Patent ID: 6315461
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An underwater connector, comprising:a plug unit having a forward end, a rear end, and a hollow body;a first member mounted in the hollow body and forming an internal chamber, the member having a resilient forward end portion having an opening communicating with the internal chamber, at least one probe contact member mounted in the chamber in alignment with the opening;a receptacle unit having a hollow body, a forward end, and a rear end and adapted for mating engagement with the plug unit;a second member mounted in the hollow body of the receptacle unit and having an internal chamber and a resilient forward end portion having an opening communicating with the internal chamber, and at least one receptacle contact member in the chamber in alignment with the opening;the resilient forward end portions of the members having forward end faces in face-to-face sealing engagement when the units are mated together; andthe plug and receptacle units each having an actuator for compressing the resilient end portion of the respective member to close and seal the respective opening when the units are unmated, and for permitting opening of the respective openings when the plug and receptacle units are mated together with the end faces in sealing engagement, whereby at least one of the probe and receptacle contact members can pass through the aligned openings in the resilient end portions of the members to engage the other contact member.