Abstract: A mechanism (20) for connecting the coupling nut (14) and barrel (12) of an electrical or optical connector to resist but not prevent their relative rotation, includes a clicker ring (22) that has forward-projecting teeth (36) and that fits into a circular recess (32) at the rear of the coupling nut to engage rearward-projecting nut teeth (34). The clicker ring also has slots (40) that receive radially-outward projections (42) on the barrel, to prevent clicker ring turning.

Abstract: A mechanism (20) for connecting the coupling nut (14) and barrel (12) of an electrical or optical connector to resist but not prevent their relative rotation, includes a clicker ring (22) that has forward-projecting teeth (36) and that fits into a circular recess (32) at the rear of the coupling nut to engage rearward-projecting nut teeth (34). The clicker ring also has slots (40) that receive radially-outward projections (42) on the barrel, to prevent clicker ring turning.

Abstract: A quad interconnect system for receiving quad connectors and connecting their quad contacts to corresponding signal traces on a circuit board, provides a grounded electromagnetic shield around each quad connector in a simple arrangement that occupies a minimum amount of space on the circuit board. A housing with quad-receiving passages that receive the quad connectors, is constructed of metal to provide a grounded metal shield closely around each quad connector. Only a few grounding devices (less than half the number of quad-receiving passages) are used to connect the metal housing to a grounded trace on the circuit board, to minimize the space taken up on the circuit board. Sheet metal clips with tines that engage shoulders at the rear ends of flanges on each metal shell of a quad connector, have short tabs with edges that also engage the shoulders to assure good electrical connection and minimize vibration.

Abstract: An optic fiber connector has a terminus (24) with a front tip (110) that lies at an initial position at which the tip is at least flush with or forward of the surrounding housing front surface (112) and which is moved rearwardly by a mating terminus (22) so the tips of the termini are halfway between front and rear ends (132, 134) of an alignment sleeve (34). The housing has a peripheral portion (120) that projects forward of the ferrule front tips to protect them even though they project forward of the housing front surface. The alignment sleeve has a short length (A) that is about three times its inside diameter (C), and a long spring (84) is used to bias the terminus forwardly and maintain a substantially constant forward force on the terminus, the spring having an initial length (B) which is at least 150% of the alignment sleeve length. A plug (96) that holds the alignment sleeve in place, has an internal bore with a rear bore portion (154) that receives the front end of the terminus body (90).