Abstract: A carrier assembly including a carrier strip with a plurality of modular telephone plug connectors secured thereto. Each connector has a housing with a tag integrally molded therewith and secured to the strip. The strip has a plurality of holes which receive projections extending from the tags. The projections interengage with the strip to secure the housings thereto.The method of manufacturing the carrier assembly described above which includes the steps of integrally molding a tag with a projection onto each of the housings; punching holes in the strip; locating a projection through a corresponding hole; and securing the projection to its corresponding hole.

Abstract: An electrical terminal pin with a compliant portion adapted to be inserted into a plated-through hole of a circuit board. The compliant portion has a generally S-shaped cross-section with a width which gradually increases from a first axial end toward at least the middle of the axial length of the contact section. The pin has a mating portion joining the compliant portion for connection to another circuit element. Stiffening means are formed on one side of the compliant portion extending from the juncture with the mating portion to prevent breaking of the mating portion from the compliant portion when a transverse force is applied to the mating portion. The compliant pin is mass produced by using a strip of material having a generally uniform thickness throughout. The material is stamped in a given configuration and formed at successive stations to produce the S-shaped cross sectional compliant portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carrier assembly including a carrier strip with a plurality of modular telephone plug connectors secured thereto. Each connector has a housing with a tag integrally molded therewith and secured to the strip. The strip has a plurality of holes which receive projections extending from the tags. The projections interengage with the strip to secure the housings thereto.The method of manufacturing the carrier assembly described above which includes the steps of integrally molding a tag with a projection onto each of the housings; punching holes in the strip; locating a projection through a corresponding hole; and securing the projection to its corresponding hole.

Abstract: A contact member for forming an electrical connection with insulated conductors of either a solid core, stranded or tinsel ribbon type is formed from a unitary piece of stamped sheet metal and includes both an insulation displacement portion and an insulation piercing portion. The insulation displacement portion comprises a slotted plate for establishing contact with the conductor by severing and displacing its insulation. The insulation piercing portion includes an arm spaced laterally from the plate and adapted with a barb for piercing through the conductor insulation. The insulation displacement and insulation piercing portion of the contact member cooperate or function alternatively to provide an effective electrical connection with the conductor, regardless of its particular type.

Abstract: A contact member for forming an electrical connection with insulated conductors of either a solid core, stranded or tinsel ribbon type is formed from a unitary piece of stamped sheet metal and includes both an insulation displacement portion and an insulation piercing portion. The insulation displacement portion comprises a slotted plate for establishing contact with the conductor by severing and displacing its insulation. The insulation piercing portion includes an arm spaced laterally from the plate and adapted with a barb for piercing through the conductor insulation. The insulation displacement and insulation piercing portion of the contact member cooperate or function alternatively to provide an effective electrical connection with the conductor, regardless of its particular type.