Abstract: A liquid pump is provided in which pulsations can be properly absorbed even if the pump is driven at a high frequency. A pulsation absorbing unit for absorbing pulsation includes a pulsation absorbing housing disposed on a pump housing member, a second diaphragm attached to the pulsation absorbing housing member and defining a pulsation absorbing chamber communicating with a liquid outlet passage of a liquid pump unit, and a disc spring for biasing the second diaphragm toward the pulsation absorbing chamber.

Abstract: A scroll type compressor has a fixed scroll member, a movable scroll member, an oil reservoir, a back-pressure chamber, an oil extraction passage, a flow passage, and a partition wall. The back-pressure chamber disposed behind the movable scroll member is in communication with a discharge chamber. The oil extraction passage having a regulating valve or a throttle connects the back-pressure chamber to the oil reservoir. The oil return passage and the flow passage connect the oil reservoir to a suction chamber, respectively. The flow passage introduces excess lubricating oil into the suction chamber when the level of lubricating oil in the oil reservoir becomes higher than a predetermined level. The partition wall disposed between the openings of the oil extraction passage for restricting lubricating oil from the oil extraction passage other than the excess lubricating oil collected in the oil reservoir from flowing to the flow passage.

Abstract: A system for enabling fluid flow is provided which includes a plurality of frusto-conical elements and central and outer spherical shells which enclose the frusto-conical elements. The elements are constrained between the central and outer spherical shells, and an input and an output allow fluid flow into and out of the system. The geometry of the frusto-conical elements and their alignment within the system allows the formation of chambers between adjacent elements and their central and outer shells. The elements are free to roll about one another within the system in a synchronized manner. This synchronized rolling is results in a cyclical change in volume of those chambers.

Abstract: The apparatus may include moveable partitions that may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. The partitions may be moveable with respect to each other to facilitate installation of liners and reinforcing material and the removal of the concrete structures from the apparatus after the concrete has hardened. Cavities may be defined between the partitions for receiving concrete to form panels for use in barriers, walls and other structures. Removable liners may be temporarily secured to the partitions in a manner that does not comprise the integrity of the liners. Further, the liners may be secured to the partitions utilizing a combination of mechanical and magnetic coupling. The liners may also include a molded portion for forming surface treatments in the panels. Removable bulkheads placed into the cavities allow the dimensions of the cavities to be variable to thereby permit the formation of panels of different dimensions using the same partitions.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers such as, for example, liquid containers, may include at least one treatment unit, which treats the containers in a predetermined manner. The treatment unit may be moved along a specified path of travel. The apparatus may include a guiding cam, which is designed in such a way that it causes at least once along the path of travel a movement of the treatment unit in a direction extending vertically relative to the path of travel. The treatment unit may include a guiding element, which is at least at times in contact with the guiding cam, and wherein a force acting between the guiding element and the guiding cam varies at least at times along a specified area of the path of travel. In various aspects, the apparatus may include a force reduction device, which causes the force acting at a certain point of the area between the guiding cam and the guiding element to be reduced at least on average.

Abstract: A mold heating/cooling structure for a mold configured with a die base and an insert, comprising: a heat insulating layer, disposed surrounding a die impression of the die base for insulating the heat conduction between the die base and the insert; a magnetic powder layer, disposed against the heat insulating layer; a coil, being disposed on the magnetic powder layer in a manner that it is circling from the outside in toward the center of the magnetic powder layer; and a cooling plate, configured with a plurality of second fluid channels provided fro a fluid to flow therein. With the aforesaid structure, the insert can be heated directly by the coil the it is subject to a high-frequency current, and the heated coil as well as the insert can be cool down with high efficiency as soon as the fluid is fed into the second fluid channels.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing hollow bodies from heated preforms has at least one blow mold and at least one blow nozzle which can be moved vertically relative with respect to each other via a drive. To design the drive more flexibly, an electromagnetic drive is employed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire tread has tread elements formed by circumferential and/or lateral grooves. At least one tread element has a sipe that devolves from a constant width sipe having a three dimensional aspect in at least a portion of the radially outer portion of the sipe to a wider width groove at the base of the tread feature.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: The invention is made to accelerate extrusion forming by reducing a friction between a forming rubber formed to cover a cord or formed to extrude and an inner wall face of a path at inside of a die as the die used for an extrusion forming head, a portion of an upstream portion of a rubber forming path (2) reaching a front end outlet (4) from a rubber storing portion (3) at inside of a die main body 1 is provided with a fluid sending inlet (8) for sending a fluid between an outer peripheral face of a forming rubber (R1) at inside of the rubber forming path (2) and an inner wall face of the path and a resistance of passing the forming rubber (R1) on a downstream side is reduced by the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for forming a three-dimensional polymer based part including a die tool having a specified shape and size and exhibiting an exposed polymer adhering surface corresponding in configuration to a polymeric based part to be created. A volume holding bin supports a three-dimensional article including at least one exposed and pattern defining surface. A volume of a granulated polymer material is deposited into the bin and around the article. A sub-volume of the material adheres to and forms a hardened layer upon the exposed pattern defining surface, a corresponding part created having a specified thickness and matching configuration.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for manufacturing a detergent bar, the bar comprises a first distinct zone comprising a first component and at least a second distinct zone comprising a second component. In an injection step, the first and second components are injected into the mould cavity via nozzle means having a first orifice through which the first component is injected. The second component is injected through a second orifice of the nozzle means. The first and second components solidify in the cavity to form the bar. The interface between the zones may be non-planar and/or such that the zones cannot be separated by a unidirectional cut. The first and second zones may respectively comprise detergent and a benefit agent. The first and second zones may differ in texture.

Abstract: The present invention provides blowing agent introduction systems and methods for introducing blowing agent into polymeric foam processing systems. The methods may involve introducing one or more doses of blowing agent into polymeric material in an extruder during a plastication period of a molding cycle. Prior to introduction, a dose is confined in an accumulator which, for example, has a volume defined between an inlet valve and an outlet valve. A control system may receive inputs related to system parameters (e.g., pressure of polymeric material in extruder, axial position of screw in barrel, whether screw is rotating, and the like) and based on the inputs coordinates operation of the valves to confine and introduce the blowing agent dose(s). The introduction systems may be used in discontinuous plasticating processes, such as injection molding and blow molding, and can be particularly useful in processes that use precise quantities of blowing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for making fiber-reinforced molded articles having a mold surface with a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of a molded article. An electromagnetic energy production element produces electromagnetic energy required to cure the binder. The element is selected from electroluminescent devices, quantum dots and combinations thereof. The element is positioned on the mold surface so as to contact the electromagnetic energy-curable binder with the produced electromagnetic energy while the reinforcing fibers are on the mold surface.

Abstract: Device for eliminating oversize pellets from balling disks, includes a plow-like tool defined by a series of cylindrical rods that are coplanar and parallel to each other and incorporated into a horizontal plate, whose medial portion incorporates a vertical tubular arm that protrudes vertically and upwards to pass axially through and be selectively and adjustably attached to a vertical sleeve that is incorporated in a distal portion of an extensible arm, which composes a trussed structure that is adjacently attached to a balling disk and protrudes over its area of operation.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for a rotary tablet press, which itself being arranged stationarily is associated to a circulating die plate of a rotor of the tablet press, with a filling chamber, which features an upper inlet opening for powder-shaped compression material and a filling opening aligned with die bores of the die plate, and with a conveying means in the filling chamber driven by a drive motor, wherein the filling chamber is circular, one single disc-shaped filling wheel is rotatably mounted around a vertical axis in the filling chamber, which has plural wings on the perimeter, spaced apart in the perimeter direction, which sweep over the filling opening upon rotation of the filling wheel, and the inlet opening is arranged in a distance above the filling wheel, preferably approximately centered with the axis of the filling wheel.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: A forming tool (100) for and a method of making a three dimensional composite component using double diaphragm forming. The forming tool (100) comprises a forming side having two or more regions of changing profile and one or more through holes associated with each region, the through holes exit on the forming side and are connectable to one or more vacuum sources such that vacuum can be selectively and discretely applied to each region.

Abstract: The item in subject is a pasta machine for domestic use, in which the surfaces of the various parts of the housing are composed of a microporous layer of aluminum oxide and completed with sealing of the micropores for hydration thus obtaining a micro-roughness with nonstick properties enabling the working of moist pasta.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding molten resin includes a holding unit that moves on a track and at least a pair of holders capable of holding and releasing the molten resin accompanying the opening and closing of the holding unit. A base portion is utilized for supporting the holders so as to be opened and closed and for holding the molten resin together with the holders. The molten resin discharged from an extrusion-forming machine and cut by a cutter is held by the holding unit, and it fed from the holding unit to a female mold of a compression-0molding machine. At the time of cutting the molten resin, a cutter mark is formed by the cutter on a cut surface of the molten resin.

Abstract: A container forming assembly and method includes receiving a parison within a cavity of a mold, enclosing the parison within the mold having a wall with a recess, inflating the parison in the mold to form a blow molded container where the blow molded container has a sidewall, a movable region formed at the recess, and a hinge circumscribing an interface between the sidewall and the movable region, and moving the movable region toward an interior of the blow molded container about the hinge before filling.

Abstract: Disclosed are a microlens array, and a method of positioning and aligning the microlens array on another device. Generally, the microlens array comprises an array of injection molded microlens elements, and a supporting flange. Each of the microlens elements has a generally spheroid or spherical shape, and the supporting flange connects together the array of microlens elements to facilitate positioning that array of lenses on a printed circuit board, semiconductor package or wafer. This array is well suited for use with vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs); and, in particular, the preferred embodiment of the invention addresses the problem of VCSEL laser array alignment by using arrays of microlenses elements fabricated by injection molding.

Abstract: A removing device includes a fixture, an extendable and retractable arm, a heating rod, and a rotatable head. The fixture includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The arm is threadedly engaged in the hole. The heating rod is coupled to an end of the arm. The heating rod includes a first portion inserted in the hole and coupled to the arm, and a second portion protruding from the bottom surface. The heater heats the heating rod. The rotatable head is rotatable relative to the fixture to move the heating rod between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the second portion heats the base material of the broken portion of a runner system. In a retracted position, the broken portion of the lens runner system is moved away from the injection mold.

Abstract: There is provided an injection die characterized in that the injection die is separated into at least two pieces, that a cavity for frame is formed between the separated dies, that the cavity for frame is provided with an additional cavity via a coupling hole, and that the coupling hole communicating with the additional cavity is provided at a confluence point of a resin in melted condition of the cavity for frame, at around a gate, at around a cavity for a fixing component, or at around a cavity for frame of which thickness is deep.

Abstract: In a method for introducing waste substances and/or alternative fuels into a clinker production process, the raw materials, in the form of slurries or suspensions, are subjected to mechanical deagglomeration as a pumpable mass. The pumpable mass is ejected into risers, precalciners and/or the rotary tubular kiln. The device for carrying out the method is characterized by a tubular housing (1) including a rotor (2) mounted to be rotational substantially concentrically with the tube axis and driveable for rotation with blades (3) sweeping over the space between the rotor shaft and the housing wall, wherein a plurality of ducts and openings (6, 7, 11, 14) are connected to the shell of the tubular housing (1), and at least one duct (6) is arranged with the slurry supply and at least one duct is offset in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a locking orthodontic bracket that contains a mechanism that rotationally locks an orthodontic archwire fully or partially within the bracket archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket has a body containing a slot to receive an orthodontic archwire, wings for tying ligature wires, a base that is attachable to an orthodontic band or directly to a tooth surface and a central recess in the front surface of the body that contains the rotating clip device. The rotating clip device is rotated to enclose an orthodontic archwire within the slot.

Abstract: A dental tool having a pair of releasably and pivotably connected opposing jaw members. A biasing mechanism connected to at least one of the jaw members biases the jaw members toward a proximate rest position. A separating mechanism is connected to at least one jaw member for separating the jaw members. An ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the jaw members for vibrating them. A fastening device may be used to connect the pair of opposing jaw members.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental devices for isolating a working area, comprising a substantially concave main piece having two upper ends and a substantially round edge on a lower area of the main piece, the round edge being adaptable to a patient's mouth; a substantially concave lower cover attached to the lower area of the main piece; two removable pieces each attached to each of the two upper ends of the main piece; and two upper covers each attached to each of the two removable pieces, the upper covers each having a protuberance to allow attachment of a rubber dam. Also provided are methods for providing isolation of a working area in a patient's mouth.

Abstract: A method of fixing a dental implant assembly is described. The assembly includes an implant, a driver/abutment device, and a spacer. The bottom portion of the device has a protrusion with an inferior aspect and a superior aspect. The spacer prevents the oversized, superior aspect of the device from engaging an interior cavity of the implant so that the driver is easily removable after insertion of the implant in the jaw of a patient. Removing the spacer permits the superior aspect to engage the interior cavity, thereby permanently fixing the driver to the implant.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools and which subsequently can be converted into lithium silicate products showing high strength.

Abstract: A dental restorative composition comprises: (A) polymerizable monomer(s) selected from hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate phosphate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate phosphate, hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate phosphate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate phosphate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate phosphate, phenyl (meth)acryloxyethyl phosphate, and a combination thereof; (B) polymerizable monomer(s) having a molecular weight of 100-250, at least one hydroxyl group, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group; (C) polymerizable monomer(s) having a molecular weight of 270-900, at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups and no acidic functional group; (D) photo-initiator(s); and (E) filler(s) each having a mean particle size of more than 0.005 microns and less than 70 microns. The weight ratio of (A+B):(C) ranges from 30:70 to 90:10, and the composition has a shear bond strength of at least 10MPa to both dentin and enamel after being light-cured.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, multiple networked gaming devices can participate in a secondary type game. A primary game such as poker, rotatable wheels, wheel of fortune or the like is initiated on a gaming device. A predetermined outcome (for example) of the primary game is then used to qualify the gaming device for a secondary type game. A predetermined outcome might be a wheel of fortune SPIN symbol, for example. Once the gaming device is qualified, a secondary game indication cycle is triggered. During this cycle, additional gaming devices can then qualify for the secondary type game by using one or more predetermined primary game outcomes, for example. The secondary type game is then initiated and a secondary game payout awarded to the gaming devices.

Abstract: A method comprises: i) presenting to a subject a training stimulus, the training stimulus eliciting from the subject a desired response; ii) presenting to the subject a diffuse visual stimulus along with the training stimulus; and iii) repeating the presenting to the subject of the training stimulus along with the diffuse visual stimulus sufficiently many times so that subsequent presentation of the diffuse visual stimulus to the subject without the training stimulus elicits from the subject the desired response. The diffuse visual stimulus is arranged so as to be perceived by the subject only at a subliminal or near-subliminal level. Another method comprises presenting to the subject the diffuse visual stimulus in order to elicit the desired response, the subject having been conditioned according to the previous method.

Abstract: A medical training simulator includes contact-less sensors and corresponding detection objects, configured to enable sensor data collected during a training exercise to be used to evaluate the performance of the training exercise. The simulator includes a simulated anatomical structure, at least one contact-less sensor, and at least one detection object. During a training exercise, a spatial relationship between the contact-less sensor and the detection object produces data for evaluating performance of the training exercise. Either the contact-less sensor or the detection object is embedded in the simulated physiological structure, while the other is included in either a support for the simulated physiological structure, or as part of a tool used during the training exercise. Many types of contact-less sensors can be employed, including capacitance sensors, impedance sensors, inductive sensors, and magnetic sensors.

Abstract: An ultrasound training assembly includes a tubular member that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The perimeter wall has an aperture therein. A model representing an ultrasound probe includes a grip and a head attached together. The head has a distal edge with respect to the grip. The distal edge is elongated. An elongated member is attached to the distal edge and has a longitudinal axis orientated perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the model extending through the distal edge and a free end of the grip. The elongated member is spaced from the distal edge a distance between 0.5 inches and 2 inches. The elongated member is placed in the tubular member through the aperture to represent a vein which would be seen by an ultrasound probe represented by the model.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method of mounting a game animal that allows for antlers or horns to be quickly added or interchanged to an otherwise artificial mount. The method generally comprises the following steps: measuring the game animal, taking at least one picture of the game animal, caping the head, cutting the skull, boiling the skull cap, selecting the form, cutting the skull cap to fit the selected form, drilling holes in the skull cap, adding clay to the form, fitting the skull plate to the form, placing screws through the holes in the skull cap, covering the skull cap attached to the form with flaps from the artificial hair, trimming the excess material from the flaps, tucking the flaps around the antler or horn base, and bending the ears of the form to the desired position. The above-described method creates an odorless trophy that is durable, will remain intact for decades, and which has more consistent, lifelike, and more realistic facial features.

Abstract: A receptacle structure includes a housing structure, a terminal insulating board, a first terminal and a second terminal. The housing structure is configured to be mounted on a printed wiring board and to accommodate a plug. The terminal insulating board includes a top face and a bottom face that is opposite to the top face. The terminal insulating board is disposed inside the housing structure with the bottom face facing towards the printed wiring board. The first terminal is connected to the printed wiring board via the first rear connection part and to the terminal insulating board. The second terminal is connected to the printed wiring board via the first front connection part and to the terminal insulating board. The first front connection part has a width narrower than the first rear connection part and is connected to the printed wiring board away from the first rear connection part.

Abstract: A high power receptacle connector has a first insulating housing, a second insulating housing, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a shell. The second insulating housing is mounted on the first insulating housing and has a cylinder. The first terminal is cylindrical, surrounds the cylinder and has multiple first resilient contacting tabs and a reinforcing ring formed on front ends of the first resilient contacting tabs. The second terminal is cylindrical and mounted around the cylinder and has multiple radially protruding second resilient contacting tabs. The second resilient contacting tabs increase the contacting areas, reduce the resistance of the terminals and further improve the power of the high power receptacle connector and stably hold an external plug connector.

Abstract: An EMI spring contact for shielding EMI comprises a first section having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second section connected to the first section and extending up and angularly from the first end of the first section, a third section connected to the second section and extending down from the second section, and a fourth section connected to the third section. An acute angle is formed between the first and second sections, and a first through hole is defined in the second section. The fourth section extends up and angularly from the third section through the first through hole of the second section and is movably received in the first through hole.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a first substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a connector. The connector is disposed on the second substrate and includes a second electrode connected to the first electrode, and an elastic member which applies a force to the second electrode. The connector increases a contact force between the first electrode and the second electrode by applying the force to the second electrode.

Abstract: A shield for a connector that can provide a card-receiving slot is disclosed. The shield includes sides that provide an enclosure. The shield includes a fastener that is held in place by a retaining notch in a bottom of the shield. The retaining notch is configured to support the fastener in place and restrain it from unintended translation or rotation.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a shell, a connector, a PCB and a pin header. The connector is mounted on the shell and includes an external connection terminal inside the shell and an internal connection terminal inside the shell and connected to the external connection terminal. The PCB is received in the shell and defines a number of vias. Two ends of the pin header respectively detachably fit into the internal connection terminal and the vias.

Abstract: A conductor strip connection device for a junction box of a solar module is disclosed and comprises a contact member having a contact segment for connecting to a conductor strip, a suppressing member having a suppressing part configured to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member for securing a conductor strip, and a fastening member configured to assemble the suppressing member and the contact member together or disassemble the suppressing member from the contact member for allowing the suppressing member to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member so as to secure or release the conductor strip.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second circuit board mounted with a second electrical connector which is intended to mate the first connector, the first electrical connector further includes a recessed cavity to receive a board edge of the second circuit board when the first electrical connector is mated with the second electrical connector.

Abstract: An electric connector for mating with a complementary connector includes an insulation housing, at least an insulation displacement contact, and at least an insulated wire. The insulation housing includes two rows of contact holding portions which are respectively arranged on an upper and lower side of the insulation housing, and two rows of cable holding portions. The cable holding portions are arranged in correspondence with the contacting holding portions and each connected to its corresponding contacting holding portion for forming a passageway along a mating direction. The insulation displacement contact is holed in one of the contact holding portion. The insulated wire extends along the mating direction. And the wire includes a front portion inserted into one of the insulation displacement contact along a vertical direction and a sub-front portion received in one of the cable holding portions along the vertical direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals secured in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a front face and a rear face opposite to the front face. The housing further includes at least one tongue portion extending forwardly from the front face. At least one receiving space is recessed in the rear face and corresponding to the at least one tongue portion. Each terminal includes a retention portion secured in the insulative housing, a contact portion extending forwardly from one end of the retention portion and a tail portion extending from the other end of the retention portion. The contact portion is located on the at least tongue portion. The tail portions bend toward the front face and are received in the receiving space.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing latching to the first housing, a resilient component assembled to the second housing, and an earphone jack assembly. The second housing includes a first plate comprising a latching portion; and a resilient component assembled on the second housing. The earphone jack assembly includes a base latching to the latching portion, compressing the resilient component and rotatably assembled to the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a power adapter combination including an adapter body and an adapter plug. The adapter body comprises a first casing having an inner space and a receiving recess structure with one side opened through the inner space, a circuit board disposed in the inner space, and a pair of connection terminals electrically connected with the circuit board and partially extending into the receiving recess structure. The adapter plug is detachably engaged into the receiving recess structure and comprises a second casing having a pair of slots thereon and a rear wall having a pair of holes, a bottom plate adapted to be assembled with the second casing, a pair of contact pins of which each has one pivoted end, is placed in one of the slots and is enabled to extend out of said one slot by rotation, and a pair of electrode structures mounted on the bottom plate and electrically connected with the contact pins, respectively.

Abstract: A miniature electrical connector comprising a floating and vertically orientable spring contact within but not physically secured to an electrically-conductive connector block of a female connector wherein the spring contact and connector block are designed such that the spring contact is vertically oriented and outwardly expanded when a male connector is inserted into the female connector to provide a conductive path between a male contact of the male connector and the connector block of the female connector.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector pressurization. The feedthrough pins are adapted to directly connect, confine, protect, and precisely position respective resilient compressible contacts. The compressible contacts can be coil springs, metal-particle-filled elastomer buttons, and fuzz buttons, and can be used with rigid tips where a contact preload and/or an enhanced contact tip robustness is desired. In one method of connector assembly an iso-diametric lead proximal terminal is first inserted into a seal without significant interference, and the resulting lead-seal assembly is subsequently installed in a clamping cover.