Abstract: The female part of an underwater electrical connector has inner and outer chambers containing non-conductive fluid. Each chamber has an opening sealed by a respective spring loaded ball in the unmated condition of the connector and by a contact pin of the male part in the mated condition of the connector. The balls are displaced transversely to the direction of movement of the contact pin to engage the contact socket and automatically re-seal the openings when the contact pin is withdrawn.

Abstract: A compact pair of electrical connectors are provided with a cover that os automatically openable. The connectors include housings (1, 21). When the connection of the housings (1, 21) is started, a pushed-up portion (61) is moved along a guide surface (65) of a push-up plate (64), thereby gradually opening a cover (51), and then is moved onto a lock arm (15). The lock arm (15) is elastically deformed upward by lock projections (17) moving onto locking projections (46) and the cover (51) is further opened according to this elastic deformation. When the lock arm (15) is elastically deformed to its maximum degree, a push-in portion (16) is lifted to a position immediately before upper beams (18A) of a jam preventing frame (18) and the pushed-up portion (61) is moved upward along tapered surfaces (68) of the upper beams (18A), moving over the upper beams (18A).

Abstract: A metal adapter frame assembly mounts a first electrical connector in an aperture in a panel for mating with a second electrical connector. A metal body defines a first receptacle for receiving the first connector and a second receptacle for receiving the second connector, with the connectors mateable through the body. A metal shield is mounted over a substantial portion of the metal body. A metal gasket is mounted on the body for engaging the panel at the aperture and substantially surrounds the first receptacle. A metal shutter member is movably mounted on the body to close the first receptacle and is movable to an open position upon engagement by the first connector.

Abstract: An underwater electro-optical connector assembly has a plug unit containing at least one contact element in a bore within the plug body and a receptacle unit containing at least one contact element in a bore aligned with the plug bore when the two parts are mated together. Each of the bores terminates in an enlarged, recessed seat at the front or mating face of the respective unit, and a seal member is movably mounted in each seat. Each seal member has a through bore aligned with the respective bores in the two units when in an open position, and offset from the contact element bores in a closed position so as to seal the bores until the parts are connected. Portions of each seal member project outwardly from the front face to make a good seal when the two front faces are pushed together.

Abstract: The conductor assembly for optical or electrical conductor or fluid line terminals, according to the invention, comprises a socket and a plug, each having a cavity for receiving conductor terminals. Socket and plug are mutually displaceable to engage them, whereby to engage the respective conductors and allow signals to be transmitted between them or to engage the respective fluid line terminals to allow fluid to flow through them, or to disengage them, whereby to disengage said conductors or said fluid line terminals. Each of them is provided with a cover for screening the respective conductor terminals from the environment, when closed, and baring them when open, and with elastic means urging the cover to its closed position. Opening means are provided for bringing said covers to their open positions when socket and plug are engaged, said elastic means bringing said covers back to their closed position when said socket and plug are disengaged.

Abstract: A dockable equipment container includes an outer shell of a durable material and an inner metallic container. The inner c,ontainer is suspended within the outer shell by blocks of energy absorbent material, such as SORBATHANE. The dockable equipment container further includes a connector at one end, which is covered by a protective door. When mated with external equipment, the protective door is moved to an open position by an alignment device, such as alignment pins, pressing against an end of the protective door. The alignment pins mate with corresponding alignment holes for ensuring that the connector properly mates with a corresponding connector in the external equipment. The dockable equipment container may contain various electronic equipment, which conmmunicates with the external equipment through the connector. The electronic equipment may include disk drives, which are protected from the environment and from shock by the construction of the dockable equipment container.

Abstract: A protection assembly for connectors is included on a circuit pack to prevent damage caused when a connector is removed while signal power is still being supplied to the circuit pack. More specifically, the protection assembly is disposed on the front side of the circuit pack to prevent access to the connector until signal power is automatically cut off from the circuit pack. In one embodiment, the circuit pack is the type having a lever arrangement capable of causing the circuit pack to engage and disengage the backplane of an equipment frame. When the circuit pack is engaged in the backplane, signal power is supplied through the connector that is accessible, for example, on the face plate of the circuit pack. The protection assembly includes a first shield member mounted on the face plate of the circuit pack in a location adjacent to the connector. The protection assembly further includes a second shield member mounted or otherwise formed on the lever arrangement.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a shutter arrangement which moves in the direction of plug insertion. The shutter has tabs which slide in grooves in the housing and grooves which pass over conductors in a plug receiving chamber. The shutter is moved to the back of the chamber when a plug is inserted and is biased by a spring to return to close the chamber when the plug is removed. The spring is formed of a pair of interconnected Z-shaped portion. On movement of the shutter in the direction of plug insertion, a free end of each portion moves in the shutter movement direction whereas an intermediate portion of each Z-shaped portion moves in a transverse direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly used with a daughter board and a back plane that protects the daughter board and the electrical connectors from damage during use. The assembly includes mounting hardware that is attached to the daughter board to prevent it from bending when a high insertion force is used to plug the daughter board onto the back plane. The mounting hardware also prevents the electrical connectors from damage by distributing the insertion force evenly across the connectors. The assembly also includes a protective cover that is attached to the electrical connectors. The protective cover encloses the signal contacts of the electrical connectors that are attached to the daughter board, and swings away automatically to expose the signal contacts when the daughter board is plugged onto the back plane.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device for charging an electric motor vehicle is provided which is easy for handling a charging coupler and hardly lowers electric power transmission efficiency for a long period of time. A charging coupler (10) containing a primary coil (15) is provided with a pair of heat-shielding covers (16), which are pivotably mounted on the coupler (10) by pins (17). When the charging coupler (10) is inserted into a depression (31) in an incoming unit of the electric motor vehicle, guides (21) push lower ends (16a) of the covers (16) to open the covers (16). The primary coil (15) in the charging coupler (10) is electromagnetically coupled to a pair of secondary coils (32, 32) in the depression (31). After charging, when the charging coupler (10) is drawn out of the depression (31), the heat-shielding covers (16) are closed by tension coil springs (18), thereby protecting the primary coil (15) and preventing a person from carelessly touching it.

Abstract: A personal computer has a casing that includes a rear wall formed having an aperture, and a first expansion connector is located in the casing so as to face the aperture. A connector cover for opening and closing the aperture is swingably provided on the rear wall of the casing. An expansion adapter to which the computer is connected includes a carrying surface, on which the casing is detachably mounted, and a first relay connector located adjacent to the carrying surface and connectable with the first expansion connector. Provided on the carrying surface is a pushing projection that engages the connector cover, thereby causing it to swing to an open position, when the casing placed on the carrying surface is moved toward the first relay connector.

Abstract: Either of a pair of adjacent plug holes in a computer network hub is automatically closed by a swinging door plate whenever a connector of a signal line is inserted into the other plug hole to prevent the simultaneous insertion of two connectors into both plug holes.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a compartment for fermenting foods such as kimchi. The food is disposed within a container that is slidable into the compartment. The container includes an electrical connector projecting from a container wall and which becomes plugged into a recessed electrical connector disposed in a wall of the compartment in response to insertion of the container into the compartment. The container carries a heater and a temperature sensor which are electrically connectable, via the electrical connectors, to a controller disposed in the refrigerator housing.

Abstract: An underwater electrical or optical connector assembly has a plug unit containing at least one contact element in a bore within the plug body and a receptacle unit containing at least one contact element in a bore aligned with the plug bore when the two parts are mated together. Each of the bores terminates in an enlarged, recessed seat at the front or mating face of the respective unit, and a seal member is movably mounted in each seat. Each seal member has a through bore aligned with the respective bores in the two units when in an open position, and offset from the contact element bores in a closed position so as to seal the bores until the parts are connected. Portions of each seal member project outwardly from the front face to make a good seal when the two front faces are pushed together.

Abstract: A connector includes a first connector and a second connector which are fitted to each other to be electrically connected. One of the first and second connectors is provided with shutters each of which is pivotally moved outwardly upon application of an external force to a front surface portion of the respective shutters. The other connector is provided with front end portions, and during the time when the two connectors are fitted together, each of the front end portions urges the front surface portion of the associated shutter.

Abstract: A connector in which the sliding movement of a movable contact member is stabilized, thereby securing a positive electrical connection. In the connector of the invention, a hollow connection terminal is fitted in a connector housing, and a coil spring and the slidable, movable contact member are received in this connection terminal. When the two connectors are fitted together, the coil spring urges the movable contact member toward a front end of the connector, thereby providing a sufficient contact load. A resilient, electrically-conductive contact band is provided in a gap between an outer peripheral surface of the movable contact member and an inner peripheral surface of the connection terminal. The connection terminal and the movable contact member are electrically connected together through this contact band, and this contact band prevents the movable contact member from being displaced in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fitting of the connection (that is, the axial direction).

Abstract: A cable connector assembly is provided to eliminate or minimize dynamic durbance on the body shell surface of a vehicle in motion. The vehicle includes a body shell having a recessed portion which includes a cable connector receptacle and a connector housing. The connector housing does not protrude from the vehicle and is smooth with the body shell contour. The connector housing includes a female electrical connection portion. Adjacent the connector housing in the recessed portion of the body shell is a hinged closure plate which is controlled by a compression spring. When the vehicle is at rest, an electrical cable is connected to the connector housing and the closure plate is pushed into the recessed portion of the body shell. When the vehicle is put in motion, the closure plate spring decompresses to force the closure plate to close and seal the recessed portion of the body shell. The closure plate and the connector housing form a uniform and smooth surface which blends with the contour of the body shell.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plurality of flexible convoluted metal contact strips connectable to external circuits. Switch arms connected to external circuits in a portable unit have a conductive contact area for selectively engaging the contact strips, thereby connecting the base unit and portable unit. A cover on the connector body rotates under pressure from the switch arm to direct excess force from the switch arm around the connector. The range of rotation of the cover is limited under contact of a plurality of stoppers by contact between the cover and a fixed plate. In this manner, excess force from the switch arm is never applies directly to the connector body or underlying connections.

Abstract: A compliant boot (30) for protecting the electrical connection between a PCMCIA card (14) and receiving socket (18) from dust and other contaminants when used in a harsh or dusty environment such as on-board a refuse collection vehicle.

Abstract: Electrical connection device comprising two connection elements of which one is mobile, and which are arranged to be capable of mutually coupling and uncoupling by rotation of the mobile element in the other element and to connect or reciprocally separate the opposing contacts with which they are provided. The mobile element is a coupler socket and the other element a connector outlet. The outlet is provided with a protective element which covers the contacts of the outlet when at rest, and which is rotationally mounted therein so as to be capable of being rotationally driven by the coupler socket during coupling. The protective element comprises two flaps which can slide with respect to one another and which are each provided with at least as many openings as there are contacts in the outlet and which are arranged in the same manner.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for automatically mating a pair of connectors and protecting them prior to mating, which minimizes weight and uses relatively simple and reliable mechanisms. Lower and upper connectors (24, 26) are held in lower and upper parts (14, 16) of a housing, with the upper connector mounted on a carrier (32) that is motor driven to move down and mate the connectors. A pair of movable members (36, 38) serve as shields, as coarse alignment aids, and as force transmitters. The movable members are pivotally mounted at the bottom of the upper housing, and as the carrier moves down it pivots the members out of the way. The movable members have socket elements (116) that closely receive pin elements (120) on the lower housing part, to coarsely align the connectors and to react mating and unmating forces between the housings. The carrier has a pair of plate portions (60, 62) with slots (64), and the movable members have cam followers engaged with the slot walls, to move the members with precision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic chassis installed on aircraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a safety locking system for establishing the presence of the mechanical-electrical integrity of a chassis. More specifically, disclosed is a safety locking system for conditionally permitting or disallowing mating of an external connector with a mating chassis connector dependent upon whether or not the chassis is fastened to a support frame.

Abstract: An electrical connector inlet assembly with a break-away mechanism coupled to an electric vehicle for receiving electrical energy. The break-away mechanism disconnects the contacts of the inlet assembly or receptacle from the contacts of the plug to prevent damage of the electrical connector assembly, upon application of a highly excessive force pulling the plug away from the receptacle prior to disengagement of the contacts. The electrical connector inlet assembly receives an electrical connector or plug with electrical contacts for mating with the electrical contacts of the electrical inlet assembly or receptacle. The plug has a cover for selectively covering and uncovering its electrical contacts to prevent inadvertent contact with the electrical contacts and to protect the electrical contacts from the environment.

Abstract: An electronic device (300) has a housing (301) forming a cavity that enshrouds a circuit supporting substrate (302) having at least one electrical contact (303) coupled to a conductor (304). The conductor (304) couples an electrical signal between the electrical contact (303) and electronic circuitry (305) associated with the circuit supporting substrate (302). An aperture (306) in the housing (301) provides access to the at least one electrical contact (303). An articulable cover (307) contiguous to a surface (310) of the housing (310) blocks the aperture (306) when the electronic device (300) is disengaged from a peripheral device (308).

Abstract: An ESD protection subassembly for a conductively-case module having an electrical connector mounted thereon, uses a conductive shield shell member formed about the connector and connected to the module conductive case; the shell member has at least one conductive door member mounted thereon by associated hinge formations having spring-like mechanisms for urging the door members to close off an opening in the shell member whenever the module is not mated with an associated receptacle connector. A substantially complete conductive peripheral enclosure is thus formed for the module and its attached connector, whether the module is mounted in a larger assembly with its complementary connector actually mated with the module-mounted connector, or if the module has been removed from the rack assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic chassis installed on aircraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a safety locking system for establishing the presence of the mechanical-electrical integrity of a chassis. More specifically, disclosed is a safety locking system for conditionally permitting or disallowing mating of an external connector with a mating chassis connector dependent upon whether or not the chassis is fastened to a support frame.

Abstract: A connector with a protective cover for exposed electrical terminals. The connector includes a housing having an opening formed on one side thereof through which electrical contacts of terminals are exposed. The protective cover includes an insulating protector for covering the opening of the connector and a housing holder detachably assembled to the housing. The insulating protector has a protective plate and two arms extending in the same direction from the longitudinal ends of the protective plate. Each of the arms has a projection and is rotatably assembled at distal end thereof to the housing holder. The housing holder has a closing-position locking groove and an opening-position locking groove, which are provided about rotating axis of the arms and angularly spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The connector pin (2) is protected by a lid (6) which is opened into the sleeve portion (3) when the plug portion (1) is slid in linearly. For this purpose, a sleeve portion is provided with a control path, for example in the form of guide grooves (30), which coordinates with the cover (6). When withdrawing the plug portion (1), the lid (6) is once again closed with the aid of the control path.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for transmitting electrical energy, and especially designed for use with electric vehicles. The electrical connector assembly includes a male electrical connector or plug with electrical contacts and a female electrical connector or receptacle with matting electrical contacts. Both the receptacle and the plug has a cover for selectively covering and uncovering its electrical contacts to prevent inadvertent contact with the electrical contacts and to protect the electrical contacts from the environment. In the preferred embodiment, the covers of the plug and receptacle are automatically uncovered and the receptacle contacts are moved transversely to the plug insertion direction and into contact with the plug female contacts only after full insertion of the plug into the receptacle.

Abstract: An electrical connector system for transmitting electrical energy, and especially designed for use with electric vehicles. The electrical connector assembly includes a male electrical connector or plug with a first set of electrical contacts arranged along a common arc and a female electrical connector or receptacle with a second set of electrical contacts arranged along a common arc. Both the receptacle and the plug has a apertured shutter for selectively covering and uncovering its respective electrical contacts to prevent inadvertent contact with the electrical contacts and to protect the electrical contacts from the environment. In the preferred embodiment, the shutters of the plug and receptacle are rotated to uncover the contacts only after full insertion of the plug into the receptacle.

Abstract: A computer docking system (10, 10') has a computer (11, 11') provided with a guide housing (12, 12') within which a device (13, 13') is slidably inserted. In one embodiment, the device (13) carries a pair of manually-releasable spring-loaded latches (24, 25) pivotally mounted thereon about respective axes which are substantially perpendicular to the direction which the device (13) is slidably inserted into the guide housing (12) for engagement with respective hooks (36) on the computer (11). In another embodiment, the latches (51, 52) are pivotably mounted on the guide housing (12') about respective axes which are substantially parallel to the direction in which the device (13') is slidably inserted into the guide housing (12'). The guide housing (12') includes a fixed bottom portion (44) on which the latches (51, 52) are pivotably mounted, and further includes a spring-loaded movable top portion (45) receiving the device (13') and ultimately nested telescopically within the fixed bottom portion (44).

Abstract: The present invention is a connector having a socket connector including a cover and a plug connector to be engaged with the socket connector, wherein the cover is made of metal, the metal cover is pivotally secured at its one end to a molded body to be rotatable, energized by a spring having a connecting portion to be connected to a ground, and the metal cover is conducted to the ground by the spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical plug and receptacle assembly and in particular to one including a housing divided into two separate chambers each having a slot, a pair of conducting clamps each fixedly mounted in one of the chambers of the housing and normally kept at a constant distance from the main conducting plates, a pair of main conducting plates each pivotally mounted in one of the chambers of the housing in such a way that each of the main conducting plates will contact a corresponding one of the conducting clamps when forced to turn outwardly, a pair of insulators each fixedly connected with an end of one of the conducting plates and just disposed against the slot of the housing, a pair of resilient members each urging one of the conducting plates inwardly against the central portion of the housing, a plug body having two blades, and a U-shaped sleeve with two prongs each having a longitudinal hole through which a corresponding one of the two blades of the plug body extends partially out of t

Abstract: An apparatus provides an electrical interconnection between a stationary fixture and a vehicle. A plug assembly provides a plurality of spaced apart plug electrodes. A standoff holds the plug electrodes in mutually parallel, fixed positions extending horizontally and outwardly therefrom. A base portion is fixed to the vehicle for supporting the standoff. A cover is hingably attached to the base portion such that the cover may be protectively positioned over the standoff and plug electrodes in a first position of the cover. An alternate second position of the cover exposes the standoff and plug electrodes. A socket assembly is adapted for use with the stationary fixture and provides an upper protective plate and a lower protective plate. A plurality of socket electrodes are positioned between the plates. An insulating spacer is included for supporting and separating the socket electrodes.

Abstract: A docking assembly including a guide housing (2) and camming assembly (38, 54 and 40) for mechanically interfacing a modular component (46) with a circuit board to thereby complete and protect multiple electrical connections therebetween. An interfacing connector (80) is also disclosed for providing an electrical and mechanical interface between a circuit board and a disk drive (82). The interfacing connector (80) allows high-density multiple electrical interconnections to the circuit board by the use of canted coil springs (100) for direct electrical contact with individual traces and/or contact pads on the circuit board. The interfacing connector (80) may also include a docking assembly (130) with guide channels (136) for guiding insertion of a circuit board to thereby insure the integrity of the electrical interconnections therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical socket cover is disclosed in a system which includes a pair of connector elements which may be electrically engaged, and a cover for protection of a first connector element when the first and second connector elements are disengaged. The first connector element is mounted on a vertical wall of an enclosure, while the second connector element which comprises an electronic module is movable longitudinally within the enclosure between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position.

Abstract: An electric connecting device which is arranged midway of a signal line which issues signals to a plurality of electrical appliances. This electric connecting device includes a combination of a plurality of connectors and a connector joining member having a plurality of connector joining parts which are joined electrically to each of the connectors. If at least one of the connectors is not joined normally, the joining of the remaining connectors is regulated by a regulating device which prevents the remaining connectors from being joined to the connector joining member. With the device it is possible to call the attention of an operator to any abnormal joining and to effect the joining of each connector accurately.

Abstract: In a system for the automated storage of refrigerated containers, of the type in which the containers are handled automatically within a cellular store, each cell and each container are provided with respective automatic quick plug-in means for connecting the container to at least one energy source. Preferably, for connection to a source of electrical energy, said automatic quick plug-in means can consist of a stationary contact provided on the rear wall of the container and a mobile contact provided on a support means on the cell; between said fixed and mobile contacts there also being provided means arranged to align the mobile contact with the fixed contact on positioning the container in the respective cell.

Abstract: A plug and socket combination, in which a plug includes blade contacts positioned in a circle and projecting in an axial direction can be inserted into corresponding U-shaped contacts of the socket by turning the plug. Upon turning, the plug is coupled to the socket by a bayonet connection. A disc is positioned on a neutral contact bushing in the socket and the disc has slot apertures curved in a circular arc which correspond to the width and curvature of the blade contacts to permit insertion of the blade contacts into the slot apertures and turning of the blade contacts and disc.

Abstract: In a hand-held broadcast means of communications technology, the charging device for the integrated battery is connected via a covered plug. The cover of the plug is automatically opened when the hand-held broadcast device is placed onto the charging device and the path for the cooperating plug of the charging device is thus exposed.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system incorporating power, data and analog signals into a single system, and suitable for use in a building is disclosed. A flat cable containing various conductors can be positioned within the walls of the structure and a common receptacle can be employed to provide a common outlet for power and signal. The mateable plug also containing power and signal terminals is engageable with the receptacle. Shiftable doors for environmental protection are located on the exterior of the receptacle. The doors provide both guidance for the plug into the receptacle and engage the exterior of the plug to ensure that one door fully closes prior to the other.