The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 16, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 20, 1998
Michael L Trafton, Dearborn, MI (US);
Thomas & Betts International, Inc., Sparks, NV (US);
Abstract
A low insertion force, high current electrical connector assembly that is capable of transmitting a wide range of current levels, particularly high levels of current such as that found in a power distribution center, is provided. The connector assembly includes a cylindrical housing having an open end to receive a pin. A contact cage having a number of flexible beams is positioned concentrically within the housing to surround and contact the pin. The beams are provided in sets or banks which are offset from each other by zig-zag bridge members. The zig-zag bridge members ease the process of rolling the cage into a generally cylindrical shape for insertion into the housing and provide a compact design to reduce material consumption. The housing includes a reduced diameter section which acts as an overstress protector for the contact cage by minimizing movement of the pin within the housing and as a positive stop for the contact cage once it is assembled within the housing. The housing may also include an annular recess in the exterior wall which serves as a keying feature for connection of the housing to another component, such as a bus bar.