Portable power supply system and connectors therefor

A system and components for interconnecting low power-to-power consuming electrical systems, such as emergency communications equipment, is disclosed. The system includes polarized, genderless, and color-coded connections for cabling, power splitting to sub cables, adapt between connector families, as well as inline fusing integrated into various power connectors. The connectors include cable and connectors, multi-port connectors as well as inline-fused cables. The system and cables are virtually universally connectable in any variation of fixed or temporary power distribution layouts or control signals distribution. It may be easily assembled and disassembled for transportation and storage or change of configuration. The system also can be configured to provide adapters for between different families of connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems are known for distributing AC or DC voltage and current to multiple loads from one or more sources on an AC or DC power buss. The simplest form of such a system is a multiple connector box at the end of an extension power cord. A more complex system that is familiar is a connector affixed to a printed circuit board via pins extending from the connector into receiving holes in the printed circuit board. Terminal blocks with isolated positive and negative rails from which voltage is carried to appliance loads via insulated multiple conductor wire is yet another example of a system for distributing AC or DC power. In the transportation and rail service industry, common examples include those systems used by rail vehicles that carry voltage along the track rails or those using side rails or third rails as well as overhead power lines and cables common to public automotive transports with rubber tires.

Where insulated wire pairs are used, the connections are made by affixing terminals or lugs to the ends of the wires. Some terminal blocks provide studs on which the terminals can be secured using nuts and lock washers. Systems such as these have no provision for rapid disassembly or assembly. In poor light, there is no positive provision for protecting appliance loads or multiple sources from a polarity error.

In systems using terminal blocks, the task of affixing terminals to wires or terminals to the studs is time consuming and subject to defects if proper procedures such as, cleaning or clearing the contacts or studs of dirt, snow, ice, and corrosion followed by operations such as torquing nuts on studs, are not followed. If a technician is connecting a DC service from a lead acid battery or from another low impedance voltage source capable of driving multiple horsepower DC motor loads, or loads such as a heavy duty arc welder, a mistake made by the technician in connecting the polarity of the electrical service can be catastrophic.

Conventional systems for connecting one or more sources to more than one load include those that have terminal blocks with leads to service the appliance loads, Fahnestock clips and electrical connectors, barrier strips, connectors with pins that preclude polarity errors, terminal blocks with terminal connectors that preclude improper orientation, devices for selectively interconnecting a series of connectors, extension cords, multiple outlet boxes, and power strips. However, none of those systems show either separately or in combination the integrated system and components taught herein for rapidly and reliably connecting and disassembling, disconnecting and reconfiguring power to respective DC loads, and for servicing the power from one or more respective DC voltage sources. The subject system of this invention uses a common connector throughout the system with features that positively insure that proper polarity is preserved and that no exposed metal remains after a connection is made, be it a load or source connection.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for transmitting low voltage, high current electric power to interchangeable locations with ease of connection and disconnection, and with low losses from the source or sources to the ultimate powered equipment. The system includes multiple connectors, each of which may be interchangeable and some of which can include different power connector families. This system includes a connector with an integrated fuse assembly that is part of the back of a power connector for use with the power distribution systems. Additionally, this invention may be used to interconnect multiple connectors and to connect different families of connectors of similar size and ampacity into a common bus.

In the field of power distribution, particularly in communications, which include both fixed and portable installations used for commercial, amateur radio, and military applications, there is a need to supply power to distributed power systems from a source that may be a DC power supply connected to an AC power line, a battery stack, motor generated power sources, or a source such as a solar charged battery stack. A typical station may include multiple radios, controllers, amplifiers, tuners, terminal node controllers, and computers that require power. In a typical field operation, there is a need for rapidly deploying lines and interconnecting as many stations as may be needed at varying distances from the power source, while maintaining proper polarization of the positive and negative connectors which cannot be interchanged inadvertently or otherwise.

In permanent installations, there is also a need to distribute temporary power to various permanent station equipment. In vehicles, the use of a power distribution device provides the capability to easily connect or disconnect power to individual devices. One example of the need is, when an amateur radio group has been called upon to provide emergency communication service over their own radios, as soon as possible, from remote emergency locations where the amateur radio operators are required to furnish all their own equipment, transportation, and power for communications and other necessities.

In such a situation, emergency, internal combustion engines powered AC generators supply AC power to AC to DC converters that can provide the required DC power, however, with less than the desired allowable level of transients. A better form of DC power is a bank of one or more high-capacity commercial or automotive 12-volt DC batteries or gel cells parallel connected batteries that can supply, for example 13.5 volts and up to hundreds of amp hours of ripple-free DC energy over copper lines of 12 gauge or larger wire at distances of up to several hundred feet until recharged, taken out of service, or replaced with other fully charged batteries.

This invention fills a need for low voltage power distribution of typically DC-powered equipment used in fixed installations along with applications requiring reliable, rapid transportation, deployment, connection, and change of layout. Additionally, this invention may be used to interconnect multiple connectors and different families of connectors of similar size onto a common bus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is basically the combination of a low powered voltage source, cabling with polarized connectors at the ends of each cable length, along with a series of fused or unfused branch connectors that allow splitting the power from the source and to an almost unlimited number of branches and current limited only by the drain of all of the appliances which are ultimately connected to the system. The cabling and connectors are designed to be of extremely low l2R loss at the end of each branch. The system employing 12-volt batteries and or other power sources can be used with cabling up to several hundred feet total cabling length with the current passing through several junctions before reaching the appliance with minimum l2R losses.

The key to the system is the cable conductor gauge selected and of major importance, the power splitting branch connectors, and fused branch conductors.

Overload protection is supplied in the form of integrated, visible fuses that will interrupt the overloaded circuit without disturbing any upstream branches or operating systems. One preferred version of this invention is a four-port branching connector.

Any single connector of the four-port connector can serve an input port while the remaining three ports provide low loss output power branches. All of the ports are polarized and color-coded for ease of rapid correct interconnection. The connectors, such as the four-port connector, are basically flat and of such rugged design that they can be laid on the ground or floor without damage or the danger of inadvertent interruption of service from foot traffic.

Embodiments of this invention also include eight port connectors which exhibit the same characteristics of the four-port connector, particularly with respect to low loss between the input port and any of the output ports. Other versions of this invention include using one or more connector families to allow for simple conversion from one connector family to another connector family.

Characteristic of all of these multi-port connectors is the fact that the electrical contacts of all ports of a common polarity are each electrically and mechanically connected to a common unitary interconnecting member within the assembly, such as copper with distribution arms for each port.

In accordance with this invention, fuses have been integrated into the branch connector rather than the branch distribution system so as to provide the correct level of protection for each individual device, which is connected downstream from that cable. Since fuses are a resistive device and develop a voltage drop based on the current flow, keeping the minimal number of fuses in-line is desirable. Therefore, sources and loads should be individually fused based on current requirements and should be located close to the source while being located near the input end of the cable supplying a load for protection of the cable and attached equipment.

Another embodiment of this invention is a short polarized fused interconnection cable link, which can be connected at any place in the system to protect the downstream circuitry and cable from overloads. It includes condition visible snap-in fuses for each conductor with the fuses exposed at opposite sides of one end of the cable link where they are readily visible to the system operator. Restoring service after a fuse blows is achieved by observation of the condition of the fuse without disassembly, immediately removing the offending overload source from the line, replacing the blown fuse or fuses, and restoring service to the formerly overloaded circuit. All connector ports that are powered in parallel from branches upstream from a fault continue to operate and continue to remain in service.

A second way to restore service where a fuse has blown in a fuse cable assembly is to replace the fuse cable assembly with another fused cable assembly which also can be done in a matter of minutes thus eliminating the cable as well as the fuse.

One further embodiment of the invention is an in-line terminal block having an input terminal at one end, and an optional output terminal at the opposite end for in-line use, and a pair of unitary conductive common interconnecting plates that form a plurality, e.g., 8 spaced output terminals on one side, usually the top, to supply up to 8 different power needs from one location while feeding current through cabling connected to the opposite end of this terminal block. Multiple terminal blocks can be interconnected based on the application. The input connector and all output connectors for each side of the line in all embodiments are formed from one stamped or otherwise formed piece of conductive material such as 48 GA (0.065″) copper. The input and output connectors on either end have been chosen to accept 6 to 12 AWG wire that have been, for example, stripped for insertion into wire clamps at opposing ends of the interconnecting plates. Other connectors, which are identical to the output terminals, i.e., polarized genderless terminals in color coded ports, may be installed based on system requirements.

All together, the conductors and cabling provide a totally flexible power distribution system, which may be easily transported, laid out connected, and ready for operation in a few minutes. The system may be modified using unused ports of the connectors without interfering with ongoing operations. Disassembly, transport, and relocation is also easily accomplished in a matter of minutes or the system may remain as a permanent one but subject to easy modification.

Throughout this application, the primary form of standard connector used is the APP polarized connector of Anderson Power Products, Inc. of Sterling, Mass. However, other families of connectors may be used as a function of the application. Some applications may require the selection of connectors having mixed styles other than the APP connectors of Anderson Power Products, Inc. Such selection of a connector style may be driven by an application such as the distribution of controls or instrumentation signals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a typical temporary, amateur radio communication field set-up. Two equipment stations A and B are shown located on tables, each table supporting a different set of communication equipment connected to portable antenna systems to allow communication on different frequency bands simultaneously and possibly in different modes. The equipment of stations A and B may operate for voice transmissions, Morse code, packet, PSK-31, or video, as the need exists. A third station C is a equipped to provide location information for the site. A global position satellite receiver GPS and a handy-talkie HT ham radio which has an internal terminal node controller (RF modem) combine to function as an automatic position response system APRS.

All of the equipment is capable of being powered by different power sources based on availability. A battery pack BP assembled from a single to multiple parallel-connected commercial or automotive-type batteries, with their positive and negative poles connected to a primary cable, generally designated represents a first power source10. A second alternate source is a small motor generator set MG and inverter INV designed to provide 13.5 volts DC via secondary power cable12to an emergency communication system, generally designated EMG. Solar cell panels SP represents a third optional power source and acts as the primary direct supply via cable14during daylight hours. Solar cell SP provides power to stations A, B and C via cable14and solar charge controller SCC.

The three above-described power sources are connected to supply DC power to the system via an in-line or branch connector LP of this invention which has an input connector IP, an output connector OP, and 6 to 8 local output ports arrayed on top of the in-line connector LP.

An inverter INV is shown connected to a protective device PD combining a blocking diode BD to prevent reverse current flow to the inverter INV and a fuse assembly FA via cable12and continues via cable16connection to an input port IP of an in-line terminal block LP of this invention.

The solar panel SP is connected to a solar charge controller SCC via cable14and connected to a fuse assembly FA and continues to the local output ports LP on one of the available output ports. The battery pack BP is directly connected to a fuse assembly FA then to the output connector OP of in-line terminal block LP.

Typical DC current requirements for a system ofFIG. 1are for 10 to 100 amperes at 13.5 volts. High current levels required by such distributed low-voltage DC systems mandates that such systems have the lowest l2R losses possible throughout to avoid unnecessary heating in the connectors as well as the cabling. Typical voltage drop limits for the connectors described below are less than 0.03 volts DC with 30 amperes current level for over one hour with a temperature rise of approximately 25° F.

The main power cables10,12, and14are insulated pairs of 4 to 12 gage copper conductors with a heavy-duty insulated jacket and will typically range in length up to one hundred feet depending on the particular location and the needs. Cable22ends with a connection plug of the basic configuration of this invention at four-port or multi-port connector20. Multi-port connector20is generally flat sided and typically has four or more ports labeled20A,20B,20C, and20D. Port20D acts as the input port inFIG. 1with each of the other ports available as output ports. The connector20is better seen inFIGS. 2 through 5to which the reader should also direct his attention.

The connector20has each of the ports20A-D polarized so that power is provided to the positive + (red) jack and the negative − (black) jack. The four port or mult-port connector20is flat on opposing surfaces. As shown, connector20is sufficiently robust in its structure to permit it to be laid on the ground or the floor of a working area while it functions to provide input port20D and three-output ports20A-C as shown inFIG. 1. A first branch cable26is connected from an output port on in-line connector LP to a port on a second in-line connector LP on the table of station A.

The second in-line connector LP provides power to station A. The first branch cable26provides the input power to an in-line or branch connector LP, which in turn distributes power to a transceiver23and logging computer25at station A. A second branch cable28is connected from and output port on in-line connector LP to an input port on a third in-line connector LP on the table of station B. The second in-line connector LP provides distributes power to transceiver27and logging computer29at station B.

A third branch cable22provides input power to connector20. Two local output ports LP are shown in use for apparatus at station A and B and have open ports available for use at each station for additional connections to power “Handie-Talkie™” (HTs) a Motorola trademark, Slow Scan TV (SSTV) video equipment and scanners requiring 13.5 volts DC power.

Referring again toFIG. 1, connector20shows a multi-port polarized connector in which the mating ports are genderless. In the case shown, all the ports are in use. Cable22is the DC input source at port20D, output to HT from port20A, output to GPS from port20B, and output from20C feeds cable24that powers a 12 volt DC fluorescent light FL. Each output cable from connector20, ports20A,20B, and20C has an integrated fuse assembly32, that is part of the invention and which is shown and explained later in connection withFIGS. 7,8,9,10and11. The details of connector20are best shown inFIGS. 2-6, while the short fused cable30is shown and described below in connection withFIGS. 7 and 8. The in-line multi-port connectors LP at equipment stations A, B and C are shown and described in connection withFIGS. 17-21. An eight output in-line multi-port connector LP serviced from a cable connected to OP is capable of supplying DC power to up to seven other sub-cables or pieces of equipment. Further, assembly32, which plugs into connector20provides fused DC power to a handheld ratio transceiver HT.

The Four Port Connector

Referring now toFIGS. 2-6, connector20is more clearly seen with its four housings20A-D clearly visible emerging and extending laterally outward from the central portion of the connector20from the central body portion cover plate40. The central body portion cover plate40acts as a closure for the cruciform-shaped positive (+) interconnector43. The cruciform-shaped positive (+) interconnector43is hidden inFIG. 2. However, the cruciform shaped positive (+) interconnector43appears inFIG. 3in its assembled position and as a separate part in exploded viewsFIGS. 5 and 5A. Interconnector43is preferably a stamped piece of 48 oz/sq. ft. ETP 100 electronic quality copper or conductive material based on current requirements of the configuration shown inFIGS. 5 and 5Aor as an alternative in the stamped and edge formed shape as illustrated inFIG. 6.

Other recognized connector materials, such as beryllium, copper or brass, with resistance between any of its four arms43A, B, C or D of less than 0.0001 ohm might be used thereby providing a low loss interconnection between any of the ports. A spring terminal of44A, B, C, or D is press fit onto their respective arms43A, B, C or D ofFIG. 5and located in the positive (+) ports46A, B, C, and D ready to receive a mating polarized positive (+) port. The housings20A-D defining ports46A-D are preferably configured to match standard connectors, such as APP polarized connectors of Anderson Power Products, Inc. of Sterling, Mass. 01564.

Other standard connector types, as illustrated inFIGS. 22-25, may be selected for use in accordance with this invention; however, the preferred embodiment employs contacts and polarized housings compatible with APP connectors.

InFIG. 4, it may be seen that the connector20includes a duplicate assembly, including a lower body portion or cover50that closes a second or negative conductor assembly (−)60with oppositely polarized ports60A, B, C, and D, three of which may be seen inFIG. 4. All four ports are contained within the single housing and extend laterally or radially outward. A second (−) interconnection plate43shown in plan view,FIG. 5and in side viewFIG. 5Ais identical to plate42and is contained within the lower portion of the housing60and extending into each port60A-D. Both plates42and43may be seen in the exploded viewFIG. 6, spaced apart and insulated from contact by dielectric spacer in the form of a flat plate70which in the assembly ofFIGS. 1-4is in contact with both conductor plates42and43within the connector assembly20. The entire assembly20is a flat, substantially solid structure that can stand the abuse of repeated rapid assembly and disassembly, deployment, being laid on the ground or floor and walked upon while providing reliable power as and where needed.

FIG. 6is a further, more complete exploded view of the cruciform four port connector20as seen inFIG. 5in which all of the parts are shown, including the four double + and −, red and black housings20A-D are present. Also, the eight spring contacts44positive complete the assembly20. The inward extending ends of the housings20A-D fully cover and engage formed plates53+ and53−up to their centermost shoulders SH, and the top surfaces of housings20A-D engage and are cemented to the top disc40while their bottom surfaces of housings20A-D engage and are cemented to the bottom disc50to form a unitary assembly. An insulating plastic plate70rests and is captured between the opposed portions of the plus and minus plates53to eliminate any possibility of shorting together.

The Fused Subcable

Referring toFIGS. 7-11, which illustrate the provision of a fused line anywhere in a low voltage power supply system in accordance with this invention.

InFIG. 7, cable30includes connectors port end30M with polarized + and − red and black housings30RED and30BLK that are permanently secured together and polarized in shape so that only a red connector end may enter and make electrical contact with a red and vice versa for the black colored counterparts. As illustrated inFIG. 8, each housing30RED and30BLK contains a respective spring clip or terminal44capable of engaging an oppositely engaging spring44in a low-loss electrical spring loaded contact.

As may be seen inFIG. 7, the opposite end of the cable30has a second connector30M that has the same polarization and connector springs44as the first connector30M for connection to a DC load device or to a connector20as illustrated above or any of the other embodiments as illustrated herein. Two other alternative cable ends are shown in fragmentary cable form as30MT and30MM. The30MT and30MM fragments represent alternatives such as the common “T” shaped connector ofFIG. 23, while30MM represents a connector of the Molex 2-conducton style. Cables such as30are available with different type connectors at opposite ends for use as fused transition cables that may be carried and available for use and that require a different family of connectors to be matched.

Between the cable30and the second (upper) connector30M, however, is a dual fuse assembly80as best shown inFIG. 8in exploded form. In that figure, the housings for the two-end connectors30M are shown exploded from the dual fuse assembly80. Two mirror image insulated fuse holders82and84include side recesses83and85, respectively, for receiving standard automotive accessory fuses86and88, and two end recesses each for receiving spring connectors92, each with their respective spring clips44. Connectors90include a crimpable sleeve at their outer end to allow the cable30conductors to be crimped or crimped and soldered in place and a side female spring clip for receiving one terminal of their respective fuse86or88. The connectors92have flat end terminals for engaging spring terminals44and side female terminals for receiving the second terminal of fuse86and88.

When assembled with terminals and fuses in place, and the spring terminals44in their respective housings40and60, an in-line fused cable is produced and ready for powering equipment while protecting it by two fuses, either of which can blow at the designated current level thereby opening the power circuit and protecting everything downstream from over-current damage. The fuses86and88have visible fusible links FL, one of which is visible inFIGS. 7,9and10and easily detected and changed in a matter of seconds.

FIG. 9shows an in-line connection of a fused cable30with its end connector30FM and fuse88in the negative (−) end connector housing30B next to a mating end connector30M of a standard (non-fused) cable such as cables22,26and28ofFIG. 1.

InFIG. 10, a longitudinal sectional view along line10-10ofFIG. 9shows that the end connectors30M, as used in all embodiments of this invention, are polarized but genderless, i.e., neither male or female. These connectors will mate only with like polarity end connectors since the two identical spring contacts44overlap and will not enter unlike ports to engage + to − and provide reliable low loss connections when engaged. The visible fuse88is also seen with its visible fusible link FL. The fuses86and88are all standard U.S. auto accessory fuses, which are available at auto parts and electrical parts stores in a variety of current limits. They are exchanged by sliding the fuse out and the replacement in as indicated by the double-ended arrow inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11is an exploded view of the fused end connector80with insulating end cap34used to cover the exposed end of a cable, such as cable30and connector30M shown inFIG. 7.

Eight Port Connector Embodiment

Now referring toFIGS. 12 through 16where an 8-port connector100is illustrated and based upon the 4-port version ofFIGS. 2 through 6. In this version, identical reference numerals may be used for identical components as found in earlier figures. One input port100A can act as the power input port serving seven other power supply ports100B-100H or to power up to six appliances and feeding power to a sub-cable through any one of the ports, for example, port100E. The connector ports are each defined by a standard polarized connector, such as the APP connector discussed above, and arranged in an octagonal array of polarized and color coded (red +) and (black −) housings, each of which includes a spring contact44, appearing only inFIG. 14and otherwise shielded by the housings120. At least one end plate140is present adhering to the rear or opposite side of eight housings142and adding structural strength the octagon assembly100.

InFIGS. 14,15, and16, the upper (+) octagonal-shaped interconnector or distribution plate192is visible with its eight equally spaced arms192A-H and inFIG. 14the end contact springs44are shown in their operative position on the ends of their respective arms192A-H. The plate192may be fabricated of the same material and thickness as plate42utilizing material, such as 48-oz/sq ft copper.

The use of identical standard parts wherever possible, insures the flexibility of the connectors to provide the required power distribution system and error free installation. Low distribution losses are maintained throughout the system particularly by the use of single distribution plates for connection to all parts of the same polarity such as plates142and192, one for each polarity at each connector, as is best shown inFIGS. 15 and 16.

Another form of multi-port connector is illustrated inFIGS. 17 through 21. It is the in-line connector28ofFIG. 1. As may be seen in more detail inFIG. 17, an array of identical dual housings22(red +) and42(black −) are mounted in an insulating base150, with one connector acting as the power input ports IP (red +) and IP (black −), and six pairs of output DC power distribution ports22for distribution of power to various equipment as illustrated by inline connectors LP ofFIG. 1. Another pair of output ports OP is available at the opposite end from the power input ports IP that may be used by other equipment or connected to another distribution cable.

The interior of an eight output terminal in-line connector28C (cable connect) may be seen inFIGS. 18-21, which is similar to the connector28ofFIG. 17except that screw/clamp connectors152are used instead of the standard connectors22and42of each of the previous embodiments. This in-line connector28C, in addition to providing two additional output power distribution as compared withFIG. 17ports, allows the in-line connector to be used with any insulation stripped cable end and is not limited to the standard connector as used in each embodiment above.

The connectors22and42each have their housings red or black covering a respective spring clip44(unshown) as in previous embodiments that engages upward extending arms of their respective power distribution plates162and164as shown inFIGS. 19,20and21with their upstanding arms identified as arms166A-H and168A-H. The side tabs of the power distribution plates162and164are each secured by screws S to insulating support blocks165and167ofFIG. 19that are secured as by screw attachment inside chassis180. The chassis180includes the end cable entrance openings0normally including insulating grommets for the cables to reach the cable clamps122and124at one end and126and128at the opposite end. The cable end clamps are all secured to the assembly and particularly to the respective power distribution plates162and164by the same screws, which mount the power distribution plates,162and164.

Universal Adapter Connectors

Another form of the multi-port connector is illustrated inFIGS. 22 through 25. It is a four-way version similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 2-6to provide a method to connect a polarized power distribution system using any of a number of different connector families. Various equipment manufacturers install different connector families on equipment they build. End users are thereafter forced to replace connectors supplied with the equipment with a more standard connector compatible with other equipment used by the end user or by other end users. In accordance with this invention, use of a universal adapter as displayed inFIGS. 22 through 25, provides a method to connect low power connectors, between many different families. This concept can also apply to control signals such as antenna rotators or other interface control signals.

As may be seen in more detail inFIG. 22, a four-port connector20includes a standardized polarized connector, such as the APP connector capable of 30 amperes such as170A, a two-pin version of Molex series 1545 connector170B capable of carrying 8 amperes of current, a European style terminal block such as170C capable of 30 amperes capacity and accepting stripped wire from 10 to 22 gage which can be field stripped with a conventional wire stripper and terminated using a small screw driver to rotate a screw that clamps the stripped end of the wire, and a “T” connector such as170D capable of 12 amperes capacity, which has been installed by the manufacturer for power input on many amateur mobile radios.

FIG. 23is a side view of the multi-port connector170that from the left displays a side view of the “T” connector170D. In the middle is an end view of the European style terminal block170C, and on the right side is the 2-pin version of the Molex series 1545 connector, with covers40on the top and50on the bottom that serve as closure for both the cruciform shaped positive + and negative − interconnectors that are also invisible but similar toFIGS. 2 through 6.

SUMMARY

An entire DC power distribution system using standard connectors integrated into a flexible, polarized array is disclosed. Fusing may be introduced into the system at any place in the system and overloads may be easily detected and remedied. All components are interchangeable and polarized. The system and each of the components are conveniently stored, transported, deployed, and in operation in a matter of minutes. Connections can be reconfigured or disassembled and transported in a matter of minutes. Error-free connections are assured.

The preferred basic connector type is the APP connector, however, employing the universal connector170ofFIGS. 22 through 25and as many as four different connector families may be serviced by this invention.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention instead shall be determined from the scope of the following claims including their equivalents.