Resumes
Resumes
Lance Maclellan Phones & Addresses
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69 Kent Dr, Hudson, MA 01749 (978) 562-2033 (978) 568-0716 (978) 568-9410
Publications
Us Patents
Torsion Bar Connector
View pageUS Patent:
52734552, Dec 28, 1993
Filed:
Jan 27, 1993
Appl. No.:
8/010222
Inventors:
Lance MacLellan - Hudson MA
Assignee:
Digital Equipment Corporation - Maynard MA
International Classification:
H01R 1300
US Classification:
439387
Abstract:
An electrical connector system includes a torsion bar spring for maintaining good contact forces in small sizes, simple configurations and controlled connector insertion forces. The electrical connector system includes a first and a second terminal. The first terminal has two electrical contacts connected by a shaft. The shaft is made of a resiliently deflectable electrically conductive material. The second terminal is a helically-shaped hollow body adapted to receive the first terminal. When the first terminal is inserted in the second terminal, the shaft of the first terminal is deflected and acts as a torsion bar spring and the two contacts lock the torque inside the second terminal. An alternative embodiment includes a first terminal with protrusions and a second terminal with a helical groove on its interior surface which receive the protrusions of the first terminal and cause the first terminal to deflect on insertion into the second terminal. The terminals may be mounted to form plug and socket apparatus.