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Abstract

An inexpensive coaxial cable connector, and an inexpensive contact which is suitable for use in an such an inexpensive coaxial cable connector, the connector and the contact being capable of passing electrical signals from low frequency power up to and including telecommunications signals in the range of 1 GHz or more. The connector comprises an elongate, hollow, conductive, cylindrical barrel having an inner radius, R.sub.BARREL, and a first longitudinal axis; and an elongate, conductive contact. The contact has a first end and a second end which define a length therebetween, a second longitudinal axis, and comprises a cylindrical section. The cylindrical section has an outer radius, R.sub.CONTACT, which is less than R.sub.BARREL. The cylindrical section comprises a first external end which is coincident with one of the first end and the second end of the contact, a hollow interior, a first longitudinal slot, the slot located near the external end of the cylindrical section, and has a proximal end and a distal end. The contact also comprises a first spring-tab which is located within the first longitudinal slot and formed from a cut-out which forms the first longitudinal slot. The spring-tab has a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end joined at the proximal end of the slot. The first spring-tab extends generally from the proximal end of the slot toward the distal end of the slot and into the hollow interior of the cylindrical section. The connector comprises means for supporting the contact in the barrel so that the cylindrical section of the contact is contained within and spaced apart from the barrel and the second longitudinal axis is substantially coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The supporting means comprises a dielectric material.

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