US3626356A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater connector
Assignee: TDK Micronas GmbH
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Filing: 1968-12-30
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Granted: 1971-12-07
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Expires: 1988-12-30
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to an underwater electrical connector comprising a plug connector and receptacle connector which are mechanically mated positively locking the connectors together. Inserts in each of the connectors contain contacting surfaces. The inserts are slidably engaged to provide a squeegee wiping action, forcing water out of the connectors through ports during the mating. The contacting surfaces are mounted flush with the surface of the inserts.
Inventors
- 👤 Carey V Trammell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:17
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/52; H01R13/523
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
233 words
An underwater connector assembly comprising; a plug connector having an insert assembly mounting therein, said plug connector insert assembly being formed of a cylindrical member having a hollow cylindrical opening therethrough, said plug connector contacting surface being flush with said plug connector opening surface; a receptacle connector having an insert assembly mounted therein, said receptacle connector insert being formed of a cylindrical member, said receptacle connector contacting surface being formed on the outer surface of said receptacle connector insert; means for mechanically mating and positively locking said plug connector and said receptacle connector together; surfaces formed on said insert assemblies for slidably engaging to provide a squeegee wiping action and to force water within said connectors out through ports formed in said connectors and; at least one contact surface formed flush on said plug connector insert assembly and said receptacle connector insert assembly for connection with each other when said plug connector and receptacle connector are fully mated; said plug connector insert and said receptacle connector insert each have a plurality of contacting surfaces which are radially offset from each other, said contacting surfaces on one of said inserts being adapted to mate with a respective contacting surface on the other insErt, said contacting surfaces on said inserts being arranged in a plurality of sets of radially spaced rows and staggered from adjacent rows for preventing temporary mating of nonassociated contacts during mating.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
233 words
An underwater connector assembly comprising; a plug connector having an insert assembly mounting therein, said plug connector insert assembly being formed of a cylindrical member having a hollow cylindrical opening therethrough, said plug connector contacting surface being flush with said plug connector opening surface; a receptacle connector having an insert assembly mounted therein, said receptacle connector insert being formed of a cylindrical member, said receptacle connector contacting surface being formed on the outer surface of said receptacle connector insert; means for mechanically mating and positively locking said plug connector and said receptacle connector together; surfaces formed on said insert assemblies for slidably engaging to provide a squeegee wiping action and to force water within said connectors out through ports formed in said connectors and; at least one contact surface formed flush on said plug connector insert assembly and said receptacle connector insert assembly for connection with each other when said plug connector and receptacle connector are fully mated; said plug connector insert and said receptacle connector insert each have a plurality of contacting surfaces which are radially offset from each other, said contacting surfaces on one of said inserts being adapted to mate with a respective contacting surface on the other insErt, said contacting surfaces on said inserts being arranged in a plurality of sets of radially spaced rows and staggered from adjacent rows for preventing temporary mating of nonassociated contacts during mating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-06 | 1975-06-07 | 1975-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-06 | 1979-06-07 | 1979-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-06 | 1983-06-07 | 1983-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |