Litton Systems, Inc.

Robert A Domke

Robert G Knowles

A connector used in terminating a flat multi-conductor cable comprises a contact support and a pressure cap. The contact support houses a plurality of insulation displacement contacts, each contact comprising a boxlike end and an elongated electrical contacting section. Two opposite sides of the boxlike end include a longitudinal slot which receives the conductive elements of the cable to establish a four point contact therewith, and the remaining two sides are peaked to form a structure for piercing the insulation of the cable. The box is seamed along a longitudinal corner thereof and is reinforced by a recess in the contact support in which the box is located. The pressure cap comprises an array of apertures which correspond to the array of displacement contacts housed by the contact support. Each aperture is formed with a network of pressure members which cooperate to push the conductive elements of the multi-conductor cable into mating engagement with the slots of the displacement contacts, and to reinforce the boxlike ends.

Insulation displacement connector for a flat multi-conductor cable

A flat cable connector includes a contact support with an integrally molded latch and a pressure member which mates therewith. The latch comprises a folded beam and a latching bar which cooperate with a two-position catch on the pressure member. The folded beam gives the latch a greater flexibility than would normally be possible and avoids excess strain which could cause beam failure.

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Newtown, CT, United States of America

Robert A Domke