Abstract: A housing for an electrical connector is described which may be utilized in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The housing defines openings extending generally parallel to each other such that the openings open through a first side of the housing. Contact pins are inserted into the openings in the housing such that a contact tail portion extends beyond the plane of the first side of the housing. The housing may also provide apertures in an opposite side to facilitate insertion of the contact tails of a device to be joined to the connector. First and second rows of bosses are formed on the housing such that they extend beyond the plane of the housing's first side.

Abstract: A modularized electrical connector includes plural sets of electrical contacts carried by a support means. A first adapter plug having an associated set of electrical contacts is constructed and arranged for disposition in releasable electrical engagement with any selected set of the plural contact sets. A second adapter affixed to the support member is flexibly wired to the movable first adapter and includes an associated set of electrical contacts for electrical connection to a mating connector plug. A mounting member is provided for securing the first adapter in a selected position. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical ribbon connector is disclosed having a protective hood which is assembled to or disassembled from a locked position on the connector insert member by either a sliding or pivoting technique. The hood is also automatically locked or secured in its final assembled position, and the locked or latched structure may be easily disengaged using a simple prying device such as a screwdriver. The connector body or insert member also includes retent structure for maintaining the plug and receptacle connectors in fully mated assembly but which also prevents contaminants from reaching the interior of the fully mated connectors.