Abstract: A socket contact and a method of making a socket contact is provided. The socket contact may comprise: a tubular body having: a first end; a second end opposite the first end, the body having an opening at the first and/or second end; and a plurality of slots forming a plurality of beam members, wherein at least one of the beam members comprises at least a first section that is inwardly raised relative to the remaining section of the beam members so as to form a narrower contact section within the socket contact. A first collar is proximal the first end and/or a second collar is proximal the second end.

Abstract: A method includes providing a collection of particulate material and forming a first article therefrom. Forming the first article includes forming an outer shell with an outer surface that defines an outer periphery of the first article; forming a relief area of the first article that supports the outer shell, including forming a relief void in the relief area; and collecting a collection of the particulate material within the outer shell during formation of the first article. Moreover, the method includes encasing the first article with an outer member. The outer member defines an internal cavity with an internal surface that corresponds to the outer surface of the outer shell. The method further includes heating, which deforms the first article selectively at the relief void.

Abstract: A method includes providing a collection of particulate material and forming a first article therefrom. Forming the first article includes forming an outer shell with an outer surface that defines an outer periphery of the first article; forming a relief area of the first article that supports the outer shell, including forming a relief void in the relief area; and collecting a collection of the particulate material within the outer shell during formation of the first article. Moreover, the method includes encasing the first article with an outer member. The outer member defines an internal cavity with an internal surface that corresponds to the outer surface of the outer shell. The method further includes heating, which deforms the first article selectively at the relief void.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two electrical connectors together includes a locking collar, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes one or more electrical contacts arranged to mate with one or more electrical contacts in the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection, and the collar is arranged to receive at least a portion of the connectors and releasably lock the first and/or second connector. At least one of the electrical connectors includes a main body portion with at least one channel on a surface for cooperating with the protrusion of the locking collar, and a contact portion with a cartridge positioned within the main body portion. The contact portion further includes at least a first male contact and a first female contact connected to the cartridge. A corresponding method and electrical connector are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two electrical connectors together includes a locking collar, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes one or more electrical contacts arranged to mate with one or more electrical contacts in the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection, and the collar is arranged to receive at least a portion of the connectors and releasably lock the first and/or second connector. At least one of the electrical connectors includes a main body portion with at least one channel on a surface for cooperating with the protrusion of the locking collar, and a contact portion with a cartridge positioned within the main body portion. The contact portion further includes at least a first male contact and a first female contact connected to the cartridge. A corresponding method and electrical connector are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact from a piece of material by removal of material from the piece of material by machining. The removal of material comprises forming at least one first hole in a first end of the material to form a contact portion, the at least one first hole formed along a longitudinal axis; making at least two slits in the contact portion to produce contact fingers, the slits extending from the first end along at least a portion of length of the contact portion. A corresponding single piece female contact is provided. Another embodiment provides a latching mechanism for an electrical connector housing, the latching mechanism comprising: a planar body portion; a neck portion extending in a first direction from one end of the body portion, the neck portion including a raised portion; and a locking member.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact from a piece of material by removal of material from the piece of material by machining. The removal of material comprises forming at least one first hole in a first end of the material to form a contact portion, the at least one first hole formed along a longitudinal axis; making at least two slits in the contact portion to produce contact fingers, the slits extending from the first end along at least a portion of length of the contact portion. A corresponding single piece female contact is provided. Another embodiment provides a latching mechanism for an electrical connector housing, the latching mechanism comprising: a planar body portion; a neck portion extending in a first direction from one end of the body portion, the neck portion including a raised portion; and a locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for locking two electrical connectors together is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a locking member having a radially extending element; a collar with a through hole for receiving the locking member; and a spring positioned between the locking member and the collar, and a second assembly comprising a retaining member having a guide channel such that in use the radially extending element of the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the guide channel to form a bayonet type connection and lock the first assembly and second assembly together.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for locking two electrical connectors together is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a locking member having a radially extending element; a collar with a through hole for receiving the locking member; and a spring positioned between the locking member and the collar, and a second assembly comprising a retaining member having a guide channel such that in use the radially extending element of the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the guide channel to form a bayonet type connection and lock the first assembly and second assembly together.