Abstract: A back shell assembly (2) for a multi-contact electrical connector (8) comprises back shell members (4) and (6) which can be latched together about the connector (8). One back shell member (2) has a first cable strain relief member (14) projecting therefrom and having side walls (28) and a base wall (26) which is formed with a pocket (32). The other back shell member (6) has projecting therefrom a second cable strain relief member (42) having a base wall (54) and side walls (56) from which project crimping flanges (62).

Abstract: A receptacle contact (22) adapted to be received in a connector housing (26), or a connector housing (26) having the receptacle contact (22) received therein, wherein the receptacle contact (22) is a three sided contact forming a U-shaped channel (68) for receiving a contact element (46). The contact (22) comprises a pair of tapered fixed beams (64,66) at least portions of which are curved inwardly toward each other with a smooth continuous curvature to a spacing at least less than the diameter or cross section width of a contact element (46) to be received therebetween. The tapered fixed beams (64,66) taper from forward and trailing ends (70,72) toward a midpoint (74). The contact (22) may have a center rib (96) integral with and extending between the bases (86,94) that are integral with the ends (70,72) of the fixed beams (64,66). The rib (96) includes retention means (98,102) for securing the contact in a contact receiving passage (32) of a connector housing (26).

Abstract: A connector assembly (24) for terminating a cable (102) includes a two-piece housing (80, 98) having therein a dual diameter strain relief (200, 202, 159) incorporated in a cylindrical channel (166). The channel (166) has a smaller diameter portion (200) adjacent the termination of the cable conductors (154) and a larger portion (202) adjacent and axially aligned with the smaller diameter portion (200). Forces on cable (102) are transferred from cable (102) to covers (80, 98) through a cable tie in a recess (212, 220) appropriate for the diameter of the cable.

Abstract: An input/output connector system (20) having spring contacts (68) in the header assembly (22) that engage pins (34) also in the header assembly (22) upon demating the receptacle assembly (24). The spring contacts (68) may remain in contact with the pins (34) while the receptacle assembly (24) is in mating engagement with the header assembly (22) or alternatively provide a make-before-break or break-before-make engagement with the pins (34) upon mating of the receptacle and header assemblies (24, 22).

Abstract: A multi plane connector system is formed by a header assembly mounted on at least one side of a circuit board and a connector commoning terminals of header assemblies on adjacent circuit boards. The terminals of the header assemblies can either be through-the-board mounted or surface mounted in either a soldered or spring loaded condition. The connector preferably includes latching means and can be back plane or ground plane mounted.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly (24) having spring biased latches (136) with catches (155) extending normal to a planar portion thereof. Latches (136) extend beyond the receptacle assembly (24) to be received and operate in channels (170) in header assembly (22). Catches ride up a ramp (172) in the channel (170) further biasing the latches (136) then seat in detent (176). Upon a sufficient force (018) being transferred by a cable (102) to the receptacle assembly (24), catch (155) pivotally deforms from its normal position, catch (155) slides along a surface (174, 178) of the channel (170) out of detent (176) then the receptacle and header assemblies (24,22) are pulled apart.

Abstract: Shroud assembly for mounting to a panel opening includes a ground plane spring manufactured in continuous strip form. Individual spring strips are severed from the continuous strip and sandwiched between sidewalls of the shroud and a rim member. First spring fingers extend into the cavity which receives the connector and second spring fingers extend through apertures in the rim member to bear against the panel. Pegs on the sidewalls cooperate with holes in the strips and the rim member.

Abstract: Surface mount connector has terminals which float axially in passages through housing. Each terminal is spring loaded toward mounting face to provide compliance between solder tails and pads on printed circuit board. Metal clips have legs received in holes through board which anchor connector independently of solder tails.

Abstract: A shielded backplane assembly is formed by a plurality of pairs of first and second shrouds, each pair enclosing an array of pin terminals from opposite sides of the backplane. A profiled ground plane, which engages a chassis cover, profiles entry to the second shroud to make wiping contact with a shielded connector received therein. The assembly also includes covers for enclosing the unused portions of each pin array.

Abstract: An intercard connector system is formed by a connector matable with a circuit board mounted header assembly. The connector carries a plurality of terminals each having a first end profiled to engage a conductor and an opposite second end profiled to engage a pin terminal of the header assembly. The profiling of the connector and header assemblies are such as to allow multiple configurations in high density arrays.

Abstract: An extractor for removing connectors from high density locations is formed by a pair of hermaphroditic members each pivotally attached to the connector adjacent one end with their opposite ends slidably and pivotally interconnected. Actuation of the extractor causes rotation about the pivots and sliding rotation of the other end to achieve cammed extraction of the connector.

Abstract: A crossover contact for use in interconnecting circuits on pairs of adjacent parallel spaced circuit boards is formed by a folded over contact having two leg portions which are formed along axes which are parallel, the planes of the respective leg portions being stepped from each other. Thus the contact is able to engage pin terminals of a first row of a pin header and pin terminals of a second row of a pin shroud thereby bussing the two rows.

Abstract: A bussing system for interconnecting circuits on pairs of adjacent parallel spaced circuit boards is formed by a bussing connector for each pair of circuit boards and a connector assembly on each circuit board. Each connector assembly has a header mounted on a first side of the circuit board, a shroud mounted on the opposite side of the circuit board, and a plurality of terminals mounted extending through the header, shroud and circuit board and making electrical contact with the latter. Each bussing connector includes a plurality of terminals mounted therein, each capable of engaging a pin terminal extending from a header of a first circuit board and a pin terminal extending from a shroud of a second circuit board.

Abstract: A bussing system for interconnecting pairs of circuit boards in a closely spaced array of parallel spaced circuit boards is formed by a bussing connector for each pair of circuit boards and a pair of blade headers on each circuit board. The first header is mounted on a first side of a respective circuit board and the second header is mounted aligned on the opposite side of the circuit board. Each header is provided with a plurality of terminals having one end in electrical contact with the circuitry of the circuit board and an opposite end projecting from the respective header. The bussing connector has a housing containing a plurality of terminals each arranged to engage a terminal extending from a first header of a first circuit board and a terminal extending from a second header of an adjacent second circuit board.

Abstract: An improved electronics containing cartridge and cartridge holder are disclosed. The cartridge is utilized to encase electronic circuitry, such as a bubble memory, which can be selectively added to main equipment via the cartridge holder. The cartridge itself is made by an improved system which eliminates the environmental concerns of printed circuit board manufacture. The circuit board of the cartridge is formed by molding a substantially planar member with a plurality of circuit trace forming grooves therein. The circuitry is stamped from a metal web and inserted into the respective grooves. The contacts of the holder and cartridge are arranged for low wear operation. Both of the cartridge and the holder are provided with means which are readily exchangeable and provide a plurality of keyed configurations to assure that only the proper cartridge will be inserted into the respective holder.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed for terminating coaxial cable and mating with a multi-pin array, having at least one signal pin and the rest ground pins and being mounted in a circuit board or the like. The connector has a housing carrying at least one terminal mounted to receive the signal wire of the cable and engage a respective signal pin of the array, and a pair of mating metal shells enclosing the housing, engaging the shielding of the cable, and, upon mating of the connector with the array, contacting the respective ground pins while allowing clear entry of the signal pin to engage the signal terminal.

Abstract: An interlocking crimp sleeve is disclosed for application to a terminated connector so as to apply an annular crimp securing the cable and particularly the cable shielding thereto. The subject sleeve is formed as an initially flat strip of metal stock having pre-formed opposite ends of an interlocking configuration. The strip is applied to the connector by bending around the electrical cable, engaging the interlocking end configurations and crimping the thus formed substantially cylindrical sleeve to provide the desired clamping and compression of the cable and engagement between the cable shield and connector shield.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed for converting a standard connector opening in a panel or the like into a shielded pin receptacle. The kit includes a ground plane spring and a shielded header shroud. The spring is a planar metal member having spring fingers on the outer periphery and a central opening conforming to the panel opening. A plurality of integral inwardly directed tines surround the central opening and extend substantially normal to the spring. The shroud is formed of insulative material with a cavity profiled to receive both the tines and a mating connector. An array of openings in the bottom of the cavity permit insertion of pin terminals from a pin header, pin connector or the like.

Abstract: An RF, EMI shielding assembly is disclosed having the capability of capacitively coupling the shielding to system ground so that there will be no ground currents flowing and shocks and arcing will be substantially eliminated. The assembly has a pair of metal shells enclosing a standard connector terminating a shielded cable and a capacitor assembly forming a capacitor with the shells. The capacitor assembly includes springs which make engagement with an equipment closure to effect the capacitive coupling assuring like ground potential throughout the thus connected system.

Abstract: A cover kit is disclosed for use in enclosing an open portion of a housing for a known electrical connector. The cover kit includes a first cover member one end of which engages one side of an elongated connector housing with the other end extending across the rear edge of the housing and a second mating cover member selected from a group of cover members each having distinguishing features. The second cover members each have a first end which engages the opposite side of the connector housing and a second end which engages the other end of the first cover member to securely enclose the connector housing. The second cover members provide keying, polarization, profile alteration, and latching for the connector.