Tool and method for maintaining alignment when separating and connecting multi-pin connectors
US5473816A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53683
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Male and female portions of a multi-pin connector (MPC) are separated and connected using a tool or a method in which the two MPC portions are securely retained in lateral and longitudinal alignment throughout separation and connection, to alleviate the difficulties of breaking, bending, mis-aligning and twisting pins of the male MPC portion relative to sockets of the female MPC portion, which may easily occur during separation and connection. The pins and the sockets in lateral and longitudinal alignment while the MPC portions are moved toward and away from one another. The risk of lead-wire breakage due to fatigue from grasping the lead wires during connection and separation is also avoided, because the only contact is with the body portions, not the lead wires, of even small MPCs. A tool includes a receptacle adapted for receiving the two portions of the MPC. A slide member is adapted to contact at least one of the two MPC portions, and an actuator mechanism moves the slide member and the contacted MPC portion toward or away from the other MPC portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.