GB1340756A - Method of making electrical connections and electrical connectors made thereby - Google Patents

Abstract

1340756 Two-part couplings COMPAGNIE FRANCAISE DES PETROLES 29 Nov 1971 [30 Nov 1970] 55370/71 Heading H2E [Also in Division E2] A two-part electrical connector for use both in and out of water, consists of a stationary conductive surface 5a, surrounded by insulation 7, and a movable conductive surface 1d, forming the annular bottom surface surrounding the aperture of dome 1a, which is surrounded by deformable envelope 2a, and fluid-tight lips 2c. Contained within dome la is a closed rigid sphere 4 containing a gas at lower pressure than the ambient medium. When the movable connector is applied to the stationary surface as at Fig. 1, and pressure is applied downward, optionally assisted by lever 9, vessel 4 is broken, mainly by stud 5b, creating a pressure difference with respect to the ambient medium, and therefore the force created flattens the resilient lip portion 2c on to the stationary surface 6a. A firm electrical contact is thus made between surfaces 1d and 5a, excluding any water previously present. Disconnection is accomplished by release of screw 3 thereby connecting the exterior medium to the interior of the envelope. In further embodiments of the invention, several conductors may be connected using one (Fig. 4, not shown) or several (Fig. 7, not shown) deformable cavities. The vessel containing the gas may be separate from the deformable connector and connected thereto by a connecting duct (Figs. 11 and 12, not shown).