Importance

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Abstract

An electrical connector useful for interconnecting circuits of adjacent guided missile stages and the like includes first and second interengageable housings. Each connector housing supports contact members which are interengageable when the first and second housings are brought into engagement. Actuator means are provided for engaging and disengaging the connector contact members independent of the engagement and disengagement of the connector housings and include a movable insert member disposed within the second housing for movement between mating and non-mating positions. The contact members supported within the second housing each include a terminal portion, an active contact portion carried by the insert member for engagement with a first housing contact member, and an extendable portion for maintaining continuous electrical connection between the active and terminal portions as the insert member is moved between its mating and non-mating positions. The actuator means further include a latching mechanism for moving the insert member to its mating position to securely interengage the connector contact elements, and a separation or quick disconnect assembly for disengaging the connector contact members prior to disengagement of the connector housings.

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First Claim