobile unit. A mobile unit's location is tracked in real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database. The system provides for automatic correlation of field data with other GIS database layers. Tools to generate predefined or user defined reports, work orders, and general data queries allow exploitation of the GIS database.

Abstract: A connector for connecting an electrical component having a tab-type electrical terminal to a conductor or wire includes a non-conducting housing base having a bottom wall, an upstanding front wall and upstanding, opposing side walls generally transverse to the front wall. The base defines a well. The front wall has a notch formed therein for receiving the conductor and the bottom wall has an opening for receiving the tab-type electrical terminal. A conductive contact is carried by the base, disposed in the well. The contact has conductor receiving elements generally aligned with and on opposing sides of the base front wall notch. The conductor receiving elements are configured to receive the conductor therebetween. The contact also includes first and second terminal engaging portions that define a tab-receiving region. The contact is carried by the base to dispose the tab-receiving region in overlying relation to the housing base bottom wall opening.

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: A press apparatus presses a wire into a wire connector that is carried on an elongated strip. The connector has an opening at a top thereof, is stored on the strip in a side-ways orientation and is fed into the press on the strip. The press includes a feed path having a reorienting section to reorient the connector to position the opening in an upward orientation. A guide portion defines a conveyance path and direction. The guide portion has opposing walls. A one-way feed assembly feeds the connector into the press and prevents reverse movement of the connector. The feed assembly includes a guide wall and a feed pawl disposed opposite the guide wall. A reciprocating press has a die operably connected thereto and reciprocates to move the die to press the wire into the connector when the wire is positioned above the connector opening.

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: An insulated electrical connector is used with an associated switch. The switch includes three protruding co-planar switch terminals parallel and spaced from one another. The connector includes first, second, and third contacts positioned within an insulating housing that has at least three cavities parallel to one another. Each contact is positioned within the housing so that the connector is configured to receive external conductors and the associated switch terminals.

Abstract: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications, and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking, and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured along with GPS location and time, and stored on the field mobile unit. A mobile unit's location is tracked in real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database. The system provides for automatic correlation of field data with other GIS database layers. Tools to generate predefined or user defined reports, work orders, and general data queries allow exploitation of the GIS database.

Abstract: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications, and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking, and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured along with GPS location and time, and stored on the field mobile unit. A mobile unit's location is tracked in real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database. The system provides for automatic correlation of field data with other GIS database layers. Tools to generate predefined or user defined reports, work orders, and general data queries allow exploitation of the GIS database.

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: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured, GPS location and time to be captured and stored on the field unit. Other sensor data is combined with the observations and combined with GPS and time information. A mobile unit's location is tracked real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. Real time position correction is provided by Differential GPS (DGPS). The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for operator performed quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database.

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.