Abstract: A locking arrangement for mating electrical connector housings includes a locking clip interfitting within a release clip each being releasably inserted into a passage of one housing with a forward end portion of the locking clip extending into a passage of the other housing for locking the mated housings together. Release occurs as a result of manual actuation either by the forward end portions being deflected laterally or by the release clip being pushed axially in its passage towards the forward end portions thereby engaging a protuberance which deflects the end portions laterally and from engagement.

Abstract: A one-piece dielectric insert 10 including an array of through passages 15 having formed at opposite ends thereof integral cavity means for removably securing a longitudinally slit C-shaped contact retention clip 29, the clip removably positioning a pin/socket contact for mating. An insert cavity 23 is defined by constriction means at one passage end for reducing the clip diameter and for preventing rearward movement of the clip and an abutment 21 at the other passage end for limiting forward movement of the clip. The constriction means comprises a pair of angularly separated shoulder housings 17 with each housing being coaxial with the passage and having a concave surface for engaging the clip to reduce the clip diameter.

Abstract: A dielectric insert 10 for securing a plurality of electrical connector retention clips 29. The insert 10 includes passages 15 having therein retention clip shoulder housings 17 and an abutment 21 which define a cavity 23 within which a retention clip 29 can be removably mounted. The insert 10 is an integral body molded of a dielectric material. A means for molding the insert 10 through the use of a core pin 53 and a bushing 61 is also disclosed. This insert 10 and the means for molding it are adapted to either the pin contact 33 or the socket contact 43 used in electrical connectors 77 and 77'.

Abstract: An electrical contact includes means for piercing the insulation of an insulated conductor wire, the piercing means including inner and outer coaxially interfitted sleeves slidably disposed for movement between first and second axial positions which define an electrically unconnected and an electrically terminated position with respect to the wire. One embodiment includes the outer sleeve having diametrically disposed openings, the inner sleeve having a pair of axial slots disposed in register with the openings, a deflectable arm extending radially outwardly from an axial end of each slot and through a respective opening with each arm including a pointed end for piercing the insulation of the wire. Means for locking the sleeves in the terminated position include a resilient lance being adapted to spring outwardly from the inner sleeve to abut an end of the outer sleeve. In operation, a wire is inserted into the wire receiving end of the inner sleeve in the first position.

Abstract: A one piece insert (10) for retaining a plurality of electrical contacts (20) in an electrical connector. The insert (10) includes a plurality of bores or passageways (15) having integral with the insert means for retaining a contact within each of the insert passages. The integral means for retaining a contact (20) includes a plurality of radially deflectable contact retaining fingers (11) adjacent a plurality of ribs (16). Shoulders (17) on the ribs (16) and the free ends (12) of the retention fingers (11) engage forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders (21, 22) on a contact, thereby captivating a portion (25) of the contact within the insert. The radially deflectable fingers (11) in the insert allow a contact to be inserted and removed from one end of an electrical connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (10), having one or more electrical contacts (110) mounted therein, each contact (110) including a forward mating end (112) and a rear portion (114) adapted to mate with an insulated electrical conductor (210) without requiring the preparation of the insulated electrical conductor (210) by removal of the external insulation (212). The electrical contact in the assembly includes a plurality of fine, axially aligned wires (114) at the rear portion of the contact, with each wire having an acutely angled end portion (118). The acutely angled end portions of the fine wires project through the insulation (212) of the insulated electrical conductor (210) into the central conductor (214) to provide an electrical connection between the central (metallic) conductor (214) which is located proximate to, and transverse of, the axially aligned wires.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly having a connector termination with electrical contacts mounted therein and a molded protection cap for releasably fitting on the end of the connector to insulate and protect the contacts from damage or moisture. The connector includes a pair of two-terminal contacts mounted within a housing which includes forwardly projecting semi-circular ring elements and radially opposed projecting coupling lugs. The protection cap includes a one-piece body of a molded polymeric substance (preferably a Zytel nylon plastic) which body includes an outer wall and recesses for receiving the ring elements. The cap also includes a pair of cavities which are positioned to receive the individual two-terminal contacts of the electrical connector when the cap is fitted in place on the connector.

Abstract: A method of making a one piece insert (10) for retaining a plurality of electrical contacts (20) in an electrical connector. The insert (10) includes a plurality of bores or passageways (15) having integral with the insert means for retaining a contact within each of the insert passages. The integral means for retaining a contact (20) includes a plurality of radially deflectable contact retaining fingers (11) adjacent a plurality of ribs (16). Shoulders (17) on the ribs (16) and the free ends (12) of the retention fingers (11) engage forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders (21, 22) on a contact, thereby captivating a portion (25) of the contact within the insert. The radially deflectable fingers (11) in the insert allow a contact to be inserted and removed from one end of an electrical connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a one piece insert (10) for retaining a plurality of electrical contacts (20) in an electrical connector. The insert (10) includes a plurality of bores or passageways (15) having integral with the insert means for retaining a contact within each of the insert passages. The integral means for retaining a contact (20) includes a plurality of radially deflectable contact retaining fingers (11) adjacent a plurality of ribs (16). Shoulders (17) on the ribs (16) and the free ends (12) of the retention fingers (11) engage forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders (21, 22) on a contact, thereby captivating a portion (25) of the contact within the insert. The radially deflectable fingers (11) in the insert allow a contact to be inserted and removed from one end of an electrical connector.

Abstract: Polarizing and locking means for a pair of mateable units including a member having a key on one unit and a member having a plurality of keyways on the other unit. A ring-shaped element selectively obstructs all the keyways but one on the associated member and the key is angularly disposed on the other member to register with the unobstructed keyway when mating the units. One of the members is moved axially and rotated to engage the key with the rear wall between the keyways for locking the units together.

Abstract: A dielectric insert for retaining a plurality of electrical contacts in an electrical connector. The insert (10) includes passages (15) having therein opposing radially deflectable contact retaining fingers (11) integral with the insert (10). The free ends (12) of the retention fingers (11) face each other, thereby defining a cavity for captivating the enlarged portion (25) of a contact. The radially deflectable fingers (11) allow a contact to be inserted and removed from either end of an electrical connector (1).

Abstract: An electrical connector that includes an assembly for demountably mounting the electrical contacts within a connector body. The contact retention system includes an insert (30) that includes a plurality of generally rectangularly shaped retention members (31) that provide for lateral support of a contact (10) in addition to preventing rearward movement of the contact once it is completely inserted into the insert (30). The retention members are resiliently expandable in a radial direction so that the contact retention members will expand to allow the enlarged portion of the contact to pass through the insert but contract behind the enlarged portion of the contact to prevent rearward movement thereof.