Abstract: An electrical connector adapter (40) is disclosed for electrically interconnecting a portable electronic component such as an MP3 player, CD player, or other portable device with sound or other equipment in a vehicle. The adapter (40) includes a one-piece insulating housing (60) having a system mating end (42) for interconnecting to a vehicle's electrical system and a component mating end (44) for interconnecting to a portable electrical component. Three electric contacts (62, 64, 68) are retained in three openings (90, 92, 94) respectively in the housing (60) and are arranged to electrically mate with a plug (54) of a portable electrical component.

Abstract: A terminal 20 for use in connecting a battery cable 9 to a rectangular blade 4 on a battery 2 includes a terminal body 22 and a spring member or multiple contact band 70. The spring member 70 is fabricated from a material that is more elastic than the terminal body 22 to reduce mating force, but still generate sufficient normal force to provide a good connection to the rectangular blade 4. The multiple contact spring band 70 has a plurality of spring beams in the form of twisted louvered spring beams 78 or curved spring beams 80. The spring member 70 is positioned within a receptacle section 30 of the terminal body 22 that includes two parallel walls 32, 46. The terminal body 22 also includes a wire termination section for attaching the terminal 20 to a battery cable 8. Inline and right angle versions of the terminals employ similar spring members 70.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle contact is provided having contact beams which are asymmetrically opposed, defining a terminal receiving section therebetween. Asymmetrically opposed contact beams may have various widths to provide an appropriate spring force for a selected plating material, while ensuring that the receptacle contact maintains the same overall dimensional shape as contacts made with a different plating material. Although allowing for variable spring rate in limited dimensioned contact, susceptibility of fracture of the contact of the present invention during forming is minimized.

Abstract: A box receptacle contact or terminal 10 is used in an electrical connector 2, typically of type employing multiple terminals 10. The box receptacle contact 10 has a cantilever spring contact beam 12 extending from a receptacle base 14. The spring contract arm 12 is reversely bent intermediate the ends of the spring contact beam to form a reversely bent section 20 at a forward portion of the spring contact arm 12. The spring contact beam is outwardly deflectable relative to the receptacle base 14 when mated with a mating contact 80, such as a blade or pin terminal. Two receptacle sidewalls 42, 44 are formed upwardly from the receptacle base 14 on opposite sides of the spring contact beam 12. Lateral projections 38, 40 extend from edges of the spring contact beam 12 between the cantilever spring base 16 and the reversely bent section 20. The lateral projections 38, 40 extend beneath the sidewalls 42, 44 to limit inward deflection of the spring contact beam 12 relative to the receptacle base 14.

Abstract: The invention comprises an electrical contact having a body with a crimping section and a base with resilient contact fingers extending forwardly from the base. The base has a tapered cylindrical section. A sleeve is secured over the base and the resilient contact fingers. The sleeve engages the tapered cylindrical section in an interference fit to secure the sleeve thereon.