Abstract: An interface includes a base with locking flanges for securing the base to a second structure within a vehicle. A plurality of switch caps are pivotably supported on the base and extend through apertures formed in the base. Each switch cap has a first surface and a second surface such that pressure applied to one of the first surface and the second surface causes limited rocking motion of the switch cap and actuation of a corresponding momentary contact switch.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector has a plastic housing including a cover hinged to a case with a conductive clip mounted to the interior surface of the cover. Mechanical latches on the cover and case provide a pre-latch feature during installation of wires and prevent the easy opening of the housing after it has been closed. The housing has funnel-shaped wire entry openings with pre-closure retention members for holding wires inserted into a still open connector. The conductive clip has a base and tines extending from the base. The tines are arranged to impinge on the conductors in a plane normal to the axis of the conductors. The tines are coined to act as a knife edge to reduce the cutting force. The conductive clip's base is mounted such that the closing forces are distributed and the clip will break loose from the cover if an attempt is made to reopen the connector.

Abstract: A valve (10) for applying vacuum to selected ones of a plurality of vacuum-operated devices (B-F) in a vehicle includes a valve core (30) which is rotatable in a valve sleeve (20) between a plurality of predetermined rotational positions. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages (60a-60f) extend axially in the valve sleeve (20). Each passage (60b-60f) has a first end portion (66b-66f) for connection with a respective one of the devices (B-F) and a second end portion (68a-68f) which is selectively connectable with the vacuum port (44a). A vacuum port (44a) on the valve sleeve (20) is connected with a vacuum source (V) in the vehicle. A control groove (82) on the outer periphery (80) of the valve core (30) is in fluid communication with the vacuum port (44a) when the valve core (30) is in the predetermined rotational positions.

Abstract: A sensor unit (110) for use with a vehicle component housing (16) includes an electrical sensor assembly (12) and a sensor shell (14). The sensor assembly (12) has an inner portion (64) with an electrical pickup (20) which is electrically responsive to a condition inside the housing (16). The sensor assembly (12) further has an outer portion (30) with a pair of electrodes (24) for connection in an electrical circuit. The shell (14) has an installed position in which it supports the inner portion (64) of the sensor assembly (12) inside the housing (16) and supports the outer portion (30) of the sensor assembly (12) outside the housing (16). A detent structure (90-94) on the shell (14) snaps into interlocked engagement with the housing (16) upon movement of the shell (14) to the installed position.

Abstract: A connector for passing continuous insulated electrical conductors such as pins or multi-stranded wire through a surface or bulkhead, while preventing leakage of liquids and gases along the conductors, especially between gaps in the strands. An exemplary connector comprises a body having seal-zone openings in which a sealant is applied and cured around a compressed bared section of multi-stranded wire. The body contains strain relief members adjacent to the sealed openings to provide longitudinal as well as transverse strain relief. A sealant member and radially spaced clasps are located around the sealed openings and strain relief members so that the connector may be removably twist-locked onto a bulkhead without disturbing the sealed wires. A method is defined for achieving the sealed pass-through of electrical conductors.

Abstract: An exemplary terminal system comprises a pin-receiving member having a lead-in for receiving a pin-shaped contact, a signal transfer zone located a first distance from the lead-in, and a power transfer zone located a second distance from the signal transfer zone. The signal transfer zone is preferably defined by opposed bumps plated in gold. The power transfer zone is preferably annular in cross-section, so as to present a large contact area, and tin-plated. The system is therefore useful for either signal transfer or power transfer applications.

Abstract: This specification discloses a zero or low insertion force single or multiple contact electrical connector with single sided spring contacts with inherent high deflection contact capability upon insertion of a printed circuit board into the connector. The connector comprises a plurality of spring single sided contacts generally rectangularly shaped mounted in slots formed along an elongated cavity in a connector housing. Each contact pair includes a single sided deflectable contacting portion for engaging the conductive strips disposed on opposite sides of the insertable edge of the printed circuit board. The opposed contacting portions define an opening through which the edge of the printed circuit board may be inserted in the cavity with zero or low insertion force.

Abstract: This specification discloses a low-insertion-force connector for connecting a daughter printed circuit board to a mother board. A G- or U-shaped contact is disposed in a housing so that spring arms penetrate opposing sides of the cavity. Mating ramp surfaces and latches on latch arms center the connector in the housing and urge contact pads into electrical and mechanical contact with a base circuit board. Shrouds on the housing protect various portions of the connector from harmful contact with the edge of a printed circuit board when being mounted in the housing.