Balboa Water Group, Inc.

Charles Joseph Heiden

Paul Rosenau

Steven Kuo

Embodiments of a connector cover are described, which are easily attached to a keyed electrical connector housing, and which prevent misconnection with a mating connector. One embodiment features a snap-on design, in which the cover simply snaps onto the keyed connector housing. A second embodiment is in the form of a two-piece cover, which snap together about the keyed connector housing. A third exemplary embodiment features a slip-on design, in which the cover slips onto the keyed connector housing. In another aspect, an electrical connector system is described, which includes the connector cover and first and second keyed electrical connectors.

Connector covers and systems to prevent misconnections

An exemplary embodiment of an inductive electrical sensor assembly includes a hollow housing structure defining an open space within the housing structure and a circuit board mounted in the open space. The circuit board includes an inductive sense area. A flexible metal domed spring structure is mounted over the inductive sensor area. A stem portion extends from a actuator area of the housing structure and having a distal end disposed adjacent to or in contact with the spring structure. The domed spring structure is adapted to be flexed toward the inductive sensor area by force exerted by the stem portion when a user exerts force on the actuator area, the flexing of the domed spring structure resulting in a change of inductance of the inductive sensor area which may be sensed to indicate an actuator push. An exemplary embodiment of the sensor assembly may include a resiliently deformable potting material substantially filling open spaces in the hollow housing structure between the top surface and the circuit board, and an open space below the circuit board, enabling flexure of the domed spring structure while providing environmental protection.

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Mission Viejo, CA, United States of America

Charles Joseph Heiden