Connector with integral internal switch actuator and method of using the same
First Claim
1. An electrical connector comprising:
- a connector body having a first end and a second end and a center conductor disposed therein to form an electrical path from said first end to said second end, said first end being adapted to removably receive a mating connector for creating an electrical connection between said center conductor and said mating connector;
an axially movable sleeve disposed within said body; and
at least one switch actuating pin in contact with said sleeve, said at least one switch actuating pin being axially movable with said sleeve;
wherein upon mating of said first end of said body with said mating connector, said sleeve moves axially within said body toward said second end of said body thereby causing a first end of said at least one switch actuating pin to extend outward from said body for tripping an external switch.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical connector including a connector body having a first end and a second end, an axially movable sleeve disposed within the body, and at least one switch actuating pin in contact with the sleeve and axially movable therewith. A first end of the switch body is adapted to removably receive a mating connector for creating an electrical connection between the connector and the mating connector. Upon mating of the first end of the body with the mating connector, a portion of the mating connector contacts the sleeve and moves the sleeve axially within the body in the direction of the second end of the body. Movement of the sleeve causes corresponding movement of the switch actuating pin whereby a first end of the switch actuating pin extends outward from the body. The connector may be positioned adjacent a normally open switch with one terminal of the switch connected to a center conductor the connector and the other terminal of the switch being connected to an electrical signal source. When a mating connector is mated with the connector, a portion of the mating connector contacts the sleeve to cause the pin to extend outward from the body and close the normally open switch. Accordingly, the electrical signal source is connected to the connector of the invention only when a mating connector is mated with the connector.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An electrical connector comprising:
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a connector body having a first end and a second end and a center conductor disposed therein to form an electrical path from said first end to said second end, said first end being adapted to removably receive a mating connector for creating an electrical connection between said center conductor and said mating connector; an axially movable sleeve disposed within said body; and at least one switch actuating pin in contact with said sleeve, said at least one switch actuating pin being axially movable with said sleeve; wherein upon mating of said first end of said body with said mating connector, said sleeve moves axially within said body toward said second end of said body thereby causing a first end of said at least one switch actuating pin to extend outward from said body for tripping an external switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An electrical connector comprising:
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a connector body having a first end and a second end and a center conductor disposed therein to form an electrical path from said first end to said second end, said first end being adapted to removably receive a mating connector for creating an electrical connection between said center conductor and said mating connector; an axially movable sleeve disposed within said body, said sleeve being generally cylindrical in shape and having a radial flange at a first end thereof and a radially inward extending portion, said radially inward extending portion being adapted to contact a portion of said mating connector as said mating connector is mated with said first end of said body; and at least one switch actuating pin in contact with said radial flange, said at least one switch actuating pin being axially movable with said sleeve, wherein upon mating of said first end of said body with said mating connector, said portion of said mating connector contacts said radially inward extending portion of said sleeve to cause said sleeve to move axially within said body toward said second end of said body, thereby causing a first end of said at least one switch actuating pin to extend outward from said body for tripping an external switch.
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Specification