Abstract: Electric wire holders 8a, 8b extending in a fitting direction Z are integrally provided on an electric wire insertion tube 5 of a bracket 2. Locking hooks 15a, 15b are arranged in spatial regions S1, S2 which are surrounded by outer peripheral walls of the electric wire holders 8a, 8b and the electric wire insertion tube 5 and by tangent lines C1, C2 connecting ridges 9a, 9b of the electric wire holders 8a, 8b and the outer peripheral wall of the electric wire insertion tube 5.

Abstract: An operation for insert-molding bus bars 17 into an L-shape stay 16 to insert a horizontal shaft portion 16a of the stay 16 into a visor holder 5 is performed such that a male terminal portion 17a of the bus bars 17 of the horizontal shaft portion 16a is engaged to a female terminal 18 of a sunvisor-side connector 19. Moreover, an operation for joining a stay holder 22 to a roof panel 1 is performed such that a male terminal portion 17b of the bus bars 17 of a vertical shaft portion 16b is engaged to a female terminal 30 of a car-body-side connector 31. In another embodiment (FIGS. 11-13), an operation for integrally joining a sunvisor-side connector 19 to a stay holder 22 to join the stay holder 22 to a roof panel 1 is performed such that the sunvisor-side connector 19 is automatically joined to a car-body-side connector 31 floatably held by a connector holder 29 fixed to a car body member 28.

Abstract: A mating alignment guide comprises a float plate having a first alignment device. The float plate operates to couple a connector to a chassis. A connector mate is coupled to a backplane, and a second alignment device is operable to be coupled to the backplane. The first alignment device operates to engage the second alignment device and aligns the connector with the connector mate.

Abstract: A coaxial connector is suitable for being received in an opening in a panel, in particular a wall of a metal box. The connector comprises a conductive tubular body, a conductive tubular grounding plate and at least one resilient member, said grounding plate being movable in translation coaxially relative to said body, said grounding plate having a continuous rigid bearing surface for pressing against said panel, and said at least one resilient member, in particular a spring, being arranged to urge the grounding plate into a given position relative to the tubular body and to press the grounding plate against said panel when the connector is assembled with a complementary connector element.

Abstract: A connector is so constructed that terminals 12 on a vehicle body side have contacts 12a exposed inwardly from engaging recess 11a of a first connector member 10, while terminals 22 on an electrical equipment module side have contacts 22a partially exposed outwardly from engaging projections 21a of a second connector member, and the connector has a contact structure 30 adapted to bring the terminals 12 on the vehicle body side and the terminals 22 on the electrical equipment module side into contact to electrically connect them to each other by inserting the engaging projections 21a of the second connector member 20 into the engaging recess 11a of the first connector member 10.

Abstract: An avionics test unit adapter for interfacing between an avionics test station and an avionics line replaceable unit, where the test unit adapter is blind mated with both. The test unit adapter has therein at least two rigid circuit cards used for signal distribution or transmission. The two rigid circuit cards being rigidly coupled to each other through an edge connector while each circuit card is mounted within the test unit adapter with the ability to float therein in at least three orthogonal directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a floating connector, used for electrical connection between electrical components and a circuit board. Multiple embodiments include a plurality of elastic contacts retained between the circuit board and an insulated housing movable laterally and orthogonally in a fixed range to accommodate misalignment. The contacts are in sliding contact with the circuit board to ensure a reliable connection without solder. The embodiments employ guiding slits to maintain electrical separation between the contacts during adjustment. Each embodiment accommodates movement in multiple directions, requires no solder, and provides for secure flexible electrical connection between an electronic component and the circuit board.

Abstract: A method of mounting a connector of a pair of connectors that are respectively mounted on a stationary panel and a movable panel, and that engage with one another. A first connector of the pair of connectors is movably mounted on one of the stationary panel and the movable panel via a spring. The first connector has a flange portion that extends outwardly from an outer periphery of the first connector and has a first through hole. A base plate has a second through hole that is aligned with the first through hole. The method of mounting the connector includes integrating the second connector and the base plate into an assembly by inserting a bolt having the spring into the first and the second through holes prior to the second connector being mounted on one of the stationary panel and the movable panel, and then fixing the base plate of the assembly on the one of the stationary panel and the movable panel so as to movably mount the second connector on the one of the stationary panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: A connector (22) for connecting a harness disposed in a seat (10) to a body side is disposed at the lower surface of the seat (10) and a connector (28) for connecting a wire harness (26) disposed in the body (1) is disposed on the upper surface of the body (1). Both the connectors (22) and 28) are opposed to each other in a sliding direction of the seat (10) so that both the connectors (22) and (28) are connected to each other in accordance with the sliding shift of the seat (10). The connector (28) on the body (1) side is held so as not to be separated therefrom in a state that the connector (28) engages with the holder (32). When both the connectors (22) and (28) are connected, the engagement state of the holder (32) with respect to the connector (22) is released by the connector (28) on the seat (10) side, so that the connector (28) can be drawn from the holder (32) while maintaining the connecting state between both the connectors (22) and (28).

Abstract: A flexibly mounted miniature circuit board moves slightly within an electrical connector preventing electrical failure when subjected to improper forces. The miniature circuit board is electrically connected to an inner connector. The inner connector has a plurality of electrical connectors for connecting to external contacts. The miniature circuit board and inner connector are surrounded by an electrically insulating resin case. The inner connector is rigidly mounted to the insulating case. The miniature circuit board is soldered to the inner connector.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a connector part of a connector for use in an underwater or severe environment to an installation, the apparatus being adapted to be secured at a radially inner region thereof to the connector part and at a radially outer region thereof to the installation, and the apparatus comprising a flexible portion extending in the circumferential direction for providing compliance between the connector part and the installation.

Abstract: A connector mounting construction includes a male housing (50) with a receptacle (52) into which a mating female housing is fittable. The male housing (50) has a shaft (53) that extends along an axis of connection (Z-axis direction) with the female housing, and a planar base (57). A holder (70) is provided with an accommodating portion (73) for accommodating the base (57), and holds the male housing (50) for sliding movement in directions normal to the axis of connection and for rotation about the axis of connection. Four elastic ribs (82F, 82R) are provided to be located around the shaft (53), so that the male housing (50) is biased to a specified proper position. Rotation of the male housing (50) about the axis of connection is restricted by contact of the base (57) with side walls (75) or a rear wall (76) of the accommodating portion (73).

Abstract: The invention offers a particularly simple self-centering floating connector mechanism. For this purpose, the connector (20) is attached to a frame (24), at a predetermined distance therefrom, by resilient fasteners (26).

Abstract: A housing 41 of a meter unit 5 is inserted from above into a meter unit support hole 43 which is provided in a rear handle cover 1. Engagement claws 411 . . . 3 of the housing 41 are engaged with claw receiving portions 19 of the rear handle cover 1, thereby preventing the housing 41 from coming out. A male connector 25 is provided beforehand in the rear handle cover 1, and inserting the housing 41 of the meter unit 5 into the meter unit support hole 43 causes a female connector 44 of the housing 41 to be automatically connected to the male connector 25, thus completing the wiring work of the meter unit 5. The wiring work on the meter unit 5 supported on the rear handle cover 1 of a motorcycle V can therefore be performed easily and reliably. The handle cover encloses a substrate 21 in which busbars 22 are embedded.

Abstract: A connector assembly is mounted through an aperture in a panel, the aperture defining an axis. A first connecting device is mountable in the aperture in the panel. A second connecting device is insertable axially into the first connecting device. One of the connecting devices includes two portions relatively movable axially, with one portion being mateable with the other connecting device. A first latch is provided between the two portions of the one connecting device to prevent relative axial movement therebetween. A second latch is provided between the other connecting device and the one portion of the one connecting device when the other connecting device is mated therewith. A release is provided on the other connecting device for releasing the first latch between the two portions of the one connecting device to allow the mated other connecting device to float relative to the panel.

Abstract: A press protuberance 12a for pressing a terminal engagement member 2 is provided on a holder 12. There is provided an insufficient insertion prevention structure 30. According to the insufficient insertion prevention structure 30, when mounts of connectors to be connected are mutually moved, the terminal engagement member 2 is pushed to a predetermined position of a housing 11 of a second connector 10 by means of the press protuberance 12a of the holder 12.

Abstract: A self docking instrument panel connector system is provided with a first connector member (18) attached to an instrument panel assembly (12). A second connector member (20) is attached to a body of a vehicle (16) and is designed to mate with the first connector member (18). One of the connector members (20) is adjustably supported to be movable in first and second lateral directions and in a longitudinal direction in order to accommodate for build tolerances and component insertion variances.

Abstract: A plug-in module (100) for electronic equipment (425) includes circuitry (140) for processing electrical signals, a housing (400) for at least partially enclosing the circuitry (140), and at least one electrical pin (115) extending from a bottom surface of the housing (400), coupled to the circuitry (140), and having a first length. The module (100) also includes an installation guide (420) extending from the bottom surface of the housing (400) and having a second length greater than the first length such that, as the plug-in module (100) is inserted into a receiving member (125) of a substrate (120) to which it is to be mounted, the installation guide (420) contacts the receiving member (125) before the at least one electrical pin (115) contacts a receptacle (130) so that the pin (115) is guided into the receptacle (130).

Abstract: A plug-in connecting structure where a first unit, on an outer surface of which a first connector housing is installed, and a second unit, on an outer surface of which a second connector housing is installed, are connected electrically with each other by connecting the connector housings with each other, simultaneously with the mechanical connection of the units with a certain support being as a guide. When advancing toward a connecting portion of the second connector housing, a connecting portion of the first unit automatically aligns its center axis with a center axis of the connecting portion of the second connector housing, with being guided by a tapered surface. The first and second connector housings are never forcibly connected with each center axis thereof remaining offset from each other.

Abstract: A method of mounting a connector of a pair of connectors that are respectively mounted on a stationary panel and a movable panel, and that engage with one another. A first connector of the pair of connectors is movably mounted on one of the stationary panel and the movable panel via a spring. The first connector has a flange portion that extends outwardly from an outer periphery of the first connector and has a first through hole. A base plate has a second through hole that is aligned with the first through hole. The method of mounting the connector includes integrating the second connector and the base plate into an assembly by inserting a bolt having the spring into the first and the second through holes prior to the second connector being mounted on one of the stationary panel and the movable panel, and then fixing the base plate of the assembly on the one of the stationary panel and the movable panel so as to movably mount the second connector on the one of the stationary panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: An electrical system comprises first and second substrates electrically connected by means of first and second connectors mounted on the substrates, respectively. Each first connector includes a cavity having an array of first terminals disposed therein. Each second connector includes a mating portion having second terminals received in the cavity when the first and second connectors are mated. Floatable means arranged at least on the first connector such that when the first (floatable) connector is mated to the corresponding second connector of the second substrate, the first (floatable) connector is moveable respect to the corresponding second connector to compensate any misalignment therebetween thereby ensuring an electrical connection between the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A connector includes a first connector fixed to a first attachment member in a first direction, a holder fixed on a second attachment member, a second connector supported on said holder in a second direction which is opposite to said first direction, wherein said second connector is advanced in the second direction so as to connect with said first connector when said first attachment member and second attachment member are relatively approached.

Abstract: One of female and male connectors is installed on a mounting base in a waiting through a holder in a waiting condition, and can be freely coupled with the other connector in a projecting waiting direction of the one connector. The one connector is provided freely slidably in the holder and after the other connector is coupled with the one connector, both the connectors are freely slidable relative to the holder toward the mounting base while in a coupling condition. A clearance is provided between the holder and the one connector. A hood of the one connector is provided slidably in the holder. A flexible arm of the holder has an engaging portion at an end thereof. The one connector includes a flexible engaging piece having an engaging portion to be fit to/released from the engaging portion of the flexible arm; and the flexible engaging piece is freely contactable with a side wall in the vicinity of the flexible arm of the holder.

Abstract: A connector is floatably mounted to a panel which has a cutout receiving the connector therethrough. In the unmated condition, the mating face of the connector is biased away from the panel by a spring, and widened portions of the connector are received in complementary recesses of the panel cutout. The engagement of the widened portions in the recesses centers the connector with respect to the panel cutout. During coupling with a complementary connector, the first connector is biased in the mating direction such that the widened portions disengage from the complementary recesses thereby allowing floating movement of the first connector with respect to panel, in the plane orthogonal to the mating direction.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing that has a side wall formed with an access opening therethrough. The opening has a length in a first direction, and a width in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A barrier is secured to the housing parallel to the side wall, and is spaced apart from the opening in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions so as to form a connector mounting space between the barrier and the side wall. An electrical connector unit includes a terminal holding seat having a front portion that projects outwardly of the housing through the opening, and a rear portion disposed in the connector mounting space. The front portion of the terminal holding seat has a cross-section smaller than size of the opening such that the terminal holding seat is movable relative to the housing.

Abstract: An assembly for auotomatically mating a plug terminal attached to the exterior of a circuit breaker with a receptacle terminal attached to the interior of a switchgear cell to provide secondary connections therebetween. The assembly includes a plug having a generally planar body partially defined by a surface and opposing surface. A plug terminal is supported by the opposing surface of the plug. A mounting bracket is slidably affixed to the opposing surface of the plug. The bracket has an aperture to allow the plug terminal to extend therethrough. The bracket is secured in a fixed position to the exterior of the circuit breaker. The position of the plug is automatically adjusted to provide proper alignment between the plug terminal and the receptacle terminal to form an electrical connection between the terminals which can be disengaged.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for mounting in an aperture in a panel. The connector is mateable with a complementary connecting device in a given mating direction. The connector includes a housing mountable in the aperture in the panel. The housing has a panel engagement member for restricting movement of the connector relative to the panel in the mating direction. A release component is operatively associated with the engagement member to release the engagement member and allow floating movement of the connector relative to the panel in the mating direction in response to a force greater than the given mating force.

Abstract: An RF connector includes male and female connector components. The male component has a multi-diameter dielectric housing cylinder with a metal center conductor extending through an opening in the housing. The center pin extends from each end of the dielectric housing. The center pin and the dielectric housing are sized appropriately to provide a matched impedance at microwave frequencies for the use environment to which the male component is connected. The female connector component includes a dielectric body having a center cavity formed therein. A compressible wire bundle forming a compressible conductor member is recessed into the cavity. The compressible conductor protrudes from the far end of the female cavity allowing contact to a mating circuitry. The male connector component is assembled with the female component, the male center pin being brought into electrical contact with the compressible conductor member.

Abstract: A waterproof sheet is adhered on an inner surface of a door panel. A wire harness W is arranged on the waterproof sheet on the door panel. A first connector is connected to the wire harness. The first connector is held at a predetermined position on the door panel. A door trim is mounted to the door panel and covers the inner surface arranging the wire harness. A switch unit is mounted to the door trim. A second connector capable of fitting to the first connector is connected to the switch unit. When the switch unit is mounted to the door trim fixed to the door panel, the second connector is guided by a guide member on the door panel so as to fit to the first connector at a predetermined position. Accordingly, the connector can be easily fitted. Further, a poor connection and a disconnection of the wire harness can be securely prevented.

Abstract: A connector for making electrical connection between electrical terminals held in each of a female electrical terminal member and a male electrical terminal member of the connector by mechanically connecting both the female electrical terminal member and the male electrical terminal member. Both of the female electrical terminal member and the male electrical terminal member of the connector are attached to solid structures directly, instead of being attached to tip portions of flexible electric cables extended from outside of the solid structures. The solid structures are parts such as auto-parts or a partial assembly composed of a plurality of the parts or a body such as a body of an automobile which are to be assembled together and which have a larger size than the size of the connector.

Abstract: A floating electrical connector includes a frame-like fixed housing (1) to be secured to a circuit board; a floating housing (2) provided in the fixed housing such that a bottom face of the floating housing is disposed on or near a surface of the circuit board, it is movable relative to the fixed housing in a plane parallel to the circuit board, and that between the fixed and floating housings there is provided a floating space (4) in which the flexible sections are flexed; a plurality of contact elements (3) attached to both the fixed housing and the floating housing and having connection sections (3A1) provided on a side of the fixed housing to be connected to conductors of the circuit board, contact sections (3C) provided on a side of the floating housing for contact with contact elements of a mating connector, flexible sections (Q) provided between the connection and contact sections to make the floating housing movable; and a receiving cavity (2F) provided in the floating housing to receive the mating co

Abstract: A circuit body 10 includes a main circuit body 12 having an inner circuit; a plurality of connector blocks 13, 14 integrally supported by the main circuit body 12 and directly connected to electric parts; and flexible legs 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d for supporting the plurality of connector blocks 13, 14 independently from the main circuit body 12 so that they can be freely moved in the direction perpendicular to the connecting direction of the electric parts.

Abstract: A circuit board mounted electrical connector assembly is adapted for connection to a complementary mating connector through an opening in the circuit board. A connector housing is provided with a plurality of terminals. The housing is mounted on the circuit board. Portions of the terminals are soldered to appropriate circuit traces on the circuit board. A guide member is mounted on the housing after the soldering process so that the guide member does not interfere with the soldering process. However, after soldering, the guide member facilitates guiding the mating connector into connecting position.

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed for mounting through an aperture in a panel. The assembly includes an adapter mountable in the aperture. A first connector is mountable to the adapter and has limited axial floating movement relative thereto. A second connector is mateable with the first connector with a given mating force. A latch-release mechanism is provided between the first connector and the adapter to latch the first connector against the floating movement and to allow the second connector to be mated with the first connector with the given mating force. The latch-release mechanism is released in response to a force greater than the given mating force to allow the limited floating movement and numerous mating cycles.

Abstract: A connector includes a connector base, a contact housing, and a floating latch. The connector base has a first bottom surface, and the contact housing has a second bottom surface. The floating latch couples the contact housing to the connector base. The floating latch is adapted to allow the first and second bottom surfaces to move relative to one another.

Abstract: A electric contact with elastic return comprising a contact head (2) that is fixed to the end (1') of an electric cable (1) or similar and is acted upon by the end of an elastic strip (3), the other end of which called the attachment end being fixed in the housing (6) of a device to be equipped. The contact according to the invention is remarkable particularly in that an area (1") of the cable (1) called the anchorage area, is fixed to the said device housing (6) close to the strip attachment end, and in that the cable (1) is in the shape of a hook (1'") between its anchorage area (1") and its end (1') fitted with the contact head (2), delimiting a free space in its concave curved part, whereas the contact head (2) has a contact surface (2c) placed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cable end (1') and is free to move elastically approximately coaxial with the said axis, the strip (3) being formed in the said free space also being acted upon by a spring (11) fixed to the device housing (6).

Abstract: A module construction employed in a car roof has a front unit including a plurality of functional components, a circuit board for electrical connection, and a first connector connected to the circuit board, a second connector associated with the first connector and resiliently supported on a roof body, and a bracket secured to the roof body. The bracket has both a hook engaged with an insertion hole provided in the front unit and a spring plate for resiliently supporting the first connector. The plurality of functional components may include an interior roof lamp, a lamp switch, an antenna, and a rear view mirror. The antenna may be arranged to overhang in an upper portion of a front glass of the car. The hook and the spring plate each are formed by bending to raise a part of the bracket. The second connector has a locking clamp engaged with the insertion hole of the roof body, the locking clamp being radially movable in the insertion hole.

Abstract: An electrical connector electrically connectable with a main assembly connector, provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes storing member for storing information; a plurality of electrical contacts for separably connecting with a contact of the main assembly connector, when they are connected electrically with the main assembly connector; wherein the storing member is electrically connected with each of the electrical contacts with lead lines.

Abstract: An electrical module mounting structure in which a connector of a wire harness on an automobile body side and a connector of an electrical module is securely and smoothly connected to each other at the mounting of modules such as an instrument panel and a meter module so that the workability of the mounting process is remarkably improved.

Abstract: A wire harness device for inpane includes: an electrical instrument unit having a first connector to be connected to a harness; an instrument panel (inpane) having an attachment portion for the electrical instrument unit, the attachment portion having an insertion hole corresponding to the first connector; an air duct to be assembled with the inpane; a harness for the inpane which is provided with a second connector for receiving the electrical instrument unit and to be connected to the first connector of said electrical instrument unit; and a box-shaped connector holder for holding the second connector, which is provided in the air duct and movably positioned for the insertion hole. The wire harness device for inpane can easily make assembling of the instrument panel with an air duct, connection of an electrical instrument unit to a wire harness for an instrument panel and assembling of such a unit to the inpane by means of an improvement in the positioning accuracy of a unit receiving connector.

Abstract: A high-speed connector for interconnecting circuit boards to a backplane or interconnecting a mother board to daughter board. The connector includes a housing, biasing elements, a flex film, conductive elastomeric contact modules and biasing modules. The conductive elastomeric contact modules comprise a substrate which includes a plurality of individual conductive elastomeric contacts such as Metallized Particle Interconnect (MPI), or a polymer containing a plurality of conductive particles disposed therein. The first side of the conductive elastomeric contact modules interface to the flex film, and the second side of the conductive elastomeric contact module interface to a printed circuit board (PCB) set of contacts. Alternately, the conductive elastomeric contacts could be molded directly onto the flex film to eliminate the conductive elastomeric contact modules.

Abstract: A movable connector with excellent shielding performance and transmission characteristics is provided. A second housing (2) is floatably attached via electrical contacts (20) to a first housing (50) that is mounted on a circuit board. Shields (80) are attached around an outer periphery of the second housing (2), and protrusions (24e) provided on specific contacts (20) are connected to the shields (80), thereby resulting in grounding connections.

Abstract: A compliant mounting bracket for a connector is provided. The connector is physically connected to a plate. The connector extends through a connecting hole of a bracket. The bracket is for attachment to a fixture. The plate is attached to the bracket so that the plate is allowed movement with respect to the bracket. The movement, however, is limited so that the movement is within a predetermined tolerance from a nominal aligned position. A first elastic rod is placed in a position extending from a first hole in the bracket to a first hole in the plate. The first elastic rod holds the plate in the nominal aligned position with respect to the bracket and allowing movement within the predetermined tolerance. A second elastic rod also may be used.

Abstract: A floating connector assembly allowing for axial movement of joined wire harness terminal connectors as a unit, thereby preventing rubbing and wear of their electrical contacts or terminals. The floating connector assembly comprises a first connector having electrical terminals and a spring-receiving surface, and a spring bracket assembly which secures the first connector to a fixed surface on a vehicle with axial spring force greater than a terminal-connecting force between mating electrical terminals of the first connector and a second connector. A bellows-type seal designed to accommodate the axial spring compliance of the connector is also disclosed. The spring bracket assembly is loaded into a compressed state when the second connector is placed in a final position by a mounting surface or electrical device. Forces tending to loosen or disengage the mated electrical terminals of the first and second connectors are absorbed by the spring bracket assembly.

Abstract: A connector assembly 20 including a housing 26 adapted for mounting to a panel 30 through a cutout 31 in the panel 30. The housing 26 is adapted for sliding engagement with the panel 30 when installed in the cutout 31. A centering mechanism 29 is coupled to the housing 26 and serves to substantially vertically center the housing 26 in the cutout 31 when the connector 20 is unmated with a complementary connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing wire harness terminal connectors to the underside of an electrical junction block in a blind assembly operation. The apparatus includes a flotation bracket with chambers for receiving the connectors in a mechanical snap-fit in which the connectors are free to float up and down over a limited range within their respective chambers. The connector-containing bracket is next placed in a lower cover, which then fits over the underside of the junction block. Bolts rotatably mounted in the junction block are located to automatically engage captive nuts held in the connectors. As the bolts are subsequently threaded through the captive nuts, the connectors are drawn up in the bracket chambers from a lower rest position to an upper electrical engagement position where the terminals in the connector are placed in electrical engagement with bus bars in the junction block.

Abstract: A floating panel mount system is disclosed for mounting an electrical connector to a panel. The system includes a panel having an aperture arrangement therethrough. A connector housing has a mating portion adapted to pass through the aperture arrangement from one side of the panel for mating with a complementary connecting device on the opposite side of the panel and adapted to provide substantial clearance in the aperture arrangement permitting floating motion relative to the panel. A locking portion of the connector housing is adapted to pass through the aperture arrangement from the one side of the panel and adapted to provide substantial clearance in the aperture arrangement. A flange portion of the connector housing is adapted to engage the one side of the panel laterally of the aperture arrangement. A retaining cap lockingly interengages with the locking portion and is engageable with the opposite side o the panel to prevent the mating portion from pulling back out of the aperture arrangement.

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: The present invention provides a floating-plate connector assembly which includes a mounting plate on which are mounted a combined power and signal pin connector, an alternating current connector and a pair of guide pins. The mounting plate is in turn mounted on the rear panel of a power supply module so that the connector plate may move within predetermined limits in two axes. The floating-plate connector assembly blind mates with a printed circuit board located within a power supply chassis. The present invention also provides a power supply system having means for securing power supply modules to the chassis that includes a handle which is pivotably connected to the power supply. The handle includes a cam and teeth which respectively engage a notch and apertures located on the base of the chassis when rotated in a first direction. The power supply module is disengaged from the chassis when the handle is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An electrical outlet provided with a face for removably receiving electrical plugs such that the face is capable of swiveling left and right in response to a tug thereon by an attached electrical plug. The outlet is provided with a swivel portion capable of swiveling relative to an electrical box which secures the outlet to a building wall and relative to a faceplate which attaches to the electrical box. The face for removably receiving electrical plugs is located on a front side of the swivel portion and is accessibly via a central opening in the faceplate. A rear side of the swivel portion provides a flexible electrical connection to an electrical house wire in order to supply power to the outlet.