Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (10) of very low profile for interconnecting a daughter card to a mother board, mountable onto mother board (150) and having a housing (12) and an array of contacts (40) having elongate pin sections (42) insertable into through-holes (156) of mother board (150). Short pin sections (48) extend above the planar body section (14) of the housing and through apertures (122) of termini (120) of circuit traces (102) of a flexible circuit element (100) and soldered to said termini. Potting material embeds, seals and insulates the solder joints and short pin sections securing the flexible circuit element to the housing. Side portions (106) of the flexible circuit element extend upwardly from the housing to regions (110) of exposed trace portions (116) to be soldered to circuit traces of a daughter card (170).

Abstract: A module, such as a terminal block (10), configured of a body (12) having an open end (20) and at least one window (24) spaced from the open end, is fixtured and sealed by way of a channel (28) comprised of a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, generally elastic walls (30,32) jointed by a bottom member (34). The walls (30,32) and the bottom member (34) run longitudinally a distance at least as long as the width of the terminal block (10) to allow the block to be received between, and to be held by, the walls. At least one protrusion extends out from a separate one of the walls (30,32) and the base member (34) for receipt in the window (24) in the terminal block to seal the same.

Abstract: A low voltage busbar lighting apparatus which can be easily and cheaply mounted on a building structure and which is suitable for a wide variety of interior lighting applications. The lighting apparatus includes a busbar, a lamp stand or base which is mounted on the busbar and a current supply which is also mounted on the busbar. The busbar includes an adhesive film base and at least one longitudinal steel strip. The lamp base and the current supply are similarly constructed and each includes a base plate and at least one permanent magnet secured to the under side of the base plate.

Abstract: An electrical connector having an improved seal for sealing a terminal area of the electrical connector. The seal has an engaging surface having a groove extending around the perimeter of the seal, thereby defining a first and second wall. The seal is slidably mounted on a cable, and the cable and seal are inserted in an end of the electrical connector so that a channel is formed by the groove and an inner wall of the electrical connector housing. A sealing material is introduced into the end of the electrical connector until it penetrates the seal between the first wall and the inner wall, thereby causing the channel to become filled with the sealing material. The seal provides a heat sink so that the sealing material solidifies in the channel without penetrating the seal between the second wall and the inner wall, thereby sealing the terminal area of the electrical connector from unwanted moisture.

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: A connecting device is comprised of a first housing having therein a pair of parallely spaced first passages each of which has a proximal end and a distal end, a male terminal accommodated in each of the first passages and having a proximal end to which a first wire is connected and a distal end, a second housing having therein a pair of parallely spaced second passages each of which has a proximal end and a distal end fitted into the distal end of the corresponding first passage, a female terminal accommodated in each of the second passages, having a proximal end to which a second wire is connected and a distal end engaged with the distal end of the corresponding male terminal, and an amount of viscous oily substance positioned in the neighbourhood of a portion at which the distal end of the male terminal and the distal end of the female terminal are in engagement with each other in such a manner of an establishment of conductivity therebetween.

Abstract: A method and a device is provided which allows the connection of coaxial cable termini to one another with minimum long-term loss of RFI shielding. The method comprises the removal of metal oxides from the concentric conductor portions of the two cable termini, applying a sealant to the concentric conductor termini and then connecting the central conductor termini to one another and the concentric conductor termini to one another. The device comprises a collet structure dimensioned to slip over the outside of a standard connection jack. Within the collet structure is disposed a quantity of sealant and the collet structure has at least one aperture through which sealant oozes from the collet structure to the exterior of the collet structure. When the collet structure is attached to the jack, the sealant is caused to ooze onto the concentric conductor thereby sealing the concentric conductor from the ambient.

Abstract: Disclosed are sealant compositions having excellent slump and spew resistance, even at relatively high operating temperatures for electrical connectors. The sealants, which are flowable at such elevated temperatures, comprise two essential components: elastomeric thermoplastic polymer, preferably an organic polymer composite comprising diblock and triblock copolymers, and extender for the polymer. The extender may comprise a primary and a secondary extender, such as polybutene oil and mineral oil, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are moisture and temperature resistant electrical connectors for sealingly connecting transmission means and sealant compositions adapted for use in such connectors, the sealants comprising (i) elastomeric thermoplastic polymer; (ii) extender for said elastomeric thermoplastic polymer; and (iii) cross-linked polymer. The cross-linked polymer is preferably cross-linked in the presence of said elastomeric thermoplastic polymer and is preferably a silicon-based cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A low voltage busbar lighting apparatus which can be easily and cheaply mounted on a building structure and which is suitable for a wide variety of interior lighting applications. The lighting apparatus includes a busbar, a lamp stand or base which is mounted on the busbar and a current supply which is also mounted on the busbar. The busbar includes an adhesive film base and at least one longitudinal steel strip. The lamp base and the current supply are similarly constructed and each includes a base plate and at least one permanent magnet secured to the under side of the base plate.

Abstract: An electric connection terminal can prevent electric ereosion caused in some equipment made of an aluminum material and attached to a car body for electric conduction of the equipment through the terminal such as an earth bracket which connects an earth line to the car body. The terminal comprises a first attaching member (1) made of an aluminum material and having a connecting portion (4) of a car body at the top end and a coupling portion (6A) at the bottom end, a second attaching member (2) made of a brass material and having a connecting portion (5) of an earth line at the top end and a coupling portion (6B) at the bottom end, and a water-proof layer (3) molded by a plastic resin for interconnecting said coupling portions (6A, 6B) of said first and second attaching members (1, 2) by embedding said portions (6A, 6B) in the plastic resin.

Abstract: This invention provides a single type of electrical connector suitable for use with cables containing from one up to the maximum number of electrical conductors that can be accommodated by passages within the connector without impairing the ability of the connector to exclude moisture and other contaminants from the area occupied by junctions between mating pairs of conductors. This is achieved by the combination of a preformed perforated gasket and a layer of penetrable, non-self-healing, non-flowing elastomer that seals all of the passages in the connector not occupied by conductors.

Abstract: An electric wire holding case which prevents oil from leaking through an electric wire extending into the oil cover of a transmission case or the like. A body and a lid-like holder are included; a partition wall having electric wire insertion holes is provided inside the cylindrical portion of the body; partition chambers are defined on the wall in such a manner that the chambers communicate with the holes at one end of each of the chambers and are open at the other ends thereof; the holder has electric wire insertion holes, and resin injection holes; an engagement member is secured to the exposed portion and accommodated in the chamber corresponding thereto; the chamber is closed at the latter end thereof by the holder; and the resin, which has a softness after being set, is filled into the chamber through the resin injection hole and solidified in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides for a modularized terminal block and an improved method of manufacturing the modular block. The block permits the connection of a plurality of drop wires or other devices in a reversible manner through the use of a standardized plug in module configuration. The module can be optimized for a given drop wire range which then uniformly connects to the base block through a standardized demateable contact. The mateable connectors each include a collapsible container filled with a sealant material such as gel or grease and an enclosed contact. Upon mating of the contacts, the deformation of the containers maintains the sealant material under compression.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wirebond pin having a star-shaped anchor, collar and paddle. The collar prevents passivation material, used to make a sealed semiconductor device, from leaking out of the package. The collar also helps to eliminate the resonant vibration of the pin during ultrasonic wirebonding at the paddle.

Abstract: A relatively compact profile hard disc drive package is disclosed in which an clean room zone internal to the drive casing may be sealed despite the presence of a linking connector extending from the package. A cutout is provided in the casing and a connector body is fitted into the cutout so that the connector does not project beyond the surface of the casing. The connector has pins that are mated to a receptacle connector located within the casing and other pins that are mated to a receptacle connector on the exterior of the casing. The cutout is sealed by a sealant that is received between projections extending from the body of the connector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a guide plate for use in a chip carrier socket or other electrical connector provides the precision required for close-center line spacing while minimizing the cost associated with production. A block of ceramic or the like is ground to the precise outside dimensions required. Grooves are then cut in the block of ceramic, and the ceramic is then sliced into respective guide plates. The guide plates are inserted into openings provided in the electrical connector an retained therein. The grooves are dimensioned to cooperate with contact pins of the electrical connector to precisely maintain the pins in position, whereby when a chip is positioned in the electrical connector, the pins will be in position to make an electrical connection with the pads of the chip.

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: A sub-miniature lamp in which a lamp body having a filament and an envelope is covered with a soft silicone rubber cap of a predetermined color having an opening at one end to a predetermined length of lead wires extending from the lamp body. A closure member is fitted to the opening of the envelope to seal the opening. The colored silicone rubber cap covers the envelope of the lamp body and is extended to a predetermined length of the lead wires, with the opened end of the cap fitted with an adhesive agent or a disc pad.

Abstract: A partially stripped reinforced electric signal cable and processes for its manufacture and termination by use of an easily-removable hardenable reinforcing material which allows maintenance of conductor alignment and manipulation during termination of the cable with removal of the reinforcing material during the termination process in order to facilitate completion of the termination.

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: A test system directed to apparatus for transmitting and receiving multiple telephone transmission signals over a single twisted pair. The system converts an analog signal from a local switching station to an 80 ksymbols/sec signal for transmission over a twisted pair by a line card. A remote terminal converts the 80 ksymbols/sec signal back into a conventional analog signal for use in conventional telephone, facsimile or other related equipment. The test equipment separately tests the entire system, the line card portion of the system, the remote terminal portion of the system, and the twisted pair.

Abstract: A connector which is particularly suitable for providing an interface between first and second environments, particularly where one of the environments is at an elevated temperature and/or pressure with respect to the other environment. The connector provides a reliable exit for a plurality of electrical wires, and includes a three layer laminate structure, with each of the layers formed of a resinous adhesive.

Abstract: A stripped reinforced electric signal cable and processes for its manufacture and termination by use of an easily-removable hardenable reinforcing material and a slotted supporting tray which allows maintenance of conductor alignment and manipulation during termination of the cable with removal of the reinforcing material during the termination process in order to facilitate completion of the termination.

Abstract: A grounding block electrical connector for use in electrically grounding a plurality of electrical wires. The block has a housing, electrical contacts, a busing plate, and a strain relief grommet. The housing has a contact receiving area for receiving the electrical contacts and a grommet receiving area. The electrial contacts are welded to the busing plate which is riveted to the housing such that the contacts are electrically connected to the housing. In addition, a protrusion of the busing plate from the housing provides a direct electrical contact to a member on which the connector is intended to be mounted. The grommet is fixedly connected to the housing at the grommet receiving area by a bonding adhesive.

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: An electrical connector comprising a multiple terminal connector body has a sturdy and easily installed end cap that is secured to the connector body for sealing the cable end. The end cap includes a seal chamber that is disposed in a common cavity at the cable end of the connector body and contains a compliant sealing material which seals the open ends of the terminal cavities and encapsulates projecting ends of the electric terminals and trailing portions of the electric cables. The end cap is configured to maintain the integrity of the seal chamber, to permit the electric cables to pass out of the common cavity at the cable end of the connector body, to assure that the electric terminals are properly located in the terminal cavities of the connector body and to provide a strain relief in cooperation with portions of the connector body.

Abstract: An assembly including a housing having a base section from which extend a plurality of silos each housing a terminal having wire terminating sections at or near each end. Along a wire receiving face, first wire terminating sections of the terminals are exposed by wall openings permitting wire insertion for wire termination. Along an interconnection face, second wire termination sections are terminated to wires which extend to other terminals within an electrical connector which is embedded by sealing material along the base section with a mating face exposed, and the wire lengths and terminal ends are also embedded and sealed. The terminals may each have two cylindrical parts with an outer section rotatable within the silo about an inner section to terminate to a wire end inserted into a wall opening of the silo, using insulation displacement slots.

Abstract: A terminal for an electrical wire comprieses a terminal portion (1) for forming a disconnectable electrical connection to a corresponding terminal, a crimp portion (3) for forming a crimp to the conductor of the electrical wire, a neck (4) that connects the terminal to the crimp portion, and a plastics sleeve (7) located over the neck and crimp portion and extending beyond the end of the crimp portion. The neck (4) and the part of the sleeve (7) located over the neck together retain a quantity of sealant e.g. hot-melt adhesive 6 for preventing or reducing passage of moisture from the terminal portion to the crimp portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use in corrosive environments comprises a pair of opposed housings with male and female connectors respectively disposed therein, the connectors being disposed in a dielectric insulator. Conductive leads are secured to the connectors and are encased in a layered resinous material with a dam formed between the resinous material and the insulators. The connector is designed for quick connection and disconnection preferably utilizing a bayonet type mount.

Abstract: An insulation displacement terminal comprises a clamp having an internally threaded tubular portion to accommodate a screw. An insulated telephone wire can be inserted into an aperture in the clamp. When the screw is screwed all the way into the clamp, a cylindrical blunt edge thereon will displace the insulation on the wire and make contact with the metal core of the wire. There is a sealing material in the terminal to seal around the point of contact. A well and axial hole in the screw can accommodate sealing material that is displaced by the screw.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a cable assembly seal and strain relief and, in particular, where the apparatus comprises a pre-mold for use with an overmold to provide the seal and strain relief for electrical conductors terminated within an electrical housing.

Abstract: A seal structure for an electric device having an electrically conductive lead portion which passes through a through hole in a bottom surface of an electrically insulating housing. Additionally, the housing is provided with a lateral slot in a side surface thereof which is in communication with the through hole and which is filled with a sealant. Thus, the sealant which has been filled into the lateral slot adheres to the surface of the terminal piece exposed in the interior of the lateral slot and is solidified therein. Therefore, when this electric device is mounted on a printed circuit board, and its lead portions are soldered to a printed pattern of the printed circuit board, flux is prevented from reaching the internal part of the lead portion, and various problems which are otherwise caused by intrusion of flux into the interior of the housing can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing birdcaging of a conductor having multiple strands when these conductors are installed in a connector utilizing high speed installations, such as by an explosively-operated tool. The inside surface of the connector is coated with a mixture of 30% silica sand and 70% of PENETROX.RTM. A13 to reduce contact resistance. A wedge is then inserted into the connector between the conductors utilizing the explosively driven tool.

Abstract: An electrical connector provides for repeatable sealed termination of electrical conductors. The connector includes an insulative connector housing supporting therein an insulation displacing contact. The contact permits insertable and removable insulation displacing engagement with an insulated conductor. A sealing material is disposed within the housing around the contact for sealing the engagement of the contact with the conductor. The sealing material is displaceable upon insertable engagement of the conductor with the contact. The connector further includes a plunger supported adjacent the contact. The plunger is compressible in response to the insertable engagement of the conductor with the contact and returnable to an uncompressed condition upon removal of the conductor for returning the displaced sealing material to its original position.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful quick connect electrical connector comprising a housing having first and second ends; an open cavity extending into the first end of the housing; and a first passage extending into the second end of the housing and opening into the cavity; an insert for inserting into the cavity, the insert having first and second ends; a recess in the first end of the insert; and at least a second and a third passage leading from the second end of the insert to the recess; and a terminal section having first and second ends; electrical contacts on the second end of the terminal section corresponding to each of the at least second and third passages; and electrical conductors leading from said contacts to receptacle or plug means associated with the terminal section; cooperating means on the insert and the terminal section for aligning the terminal section and the insert for inserting the second end of the terminal section into the recess to a first insertion position wherein the contacts li

Abstract: A connector protected against current pulses resulting from secondary emission from connector pins by a conductive layer surrounding each pin set. The conductive layer is intimately bonded to the connector insulation and is connected to the connector pin set. The connector is formed in a housing block of a liquid crystal thermoplastic that retains the crystal structure at elevated temperatures preventing deformation during high temperature soldering. The connector back and sides are patterned with plated conductors that provide interconnection between selected pins directly on the connector outer surfaces. The back surface of the connector is sealed by a heat setting acrylic that prevents contaminants from the environment at the back of the connector getting into the pin recesses.

Abstract: An electrical connector with three rows of contacts undergoing right angle bends to form two columns suitable for joining to a printed circuit board. The distal portions of the contacts are retained in a contact receiving wall provided with contact receiving slots equipped with spring back guards. This feature allows the resilience of the contact material to aid in maintaining contact alignment. Provision is made with the connector body to receive an environment sealing compound.

Abstract: A shielded connector assembly 10 comprises, a terminal block 16 containing electrical contacts 18, a conductive back shell 11, a cable 39 extending through a cable receiving opening 20 of the back shell 11 with corresponding conductors 38 of the cable 39 connected to corresponding contacts 18, a series of passages 32 extend through the terminal block 16, and a corresponding series of vanes 35, 36 on the back shell 11 extend into the passages 35, 36 to separate selected contacts 18 from other contacts 18 in the terminal block 16.

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: A contact element such as an end-sleeve or a cable shoe, having a connecting portion and a contact portion, is produced from an originally plane blank which has a substantially rectangular first part, which in the finished product defines said connecting portion, and a second part, which in the finished product defines said contact portion. A plurality of such blanks is joined into a metallic punching band with an obverse face and a reverse face and comprising a first zone with all the first parts of the blanks, and a second zone with all the second parts of blanks. On at least the obverse face of the first zone is an insulating cover or coating applied before the individual blanks are removed from the punching band, so that the contact elements having a metallic connection portion with an insulating layer are obtained.

Abstract: A plastic connector housing (50) having a plurality of contacts secured therewithin is securable to and within a protective metal shell (12) without a bead of liquid adhesive placed therebetween during assembly, by forming a shallow peripheral channel (76) in a housing flange forward surface (74) and a shallow recess (30) in an abutting rearward surface (24) of a corresponding shell flange (18), the channel and recess defining a confined seal seat (80) extending around the housing body section (70). Lengths of solid sealant preforms (90) such as of epoxy are disposed along the channel during assembly, and the shell (12) and housing (50) held together and heated, thereby melting the sealant to flow and bond to the surfaces of the channel and recess, both joining the housing (50) to the shell (12) and forming a hermetic seal (92) along the interface therebetween, recessed from outer surfaces of the connector (10).

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector (IDC) having internal sealing material which is packed around the wires as the connection is made. The IDC has a plurality of channels for receiving the wires, and at least one metallic element providing electrical contact between the wires. A plurality of voids are in fluid communication with the channels, and the voids are filled with the sealing material, such as a mastic or silicone grease. When the IDC is moved from an open to a closed position, the metallic element makes contact between the wires, and a piston or post subsequently enters the voids, causing the sealant to flow into the channels about the wires and the contact interface.

Abstract: A high-voltage wiring connection structure having first and second insulating members fitted with one another and protecting an electrical connection portion disposed within at least one of the first and second insulating members. A layer of a soft elastic silicone resin is provided on a surface of at least the two insulating members in contact with a mating surface of the other of the insulating members. An improved sealing effect, with reduced arcing and improved reliability, is thereby attained.

Abstract: A separable connection device between a conducting lug and at least one connecting wire. The device includes means for providing an electric connection between at least one jumper cable wire having a conducting core surrounded by an insulating sheath and a conducting clamp. The conducting clamp is formed with at least one cutting slit adapted for cutting the sheath of the wire during the introduction of said wire in the slit and establishing a contact with the wire conducting core. Additional means are provided for providing the electric connection between the clamp and the lug, and means for causing the progressive engagement of the clamp on the wire.

Abstract: A header assembly for use in making electrical contact through the wall or bulkhead of a device such as a laser gyro which utilizes standard available components and is constructed in accordance with standard available procedures so as to effectuate a lower cost-effective header.

Abstract: A plug-receptacle type electrical connector in combination with a thin, cular, elastomeric membrane joining a plurality of cylindrical elastomeric embossments formed as an integral part thereof. Each embossment further has conical ends at each extremity and an outside diameter slightly larger than the receptacle socket cavity it will contact. Each embossment also has a longitudinal through-hole of inside diameter (ID) slightly smaller than the electrical connector plug pin it is intended to fit over. The membrane is coated with a dielectric grease and slipped over the plug pins. Connector clamping forces produce hydrostatic forces, first on each embossment which causes water remaining between the pin and the embossment ID and then pin-to-pin to be broken into a discontinuous series of microspheres. The resulting discontinuity produces full electrical isolation for the assembled pins and sockets and pin-to-pin for the mated connector. Total refurbishment of a connector may thus be accomplished in situ.

Abstract: An article for protecting a multiconductor connector comprising a container containing a layer of gel. In one embodiment the container can be moved relative to the container to compress the gel to seal the connector. In another embodiment the gel layer contains a plurality of holes which tend to close when the gel is compressed.

Abstract: A plug-receptacle type electrical connector in combination with a thin, cular, elastomeric membrane joining a plurality of cylindrical elastomeric embossments formed as an integral part thereof. Each embossment further has conical ends at each extremity and an outside diameter slightly larger than the receptacle socket cavity it will contact. Each embossment also has a longitudinal through-hole of inside diameter (ID) slightly smaller than the electrical connector plug pin it is intended to fit over. The membrane is coated with a dielectric grease and slipped over the plug pins. Connector clamping force produce hydrostatic forces, first on each embossment which causes water remaining between the pin and the embossment ID and then pin-to-pin to be broken into a discontinuous series of microspheres. The resulting discontinuity produces full electrical isolation for the assembled pins and sockets and pin-to-pin for the mated connector. Total refurbishment of a connector may thus be accomplished in situ.