Abstract: A cover for protecting a large number of electric wires in the housing in a bolt-screwed high-density multi-pole connector having a screw bolt. The cover is plate-shaped. The cover has an engagement hole corresponding to a bolt holder having a rectangular cylinder into which the screw bolt is inserted and a handle provided at one end where the electric wires are fixed and from which they are extracted. Thus, the cover can be easily mounted on the housing. With no fear of catching or breaking of electric wires, the direction of extracting the electric wires can be optionally selected. Further, the cover can be fabricated at low cost.

Abstract: A hinged, shell-like protective cover is releasably mounted to a flanged, split-ring battery cable terminal. A method of assembling said cover to said battery cable terminal is also described. The cover surrounds the battery cable terminal, providing protection from dirt, water, salt, and other contaminants in the engine compartment of a vehicle. The cover includes a base having an aperture which is adapted to receive a battery post. The base is attached to a lid by an integrally molded hinge which allows the lid to pivot about the base between an open position and a closed position. A locking mechanism is provided to secure the lid to the base in the closed position. A pair of resilient locking arms are formed on the base and are adapted to receive a terminal bolt. A plurality of resilient tabs are formed on the base of the cover and located near the aperture in the base. The resilient tabs interact with a flange on the terminal to secure the terminal to the base.

Abstract: An environmentally protected electrical socket and plug assembly (10) retains environmental security throughout repeated connections and disconnections. The socket and plug assembly includes a socket 100 containing an electrical conductor 85 and adapted to insertably receive a plug 90, an environmental sealant at least partially filling the socket so that the sealant is at least partially displaced from the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket, and an elastomeric containment means 40 having an inset dimple for being outwardly deflected to contain displaced sealant when the plug is inserted into the socket and to urge the sealant back into the socket when the plug is removed.

Abstract: A pair of engaging projections comprising a first part projecting widthwise and a second part formed by bending the end of this first part to project in the thickness direction is formed opposite each other on the connecting member of the terminal. The terminal cap comprises a fixed member comprising a connector-side member for the terminal and a base-side member for the terminal. The terminal cap also comprises a cover member comprising a first cover part closing the base-side member and a second cover part closing the connector-side member. A connector opening to which is inserted into the connection terminal connecting to the connecting member is provided on the connector-side member. A perimeter wall projecting in the direction reducing the diameter of the connector opening is provided. The first part of the engaging projection of the connecting member inserted to the connector opening engages the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A method for waterproofing a junction of branch wires with a main wire by enclosing the junction in a plastic cover containing a putty sealant and filling the inside of the cover with the sealant and a cover therefore are disclosed, the method comprising providing projections n and m on the inner side of cover l by which parallel wires b enfolded in the cover are vertically shifted or the parallel wires are not only vertically shifted but laterally spread by the projections to make enough space between adjacent wires b for letting the putty sealant in.

Abstract: An environmentally protected electrical socket and plug assembly (10) retains environmental security throughout repeated connections and disconnections. The socket and plug assembly includes a socket 100 containing an electrical conductor 85 and adapted to insertably receive a plug 90, an environmental sealant 140 at least partially filling the socket so that the sealant is at least partially displaced from the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket, and an elastomeric containment means 40 having an inset dimple 50 for being outwardly deflected to contain displaced sealant when the plug is inserted into the socket and to urge the sealant back into the socket when the plug is removed.

Abstract: Splice housing apparatus are provided on its interior with spacers or spacing members for engaging the splice or splices contained by the apparatus and for maintaining the splice or splices substantially out of engagement with the interior of the apparatus and generally suspended therein whereby a body of material for preventing water damage to the splice or splices can substantially surround the splice or splices and prevent water damage thereto.

Abstract: A hinge gel-filled environmental sealing and security protection device particularly designed for coaxial cables is described. More specifically, the invention utilizes at least one longitudinal pin and click-n-lock receptacle with a hinge opposite thereto.

Abstract: A cap is provided to cover the terminal heads of batteries and protect them from the elements. The cap is made of rubber or other pliable, non-conductive material and has a hollow cylindrical section and a planar section across the top of the cylindrical section. The cyclindrical section fits tightly over the terminal head, and the cap is retained over the terminal by the friction of the cylindrical section around the terminal head. The bottom of the cap seals against the insulated portions of a connector which is retained by the battery terminal.

Abstract: A device for facilitating and protecting the connection between conductor cables and associated connection terminals of electrical apparatus, particularly the electromagnet of a motor vehicle starter motor, comprising a box-like body having a base and a cover of electrically insulating material. The base has a seat for form coupling engagement on to the connection terminal and an aperture for the introduction of conductor cables, and the cover is articulated to the base so as to be turnable relative to this between an open position and a closure position. An external retaining member connected to the body is attachable to the cables.

Abstract: A flexible water resistant cylindrical sheath encircles an in-line electrical connector to protect it against liquid and particulate contaminants which might create an electrical hazard. Opposed ends of the sheath are closed about respective electrical conductors extending from the in-line connector to enclose the in-line connector. A shroud having flapped ends and of abrasion resistant material envelopes the sheath to protect the sheath and enclosed electrical connector against abrasion.

Abstract: There is provided a structure for protecting lead terminals of a connector, which is disposed in a notch opening of a connector case, from dust and so on. In a connector mounting structure according to the present invention, a positioning plate for lead terminals of a connector is mounted on a rear of the connector, and the connector and the positioning plate are disposed in a notch opening in a case. A feature of this structure is that a cover wall for enclosing the lead wires 5 is formed integrally with the positioning plate through a hinge.

Abstract: An environmentally protected electrical socket and plug assembly retains environmental security throughout repeated connections and disconnections. The socket and plug assembly includes a socket containing an electrical conductor and adapted to insertably receive a plug, an environmental sealant at least partially filling the socket so that the sealant is at least partially displaced from the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket, and an elastomeric containment means for containing displaced sealant when the plug is inserted into the socket and for urging the sealant back into the socket when the plug is removed.

Abstract: A cable connection is environmentally protected using an assembly which comprises a polymeric sleeve positioned over the coupling nut of the connector and a segment of the cable adjacent the connector, the polymeric sleeve being secured to said coupling nut so as to prevent motion between the sleeve and the nut and a layer of encapsulant positioned between at least a portion of the polymeric sleeve and the underlying cable, the encapsulant providing a circumferential environmental seal between the cable and the sleeve while permitting rotational motion between the cable and the sleeve. A further layer of encapsulant preferable extends from the coupling nut over the hardware mounting the connector receptacle into a bulkhead. This further layer of encapsulant is preferable contained in a cap to which a force is applied by a flange provided in the polymeric sleeve. The encapsulant is preferable a silicone gel.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) enabling interconnection of terminals (84,86) of pairs of power cables (80,82) in a high temperature environment includes a body member (12) having a plurality of connection sites (18) separated by barrier walls (66), a plurality of terminal bolts (20) secured to the body member with threaded shanks (26) extending from enlarged bolt heads (28) through apertures thereof and outwardly between the barrier walls to receive ring sections (88,90) of the terminals thereonto, and clamping members (22) threadable onto the threaded shanks to clamp the terminals against the termination face (76) of the body member and tightly against each other. A top cover (14) is securable over the terminations and completes surrounding leading ends of the threaded shanks with dielectric material between connection sites. A bottom cover (16) holds the enlarged bolt heads in respective recesses.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a substrate includes a collapsible reservoir filled with a three-dimensional elastic gel which is relatively soft and has an ultimate elongation of at elast 200%. The apparatus is disposed in contact with a substrate having a recess therein to be environmentally protected, and a force is applied to the reservoir to at least partially collapse the reservoir forcing the gel from an open surface of the reservoir into the recess so as to substantially fill and encapsulate the recess.

Abstract: A protector module (50) includes a housing (52) having cavities (58) into which are inserted electrical components such as surge protector elements (150). A lid (60) is securable to housing (52) by hinge tabs (196) having free ends (204) which are insertable through slots (200) in embossments along side surface (198) of housing (52). Latch surfaces (210) of free ends (204) latch beneath corresponding latch surfaces (212) of end walls of slots (200). Free ends (204) extend outwardly at right angles at bends (206) so that lid (60) can remain attached to the housing and retain a vertical orientation unassisted when opened permitting access to the inside of the housing (52).

Abstract: A reusable safety cap for exposed unprotected booster cable clamps having spring actuated clamping jaws consisting of a cap shell with an internal gripping tab. When the clamp is inserted into the cap shell the internal gripping tab is gripped by the spring actuated clamping jaws to maintain the clamp within the cap shell.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic enclosure especially adapted to gel seal an elongate substrate and particularly a coaxial cable splice.

Abstract: A gel-filled enclosure for protecting an electrical contact member and connection includes an enclosure opening arrangement through which an elongated probe may be inserted into the gel-filled enclosure cavity. The enclosure opening allows a probe to be inserted into the enclosure cavity to make contact with the protected electrical contact member without having to remove and replace the enclosure. The gel within the enclosure is self-healing and fills in the opening made by the probe after the probe is withdrawn. The enclosure preferably includes a contact member receiving arrangement within the enclosure body that includes a contact member receiving tube and a plurality of thread-engaging ribs positioned in the tube. Each rib is formed from a self-threading plastic material and self-threads as the enclosure is screwed down over a threaded contact member.

Abstract: A flexible water resistant clindrical sheath encircles an in-line electrical connector to protect it against creating an electrical hazard. Opposed ends of the sheath are closed about respective electrical conductors extending from the in-line connector to enclose the in-line connector.

Abstract: A reusable cap for providing mechanical, electrical and environmental isolation of an electrical terminal. The cap includes a tubular body which has in it an opening for receiving the wire(s) connected to the terminal binding post. The tubular body has a neck. Seated in the neck is the mechanism for engaging the threads of the binding post. The mechanism, which is made of conductive material, is seated in the neck so as to be rotatable without causing rotation of the housing. The cap also includes a removable cover which can be placed over the mechanism. Removing the cover allows the binding post to be accessible through the mechanism for the purposes of testing.

Abstract: A switch terminal board cover 20 (FIG. 2) is molded from a non-conductive material and consists of a base 21, a spacing edge 22 with retaining latches 24,25 and an opening 23, and a plurality of projections 26 disposed on the base. The projections 26 are sized and positioned such that they form a plurality of slots which prevent excessive movement of and contact between electrical leads 10, thereby preventing electrical shorts from occurring, and help maintain the integrity of electrical terminations 12 of a switch 11 (FIG. 3).

Abstract: The grounding stud assembly for grounding electrical equipment comprises a grounding stud having one end for connection to a grounding clamp and an opposite end for connnection to a bus system at either a bus splice joint or cable termination. A cover is positioned over the grounding clamp receiving end and over an insulated elongated portion of the grounding stud for insulating the grounding stud to prevent inadvertent discharge into the environment. The cover comprises an annular ring for engagement with an annular retaining collar positioned on the elongated portion for securing together the cover and grounding stud. The cover includes an eyelet for facilitating removal of the cover from a safe working distance.

Abstract: A waterproof electrical splice enclosure for receiving a single electrical connector splicing the ends of a plurality of insulated electrical conductors extending out of the connector in the same same direction and parallel to one another. The enclosure comprises an elongated hollow tube having one open end and one closed end having a cross-section slightly larger than the connector. A connector retainer is provided to retain the electrical connector adjacent the closed end of the tube with the insulated electrical conductors extending out of the open end of the tube, and the tube contains a waterproofing fluid which will not flow out of the tube but which will flow around the connector as it is slid into the tube to provide a waterproof seal around the connector and around and between the insulated conductors. A cap is connected to the tube at its open end by a hinge and has a bulbous protrusion to fit into and close the open end of the tube, and latch retains the cap in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in providing an electrical connector having a plug receptacle with protection from intrusion therein of foreign matter comprises a resilient membrane adapted for disposition in contiguous overlying relation to the connector. The membrane has a flat undersurface and extends therefrom to a preselected maximum thickness and therewith defines at least one recess extending from the undersurface for receipt of the connector plug receptacle. The membrane defines a pad distal from the undersurface by the extent of the recess. The pad includes a portion of thickness greatly reduced from the membrane maximum thickness and positioned for registry with a prong of the plug and readily penetrable thereby to sealingly seat the prong in the receptacle. The membrane may include a further pad penetrable for sealed passage of a communication cable therethrough. The membrane is comprised of a material adapted to self-close the membrane portion upon withdrawal of the prong and communication cable therefrom.

Abstract: A header device comprises; a housing attached to an end face of a printed circuit board having through-holes; and a plurality of pins extending through and sealed to a first section of the housing, the first section facing the end face of the printed circuit board. The plurality of pins are arranged as an upper/lower array in a two-level structure at one surface of the first section of the housing; the pins of at least one of the two levels are bent within the first section and the pins of the respective level extend in the same plane out of the other surface of the first section of the housing; and the pins of the respective level, which extend in the same plane, are substantially vertically bent so as to insert forward portions of the pins into the through-holes of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A safety cover for covering a plurality of co-planar sockets of an electrical outlet includes a plurality of cover sections. Attached to each of the cover sections is at least one non-conductive prong configured for insertion into at least one receptacle opening of one of the sockets. A flexible interconnection strip interconnects at least a first of the cover sections with at least a second of the cover sections. The flexible interconnection strip has a rest configuration in which the flexible interconnection strip is positioned in a manner such that the first and second cover sections are substantially non-coplanar with respect to each other. A cam structure is attached to at least one of the cover sections. The cam structure and the prong are located on the same surface of the cover section.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a substrate includes a collapsible reservoir filled with a three-dimensional elastic gel which is relatively soft and has an ultimate elongation of at least 200%. The apparatus is disposed in contact with a substrate having a recess therein to be environmentally protected, and a force is applied to the reservoir to at least partially collapse the reservoir forcing the gel from an open surface of the reservoir into the recess so as to substantially fill and encapsulate the recess.

Abstract: A gel and container means capable of protecting a binding post and drop wire from moisture and corrosion is provided which will effectively prevent the exposure of the drop wire and binding post cap and screw from moisture and corrosive atmospheres without the need for a pressure maintaining means other than the combination of the cap and gel. The pressure of the gel is maintained on the binding post through the extraction of plasticizers from the container means causing a shrinkage.

Abstract: A shroud detachably attached to the face plate of an electrical socket extends posteriorly to enclose an electrical plug plugged into the electrical socket. The posterior end of the shroud is fastened about the electrical conductor extending from the electrical plug to make the interior of the shroud weather tight.

Abstract: A jump start stud assembly comprises a tin plated brass stud having a plastic insulating body molded around a medial portion thereof for mounting to the vehicle. The stud assembly includes a cylindrical cap which covers a jumper cable contact end of the stud and releasably engages an adjacent end portion of the insulating body. The stud assembly also includes a boot member which has one end thereof sealed against an insulator of a cable extending therethrough into electrical communication with the other end of the stud with the other end of the boot member engaging an adjacent end of the insulating body. The stud assembly thus formed provides a stud which may be completely isolated from the ambient environment when not in use.

Abstract: A closure for an electric cable splice includes first and second generally rectangular shell segments having side walls and end walls constructed and arranged to be telescopically secured together. A threaded fastener is connectable to extend through the first and second shell segments and is adapted to urge the shell segments together with sufficient force to extrude sealant in the first and second shell segments through entrance openings to encapsulate ends of spliced cables to provide a moistureproof seal between the spliced cables and the end wall adjacent the entrance openings.

Abstract: An environmental sealing connector housing which includes means for retaining the housing on the terminator and the connector both in the associated but unconnected state, and in the connected state is described and illustrated. More specifically, the sealing connector housing includes compartments within the housing which are sized to accept the tap port and connector combination as well as separate compartments which can retain the housing on the tap while providing a compartment for the connector when the connector is not connected to the tap. In addition, the housing is designed so that a 180.degree. rotation of the housing permits the same housing to be used on both connected and unconnected connector/tap combinations to serve as a means of avoiding tampering with or stealing of the signal emanating from the tap.

Abstract: An automotive power plant has an electrically controlled transmission 12 which is connected to control modules by a wiring harness. The end of the wiring harness is attached to the transmission by an electrical connector which has a spring like thermoplastic cover which is secured to the insulator body of the electrical connector by a bayonet slot arrangement and which has an integral cable strap for securing an end of a convoluted conduit forming part of the wiring harness.

Abstract: A branch connection accessory device for an insulated branch cable to be connected to an insulated main cable comprises a two-part clamping system. This is adapted to clamp the branch cable between the two parts, at least a first of which is electrically conductive. An insulated conductor appendix is factory-fitted, electrically connected and mechanically joined to the first part. It is adapted to be connected to a non-separate branch connector having two jaws, to one of which the appendix is connected and the other of which is connected to the main cable. An insulative seal envelops the device, a hole in the seal providing access to the first part. A well in the seal in line with the other part enable the latter to be operated. The device therefore constitutes a sealed, insulative branch connection accessory device.

Abstract: A waterproofing assembly for use in a terminal area of an electric wire comprises a terminal fixedly secured to an apparatus body, and a cap made of a flexible elastic material for covering the terminal and a part of the electric wire connected therewith. The above-mentioned terminal is formed in the shape of a dish whose outer peripheral portion is inclined. The cap has an opening formed therein whose edge is formed in the shape of an "O" ring, and a bellows-shaped portion formed in the vicinity of the electric wire covering portion thereof. The edge of the opening of the above-mentioned cap is adapted to be fitted resiliently into a wedge-shaped space formed between the inclined portion of the terminal and the apparatus body.

Abstract: A splice case for encapsulating a substrate includes first and second containers each of which contain a gel having a cone penetration between 100 and 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%, the gel in each container having an exposed surface, one exposed surface having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the other exposed surface, the first and second containers being adapted for telescopic engagement.

Abstract: A gel-filled cap member having a retaining nut member therein for receiving a threaded contact member and a notch, at the open end of the cap member, for at least partially receiving a wire to be connected to the threaded contact member. The cap member may also have a portion at the open end of the cap member which is defined by reinforced wall having an increased cross-sectional area. Further, the cap member may have a plunger portion at the closed end of the cap member for applying increased pressure to the gel.

Abstract: Cover for a multipoint connector which comprises a block-shaped multipoint connector body. In said body contacts are provided in spaces. Said contacts are accessible from outside via apertures opening out in a lateral surface of the body. The cover comprises an upper part and four lateral parts extending virtually perpendicularly to it. Those surfaces of the lateral parts of the cover which face the apertures of the multipoint connector body are provided with knobs which lie opposite the apertures when the cover has been placed on and rest with their outer surface against the edge of the respective apertures.

Abstract: An environmental closure and method are provided, for use in generating an environmental seal about wire splices or the like. The preferred closure comprises a unitary construction having an outer, openable, shell with an internal biasing mechanism. In use, viscous sealant material is positioned within the closure such that the biasing mechanism generally forces sealant material around a junction to be sealed and, in particular, between adjacent wires in such junctions. In one application relatively highly viscous sealant material is utilized in association with junctions in a manner according to the present invention. In another general application, a relatively low viscosity sealant is used; the low viscosity sealant being generally bordered by high viscosity sealant, to inhibit leakage outwardly from a closure during use.

Abstract: A waterproof housing which is intended to be buried in the ground, and which serves to protect the splices of buried electrical cables such as are used, for example, in irrigation control systems. The housing is formed of two identical half-sections configured to snap together around the crimped splice of two or more cables. Each half-section is pre-filled with a plastic insulating gel which becomes adhesively attached to the crimping sleeve of the splice and which forms a perimeter seal around the splice. Troughs are provided at one end of each section as a means of entry for wires to be spliced. Thin frangible dams are molded onto the outer ends of the troughs to maintain the gel in the half-sections during filling, and which are crushed by the cables when the two half-sections are pressed together.

Abstract: The invention relates to the forces generated in the cantilever beam type contacts by deflecting pins or leads. More particularly, the invention teaches associating the cantilever beam with an elastomer which supplements the beam's capability of exerting force due to being deflected.

Abstract: This invention is directed to electrical connectors for joining components of high voltage electrical systems, such as splices and elbows for joining high voltage cables and high voltage cables to transformers and the like. Each connector has at least one extendable conductor to which a high voltage cable may be coupled outside of the housing and then returned to the protection of the housing. Typically the elbow has one while the splice has two extendable conductors. Removable fasteners may be used to hold the extendable conductors out of or adjacent the housing ends and lockable fasteners hold the completed joints within the housing.

Abstract: A junction box for extension cords which serves to secure the point at which extension cords are joined together in order to prevent access to such juncture and protect against an electric shock.

Abstract: A specially constructed partition member subdivides a splice case into separate hermetically isolated compartments. A plurality of insulated conductors are wired through the partition member, with seals therebetween, and optionally fitted with multi-pair plug connectors at one or both ends. Incoming cables are fitted, as needed, with plug connectors for separable connection to any mating connectors on the pass through conductors on the respective side of the partition member. The parts of the splice case housing are independently separable from the partition member to permit reentry and access to any compartment.

Abstract: A connecting device for ignition cables and a component in motor vehicle ignition system having a plurality of ignition cables with a L-shape hood of elastic materials which is attached to each of the cable terminals, housing of connecting device with hood supporting member for holding the hood in a mating alignment to outside terminals, and a locking member in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a substrate includes a gel which is relatively soft and yet elastic, the gel being contained within first and second containers sized such that confronting surfaces thereof come in contact so as to substantially limit further relative telescopic movement between the containers when voids within the containers are filled by the gel. A gasket is disposed on one of the confronting surfaces of the containers to further isolate a substrate being protected from environmental contaminants.

Abstract: A cover or protector, combined with a cleaner, is provided for use with electrical plugs or terminals when disconnected, thus inhibiting corrosion, etc. of the conductor parts and at the same time employing an abrasive instrumentality that operates to clean the conductor parts as the plug and cover are telescopically connected and disconnected. The cover comprises a base from which projects a portion adapted to telescopically and frictionally mate with a conductor terminal. The cover is formed of non-conductor material and the projecting portion is coated with or otherwise bears an abrasive substance or particles. The cover further includes a peripheral wall for surrounding the plug to further shield it.

Abstract: A distributor housing for communication cables in which the connecting unit for the individual wires is permanently integrated into a base component of the housing and the individual wires are first introduced into a positioning means in the contacting process. To form the connection, the pivotable top component of the housing, which has projection aligned with the various contact elements, is pivoted to a closed position to press the individual wires into their contact element.