Abstract: A pressure-blocking feedthru that is exposable to varying temperatures and pressures includes various components. For example, the pressure-blocking feedthru might include pressure-blocking assemblies that each include a respective pressure-barrier shell and insulated pin assembly. The pressure-blocking feedthru also includes an interface assembly that couples the pressure-blocking assemblies to one another. The interface assembly includes a double-ended socket for coupling the insulated pin assemblies and a sleeve that circumscribes the doubled ended socket and at least part of the first and the second ceramic pin assemblies. In addition, the pressure-blocking assemblies might each be connected to a cable-connection assembly that employs a pressure-balanced cable termination.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a flexible, pressure-balanced cable assembly. The cable assembly has a tubular-shaped flexible outer sleeve that surrounds an electrical cable. A plurality of seals is positioned along the length of the flexible sleeve within the space formed between the inner surface of the flexible sleeve and the outer surface of the electrical cable. The seals partition the space into a plurality of individual chambers. Each chamber is filled with dielectric fluid. The seals are independently and bi-directionally movable in response to a pressure difference between the inside of the cable assembly and the external environment thereby balancing the pressure between the inside of the cable assembly and the external environment.

Abstract: A flexible, pressure-balanced cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly comprises a tubular-shaped flexible outer sleeve that surrounds an electrical cable. A plurality of seals is positioned along the length of the flexible sleeve within the space formed between the inner surface of the flexible sleeve and the outer surface of the electrical cable. The seals partition the space into a plurality of individual chambers. Each chamber is filled with dielectric fluid. The seals are independently and bi-directionally movable in response to a pressure difference between the inside of the cable assembly and the external environment thereby balancing the pressure between the inside of the cable assembly and the external environment.

Abstract: A pressure-blocking feedthru that is exposable to varying temperatures and pressures includes various components. For example, the pressure-blocking feedthru might include pressure-blocking assemblies that each include a respective pressure-barrier shell and insulated pin assembly. The pressure-blocking feedthru also includes an interface assembly that couples the pressure-blocking assemblies to one another. The interface assembly includes a double-ended socket for coupling the insulated pin assemblies and a sleeve that circumscribes the doubled ended socket and at least part of the first and the second ceramic pin assemblies. In addition, the pressure-blocking assemblies might each be connected to a cable-connection assembly that employs a pressure-balanced cable termination.

Abstract: A kit for splicing two electrical cable assemblies together includes an electrical connector and a plurality of pin contacts, each of which are configured to be connected to a wire of a cable assembly and inserted into the connector. The electrical connector includes a plurality of socket contacts that are each configured to be non-releasably connected to one of the plurality of pin contacts. Each socket contact of the electrical connector includes a bore for receiving a respective pin contact. The bore is configured to permit translation of a respective pin contact after the respective pin contact is non-releasably connected to its respective socket contact so as to accommodate a variable length of the cable assembly wire to which the respective pin contact is attached while maintaining electrical continuity between the respective pin contact of the cable assembly and the respective socket contact of the electrical connector.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced sleeve assembly for an electrical cable termination is disclosed. The sleeve assembly includes an outer sleeve surrounding the electrical cable; a chamber defined between the outer sleeve and the electrical cable; dielectric fluid contained within the chamber; and a seal that is positioned between the outer sleeve and the electrical cable to delimit and seal an end of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber, the seal being moveable along the cable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber. Also disclosed herein is a pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly and a method of pressure-balancing a termination of an electrical cable.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly including a connector body, an electrical conductor positioned within the connector body, an interior chamber defined within the connector body, a dielectric fluid medium contained within the chamber, and a shuttle delimiting at least a portion of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber. The shuttle is moveable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber.

Abstract: A replaceable sealing element for sealing together two mating electrical connectors includes a sealing body having two opposed ends, a side wall extending between the two opposed ends, a threaded portion that is defined on the side wall for releasably mating with a first electrical connector of the mating electrical connectors, and either a slot or a protrusion at one of the opposed ends of the sealing body that is configured to be accessed by a tool for replacing the sealing element. A first seal is positioned on the side wall for sealing contact with the first electrical connector. A second seal is positioned on the side wall for sealing contact with a second electrical connector of the mating electrical connectors. Also described is an electrical connector having a replaceable sealing element.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly including a connector body, an electrical conductor positioned within the connector body, an interior chamber defined within the connector body, a dielectric fluid medium contained within the chamber, and a shuttle delimiting at least a portion of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber. The shuttle is moveable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced sleeve assembly for an electrical cable termination is disclosed. The sleeve assembly includes an outer sleeve surrounding the electrical cable; a chamber defined between the outer sleeve and the electrical cable; dielectric fluid contained within the chamber; and a seal that is positioned between the outer sleeve and the electrical cable to delimit and seal an end of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber, the seal being moveable along the cable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber. Also disclosed herein is a pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly and a method of pressure-balancing a termination of an electrical cable.

Abstract: A replaceable sealing element for sealing together two mating electrical connectors includes a sealing body having two opposed ends, a side wall extending between the two opposed ends, a threaded portion that is defined on the side wall for releasably mating with a first electrical connector of the mating electrical connectors, and either a slot or a protrusion at one of the opposed ends of the sealing body that is configured to be accessed by a tool for replacing the sealing element. A first seal is positioned on the side wall for sealing contact with the first electrical connector. A second seal is positioned on the side wall for sealing contact with a second electrical connector of the mating electrical connectors. Also described is an electrical connector having a replaceable sealing element.

Abstract: A kit for splicing two electrical cable assemblies together includes an electrical connector and a plurality of pin contacts, each of which are configured to be connected to a wire of a cable assembly and inserted into the connector. The electrical connector includes a plurality of socket contacts that are each configured to be non-releasably connected to one of the plurality of pin contacts. Each socket contact of the electrical connector includes a bore for receiving a respective pin contact. The bore is configured to permit translation of a respective pin contact after the respective pin contact is non-releasably connected to its respective socket contact so as to accommodate a variable length of the cable assembly wire to which the respective pin contact is attached while maintaining electrical continuity between the respective pin contact of the cable assembly and the respective socket contact of the electrical connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the friction of an electrical cable ring and a ground surface has a one-piece continuous shell with a gap at one end. The apparatus is grasped at its ends at the gap and is pulled apart to increase the size of the gap sufficient to allow it to fit over a longitudinal length of an electrical cable at any preferred location of the electrical cable. The apparatus includes a length of double sided self-adhesive tape extending along its inside length (ID) that is used to adhere it to an exterior surface of the electrical cable. A plurality of the cable rings are used. Modified versions of the cable ring are disclosed that include a tie-wrap in a recess and two identical halves that mate together and an embodiment that includes a smaller inside diameter than the outside diameter of the electrical cable. A method of making the apparatus and a method of welding a pair of ends together are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and disconnecting an electrical path includes a split tine socket that is formed of a high yield strength conducting material or metal and which includes a plurality of tines. Each tine functions as a two stage spring to supply a normal force that urges the tine toward the center of the socket. Each tine is machined to include an undercut portion proximate a tip. The undercut portion of each tine produces a patch of material having a greater thickness than the undercut portion. The patch provides an area of electrical contact intermediate a pin and the tine and is adapted to receive and accommodate a pin that does not align axially with the socket. Each patch ensures that physical, and therefore electrical, contact with the pin will occur at the tip of each tine. A plurality of sockets are typically included in a connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for connection of a rapid charging system to an electric vehicle includes a connector plug that is attached to an electrical cable at one end that is, in turn, connected to a charging system at the remaining end of the cable. The connector plug is adapted to fit into a mating receptacle that is attached to the electric vehicle. A pair of cavities in the connector plug are adapted to receive any combination of modules that include switches, lights, or blank filler plugs. The connector plug is preferably molded from rubber. Various contacts are described having high current, or signal, or pilot functions and which mate with various length pins in the mating receptacle so as to sequence the order in which electrical conductivity is attained. Temperature sensing of the connector and shutdown subsequent to an over-temperature condition is described and allows for the use of smaller sized electrical connectors.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a shorting member which is capable of electrically connecting or “shorting” certain contacts within a first connector when disconnected from a second connector to avoid an open circuit condition. The shorting member may be configured to short three or more contacts at the same time, and to be disengaged automatically upon connection of the first and second connectors. Moreover, the shorting member may be formed of a single piece of material and have an opposed pair of arms for engaging each contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and disconnecting an electrical path includes a split tine socket that is formed of a high yield strength conducting material or metal and which includes a plurality of tines. Each tine functions as a two stage spring to supply a normal force that urges the tine toward the center of the socket. Each tine includes a first stage that has a smaller inside diameter and is therefore thicker than an adjacent second stage. The outside diameter of both stages includes a taper so that the tines are nearly cylindrical when fully mated with a pin. The second stage includes a reverse taper whereby it has a larger inside diameter proximate the first stage than at an opposite end proximate a tip, which ensures that physical, and therefore electrical, contact with the pin will occur at the tip of the tine. The first stage is in electrical contact with a socket contact portion that is typically crimped or soldered onto a wire. A plurality of sockets are typically included in a connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying electrical power to a receptacle connector of a railroad car includes embedding a rigid support ring in an elastomeric nose portion of the receptacle connector. The support ring is disposed substantially in the elastomeric nose portion above a circumferential lip that extends along the inside circumference of the receptacle connector. The support ring preferably includes a raised portion and radius edges.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a shorting member which is capable of electrically connecting or “shorting” certain contacts within a first connector when disconnected from a second connector to avoid an open circuit condition. The shorting member may be configured to short three or more contacts at the same time, and to be disengaged automatically upon connection of the first and second connectors. Moreover, the shorting member may be formed of a single piece of material and have an opposed pair of arms for engaging each contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and disconnecting an electrical path includes a split tine socket that is formed of a high yield strength conducting material or metal and which includes a plurality of tines. Each tine functions as a two stage spring to supply a normal force that urges the tine toward the center of the socket. Each tine includes a first stage that has a smaller inside diameter and is therefore thicker than an adjacent second stage. The outside diameter of both stages includes a taper so that the tines are nearly cylindrical when fully mated with a pin. The second stage includes a reverse taper whereby it has a larger inside diameter proximate the first stage than at an opposite end proximate a tip, which ensures that physical, and therefore electrical, contact with the pin will occur at the tip of the tine. The first stage is in electrical contact with a socket contact portion that is typically crimped or soldered onto a wire. A plurality of sockets are typically included in a connector.