Abstract: A zero insertion force electrical connector for use with a device having an array of pin terminals including a lower connector housing having a top surface and a plurality of cavities in the top surface corresponding to the array of pin terminals. Each of the cavities includes a base wall spaced from the top surface. A plurality of resilient terminals are mounted in the cavities. Each of the terminals includes a mounting portion for securing the terminal in the base wall, a free end portion, a contact structure adjacent the free end portion and a spring arm portion between the base wall and the contact structure. The pin terminals are moved in the cavities in a first direction along a path of travel between an unmated position wherein the pins are spaced from the contact structures in the cavities and a mated position wherein the pins are fully mated with the contact structures. The contact structure includes a pin engagement surface at least partly inclined with respect to the path of travel.

Abstract: A zero insertion force electrical connector including a connector housing having a top surface and a plurality of cavities in the top surface corresponding to an array of pin terminals. Each of the cavities includes a base wall spaced from the top surface and terminal retention openings in the base wall. A plurality of terminals are mounted in the cavities. Each of the terminals is a stamped and formed segment of flat and planar metal stock including a mounting portion substantially in the plane of the stock, a free end portion, a contact structure adjacent the free end portion and a spring arm portion between the mounting portion and the contact structure. The pin terminals are moved in the cavities between an unmated position wherein the pins are spaced from the contact structures in the cavities and a mated position wherein the pins are mated with the contact structures.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a shielded connector assembly for connecting a round multiconductor cable to a complementary connector having a flat array of terminals. The cable includes a plurality of insulated conductors within a cable shield and surrounded by an outer insulating jacket which is stripped to expose the cable shield and the insulated conductors. An insulating housing has a receptacle for receiving the insulated conductors in a flat array. A plurality of terminals are provided for termination to the received conductors and for mating with the terminals of the complementary connector. A conductive connector shield is mounted on and about a portion of the insulating housing, with a portion of the shield extending into the receptacle. A round conductive crimp ferrule is positioned over the round multiconductor cable in engagement with the exposed cable shield and with the exposed insulated conductors projecting from an end of the crimp ferrule.

Abstract: A one-piece shield is stamped and formed of metal material for substantially surrounding and shielding a dielectric housing of an electrical connector assembly. The housing is generally rectangular and includes a top, bottom, front, rear and opposite sides. The shield includes a top wall for substantially covering the top of the housing, opposite side walls for substantially covering the opposite sides of the housing, a front wall for substantially covering the front of the housing about a receptacle opening in the housing, and a rear wall for substantially covering the rear of the housing. Detent members are provided on at least one side wall and the rear wall to secure the rear wall in a closed position.