Abstract: Electrical connectors each having one row of electrical terminals, are joined together in end to end relationship by slugs formed integrally with end walls of the connectors. Lead receiving portions of the terminals of both of the connectors are loaded with electrical leads, which extend therefrom in the same direction. The slugs are then removed so as to separate the connectors. Dovetail cross section ribs on a side wall of one connector are then slid into complementary grooves in a side wall of the other connector so as to couple the connectors together in back to back relationship, with the leads projecting from opposite sides of the composite two row connector so provided. The invention enables the leads to be loaded into the connectors by means of a lead loading apparatus which is capable of loading electrical connectors only from one side thereof.

Abstract: A locking device for a connector assembly wherein a completely fitted or locked condition of connectors thereof can be confirmed clearly at a glance by way of an electric circuit. One of the connectors to be fitted with each other by the above locking device is provided with a locking plate for movement between a locking position and a releasing position, a holding element for holding the locking plate at the locking position, and also a means for confirming the connector fitted condition comprising a short-circuiting element and a pair of short-circuiting terminals so as to be connected with each other for assembling electric connection between the short-circuiting terminals.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing comprises a housing member (20) of dielectric material having passageways (22, 24) extending therethrough in which electrical terminals (50, 60) are disposed. Integral flap members (10, 10') are hingedly located adjacent a back end of the housing member (20) and they include projections, (11, 12') for engaging and maintaining the terminals (50, 60) in the respective passageways (22, 24) when the flap members (10, 10') are in their latched closed positions. Hook members (13) are located on the flap member (10) adjacent the projections (11) and they include hooks (14) that engage inner surfaces of the passageways (22) to prevent the flap member (10) from deflecting outwardly when forces are applied to the terminals (50) that are opposite to the direction of insertion of the terminals (50) in the passageways (22).

Abstract: The connector comprises a plastic holder which carries two wire leads and serves as a cap for the free end of a drop wire inserted thereunto. Two metal contacts received in slots in the holder are driven in by pliers action to pierce the insulation of the leads and drop wire and to each engage both the conductor of a respective lead and a respective conductor of the drop wire to thereby electrically connect these two conductors. Next, plastic covers for the contacts, hinged to and integral with the holder, are closed to become locked thereto. The connection is then adapted to serve as a plug for an aperture in a terminal box, and to be attached thereto by snap action, and to have its leads connected to terminals in the box.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector system for connecting an electronic control system to electrically adjustable automotive suspension components, such as shock absorbers and MacPherson struts, features ease of connectibility and serviceability, superior electrical insulation, fewer individual components, and increased reliability. More specifically, the connector assembly features recessed, axially elongated contacts; integral latching strain relief caps; positive keying surfaces to ensure proper connector orientation; latching arms for removably attaching the connector system to the suspension component; and at least one seal radially disposed between the connector system and suspension component housing to prevent moisture penetration thereinto.

Abstract: A connector having a unitary dust cover. The dust cover is formed by a cap fitting on one side of the connector and two flaps attached to the cap, each flap adapted to cover a portion of the other side of the connector, which may have attached posts to allow the connector to be used in modular fashion with a base plate. At least one flap may be held between the posts by indentations in the flap.

Abstract: A connector for terminating the distributor end of ignition cables includes a conductive insert fitted within an outer boot. A spring-lock barrel of the conductive insert is arranged within a generally cylindrical head portion of the boot and a wire-piercing prong which extends radially outwardly from the barrel extends generally centrally into a cylindrical neck portion of the boot. The neck portion has a hinged cover with insulation piercing prongs to prevent axial withdrawal of a cable from the connector.

Abstract: A connector body has a plurality of contact housing holes bored therethrough for receiving socket contacts, an aperture made in one side thereof in communication with the contact housing holes, and a contact locking member molded integrally therewith to be pivotally connected thereto at one end through a hinge. The contact locking member is turned to abut against the surface of the connector body in which the aperture is made. In this state, a blocking projection formed integrally with the contact locking member projects into the contact housing holes through the aperture, locking the socket contacts. A hooked portion of the contact locking member formed integrally therewith at the other end engages a slot made in another side of the connector body. Moreover, locking means which is comprised of an engaging piece and a locking portion for engagement with a hook of the engaging piece formed at its end is provided on the connector body and the contact locking member in the vicinity of the hinge.

Abstract: The unassembled patch connector comprises multiple or a single, housing (prefereably molded) having a centrally located hinge or other positive locating features for joining the two oppositely disposed housing portions. The housing portions are snapped together to define a substantially rectangular housing having two, four, six or eight openings on a front face thereof for accessing terminals from a terminal block; and at least one other opening on the back face thereof for entry and exit of a cable or individual wires. The interior of the housing is provided with cavities for retaining isolated conductors, these conductors communicating with the back face opening for electrical and mechanical connection with insulated wire and communicating with the front face opening for electrical and mechanical connection with terminals from a terminal block.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a dielectric housing having contact-receiving passages in which electrical contacts terminated to ends of electrical wires are disposed. Movable locking members are hingedly mounted on the housing and they permit the contacts while in a first position to be positioned in the passages and the locking members are movable to a latched second position maintaining the contacts in the passages. A cover member is mounted on the housing and is latched onto projections of the locking members only when the locking members are in the latched second position.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing (10) for maintaining an electrical contact (2,6) in position in a contact-retaining passage (12,16) therein comprises locking members (20,30) hingedly mounted onto sides of the housing for closing locking openings (13a,13b,17a,17b) in the sides of the housing, the locking openings being in communication with the contact-retaining passage. Locking projections (21,22,31,32) are located on the locking members (20,30) for engagement with the contact (2,6) when the locking members (20,30) close the locking openings thereby maintaining the contact (2,6) in position in the passage (12,16). Resilient latching members (23,33) are provided on the locking members (20,30) and they include latching sections (23a,33a) that latchably engage with one another in the housing (10) when the locking members (20,30) are in a closed position thereby maintaining the locking members (20,30) in the closed position.

Abstract: A connector for electric connection comprises an insulator housing having a plurality of flaps hingedly connected for individual opening and closing movement to a wall of the insulating housing. Each of the flaps has a terminal holding projection thereon which, in a closed position, extends through an opening formed in the wall into one of a plurality of terminal receiving chambers of the housing and holds a terminal inserted in the terminal chamber from being pulled off the housing. A companion insulator housing has a plurality of half insertion detecting projections formed therein corresponding to the flaps of the insulator housing for engaging with the flaps abutted with terminals inserted in the terminal receiving chambers to detect incomplete insertion of the terminals into the terminal receiving chambers.

Abstract: A cluster assembly having a block and connector clips disposed within passageways in the block. Locking tabs pivotally mounted in the block and integral therewith drop into the receptacles forming part of the clips to hold the clips within the block.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for insulating and keying quick disconnect connectors. The device is wrapped around the quick disconnect connection with the wire already crimped in the quick disconnect connection and snaps on securely. It provides a multicombination key which prevents the insertion of a keyed insulator in the inappropriate mating connector slot.

Abstract: A fused electrical plug for interconnecting appliances with a power supply (such as a conventional wall outlet). The plug includes at least neutral and positive terminal posts and may includes a ground terminal. The plug also includes a first body portion from which the neutral terminal post extends, the first body portion including a cavity for receiving a fuse. A second plug body portion carries the positive terminal post while a hinge secures the first and second plug portions for pivotal relative movement between an open position wherein the fuse receiving cavity is accessible in a closed position wherein the fuse receiving cavity is inaccessible. Electrical communication to the appliance is established via a fuse within the cavity and the positive terminal only when the first and second body portions are in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug body portions are molded with the hinge being formed as a living hinge.