Patent ID: 8267707
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. An underwater connector comprising first and second connector parts capable of being mated underwater, wherein the first connector part comprises first and second axially extending, electrically conductive signal-carrying elements, the first connector part being configured such that, on mating with the second connector part in normal use, the signal-carrying elements electrically contact with respective signal-carrying elements of the second connector part to form a plurality of electrical signal conduction paths through the connector from which the ambient water is excluded, the signal conduction paths between the connector parts being sealed watertight so that they are not exposed to ambient water, wherein a conductor extends between the signal conduction paths, the conductor being arranged to be earthed in use and arranged to, in use, electrically shield the signal conduction paths from each other to suppress signal crosstalk therebetween, and wherein the first connector part comprises a sealed chamber filled with electrically non-conducting fluid, the signal-carrying elements of the first connector part being arranged so that on mating of the first and second connector parts the signal-carrying elements of the first connector part electrically contact with the respective signal-carrying elements of the second connector part in said sealed chamber, and the conductor for suppressing signal crosstalk extending in the sealed chamber.