Northern Telecom Limited

Benne Velsher

Jaroslav M Hvezda

Richard J Middlehurst

George Debortoli

Brian T Osborne

Michael V Meyerstein

A plug-in form of connector having two connecting members, one inserted into the other, has pairs of opposed contacts. Each pair of contacts is connected electrically by a pivoted contact lever, which pivots about an axis normal to its length as one connecting member is inserted into the other. This increases contact normal forces from a minimum at initial insertion. A reduction in insertion force is obtained without a reduction in contact normal forces on full insertion.

Multiple contact connector having a low insertion force

A multiple contact connector having a low profile has a bottom member for attachment to a large circuit board, the bottom member having a plurality of spaced parallel spring cantilever contact members. A top member is attached to an edge of another circuit board, for example a smaller board, the top member having a plurality of spaced parallel contact members having top and bottom legs, the top legs of the contact members making contact with the smaller board circuit pattern and the bottom legs contacting the cantilever contact members of the bottom member. A spring member extends up from the bottom member and snaps over the top member.

High density low profile multiple contact connector

A multiple contact connector having a low profile has a bottom member for attachment to a large circuit board, the bottom member having a plurality of spaced parallel spring cantilever contact members. A top member is attached to an edge of another circuit board, for example a smaller board, the top member having a plurality of spaced parallel contact members of U shape, the top legs of the contact member making contact with the smaller board circuit pattern and the bottom legs contacting the cantilever contact members of the bottom member. A spring member extends up from the bottom member and snaps over the top member.

In the testing of dry circuit contacts, a constant current source is applied to the contacts. The open circuit voltage of the source is set to a predetermined maximum value and then the short circuit current at the contacts measured. If the current value is below a predetermined maximum value, the voltage of the source is increased to bring the short-circuit current to the predetermined value. The voltage drop across the contacts is then measured and the contact resistance calculated. This arrangement makes adjustments to take into account variations in the test circuit, such as different lead lengths and other variables, without subjecting the contacts at any time to an open circuit voltage or short circuit current above maximum values.

Test contact resistance of dry circuit contacts

Telecommunications interconnection enclosure

An enclosure for outdoor cross-connection in telecommunications systems has a rectangular housing on a base. One or more columns are mounted in the housing, each column having a channel shaped back portion and a mounting member hinged at one side to one side of the back portion. Connectors are attached to the mounting member, conveniently by retainers fitting in slots in side walls of the mounting member, latch members holding the retainers in position. Connectors clip into the retainers and can be sealed by sealing compound in the retainers. Cable conductors pass up through the channel shaped back portion, conductors passing through into the mounting members and connected to the rear sides of connectors. Cross-connections are made to the front sides of the connectors.

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Ottawa, Canada

Benne Velsher