Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector has a plug and a receptacle that are connectable in a mated position. At least one of the plug and the receptacle have a body and an electrically conductive layer applied directly to the body.

Abstract: A plug connector for use with a receptacle. The plug connector and receptacle combination may prevent more than one use of the single use plug connector, thereby necessitating disposal of the plug connector and associated, disposable, specialized instrumentation to which the plug connector is connected. The plug connector may be keyed and otherwise identified to the receptacle by shape, tactile indicia and visual indicia so that it cannot be mistakenly used with a different receptacle, while providing proper orientation for rapid assembly. When designed for single use or limited multiple use, the insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle moves a jumper contact in the plug connector from a first position to a second position where it is captured.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector has a plug and a receptacle that are connectable in a mated position. At least one of the plug and the receptacle have a body and an electrically conductive layer applied directly to the body.

Abstract: An inventory control system, comprising a blister pack having a pierceable sheet that includes a plurality of printed circuits overlying each of the compartments of the blister pack. The printed circuits are in electrical communication with a connector assembly, the connector assembly being in electrical communication with a removable header. The header is in communication with a microprocessor controlled device having a memory; wherein the microprocessor controlled device determines the contents of the blister pack. The blister pack and connector assembly are removed from the substantially fixed header so the contents can be distributed. As the contents are distributed from the blister pack, the printed circuits are broken. When the connector assembly is reattached to the blister pack, electrical signals transmitted through the connector assembly and the blister pack determines the number of broken circuits, indicative of the contents of the blister pack.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a receptacle having receptacle having at least one shielding member and at least one electrically conductive surface. The shielding member includes at least one grounding member and at least one latching member. The grounding member is in physical contact with the electrically conductive surface and the latching member is configured to detachably engage a latching feature of a mating receptacle. A connector system and a method for shielding a connector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plug connector for use with a receptacle. The plug connector and receptacle combination may prevent more than one use of the single use plug connector, thereby necessitating disposal of the plug connector and associated, disposable, specialized instrumentation to which the plug connector is connected. The plug connector may be keyed and otherwise identified to the receptacle by shape, tactile indicia and visual indicia so that it cannot be mistakenly used with a different receptacle, while providing proper orientation for rapid assembly. When designed for single use or limited multiple use, the insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle moves a jumper contact in the plug connector from a first position to a second position where it is captured.

Abstract: An inventory control system, comprising a blister pack having a pierceable sheet that includes a plurality of printed circuits overlying each of the compartments of the blister pack. The printed circuits are in electrical communication with a connector assembly, the connector assembly being in electrical communication with a removable header. The header is in communication with a microprocessor controlled device having a memory; wherein the microprocessor controlled device determines the contents of the blister pack. The blister pack and connector assembly are removed from the substantially fixed header so the contents can be distributed. As the contents are distributed from the blister pack, the printed circuits are broken. When the connector assembly is reattached to the blister pack, electrical signals transmitted through the connector assembly and the blister pack determines the number of broken circuits, indicative of the contents of the blister pack.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided as having an insulated housing and a terminal that is secured inside the insulated housing with locking lances. The locking lances have scalloped edges to ensure that the lances only partially penetrate the housing, but also provide a secure connection to provide an increased retention of the terminal in the housing. Once the terminal is secured within the housing, the terminal is permanently disposed within the housing and cannot easily be removed.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting an electrical contact to an electrical wire. The connector assembly comprises a housing and anti-overstress members. The housing has a contact chamber that retains an electrical contact. The electrical contact has an elasticity over a range of motion. The anti-overstress member is provided in the contact chamber. The anti-overstress member is positioned within the range of motion to limit deflection of the electrical contact. The connector assembly may also comprise interweaving walls positioned on either side of the electrical contact within the contact chamber. The interweaving walls shield the electrical contact from arcing. The interweaving walls have edges with non-linear contours proximate an open bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting an electrical contact to an electrical wire. The connector assembly comprises a housing and anti-overstress members. The housing has a contact chamber that retains an electrical contact. The electrical contact has an elasticity over a range of motion. The anti-overstress member is provided in the contact chamber. The anti-overstress member is positioned within the range of motion to limit deflection of the electrical contact. The connector assembly may also comprise interweaving walls positioned on either side of the electrical contact within the contact chamber. The interweaving walls shield the electrical contact from arcing. The interweaving walls have edges with non-linear contours proximate an open bottom of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical connector 10 having a housing 12 with at least one electrical contact 22 positioned therein. The electrical contact 22 is adapted for electrical engagement with an electrical wire 42 to be positioned within the housing 12. A spring 16 has a fixed end 17 and a free end 18, the fixed end 17 of the spring 16 is used to secure the spring 16 in the housing 12. The free end 18 of the spring 16 is positioned adjacent a tool opening 20 formed in the housing 12. The free end 18 of the spring 16 is adapted to be directly engaged by a tool 13 to be inserted through the tool opening 20 in the housing 12. The free end 18 of the spring 16 further comprises a plurality of retention tabs 35, 36, 37 formed thereon that are adapted for engaging the tool 13 when the tool 13 is inserted into the housing 12 to deflect the spring 16 and thereby allow the insertion of an electrical wire 42 into the connector 10 adjacent the electrical contact 22.

Abstract: An electrical connector (20) having a cover (70) pivotally secured thereto includes a housing (22) having a base (42), opposed side walls (26), and end walls (32), together defining a terminal receiving cavity (68) and a plurality of terminals (90) disposed in at least two rows therein. The cover (70) includes a hinge receiving slot (76) extending along a common one of its elongate sides (72) and inwardly from each end thereof. The cover (70) is secured to the housing (22) by a pair of hinges (78) with a base (80) of each hinge retained within in a respective one of the cover slots (76) and the leading end (84) of a leg (82) of each hinge (78) pivotally mounted proximate a middle position of a respective one of the housing end walls (32) adjacent an entrance to the cavity (68).

Abstract: A latching system for latching first and second connectors (120,20) together along a mating axis includes a pair of latch arms (126) spaced a selected distance apart along a common side (124) of a first housing (122) and extending to free ends (127) proximate the mating face (133) thereof, and a pair of embossments (50) spaced along a common side (24) of a second housing (22) includes beams (52) extending outwardly therefrom a second selected distance beyond a mating face (46) to free ends (53). Upon mating the connectors (120, 20), the free ends (53) of the embossments (50) stabilize axial alignment and orientation of the connectors (120, 20) relative to each other during final stages of mating. The embossments (50) pass freely beside the latch arms (126) during initial stages of mating until the connectors (120, 20) are axially aligned whereupon the latch arms (126) latch during final stages of mating.