Underwater coaxial connector
First Claim
1. An underwater coaxial connector, comprising:
- a male unit having a hollow cylindrical body with an open end;
a conductive contact probe mounted axially in said body with an entry tip adjacent the open end;
a female unit having a body portion to fit into said hollow body;
a seal mounted in said body portion and having an entry opening to receive the contact probe, said seal including an axially extending, elastomeric cylindrical sealing sleeve which is normally a close sliding fit for the contact probe, and a compressible constrictor surrounding the sealing sleeve and holding the sleeve in a flattened, sealed condition;
a conductive socket member mounted in said body coaxial with the sealing sleeve for engagement by said contact probe;
and securing means for securing the male and female units together.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A plug and socket type electrical connector for connection underwater. The female part of the connector contains a socket element enclosed in a dielectric fluid filled chamber which is sealed by a penetrable seal element. The plug or male part of the connector has an extended contact probe of round cross-section which penetrates the seal element to enter the socket and complete the connection, the two connector parts having housings with a threaded connection for securing the connector. The penetrable seal is specifically designed to accommodate repeated insertion and withdrawal of a male probe of round cross-section without loss of dielectric fluid or water leakage. The seal design does not restrict the male probe size, making the connector particularly adaptable for use with a probe having multiple electrical contacts arranged coaxially. It is further adaptable for use with coaxial cable having a central conductor and a concentric shield, the connector maintaining the integrity of the shielded cable.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An underwater coaxial connector, comprising:
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a male unit having a hollow cylindrical body with an open end; a conductive contact probe mounted axially in said body with an entry tip adjacent the open end; a female unit having a body portion to fit into said hollow body; a seal mounted in said body portion and having an entry opening to receive the contact probe, said seal including an axially extending, elastomeric cylindrical sealing sleeve which is normally a close sliding fit for the contact probe, and a compressible constrictor surrounding the sealing sleeve and holding the sleeve in a flattened, sealed condition; a conductive socket member mounted in said body coaxial with the sealing sleeve for engagement by said contact probe; and securing means for securing the male and female units together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An underwater coaxial connector, comprising:
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a male unit having a body with a conductive contact probe of circular cross-section therein; a female unit having a body with a chamber therein containing a dielectric fluid; said chamber having an elastomeric seal for penetration by said contact probe; said seal including a sleeve through which said contact probe will slidably fit, and a compressible restrictor surrounding said sleeve and holding the sleeve in closed condition; and a conductive socket in said chamber to receive the contact probe. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification