Abstract: A method and apparatus for interconnecting cables to improve electrical characteristics of the connected cables. The apparatus comprises a terminal having clamping pieces integrally formed respectively on opposite sides of a base portion of the terminal. The conductor wires of the cables are arranged in layers on the base portion, and the clamping pieces are press-clamped in the direction in which the conductor wires are layered. The method comprises the steps of placing conductor wires of one cable on a base portion of a terminal having clamping pieces integrally formed respectively on opposite sides of said base portion; compressing the conductor wires so as to form a surface of the conductor wires into a flattened configuration; placing conductor wires of another cable on the surface in a layered manner; and press-clamping the clamping pieces in the direction in which the conductor wires of the two cables as layered one upon the other.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable soldering device for soldering electrical conductors comprising a heat-recoverable sleeve and a quantity of solder is provided with a deformable retaining member which retains the conductors in the desired alignment when deformed.

Abstract: A grounding connector for interconnecting a ground wire with a pipe in a one-piece stamped and formed member (10) which includes an outer section having diverging walls (14,16) extending from a base section (12) to form a V-shaped channel (18), upper sections (20,22) of the walls (termed outer walls) being crimpable toward each other and locked in a vertical orientation when applied to the pipe (70) and wire (68). An inner section (30) extends integrally from the top (24) of one outer wall (20) and is latchable to the top (24) of the other outer wall (22), and includes a pair of inner walls (36,40) joined by a central arcuate portion (38) crossing the top of the U-shaped channel (18).

Abstract: An H-shaped compressible connector having a main body and two pairs of opposed legs extending in opposite directions from the main body. Each pair of opposed legs is provided with one leg which is curved inwardly with respect to the second leg. During the crimping process, this curved leg would move below the interior surface of the second leg in each pair, thereby providing a completely closed connector for various conductor sizes.

Abstract: A grounding connector for interconnecting a pair of uninsulated conductors such as wires includes an outer body member having diverging tabs extending from upper extents of vertical walls of a U-shaped channel, the tabs being crimpable toward each other when applied to the wires. An inner body member includes a base section crossing the top of the U-shaped channel and diverging inner tabs extending along the inside surfaces of the outer body member to assured stops at the ends of the outer tabs. When the outer tabs are crimped to a vertical orientation, the inner tabs are also crimped to a vertical orientation and urge the base section against the wires in the U-shaped channel. The inner body member presses the wires against upper and lower surfaces of a conductive insert so that arrays of penetrating spikes along the insert surfaces break through corrosion of the wires and assuredly electrically interconnect the wires.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for precisely joining two sections of dielectric waveguides to form a waveguide joint, wherein such waveguides comprise a dielectric core, preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), one or more layers of dielectric cladding, preferably of PTFE, wrapped around the core, and one or more shielding layers wrapped around the cladding. A precise joint is provided wherein the two joined sections of waveguide are precisely oriented axially, radially and rotationally with respect to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for splicing electrical wires that are to be exposed to an adverse environment. The apparatus includes a connector, an insulating sleeve adapted to retain the connector, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant, which is disposed within the insulating sleeve, has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%.

Abstract: A splice cover adapted for use with a submersible splice and interconnecting insulated cables comprising a resilient substantially cylindrical center section and resilient corrugated end sections. The corrugations provide interior and exterior grooves and ridges which permit expansion and extension of the end section so as to accept different size insulated cables while maintaining a watertight fit between the cover and the insulated cable and an interference fit between the splice and the splice cover.

Abstract: A novel cable for computerized monitoring system comprises at least one outer jacket of plastic abrasion resistant material, one inner layer of fiber reinforcing material and another jacket of plastic abrasion resistant material. The end which is intended to be connected to the tool has a clamp to hold the fiber reinforcing material in place and prevent the fiber reinforcing material from being damaged. The clamp is a hollow cylinder about 1 inch in length with a flange, is internally threaded and is provided with at least one, preferably four grooves. When the clamp is snapped over the end of the cable, the threads engage the plastic material of the outer jacket and the reinforcing material is held in the grooves.

Abstract: A grounding ferrule is characterized by a generally cylindrical hollow member having at least three equiangularly circumferentially spaced axially extending slots which cooperate to define a plurality of circumferentially adjacent webs. Each web has a plurality of radially inwardly extending protrusions provided on the inner surface thereof. The ferrule responds to a radially inwardly directed crimping force applied circumferentially to the exterior surface of the webs by deflecting radially inwardly to define a constricted central region.

Abstract: A wire splicer device for connecting electrical conductors includes a flexible sleeve formed of a non-conductive material and having a pair of openings therein. A pair of elongate arms are integrally connected with the exterior surface of the sleeve adjacent one end thereof and extend longitudinally towards the other end of the sleeve. The free end of each arm has a pressure element extending therefrom towards one of the openings in the sleeve. An elongate rigid electrically conductive splicing member is positioned within the sleeve and includes end elements, each having penetrating teeth struck therefrom. The teeth on the splicing member penetrate the insulation on the conductors to thereby electrically connect the conductors together and lock the conductors in the sleeve.

Abstract: A device for splicing together two lengths of fluid-cooled, electric cable of the type comprising an electrical conductor surrounding by a flexible conduit through which a cooling fluid, e.g., water, can flow for the purpose of conducting thermal energy away from the cable while the cable conducts high current. The splicing device comprises an electrically-conductive tubular member having a pair of spaced holes in the tube wall. The tubular member is adapted to be crimped at both ends upon the respective ends of the conductor portion of two lengths of such cable, and the outside diameter of such member is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the flexible conduit portion of the cable so that the respective ends of the conduit portion of such two lengths of cable can snugly slide over the tubular member from opposite ends. The holes are located in the tubular member to allow fluid to flow substantially uninterrupted from one cable length, through the tubular member, to the other cable length.

Abstract: A sealant material that is relatively chemically inert toward plastics and adhesives is comprised of a homogeneous mixture of polymeric polyester, said polyester being derived from adipic acid, and silica, the polyester comprising more than about 50 percent by weight of the mixture and the fumed silica comprising less than about 20 percent by weight of the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the sealant material further contains an organofunctional silane coupling agent, a polyfunctional bridging agent, a dispersing agent and a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: An electrical connector utilizing a crimpable ferrule with an electrical insulation sleeve thereover, and a transparent outer sleeve surrounding the ferrule and insulation sleeve, with the transparent outer sleeve formed of coextruded, multi-layer material with at least one layer being oriented and heat-shrinkable, and with the inner layer being a heat-activable adhesive. A portion of the outer sleeve is preshrunk to aid in the use thereof. The electrical connector in accordance with this invention is produced by placing a crimpable ferrule having an insulation sleeve thereon upon a first support, with the outer sleeve upon a second support, with both vertically oriented and coaxially arranged, and with the support for the outer sleeve at a lower elevation than the other support. The arrangement is passed through a heating zone to partially shrink a portion of the outer sleeve about the insulating sleeve, and to activate an inner adhesive layer on said outer sleeve into adhesion with the insulating sleeve.

Abstract: An electrical conductor or cable splice is formed by passing the conductor ends from which any insulation has been removed through a ceramic insert so that portions of the conductor ends protrude out of the ceramic insert. These protruding portions are then mechanically and electrically connected to each other, by example, by soldering, welding, or brazing. A metal sleeve is then pushed over the ceramic insert and the ends of the sleeve are hermetically sealed to the metal jackets of the conductors or cable. The seal is accomplished, for example, for soldering. In this manner a so-called parallel connection is easily made in which the conductors double back. A longitudinal connection can also be made in which the conductors continue in the same direction through two inner sleeves and through an outer sleeve.

Abstract: A submersible splice assembly which includes a splice and a mating splice cover. The splice and splice cover are configured such that the splice cover is centered about the splice. As interference fit between the splice and splice cover is also provided.

Abstract: A submersible splice assembly which provides a splice and a removable mating splice cover. The splice and splice cover are configured such that the splice cover is centered about the splice. The splice includes a centrally located rib extending about the splice and the splice cover includes a central recess which mates with the rib on the splice. An interference fit between the splice and splice cover is also provided.

Abstract: A method is described for making an electrical through connection between a first insulated condution line including a flat electrical conductor to a second insulated electrical conduction line.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a first conductor to a second conductor. The electrical connector includes a generally E-shaped body which defines first and second conductor receiving cavities for accommodating the respective conductors. An intermediate member extends generally centrally in the interior of the body member, serving to separate the conductor receiving cavities. The body member is provided with an opening communicating with the conductor receiving cavities, by means of which the conductors are adapted to be positioned within the cavities. A plurality of rib members project from the body member into each of the cavities, and are deformable under pressure to vary the size of the cavities.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a first conductor to a second conductor. The electrical connector includes a generally C-shaped body which defines first and second conductor receiving cavities for accomodating the respective conductors. The body member is provided with an opening communicating with the conductor receiving cavities, by means of which the condutors are adapted to be positioned within the cavities. An integral hingedly connected retaining member is associated with one of the conductor receiving cavities whereby, once a conductor has been placed in the latter cavity, the retaining member may be manually rotated to a position wherein it secured the condcutor in the cavity. The connector is then intended to be placed over a second conductor, such that the second conductor is received in the other conductor receiving cavity. The connector is adapted to be compressed, by means of a compression tool, so as to substantially close the opening in the body member.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a pair of electrical conductors is disclosed. The connector includes a connector body defining a connection nest which accommodates a pair of conductors having either similar transverse cross-sectional shapes or conductors having different transverse cross-sectional shapes. The connector body includes a conductor receiving channel in the bottom wall thereof and a channel plug which is frangibly connected to the bottom wall. The plug may be moved into position within the channel to accommodate the pair of conductors having similar transverse cross-sectional shape or may be removed from the connector to accommodate a pair of conductors having different transverse cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a submersible electrical cable splice, and the method of making the same. It employs a housing sleeve of an elastomeric material which is hollowed out to include a central cavity connected at each of the ends by bores which are of slightly smaller diameter than the cables which are to be connected. In the process of making the splice, one end of the housing sleeve is lubricated, and one of the cables is pushed clear through and out the other end of the housing, where it is joined to the other cable end in abutting relation in a metal crimp connector. The joined cables are then pulled in the opposite direction back through the bore of the housing sleeve, until the crimping connector seats in the central cavity, which is of slightly smaller diameter than the crimping connector, squeezing out the air. It should be understood that a pocket or void or space is to be eliminated or reduced to insignificant amounts.

Abstract: A resilient open ended reenterable splice cover is provided having an enlarged central section and cable sealing means at both ends with the central section having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the metal splice which it is designed to cover. Even though an interference fit is provided between the splice and the splice cover, the cover is removable so as to provide reentry to the splice. A lubricating medium is contained within the splice cover. The splice cover may be provided in a kit which includes a mating deformable metal splice or terminal. The kit is designed to be used in the field so as to provide a submersible reenterable splice assembly for insulated electric cables.

Abstract: A conductive metal coupling sleeve harder and springier than the conductor and connector to be joined is interposed between them. The sleeve having patterned inside and outside surfaces is placed over the conductor end and the conductor-sleeve combination is inserted into the bore of the desired connector and subjected to compressing forces to crimp the components together. The patterns of the sleeve interlock with the conductor and the walls that define the connector bore. The springiness of the sleeve insures good electrical conductivity between the components in the event there is some springback of the components upon the termination of assembly compression or creep during use.

Abstract: A connector terminal is disclosed which comprises a base plate having an electrical contact portion at one side and an electrical wire connecting portion at the other side, and a pair of wire barrel members extending upwardly from both edges of the base plate so that a conductor of an electrical wire is crimped by the pair of wire barrel members. A CH CW ratio in the electrical wire pressure contact portion is in the range of 31 to 35%, the CH CW ratio being defined by the following equation: ##EQU1## where CH is the crimp height and CW is the crimp width.

Abstract: A connection system for electrical conductors is disclosed. The system involves an outer sheath manufactured from a material transparent to ultraviolet light. A tubular, deformable crimp ferrule is inserted within the sheath. Thereafter, a portion of ultraviolet-curable adhesive is placed within the ends of the sheath, which are covered with cap members to retain the adhesive inside. To connect the conductors (e.g. insulated wires or cables) the ends thereof are pushed through the cap members, through the ultraviolet-curable adhesive, and into the crimp ferrule. The crimp ferrule is then deformed to securely engage the ends of the conductors. Ultraviolet light is subsequently applied which passes through the sheath, causing the adhesive to solidify. The foregoing process produces a strong and secure bond between the conductors, and is readily adaptable to large-scale, mass production manufacturing conditions using a minimal amount of time and labor.

Abstract: A plug connector is joined to a shielded flat ribbon cable including a plurality of insulated leads disposed laterally adjacent to one another, the cable further including an electrically conducting shielding enveloping the leads. The shielding is severed along the lateral edges of the cable to form a first shielding layer on one side of the cable, the first layer being additionally severed along a zone extending substantially transversely to the leads and peeled back to enable insertion of the plug connector. The second layer is separated from the insulated leads and a first portion of the plug connector is inserted from the side between the separated second layer and the insulated leads. A second portion of the plug connector is disposed in juxtaposition to the insulated leads on the one side of the cable upon completion of the step of peeling. The first portion and the second portion of the plug connector are then pressed against the cable.

Abstract: A multiple wire joining device is disclosed which includes a generally tubular, deformable, electrically conductive housing having multiple apertures formed in the wall thereof. The apertures are axially spaced apart along the length of the housing and are each adapted to admit a wire therethrough so that it may entend axially along a length of the housing. The spacings between the apertures are sufficient to permit the admittance of a wire into the housing through each of the apertures a sufficient distance to enable the crimping of the housing adjacent each aperture to retain the respective wire therein.

Abstract: A contact press tool and electric connector is provided and consists of a modified pip-rivet gun and modified butt connector. The connector has a hole in the center through which a rod on a press member is inserted. The rod is subsequently passed through an anvil mounted on the gun and then into the cylinder of the pop-rivet gun. When the pop-rivet gun is activated the connector is compressed between the anvil and press member affecting the securing of wires in the connector.

Abstract: A sealant material that is relatively chemically inert toward plastics and adhesives is comprised of a homogeneous mixture of polymeric adipate polyester and fumed silica, the polyester comprising about 80 to 85 percent by weight of the mixture and the fumed silica comprising about 15 percent to 20 percent by weight of the mixture. In the preferred embodiment, the sealant material further contains about 0.02 to 0.04 percent of an organofunctional silane and about 0.03 percent to 0.07 percent of a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: An electrical connection to an insulated wire having a conductor that is softer than the wire insulation, for example a piezoelectric vinylidine fluoride polymer wire having a low melting point conductor, comprises a conductive crimping element that is crimped onto the wire. The crimping element has been deformed to a relatively small extent such that it does not penetrate the wire insulation but causes the low melting point metal conductor to exude out of the wire into contact on the electrically conductive connection element, e.g. the closed end of the crimp.

Abstract: An end cap for protecting a substrate includes an outer band disposed around a gel container in a vicinity of a crimp ring, the outer band protecting the container from being pierced by a crimping tool, and keeping a material of the container deformed subsequent to crimping the crimp ring so as to prevent separation between the container and the crimp ring due to relaxation.

Abstract: Superconductive conductors, having as many as thousands of filaments, are joined together to form a true superconductive joint. The method is particularly applicable in the situation in which superconductive filaments are embedded in an overlying or surrounding matrix of resistive material such as copper or aluminum. The resistive material is removed by chemical dissolution to expose a length of superconductive filaments. The filaments are juxtaposed within a sleeve of superconductive material which is crimped about the exposed filaments. The connection may be completed by thermally fusing the exposed ends of the filaments.

Abstract: A molded buswork and method of manufacturing the buswork, including a conductive T-shaped member having openings at the ends, insulated cables having the insulation at the ends of the cables stripped away to expose the ends of the conductors, an individual exposed conductor being crimped in each open end of the conductive member, the conductive member being supported in a cavity mold by the cables, the cavity mold being filled with a thermal-setting silicone rubber, the silicone rubber curing in the mold to encapsulate and bond to the conductive member, the exposed ends of the conductors, and the insulation on each cable.

Abstract: An electrical crimp connector includes a plurality of dimples disposed between an outer surface of a crimping body and an inner surface of a polymeric envelope, with an insulating gel being disposed in a space between the crimping body and the envelope formed by the dimples. Upon crimping the connector, the insulating gel is forced into an interior cavity of the connector thus insulating wires being crimped.

Abstract: A system for coupling or connecting magnet wires to lead wires comprises terminals each having a portion upturned with an insulation displacement connector and each also having a portion with crimp connectors. The system also comprises a terminal holder with front and rear plates each having slots for supporting said connectors in a position to hold wires in an out-of-alignment orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fuse link assembly wherein a tensioned fusible element is secured at each end to a circuit conductor for connection to an external electrical circuit. The improvement includes an integral stamped crimp terminal which secures each end of the fusible element to a circuit conductor. The crimp member includes a serial succession of three discrete crimp portions, a first portion for receiving the fusible element, a second portion for receiving the circuit conductor, and a third portion for receiving a wire-like strain relief element disposed in parallel, cross the fusible element. The first crimp terminal (which receives the fusible element) is located between the second and third crimp portions. Each crimp portion has an internal diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the conductor received therein.

Abstract: In a process for making a connection between superconductive wires constituted by one or more strands or filaments of superconductive material embedded in a metallic matrix, the metal constituting the matrix is previously eliminated over a certain length of wire, corresponding to the desired zone of contact between the wires, so as to expose the or each strand of these wires. Thereafter the linkage is established between the strands by exerting thereon a strong pressure, cold.The visible superconductive strands of the two wires are applied, near one another, on a support. A strip of superconductive material is then applied on the visible strands and a sheath made of a material which is a good conductor of electricity is placed around the assembly constituted by the support, the strands of the superconductive wires and the superconductive strip.

Abstract: An electrical terminal having a wire clamping tab connected thereto by an essentially thin neck portion about which a wire coated with a resin-type, high temperature insulation is adapted to be wound so that, when the tab is bent back against the terminal by opposed, energized electrodes to clamp a portion of the wire extending from the neck portion therebetween, resistance of the latter to flow of current heats both the neck portion and the wire wrapped therearound sufficiently to explode the insulation from the wire to assure a good electrical connection. At the same time the relatively large area of the terminal and its clamping tab maintains the clamped portion of the wire below its annealing temperature so that it is resistant to breakage in use.

Abstract: A flat electrical cable for use under a rug or carpet having a series of regularly spaced elongate apertures in a web of insulating material along one edge of the cable. "U" shaped conductive connectors are used to secure adjacent cables together with an upper segment of the connector passing through an aperture of each cable so as to properly position the cables in respect to each other and electrically connect the cable conductors by means of sharpened pawls on the connector which pierce the plastics insulation of each cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method to connect one or more non corrodible, valve metal anodes whose surface has been activated by a deposit of non passivatable material, to a power supply cable, insulated by a sheath of rubber or other elastomeric material, to make flexible anode assemblies to be used for the cathodic protection of metallic structures, either in water or soil environments.Each anode is provided with a valve metal sleeve, which may be inserted along the cable and then swaged first directly onto the cable's conducting core, previously stripped of its insulating sheath, in correspondence of the central portion of the sleeve, and subsequently swaged at the two ends directly onto the insulating sheath of the cable. Bushes of a ductile metal or alloy, preferably anodically dissoluble, are disposed onto the valve metal sleeve before swaging, in order to take up the wrinkling and allow a more uniform circumferential reduction of the valve metal sleeve over the cable.

Abstract: An advantageous anodic structure, particularly useful for cathodic protection of metal structures having a large linear extension, is made of an insulated power cable having suitable terminal at least at one end for the electrical connection to the positive pole of the electrical source and of a series of anodic segments distributed over the length of the power cable, coaxial with the cable itself and electrically connected through a leak-proof connection with the conductive core of the insulated power cable without interruption of the core continuity.

Abstract: A tubular anode such as tubular cast iron, magnetite, graphite, carbon or steel may be provided with an easily made internal or center connection having assured uniform resistance characteristics by the employment of at least two diametrically opposed wedge blocks, such blocks having parallel crowned and serrated contact surfaces and a wedge surface interface, such interface including a tongue and slot connection between the blocks, one or both blocks having oppositely extending tubular crimpable lead connections. The blocks may be made of malleable material so that when assembled and placed in the proper location inside the anode, one may be held while the other is driven axially, or both may be driven in axially opposite directions easily to form an electrical connection of assured electrical resistivity.

Abstract: A method of crimping contact wires (24) into a holder (26) of a brush contact (24) in which a converging series of indentors (16) each having a Vee-shaped tip (72) are advanced into the holder by a cam sleeve (30) engaging cam surfaces (18) on each indentor, to form valley-shaped crimp recess (78) forcing the holder material between adjacent pairs of contact wires (24), which arrange themselves in a symmetrical pattern during the crimping. A series of flats (70) are also formed on the holder (26) end to tightly bundle the contact wires (24) projecting from the holder (26). The indentors (16) and holder (26) are mounted in a nest (14) during the crimping process.

Abstract: The device for enclosing at least part of an elongation object, preferably a connection between electrical conductors, comprising a hollow dimensionally recoverable article having an aperture that communicates between the interior and the exterior of the article, and a quantity of material which seals an aperture. The material is self sealing so that it will allow penetration of a test probe through the material and will continue to seal the article after removal of the probe. Advantageously the article contains an arrangement for connecting electrical conductors, for example a solder insert or crimping connector.

Abstract: The combination of a metallic grounding clip and a shielded, jacketed flat cable of the type including a main portion having a plurality of spaced signal conductors, an offset portion including a drain wire, and a metallic shield which encompasses the signal conductors and extends into the offset portion in contact with the drain wire. The clip has a first leg, a second leg, and a web joining the legs and defining therewith a channel for receiving the offset portion. At least one of the legs has a termination member for piercing the offset portion to contact the drain wire. Thus the clip can be attached to the cable remote from the signal conductors at any desired location along the length of the cable and the shield of the cable can extend to the cable ends.

Abstract: A braided metal sheath 11 is anchored on an ignition wire 10 to protectively encase wire 10 and leave the sheath ends 14 spaced at an electrically insulating distance from terminal end regions 9 of wire 10 to prevent shorting out the ignition wire. The anchorage can be made by sliding a shorter length of a separate sheath onto a longer length of ignition wire 10, winding a wrapper 13 over each of the sheath ends 14, and then clamping with a radially compressible clamp that fits over and conceals wrapper 13. The sheathing can also be braided directly onto a continuous length of ignition wire 10 that is cut to individual wire lengths. Then end regions of the sheathing are cut and stripped from the ignition wire to leave sheath ends 14 at an electrically insulating distance from terminal ends 9 of wire 10. Sheath ends 14 are then clamped to wire 10 to conceal the sheath ends and prevent fraying.

Abstract: A sealing device for a wire splice. An insulative tube with a reservoir positioned transverse to and communicating with the insulative tube is adapted to receive a wire splice. A septum within the reservoir at least partially divides the reservoir substantially transverse to the insulative tube. An insulative fluid may then be forced through the reservoir into the insulative tube surrounding the wire splice. A connector for electrical wires is formed from a conductive tube adapted to receive the ends of the electrical wires to be connected and capable of being crimped onto the electrical wires. A sealing device may then be positioned over the conductive tube and an insulative viscous fluid may be forced through the reservoir into the insulative tube surrounding the conductive tube in order that the electrical wires may be electrically connected and insulated.

Abstract: The method of providing an improved soldered electrical connection includes the step of providing a ring over an electrical wire and a terminal which are to be soldered together, and then compressing the ring to form a mechanical connection between the wire and the terminal prior to soldering. The mechanical connection holds the wire for a substantial length against the terminal and prevents movement during the soldering thereby insuring against a cold solder joint. Preferably, the ring is divided with the free ends preferably being offset to provide ease in sliding past each other. Preferably, a specially designed tool is utilized to compress the ring, the tool being provided with specially designed grooves in its jaws for holding the ring on end.

Abstract: An electrical connector which is capable of being used to interconnect insulated conductors (21--21) the field or in a factory during in-line processing includes a base (22) and contact element (24). The contact element which is used to establish an electrical connection between the conductors includes a center (24) portion and two opposed bifurcated beams. A portion of each beam is upstanding from the plane of the contact element. Furcations of each beam define a slot (47) for receiving one of the conductors to be interconnected. The contact element is attached to the base which includes at least one deformable tang (31) at each end. End portions of conductors to be connected are each positioned across an end of the base. The tangs are wrapped about the conductors, the conductors are moved into the slots of the beams, and excess portions of the lengths severed.