Connector for making connection with mating interface
US6913480B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S439/953
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A connector for making an electrical connection with a mating interface (17) includes a hollow conductor (1) within which is included a member (9) which is relatively movable with respect to the conductor (1). Resilient means (12), which may be a spring, is located between the conductor (1) and member (9). In a first state of the connector, the conductor (1) and member (9) are in a relative position in which the resilient means (12) exerts a force between them urging them together. Following a mechanical connection made between the member (9) and the mating interface (17), the connector is set in a second state in which the force applied by the resilient means (12) takes effect, moving the conductor (1) and member (9) towards one another to make an electrical connection between the conductor (1) and the mating interface (17). This allows a connection to be made with only minimal force and no torque, making it suitable for fragile connections. It is particularly useful for connections which must be made under vacuum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.