Centerpin Technology, Inc.

Rip Hanks

Donald R Korte, Jr

Insulated conductors, of either the wire or multistranded cable variety, are provided with a series of markings or visual indicators along their length on their insulation jackets. The markings include cut markings to show where the conductor is to be cut and, spaced from respective ones of the cut markings by a predetermined insertion depth, insertion markings to show a correct depth of insertion into an associated electrical connector receptacle. Depending on the type of connector for which the conductor is being furnished, the markings may further include a plurality of strip markings, spaced from respective ones of the cut markings by a predetermined strip length, and/or a plurality of final insertion markings, which are spaced from respective ones of the initial insertion markings by a predetermined connector cap compression stroke.

Wire and cable insulation markings for connector termination

An electrical connector has a connector body with a bore and a cap through which a stranded insulated conductor is threaded. A ridge in the external surface of the cap engages with at least one groove in the bore to secure the conductor in place. Preferably, there are at least two such grooves in the bore at different axial positions, and the cap is axially advanced from one such groove to another one farther inside the bore to effect full physical and electrical connection. Surface pairs make up each such ridge and groove, with the area of one of the surface pairs being much greater than the other one of the surface pairs. The connector may have multiple bores and caps, and embodiments are provided for coaxial conductors.

Compression snap electrical connector

An electrical connector has a connector body with a bore and a cap through which a stranded insulated conductor is threaded. A ridge in the external surface of the cap engages with at least one groove in the bore to secure the conductor in place. Preferably, there are at least two such grooves in the bore at different axial positions, and the cap is axially advanced from one such groove to another one farther inside the bore to effect full physical and electrical connection.

In an electrical connector suitable for a multistranded insulated conductor, a frustoconical collar is so dimensioned that it will exhibit physical interference with a housing bore into which the conductor and the collar are inserted. As the collar is advanced into the bore, fingers of the collar more tightly grip the external surface of the conductor. A cap affixes the conductor and collar to the housing to complete the connection.

Electrical connector with interference collar

The subject invention pertains to a method and an electrical connector for coupling to a multi-stranded conductor. In a specific embodiment, the subject method and electrical connector can be used for coupling to an insulated multi-stranded conductor. In a specific embodiment, the subject connector can have: a housing having at least one bore for receiving an insulated multi-stranded electrical conductor; an electrically conductive prong located in the bore and electrically connected to the housing; and a securing means for insertion into the bore after insertion of the electrical conductor into the bore and onto the prong. Insertion of the securing means into the bore, after insertion of the electrical conductor into the bore and onto the prong, presses the strands of the electrical conductor against the conductive prong such that the connector makes electrical contact with the electrical conductor and acts to mechanically secure the electrical conductor to the connector.

Electrical connector apparatus and method

The subject invention pertains to a method and connector for coupling to a cable having a center conductor surrounded by a layer of material, further surrounded by one or more conductor wires. In a specific embodiment, the subject coupler can be used with a cable for producing light via electroluminensce. The subject connector for coupling to a cable having a center conductor surrounded by a layer of material, further surrounded by at least one outer conductor wire, can comprise a housing having an electrically conductive portion; an electrically conductive pin, wherein at least a portion of the pin is hollow for receiving a center conductor of a cable; and at least one electrically conductive arm connected to the electrically conductive portion of the housing and insulated from the pin, wherein the at least one electrically conductive arm each having an end adaptive to press one or more of at least one outer conductor wire of the cable against the cable such that electrical contact is made between the electrically conductive arm and the one or more of the least one outer conductor wire of the cable.

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Gulf Breeze, FL, United States of America

Rip Hanks