Abstract: A connector interface assembly is disclosed which includes modules which contain electrical terminals of an electrical signal or power source. The assembly also includes a ground plate and a module retainer block having receptacles for removably receiving the modules therein. The retainer block and the ground plate are removably attached to a multi-contact connector. The ground plate has an open area for receiving the multi-contacts of the connector therein, and the retaining block has a cavity for receiving the ground plate therein. The receptacles are positioned at a higher level relative to both the grounding plate and the multi-contact connector in order to facilitate connection of conductors of the electrical source to both the grounding plate and the multi-contact connector. The proximity of the modules to the ground plate and open area of the retainer block allows for minimizing impedance loss due to the use of minimal length ground and signal/power leads from the module.

Abstract: A simple and durable socket receptacle is adapted for receiving an electrical device such as a lamp which has a plurality of closely spaced contact pins. The receptacle comprises a dielectric means for receiving the contact pins which has a plurality of apertures which are in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of pins. When the device is inserted into the receptacle, each of the pins are received by a corresponding aperture. Above the dielectric pin receiving means is a space, into which extends at least one finger-like projection, upwardly from the pin receiving means. There is one projection for each two contact pins, and the projection is adapted to separate and insulate the plurality of contact pins from one another. A plurality of spring-like terminals also extend from the pin receiving means.

Abstract: A tool for removing the dielectric insert of a metal shell electrical connector. The tool holds the shell and has a threaded press that pushes the dielectric insert out of the shell. The tool is then used to push a new dielectric insert into the shell. The tool is adjustable, such that it can be used on various sized connectors.

Abstract: A method for removing the dielectric insert of a metal shell electrical connector. The tool holds the shell and has a threaded press that pushes the dielectric insert out of the shell. The tool is then used to push a new dielectric insert into the shell. The tool is adjustable, such that it can be used on various sized connectors.

Abstract: A double-barreled tool for inserting and extracting electrical contacts includes an inner barrel and an outer barrel, the inner barrel being coaxial with the outer barrel and fully retractable therein. Each barrel has an elongated slot which are in alignment with one another. A means is provided for retracting the inner barrel into and extending the inner barrel from one end of the outer barrel. The contacts have lead wires extending therefrom. To extract and electrical contact from its installed position within an insulator body cavity, the contact lead wire is first slipped into the aligned slots of the inner and outer barrels. Then, the tool is guided along the wire and into the cavity, until the outer barrel impacts the dielectric within the cavity at a point at which the cavity narrows. At this juncture, the inner barrel is extended from the other barrel such that the end of the inner barrel approaches the electrical contact, thereby releasing the contact.

Abstract: A device for terminating a braided shield to a grounding connector, having a plate that pushes an elastomeric member into the braided shield, pressing the braided shield into the grounding connector, electrically grounding the shield to the connector. The plate and elastomer are attached to a shell, by either a plurality of pins or a retaining ring. The shell has an internal thread that mates with an external thread of the grounding connector, such that when the shell is screwed onto the connector, the plate pushes the elastomeric member into contact with the braided shield, creating an electrical contact between the shield and the grounding connector.

Abstract: A device and method facilitates grounding shielding, including hardware and structures necessary to allow proper connection, practice the steps of the method, minimize pigtail length, facilitate the formation of a wire bundle assembly, facilitate repair and installation, and result in materials and labor savings.

Abstract: A polarized grounding pin incorporating a spring, to provide continuous electrical conductivity between mated connector shells.

Abstract: A mechanical interlock system using ball detents for interlocking the first and second connector halves of an electrical connector assembly. In the preferred embodiment, two ball detents are utilized. The first connector half, or plug member, has recesses for receiving ball detents secured in the second connector half, or receptacle member. Slots are formed in each of the side walls of the receptacle member, each ball detent being positioned in an aperture formed between the slot and a receiving area in the receptacle member. A first portion of the surface of the ball detent extends into the slot and a second portion of the ball surface extends into the receiving area, the ball detents being secured in the aperture by a preloaded spring washer positioned in each slot. The second surface portion of each ball detent enters the recesses when the plug is inserted into the receptacle area thus forming the mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A permanent or detachable assembly to pull an electrical plug and receptacle into a mated position including, for example, preferably two jackscrews positioned through flanges on the plug and receptacle at opposite ends thereof, the jackscrews having surrounding keying devices which prevent plug and receptacle mating if not aligned. For example, the keying devices may be mounted to corresponding flanges in one of six positions. This makes it possible to allow one and only one plug out of six to mate with a corresponding receptacle. Thus, a wrong connection between a plug and a receptacle is impossible when no more than six types of connections are provided. However, other connections and/or positions are possible.