Abstract: A modular jack assembly with a flexible shorting bar having a first longitudinal insulative strip and a second longitudinal insulative strip. A plurality of insulative spaced parallel transverse strips is interposed between the first and second longitudinal strips forming a plurality of transverse openings between the first and second longitudinal strip. The shorting bar also includes at least one conductive trace having a pair of transverse conductive legs and connecting longitudinal section. Each of the transverse conductive legs is superimposed over a separate one of the transverse strips, and the longitudinal conductive section is superimposed over one of the longitudinal strips. This flexible shorting bar is superimposed over the medial interior wall of the housing such that the transverse strips are each positioned in a separate one of said contact receiving recesses.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes a first switch contact stamped and formed of sheet metal material and including a base. An integral spring contact arm is folded into cantilevered position back over the base. The spring contact arm has a distal end with a first contact surface facing away from the base. A second switch contact has a second contact surface facing the base of the first switch contact in position of opposing engagement with the first contact surface. Therefore, movement of the spring contact arm of the first switch contact toward the base thereof causes the first contact surface to move away from the second contact surface of the second switch contact.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments connected thereto. The microsurgical instruments are for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures. The system includes a data communications bus and a user interface connected to the data communications bus. The user interface provides information to the user and receives information from the user which is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments. The system also includes surgical modules connected to and controlling the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters. The surgical modules are also connected to the data communications bus. The data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the surgical modules.

Abstract: A device for supervising movable articles or objects has a supervising member which can be attached thereto. The device includes a connector disposed in a housing. The housing includes an aperture and a rotary blocking member positionable between the connector and the aperture of the housing. The supervising member is coupled to the connector. The blocking member prevents the supervising member from being recoupled to the connector after it has been removed from the housing. An alarm system is also provided. The alarm system includes ambient condition detectors in communication with a control unit.

Abstract: A coaxial connector has a housing (20) and a contact (10) is provided in the housing for electrical connection to a contact of a mateable connector. The contact 10 is resiliently deflectable in the mating direction upon mating with a suitable connector.

Abstract: Provided is a termination coaxial connector, having a wide frequency band, which is capable of handling digital signals. A coaxial F-type receptacle connector connects to a coaxial F-type plug connector. The receptacle connector principally comprises an outer conductor 1, a insulating sliding tube 2 which is accommodated inside the outer conductor so as to slide therein, a securing member 6 for securing the insulating sliding tube to the outer conductor, and a center conductor 5 which is supported in the center of the securing member 6 The insulating sliding tube further comprises a coiled spring 4 and a termination element 3, the insulating sliding tube being ordinarily forced outwards by the expansive force of the coiled spring, but being pushed between the center conductor and the termination element when a plug connector is inserted, whereby the electrical connection is broken, the termination is cancelled and both connectors are connected.

Abstract: An orientationless squib connector assembly (10) for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. A single initiator pin (24, 326) is provided axially aligned within a squib socket (12, 324). An annular ground plate (28, 328) surrounds and shunts to ground the initiator pin near the base of the socket. An associated connector (16, 202, 312, 410) includes a first, axially located terminal (64, 280, 314, 416) for electrical contact with the initiator pin and a second terminal (66, 282, 316, 418) comprising a depending leg or beam (110, 320) radially aligned with the first terminal for electrically contacting the ground plate at any rotational orientation of the connector with respect to the socket and for moving a part of the ground plate (28) out of electrical engagement with pin (24). Eliminating a required rotational orientation of the connector simplifies its manufacture and assembly and its incorporation into a vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-tap is described having two compartments, a microstrip in each compartment for conducting RF signals and AC power from an input at one end of the multi-tap to a first output port at the other end, a cover for each compartment having a circuit thereon that is substituted for the microstrip in a compartment when the cover closes that compartment, a device near the first output port that can be adjusted to direct RF signals and AC power passing through the microstrips to a point other than the first output port and additional microstrips for conducting RF signals and AC power from that point, when the RF signals and AC power are present thereat, to a second output port located near the input port. Grounding shields are provided for shorting the additional microstrips when the device is adjusted to deliver RF signals and AC power to the first output port. When the cover of a compartment is closed, it activates a switches formed in part by ends of the microstrips.

Abstract: Several different types of electrical switches are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, an electrical switch is disclosed comprising: a molded case having a pair of conductive terminal contacts; and a molded actuator for mating with the case. The actuator is movable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position within the case, and the actuator has at least one spring member and a conductive contact surface. The spring member forces the actuator into the non-conducting position, and the conductive contact surface provides an electrical connection between the pair of conductive terminal contacts when the actuator is in the conducting position. The actuator is retained within the case by a retaining member and/or a snap member. The case and the actuator are molded about the conductive terminal contacts and the spring members, respectively. Furthermore, the conductive contact surface is formed of a conductive elastomer that is grafted to the actuator.

Abstract: A connector is provided which includes first and second insulative housings each of which includes first and second contacts, respectively, which may be electrically and mechanically connected and disconnected, in a connected mode and disconnected mode, respectively. The first insulative housing includes shorting bars which are spring biased into contact with the first contacts in the disconnected mode. The second insulative housing includes engagement posts which engage the shorting bars in a connected mode to disengage the shorting bars from the first contacts. An improved manner of mounting the shorting bars in the first insulative housing from the rear of such housing is provided. Each shorting bar is firmly held in place by the mating of a housing keeper within the first insulative housing and shorting bar latches.

Abstract: A radio frequency switch assembly (120) is mountable between an antenna port (110) and a detachable antenna (130) of a radio communication device assembly (100) to provide an interface for a radio frequency accessory. The switch assembly (120) has a radio interface port (123), a radio frequency accessory port (125), and an antenna interface port (127), and associated contacts (207, 216, 223). A mechanical switch alternatively interconnects the radio interface port (123) with the radio frequency accessory port (125) or with the antenna interface port (127). Preferably, the switch includes a conductive probe (213) that continuously engages the radio interface port contact (207) while being slidable to electrically interconnect with the antenna interface port contact (223) or with the radio frequency accessory port contact (216).

Abstract: A touch contact switch has a sensor key or button with a spatially extended, electrically conductive foam or flexible plastic or rubber body. The switch is operated by contact or approach. The sensor button essentially forms one pole of a capacitor and is electrically connected to an evaluating circuit of the touch contact switch, wherein switching is initiated as a result of a capacitance change in consequence of approach or contact. The sensor button can be bonded directly on a mounting plate of the associated electrical evaluating circuit or can be engaged by a pin or the like. The body can be flush to the underside of a cover, which forms or contains the contact surface. The body can include an opening along the longitudinal axis in which is insertable a LED.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching arrangement for connecting and/or separating two sections (7, 8) of an electrical line (3), said arrangement comprising a switching device (10) having contact elements (11, 12) which are connected to said two line sections (7, 8) as well as a plug device (15) having an actuation element (20) and plug contacts (18, 19).For providing a switching arrangement of particularly simple design for connecting and/or separating two sections of an electrical line, the present invention proposes that the contact elements (11, 12) be electrically connected to the actuation reeds of a reed contact (25) and the actuation element (20) be means magnetically influencing said reed contact which will open said reed contact (25) when the plug devide (15) is plugged in.

Abstract: An air bag cover includes a thermoplastic front cover adapted to enclose an uninflated air bag, a tear seam defined in the rear inner surface of the air bag cover for permitting the deployment of the air bag, and a filler bead comprising a second thermoplastic material that forms a bond with the tear seam, wherein the bond breaks upon deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: A continuity bridge in a broadband signal tap for providing a make-before-break connection of an input terminal to an output terminal of the tap. The broadband signal tap comprises a housing and a cover that is removably connected to the housing. The interior of the housing has an input terminal for receiving a signal from the feeder cable and an output terminal for returning the signal to the feeder cable. The cover includes circuitry for splitting the signal and delivering a portion thereof to at least one subscriber port on the cover. The cover has an input socket and an output socket, each being removably engaged with and electrically connected to the input and output terminals, respectively, of the housing. The continuity bridge in the housing connects the input terminal to the output terminal upon the removal of the cover from the housing prior to the disengagement of the sockets from the terminals.

Abstract: A portable computer system which includes a modified C-7 power cord socket, which can receive either an AC power cord with a standard C-7 connector or a DC power cord with a modified C-7 connector. (However, the modified C-7 connector cannot be inserted into a standard C-7 socket.) Microswitches in the modified power cord socket detect the presence of the DC connector, and automatically adjust the power conversion circuit accordingly.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite article is provided having a polytetrafluoroethylene fibril matrix and a predetermined volume. The electrically conductive composite article comprises electrically conductive particles, and electrically nonconductive, energy expanded hollow polymeric particles. The volume percent of the electrically conductive particles is at least 20 volume percent. The electrically conductive composite article is continuously electrically conductive throughout its entire structure. Accordingly, electric current freely flows through the composite article due to the low resistivity of the article. The electrically conductive composite article may additionally include an elastomer material disposed within the article in a discontinuous fashion.

Abstract: For a switch connector with contact elements disposed in contact cavities of an insulator body, with contact elements with at least one spring-elastic arm in the contact cavities, and in which contact blades of a corresponding mating connector can be inserted in the contact cavities and thus make contact with the contact elements and in which there is provided at least one shorting jumper which short-circuits two contact elements in the absence of an inserted mating connector, the short circuit being broken when the blade contacts are inserted in the contact cavities, it is proposed that the shorting jumper is designed as a rigid contact part and has at least one contact limb which is disposed between the contact spring limbs of the contact elements and that in the contact cavities there is a switching element provided with a switching spring limb, the switching spring limb acting on the contact spring limb of the contact element in such a way that the latter is displaced until the switching spring limb bears

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a shorting circuit arrangement. The assembly includes a first connector having a dielectric housing mounting at least a pair of adjacent terminals. A pair of conductive shorting members are mounted in the housing of the first connector. Each shorting member includes a contact portion in engagement with a respective one of the terminals and a shorting portion in engagement with the shorting portion of the other shorting member, thereby establishing an electrical shorting circuit between the terminals. A second connector includes a dielectric extending portion received between the shorting portions of the shorting members when the connectors are mated, thereby electrically separating the shorting members and opening the electrical shorting circuit between the terminals.

Abstract: A multi-tap distribution box is disclosed in which the positions of the input terminal and the output terminal are selectable. A housing (1) has in the center portion thereof an attachment portion (5) on which main line terminals (5a, 5b, and 5c) are provided. Two terminals are located above, and on both sides of the center of, the housing (1) while the other terminal is located directly under one of the two terminals. A mother board (6) with transmission terminals (7) is mounted on the attachment portion (5) so that the transmission terminals (7) are connected to a select pair of the main line terminals. A branch unit (15) which includes a branch terminal (17) is detachably mounted on the mother board (6) on which a main body (21) with a tap board (20) is in turn mounted. When the main body (21) is mounted, an input terminal (23) provided on the tap board (20) is connected to the branch terminal (17) of the branch unit (15).

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) having a body (20), a switch assembly (30) for slideable disposition in the body (20), and discriminators (60,70,80) for terminating large and/or small gauge wires. The switch subassembly includes a conventional dummy-load test circuit. Insulation displacement contacts (40,50) are disposed in the body and in the discriminators (60,70 80) for termination with the wires. The switch assembly (20) is slidably disposed within the body (20) in a sealed cavity (27), and contacts (32) of the subassembly slidably but electrically interface with contacts (40,50), the switch assembly (20) is thereby suspended in the cavity and its motion is guided along contacts (40,50) which act as tracks as the switch assembly is displaced between normal and test mode positions.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a connector body having a first end and a second end, an axially movable sleeve disposed within the body, and at least one switch actuating pin in contact with the sleeve and axially movable therewith. A first end of the switch body is adapted to removably receive a mating connector for creating an electrical connection between the connector and the mating connector. Upon mating of the first end of the body with the mating connector, a portion of the mating connector contacts the sleeve and moves the sleeve axially within the body in the direction of the second end of the body. Movement of the sleeve causes corresponding movement of the switch actuating pin whereby a first end of the switch actuating pin extends outward from the body. The connector may be positioned adjacent a normally open switch with one terminal of the switch connected to a center conductor the connector and the other terminal of the switch being connected to an electrical signal source.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a cable including a socket housing having a terminal screw for connecting the cable, a substrate pin for electric connection with the terminal screw, and a pin header on which the socket housing can be mounted to cover the screw. With this connector, no dedicated tool or dedicated machine is required when connecting a cable to the socket housing, which insures improved workability as well as the safety of the connector and realizes size reduction.

Abstract: A holding tool (40) is inserted into a retainer-attaching hole or a holding tool-accommodating space (22) with the holding tool (40) supporting a short-circuit terminal (15) therein. The short-circuit terminal (15) is inserted into a cavity (14) in a connector housing (10) by pushing a rear end of the terminal (15) through a handling aperture (23) by means of a pushing pin (45). Since the terminal (15) is inserted into the connector housing (10) from its lower side, a front opening of the cavity (14) can be formed into the smallest size so that a short-circuit-releasing member (31) can enter the opening (20). Extraneous substances hardly enter the cavity (14) in the connector housing (10) through the opening (20). Also, since the handling aperture (23) may be formed into the smallest size so that the pushing pin (45) can enter the aperture (23), the connector housing (10) becomes a small size.

Abstract: A short circuit connector has male and female connector housings 10,20, one of which has a short circuit terminal 30 and the other of which has an insertion member 16. In the disconnected state the short circuit terminal 30 electrically connects two terminals of one housing, whilst in the connected state the short circuit terminal 30 is disengaged by the insertion member 16. The insertion member does not directly separate the contact area of the terminals. In a second aspect the connector includes a retainer 117 which has retention projections 124,127 engageable in the chamber of the short circuit terminal; separate engagement recesses are thereby avoided.

Abstract: A connector is provided which includes first and second insulative housings each of which includes first and second contacts, respectively, which may be electrically and mechanically connected and disconnected, in a connected mode and disconnected mode, respectively. The first insulative housing includes shorting bars which are spring biased into contact with the first contacts in the disconnected mode. The second insulative housing includes engagement posts which engage the shorting bars in a connected mode to disengage the shorting bars from the first contacts. An improved manner of mounting the shorting bars in the first insulative housing from the rear of such housing is provided. The shorting bars are firmly held in place by a primary retention and a secondary retention. The primary retention results from a press fit between a lower length of each shorting bar and a slot formed by opposing slot walls of the first insulative housing.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for providing electrical communication between the keyboard and PC board of a notebook computer, and notebook computers employing such circuits and methods. A plurality of contacts electrically coupled to a keyboard and a plurality of contacts electrically coupled to a PC board are brought into electrical communication when the keyboard engages or is mounted to a housing or a PC board of the notebook. In presently preferred embodiments, physical contact may be provided between the two sets of contacts or an elastomeric material, or other type of bridge circuit, may be used to provide electrical connectivity between the two sets of contacts.

Abstract: A security system for detecting the fracture of a pane of glass of a motor vehicle comprising a fracture detector mechanisms in the form of a resilient sealing member. The resilient sealing member, which is normally in physical contact with the glass, has at least one sensor integrally formed therein by molding the at least one sensor into the resilient sealing member. The electrical state of the at least one each sensor, which is monitored by a control mechanism, is changed when the glass is fractured and, upon fracture, an appropriate warning device is energized by the control mechanism in response thereto. An anti-trap device may also be included in the resilient sealing member in order to detect the presence of foreign objects.

Abstract: This invention relates to a make-before-break switch of the type for electrical connector, where the connector is intended to be mated with a complementary coaxial cable connector. The switching connector comprises a pair of spaced-apart, cantilevered switch contacts mounted within a dielectric housing, where such mating is between the pair of switch contacts. A unique feature hereof is that the shank portion of one of the switch contacts has a contact arm extending toward and in contact with the shank portion of the other switch contact in an unmated condition, and that the respective mating ends of the switch contacts are axially offset from one another. By this arrangement, upon mating by the complementary connector, contact is made sequentially with the mating ends and the contact arm is caused to wipe along the shank portion of the first switch contact to counter the effects of contaminants and oxides which may be present at the contact point.

Abstract: A shunting switch used in an electrical connector is formed as a bifurcated element having contact edges which are compressed between the lateral side edges of a pair of contact pins when the switch is closed. The contact edges of the shunting switch as each moves upwardly from an open condition to a closed condition occurs when the mating connector is removed causing a wiping action of the surfaces of the pins.

Abstract: A short-circuit chamber 15 is provided in a female connector housing 11, and contains a short-circuit part 16 provided with left and right-hand resilient arms 18a which normally make contact with female terminal parts 13 to establish a conducting state. A male connector housing 21 is provided with insulating pieces 25 which, when the male and female housings are coupled, enter between the female terminal parts 13 and resilient arms 18a to break the electrical circuit. Projections 18c engage with the rear edges 15d of openings 15c to establish an engaged state of the short-circuit part 16. Insertion of the insulating pieces 25 disengages the projections 18c from the rear edges 15d, to allow the short-circuit part 16 to be taken out.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) having contacts (16,18) extending from a mating face to a rear face, and including a switch contact (70) mounted along the rear face with a spring arm (76) adjacent the mating face. The spring arm (76) includes a contact-engaging section (80) proximate a deflectable leading end (78) that is engaged with a selected contact (18) when the connector is unmated. The leading end (78) is abutted by the mating connector upon full mating, disengaging the switch contact (70) from the selected contact (18) and indicating full mating.

Abstract: A short-circuit connector 2 having short-circuit contacts 20 arranged along electrical contacts 14 to be short-circuited, whereby the short-circuit contacts 20 have a base plate 20a secured in the housing 8 and a pair of contact arms 20b which are bent from the back edge of the base plate 20a toward the front end of the base plate 20a. Under each of the contact arms 20b, two primary restriction members 20c bent from the side edges of the base plate 20a are provided and a secondary restriction member 20d bent in a transverse direction from the center of the base plate 20a is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing multimedia signals to a subscriber from a headend unit. The multimedia signals are transmitted on a network media as an RF signal. The RF signal is fed to an input terminal of a tap which has an RF circuit that splits the RF signal and distributes to an output terminal. The RF circuit splits the RF signals, and feeds the split signal to a plurality of connectors on the tap's front panel. The RF signals on the output terminal are fed downstream to a plurality of subscribers. A plate is placed in the tap such that when the RF circuit is removed for repair, maintenance or service, an electrical connection is maintained between the input and output terminal to prevent a disconnection of service downstream.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chip card reader with a housing (10), a guideway (12) provided in the housing (10) for holding a chip card (14), a contact carrier (26), located on the housing, and a locking element (16) which latches behind the chip card in the read position, the locking element consisting of an L-shaped arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-frequency electrical connector which includes a first connector element comprising a first conductor and an earth conductor, and a second connector element comprising a second conductor, an earth conductor and a third conductor which is in electrical contact with the second conductor when the two connector elements are unmated, the first connector element being designed, when mating it with the second connector element, to move apart the said second and third conductors of the second connector element, the first (5), second (14) and third (16) conductors being made in the form of blades, the earth conductor of the first connector element (1) including an external sleeve (8) and a blade (6, 7) arranged substantially parallel to the blade (5) constituting the first conductor, the earth conductor of the second connector element (2) including an external sleeve (17) and a blade (15) arranged between the blades (14, 16) constituting the second and third conductors.

Abstract: For a switch plug with contact springs arranged in contact chambers of an insulating body, wherein at least two adjacent contact springs are connected by means of a jumper when no mating plug is plugged in, it is proposed, with a view to clearing the short circuit upon introduction of the blade contacts of a mating plug, to provide an actuating component made of plastic material in the entry zone of the blade contracts which acts upon a spring elastic jumper in such a way that the connection between the contact springs is broken.

Abstract: An arrangement for indicating that an electrical connection is not established between first and second electrical circuit components includes a shorting contact which is disengaged upon first and second electrical connectors establishing a connection. As long as the shorting contact is engaged, current flows to an indicator lamp indicating that the first and second connectors are disengaged. This arrangement is utilized to notify the operator of a motor vehicle that a connector is disengaged from an air bag system diagnostic module and needs to be reconnected so that an igniter disposed within an air bag in the vehicle is connected to an inertia sensor which energizes the igniter in order to cause a gas expansion to inflate the air bag. When the connector is connected to the module, the lamp is not illuminated.

Abstract: A connector comprises a socket adapted to be mounted in a potable radiotelephone having an internal power supply and a plug having a power code for supplying electric power from an external power supply to the radiotelephone. The socket has a pair of input terminals, movable and stationary terminals. The movable terminal is formed with a pair of torsion members each of which has a contact. The contacts are urged to the stationary terminal to make a first electrical connection therebetween for allowing a first operation of the radiotelephone with the use of the internal power supply. For preventing an accidental breakage of the first electrical connection which is caused by dust or pieces of thread put between the movable and stationary terminals, a contact-point between one of the contacts and the stationary terminal is displaced from that between the other contact and the stationary terminal in an inserting direction of the plug into the socket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial type connector-switch component for high frequencies. The component comprises a conductor body (10), a first contact (16), a second contact (28), and a moving assembly (34) which is movable in translation along an axis between a first position and a second position. The moving assembly comprises a conductive member (36) that is slidably mounted on the first contact (16) and that possesses a moving contact (40) which co-operates with the second contact (28) when the moving assembly (34) is in the first position, and which is remote from the second contact (28) when the moving assembly (34) is in its second position. A return device (54) urges the moving assembly (34) towards its firs position. The invention is applicable to car radiotelephones.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a housing, a plurality of first electrical contacts, a shuttle movably mounted inside the housing, and a plurality of second electrical shunt contacts stationarily mounted on the shuttle. The shuttle is movable between two positions to move the shunt contacts into and out of electrical contact with the first electrical contacts. The shuttle has a cam surface that is adapted to be moved along the slot by a second mating electrical connector to move the shuttle and shunt contacts.

Abstract: A remotely controlled actuator assembly is provided to switch a large power distribution switch used in an electrical utility power grid. The actuator of the assembly throws the switch between at least two positions to establish at least two power routing conditions. The actuator assembly includes a position-sensing device to repeatably and accurately indicate the position of the actuator. The position-sensing device generates a signal indicative of the extent of displacement of the actuator. The generated signal provides feed-back to a control system which control the extent of actuator travel.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the toilet training. The device includes a bowl for receiving human waste as well as an electrical assembly. The electrical assembly includes two pins extending through the bowl, an elastomeric buffer, two contacts interconnected to a resistance sensor, and a melody generator. The buffer provides a solderless electrical connection between the corresponding pins and contacts. When the electrical resistance between the pins decreases, the resistance sensor detects the decrease in resistance between the two pins and contacts and delivers an activation signal to the melody generator.

Abstract: An electronic module socket is provided having corresponding pairs of contacts wherein the contacts short out and are self-cleaning. A first contact having a semi-circle terminal end portion and a second contact having a J-shaped terminal end portion. The two terminal portions, upon removal of a module, slide past each other in opposite directions. The contacts having board contact points removed from the short out portions of the contacts. The contacts being fabricated in order to provide for gang loading of the contacts within the electronic module socket insulator.

Abstract: A connector assembly containing a V-shaped spring continuity bridge, which moves between a first position, in which continuity is maintained between two contacts, and a second position in which continuity between the two contacts is broken, upon insertion of a mating plug, the V-spring continuity bridge being mounted to the connector body via a mounting block. The V-shaped spring is formed so that a center portion thereof is radiused, and no sharp angles are present. This center portion loosely fits into a corresponding groove formed in the mounting block allowing for movement of the entire V-spring continuity bridge upon deflection caused by contact with the mating plug.

Abstract: A multi-input first connector for use with a mating connector wherein the first connector includes a connector housing; first, second, third, and fourth terminals disposed in the connector housing; a first connecting device for connecting the first terminal with the second terminal; a second connecting device for connecting the third terminal with the fourth terminal; and a connect-and-disconnect device. The connect-and-disconnect device connects a first terminal group with a second terminal group in a first state in which the mating connector is uncoupled from the first connector, and for disconnecting the first terminal group from the second terminal group in a second state in which the first connector is coupled together with the mating connector. An intrusive insulating portion of the mating connector disconnects the terminal groups by electrically separating them in the coupled state.

Abstract: A keyboard for a computer includes a rubber pad having conductive rubber cones and a recessed portion, a key unit having keys respectively disposed above the rubber cones, an upper silver grating and a bottom silver grating and retained between a frame and the rubber pad and having projecting strips with respective electric contacts projecting into the recessed portion and in contact with a circuit board mounted within the recessed portion.

Abstract: A short-circuit terminal mounted within an air bag-side housing includes contact portions that are formed respectively at opposite side portions thereof and are resiliently and selectively engaged with respective ones of a pair of female terminals. A narrow insulating plate that can intrude between one of the contact portions of the short-circuit terminal and an upper surface of one of the female terminals is mounted within a power source-side housing within which male terminals are provided. When the two housings are fitted together, the insulating plate intrudes between one contact portion of the short-circuit terminal and its associated female terminal, thereby interrupting an electrical connection between the pair of female terminals. With this construction, it is possible to reduce a manipulation force required for inserting and withdrawing a connector provided with a short-circuit terminal, and the connector will not trigger erroneous opening of the air bag.

Abstract: A connecting device couples an explosive charge, triggerable by electric current, to a current source. A two core electrical line has the explosive charge at one end, the current source at the other end and the connecting device in between. The connecting device includes a plug (4) with two plug pins (7,8) extending parallel to each other. In the connected state of the connecting device, a counter plug (5) matingly receives the two plug pins. The plug (4) has a cavity (14) between the two plug pins (7,8) in which a short-circuit element (11) made from a resilient metal is provided. The short-circuit element (11) is moveable relative to the plug pins (7,8) between an operative position and an inoperative position.

Abstract: There is provided an elastomeric switching device for use with electrical circuits, such as those on a printed circuit board. The elastomeric switching device comprises an elastomeric pad constructed from a plurality of parallel strips of conductive material between layers of non-conductive or insulating material together with a moveable conductive contact which is aligned with the elastomeric pad. The elastomeric pad is predisposed in contact with the circuits on the printed circuit board. The moveable conductive contact establishes electrical connections between the affected circuits via the conductive strips of the elastomeric pad. The proper alignment and orientation of the elastomeric pad and moveable conductive contact relative to the circuits is maintained by the structural and mechanical features of a housing.