Abstract:
A coaxial cable connection incorporating F-Type connectors and including a male connector for connecting an RG-6 or smaller coaxial cable incorporates an internal element for preventing moisture ingress and/or preventing loosening of a male connector from a female connector.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a pressure seal for a coaxial cable connection utilizing F-Type connectors. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Signal quality in systems employing coaxial cable is adversely affected when moisture from the environment enters the region bounded by coaxial cable end connectors. The vehicle transporting moisture from the environment into the cable is ambient air. Where this gas exchange is stopped, the transport of moisture into the cable is prevented. 
         [0005]    The ingress of moisture into the coaxial cable is primarily due to the pressure changes in small air pockets disposed within the cable during ambient temperature changes. Variations in ambient temperature cause ambient air and the moisture it carries to be drawn into the coaxial cable. Both the moisture and the eventual corrosion of conductors inside the cable, especially the shield conductors, degrade signal quality. Where outdoor coaxial cable connections are concerned, it has become customary to seal F-Type connectors to the cable and to seal the interconnections between male and female connector parts. 
         [0006]    The F-Type connector-to-coaxial cable, and F male-to-female connector interface have four places where moisture may enter the interconnection. The points of moisture entry are the interface between: (a) the trailing end of the male connector and the cable  60 ; (b) the connector shell and the connector body  61 ; (c) the swivel nut and the connector body  62 ; and (d) the swivel nut and the F-Type female connector on the device being connected  63 . The foregoing principal sites of water vapor ingress are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0007]    Strong industry focus on cable to connector seals has resulted in several designs gaining acceptance in the industry as means for sealing the first three moisture ingress locations mentioned above. 
         [0008]    However, no such industry focus on connector to connector pressure seals has occurred. And, to the extent that connector to connector pressure seal solutions have been developed, they are external seals. Moreover, no industry accepted design that effectively seals the last interface (i.e., the interface between the swivel nut on the male F-Type connector and the female F-Type connector on the device being connected) is available. 
         [0009]    In accordance with the prior art, the leading end of the internally threaded nut on the male F-Type connector, which is attached to the cable, is screwed on to the female F-Type connector which has a mating outside thread. The integrity of the interface between the male and female F-Type connectors controls the mechanical and electrical performance of the connection. The thread used on F-Type connectors is a course ⅜-32 thread, specified by the SCTE (Society of Cable Television Engineers) and the EIA (Electronics Industry Association). This metal threaded interface does not provide an effective pressure seal for blocking gas exchange between the environment and the interior of the cable connection. 
         [0010]    Known methods for preventing moisture ingress at connector to connector interfaces exist as shown in  FIGS. 2   a - e . All of these methods involve the use of external seals. In the case of the devices shown in  FIGS. 2   a - d , the illustrated device works only in particular applications. The device of  FIG. 2   e  is somewhat more useful. 
         [0011]    None of the prior art devices of  FIGS. 2   a - d  provide an adequate seal between the nut on a male F-Type connector and the threaded shaft of a female F-Type connector which has threads on the exterior of the shaft. With reference to  FIG. 2   a , a rubber boot  10  is employed in accordance with the prior art to form a seal between a cable  11  and a ridge  12  that sometime exists on the female F-Type connector  13  mounted on the device  14  being connected to. The rubber boot  10  may keep out some moisture but does not provide a seal that is tight. Further, the device relies on the presence of a sealing ridge  12  on the female connector which is usually absent. 
         [0012]    With reference to  FIG. 2   b , air shrink tubing  40  is also employed in the art to provide a seal between the cable  11  and the F-connector  13 . Heat shrink tubing cannot be used because the PVC on the coaxial cable jacket will melt. The air shrink tubing  40  presents an inwardly-directed (radial) sealing force but requires a minimal length of the female F-Type connector shaft to be exposed in order to provide a water seal. In addition, the shaft must have a smooth surface. The tubing will not shrink into the threads of the female connector. Therefore this method has a limited application; being operable only for a female F-Type connector having a smooth, unthreaded outer surface on the shaft thereof. 
         [0013]    Another sealing technique, though not widely used, is to fill the male connector nut with a silicone grease prior to attachment of the nut to the shaft of the female F-Type connector which will fill the area between threads. This is not recommended due to the difficulty in applying the correct amount of grease as well as the problem of removal and hand cleaning. 
         [0014]    Yet another sealing technique, the axial compression port seal  20 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 2   c  and  2   d . The axial compression port seal  20  consists of a tubular elastic member that slides over the shaft  21  of the female F-Type connector. When axial pressure from tightening the male nut  22  compresses the elastic device  20 , the opposing end of the device exerts an equal force on a bulkhead  23  and thus seals both sides as it compresses. This device  20  and method works well if all sizes are exactly correct for the length of the shaft  21 . 
         [0015]    In practice, with many products being used, this method becomes ineffective. In addition, the axial compression port seal  20  relies on the axial force it exerts on a bulkhead in order to provide a seal. In many devices, this bulkhead does not exist. When an axial compression port seal  20  is used over threads, it cannot exert the needed inward radial force to fill and occlude the thread and pressure seal from its own elasticity. The radial sealing ability of axial compression port seals  20  has been limited due to the need for the installer to slide it over the cylindrical shaft of the female F-Type connector with little effort. 
         [0016]      FIG. 2   e  shows the sealing design of U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,265 B2. Here, a compression ring  80  is advanced along an underlying elastic sealing member  90  when the abutting nut of a male connector is advanced along the threaded portion of a female connector  130 . Seals made by this technique include the forward seal between the female connector and the elastic sealing member, the rear seal between the nut and the compression ring, and the seal between the elastic sealing member and the compression ring. 
         [0017]    In summary, for the designs of  FIGS. 2   a - d , due to the variety of female connector port lengths, finishes, thread lengths, and the lack of clean, machined bulkheads for axial compression that are currently available on devices being used, it has been almost impossible to achieve moisture ingress protection. Even when a machined bulkhead is available for an axial compression seal, the seal must be sized for the exact length of the female port and male nut so that the proper axial force can be achieved when the male connector is fully screwed in. These three components may be sized correctly to resist moisture ingress for one set of products; but, the non-standardization of device dimensions used in the field make it highly improbable that each of these four variables (male nut depth; female shaft length; machined flat bulkhead; and axial rubber seal length) will be sized correctly in any particular installation. The design of FIG. e is an improvement, but it remains an external design that has not been widely adopted by the industry. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    In an embodiment, the present invention provides an internal pressure seal for protecting the a male F-Type coaxial connector from moisture. In the prior art, some female F-Type connectors have included gaskets designed to protect the female connector from moisture. Unlike the prior art, the present invention provides an internal pressure seal for protecting the male connector from moisture. The internal pressure seal of the present invention functions, inter alia, to prevent harmful moisture from reaching coaxial cable parts enclosed by a mandrel of a male F-Type connector. Included in the present invention is a sealing device for coaxial cable connections utilizing F-Type connectors and including a male F-Type connector for connecting RG-6 Series 6 type (“RG-6”), or smaller, coaxial cable. 
         [0019]    The internal pressure seal embodiment comprises a female F-Type port including a port tube having a port tube face; a non-metallic gasket suitable for forming a pressure seal extending from the port tube face; the gasket having a central passage dimensioned for receiving a central conductor of an RG-6 or smaller coaxial cable therethrough without sealing around the central conductor; a forward face of the gasket about perpendicular to an axis of the central passage, said forward face having an inner diameter greater than about five (5) millimeters and an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter; and, the gasket operable to be compressed by a mandrel of an F-Type connector for connecting an RG-6 or smaller coaxial cable being mated with the port and the forward face operable to seal against a face of said mandrel. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides an internal spring incorporated in a spring lock for preventing loosening of mated male and female F-Type coaxial cable connectors. A spring lock for a coaxial cable connector comprises a female F-Type port including a port tube having a port tube face; a spring having a suitable modulus of elasticity and a central passage dimensioned for receiving a central conductor of an RG-6 or smaller coaxial cable therethrough without sealing around the central conductor; the spring extending from the port tube face, said spring having an inner diameter greater than about five (5) millimeters; the port tube face operable to abut the face of a mandrel of a male connector being mated with the port, said male connector being an F-Type connector for connecting RG-6 or smaller coaxial cable and the spring operable to be compressed by the mandrel; and, rotation of a male connector mated with a female connector being resisted by spring forces tending to bind the threads a male connector nut to the threads of a female port tube. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures, incorporated herein and forming part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a prior art coaxial cable connection including male and female F-Type connectors. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 2   a - e  are diagrams of prior art designs for sealing an interface between male and female F-Type connectors. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional diagram of a prior art coaxial cable connection including male and female F-Type connectors. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a prepared end of a coaxial cable. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 5   a - d  are diagrams of prior art designs of female F-Type connectors. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional diagram of an F-Type connection in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7   a  is a cross-sectional diagram of a metallic tube of a female F-Type connector of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 7   b  is a cross-sectional diagram of a first gasket of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 7   c  is a cross-sectional diagram of a second gasket of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional diagram of a metallic tube of a female F-Type connector and a gasket of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional diagram of a nut and mandrel of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional diagram of a first F-Type connection of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is an enlargement of a portion of a first F-Type connection of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and description are non-limiting examples of certain embodiments of the invention. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should be not used to limit the disclosed inventions. 
         [0036]    As can be found in the prior art,  FIG. 3  shows parts of a coaxial cable connection  300  including a female F-Type connector or port  102  and a male F-Type connector  104 . The male connector includes a mandrel or tube  112  and in some embodiments a nut  110 . The nut includes a threaded bore  115  adjacent to a partially closed end  117  having a central opening  119 . The mandrel passes through the central opening and a rim extending from the mandrel&#39;s outer diameter at one end  113  rotatably engages the partially closed end. Note that for clarity, only a portion of the coaxial cable is shown in  FIG. 3 ; see also  FIG. 4 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a prepared end of a prior art RG-6 coaxial cable  400 . The coaxial cable includes conductors and dielectric insulators. In an embodiment, three conductors and two dielectric insulators are used. A central conductor  202  is separated from a foil conductor  206  by an inner dielectric insulator  204 . A braided conductor  208  overlies the foil conductor and a second dielectric insulator  210  provides an outer jacket. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the mandrel of the male connector  112  receives the central conductor, inner dielectric insulator and foil conductor. The inside diameter of a mandrel for use with RG-6 coaxial cable is in the range of about 4.75 to approximately 5.0 millimeters. 
         [0038]    The port  102  includes an outer electrically conductive tube, an inner insulating cylinder  116  and a contact  118 . In some embodiments, the outer tube is threaded (as shown). A center conductor  202  of a coaxial cable  200  is, in an assembled connection, in electrical continuity with the contact of the port and the other conductors of the coaxial cable are, in an assembled connection, in electrical continuity with the outer tube of the port. 
         [0039]    During assembly of the connection, the nut  110  is advanced onto the port  114  and a face  106  of the port tube  114  approaches and finally comes into contact with a face  108  of the mandrel  112 . This metal-to-metal contact is desirable. However, neither the threaded connection nor the metal-to-metal contact provide a pressure seal adequate for preventing the exchange of gasses between the environment  120  and the interior of the connection  122 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5   a - d  show various prior art female F-Type connectors or ports  500   a - c . These designs may provide limited moisture protection for the female F-Type connector. But, none of these designs assure RF signal quality while protecting the mating male connector from moisture because, inter alia, none of these prior art designs includes a suitable pressure seal isolating the internals of the male connector  122  from the environment  120 . 
         [0041]    The connector configuration shown in  FIG. 5   a , provides only minimal protection against moisture entering a female F-Type connector. Here, a female F-Type connector  500   a  has a connector insert  212  inserted in a conductive port tube  114  having a aperture  107  at one end. In various embodiments, the connector insert has a cavity, is hollow or is solid. In an embodiment, the connector insert is an insulating cylinder. In the present invention, the connector insert is fixed to the port tube so as to prevent movement of the connector insert along the length of the port tube. In an embodiment, the connector insert is fixed to an inside wall  312  of the port tube. When mated with a male F-Type connector (see  FIG. 3  discussed above), the center conductor of a coaxial cable  202  is received by a hole in the connector insert  218  and the face of the female connector  106  comes into contact with the face of a male connector mandrel  108 . As discussed above, this metal-to-metal interface does not provide a pressure seal suitable for protecting the male connector from moisture. 
         [0042]    The connector configuration shown in  FIG. 5   b , is designed to provide additional protection against moisture entering a female F-Type connector. Here, a female F-Type connector  500   b  has a gasket of substantially uniform thickness  214  and a connector insert  212  inserted in a conductive tube  114  having an aperture  107  at one end. The gasket is adjacent to the aperture. When mated with a male F-Type connector (see  FIG. 3  discussed above), the center conductor of a coaxial cable  202  is received by a receiving area of the gasket  220 , such as a hole or a diaphragm, and the face of the female connector  106  comes into contact with the face of a male connector mandrel  108 . As discussed above, this metal-to-metal interface does not provide a pressure seal suitable for protecting the male connector from moisture. 
         [0043]    The connector configuration shown in  FIG. 5   c  is designed to provide additional protection against moisture entering an unused female F-Type connector. Unused means that no male connector is attached to the female connector. Here, a female F-Type connector  500   c  has a gasket with a central extension  216  and a connector insert  212  inserted in a conductive tube  114  having an aperture  107  at one end. The gasket is adjacent to the aperture and the gasket extension projects into the aperture. The gasket extension has an outer diameter of d 12  which is less than the aperture diameter d 2  and which is less than five (5) millimeters. 
         [0044]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5   c , the extension diameter d 12  is less than the inner diameter of the mandrel of the male connector d 6  (See  FIG. 9 ). Where the gasket extension protrudes p 11  from the face of the female connector  106 , the interior of the mandrel  122  (See  FIG. 10 ) envelops the protruding portion of the gasket extension. When mated with a male F-Type connector (See  FIG. 3  discussed above), the center conductor of a coaxial cable  202  is received by a hole in the gasket  222  and the face of the female connector  106  comes into contact with the face of a male connector mandrel  108 . As discussed above, this metal-to-metal interface does not provide a pressure seal suitable for protecting the male connector from moisture. Further, because inside diameter of the mandrel is larger than the outside diameter of the gasket extension, no pressure seal is formed by the gasket extension. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5   d  shows a prior art hermetically sealed female F-Type connector  500   d  disclosed by Tang in U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,144 filed Aug. 5, 1999. Tang teaches the protection of the internals of a female F-Type connector by providing a hermetically sealed female connector housing  10  utilizing a boot  64  to seal a first end of the housing and washers  88 ,  90  to seal a second end of the housing. At the boot end, a seal is maintained when a coaxial cable center conductor extends from a male F-Type connector and pierces a rubber material of the boot. At the washer end, a seal is maintained where a clip conductor pierces the rubber washer. Among other things, Tang&#39;s invention relies upon the motion of a plastic cap  28  relative to the port tube  12  in order to expand the boot into which a conical end of the plastic cap is inserted. And, Tang&#39;s invention requires, among others, two seals including one seal where the coaxial cable center conductor pierces the boot at the female connector aperture  11  and another seal where the clip pierces the washer. Tang does not teach a) sealing male F-Type connectors, b) seals that operate without contacting conductors or c) protruding aperture end seals do not press against dielectric of a cable incorporating the center conductor. 
         [0046]    Therefore, no one of these prior art female F-Type connectors assures RF signal quality while providing a pressure seal suitable for protecting the male connector from moisture. 
         [0047]    In yet other examples of the prior art, O-Rings tending to space apart the mandrel face  108  and the female port face  106  have been used. However, such O-Ring type seals may cause poor metal-to-metal contact of the mandrel and port faces resulting in degraded RF signal quality. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6-10  illustrate one or more devices or parts of devices in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows an F-Type connection  600 . A metallic male connector part or mandrel  112  abuts a metallic female connector part or port tube  114  and a gasket  400 , substantially contained in an assembled connection by the female connector part, abuts the mandrel. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7   a  shows a part of a female connector part or port  700   a . The outer tube of the port  114  has an inner diameter of d 1  and an end  302  supporting an inwardly directed rim  304 . A port end-face  106  surrounding a central aperture  107  is defined by the rim and lies in a plane about normal to an axis of the tube x-x. In an embodiment, the face is substantially annular in form with an inner diameter of d 2  and an outer diameter of d 3 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 7   b  shows one gasket  700   b  suitable for forming a pressure seal. The gasket comprises a generally a plug-like body  411  with a center conductor passage  409 . Gaskets suitable for forming a pressure seal may have variously shaped forward faces  406 . For example, a forward face may be in the shape of a polygon, circle, oval or another geometric shape capable of forming a seal around an opening in the face of the mandrel  123 . 
         [0051]    Although the gaskets of the present invention are located within an assembled F-Type connection, use of a non-metallic gasket allows the transmission of RF signals without distortion or attenuation. Suitable materials for such gaskets are non-metallic materials substantially impervious to air at ambient temperatures and pressure differences of a magnitude arising from ambient temperature and/or pressure changes. These materials include suitable synthetic or non-synthetic materials such as elastomers including rubber, plastics, polymers and fluropolymers. For example, a suitable neoprene material may be used. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , a port connector  800  includes a gasket. A section of the gasket “c” protrudes a distance p 1  from the aperture  107  prior to being compressed by the mandrel of a male connector  112  (see also  FIG. 10 ) during connector assembly. At least a portion of gasket section “c” has an outer diameter d 3  larger than the inside diameter of the mandrel d 6  (See also  FIG. 9 ) to provide for an abutment of a forward gasket face  406  and the mandrel face  108 . A center conductor passage  409  along a longitudinal axis of the gasket x-x is suitably designed to receive a central conductor of a coaxial cable  202 . 
         [0053]    Because deformation of the cable  4000 , in particular deformation of the center conductor  202 , may prevent proper mating of male and female connectors  104 ,  102  and/or adversely affect transmission of RF signals, in an embodiment gaskets of the present invention include a central passageway dimensioned d 10  to provide an annular gap between the center conductor  202  and the wall of the center conductor passage  429 . And, in an embodiment, gaskets of the present invention do not seal around a coaxial cable&#39;s center conductor. The presence of a gap and/or the absence of a seal reduces and or eliminates gasket forces on the center conductor. 
         [0054]    Further, because deformation of the cable  4000 , in particular deformation of the dielectric  204 , may prevent proper mating of the male and female connectors  104 ,  102  and/or adversely affect transmission of RF signals, in an embodiment gaskets of the present invention do not contact the dielectric in an assembled connection. For example, where center conductor passage  409  has a diameter d 10  greater than the diameter of the mandrel bore d 6  (see  FIG. 9 ) there is no contact between the forward face of the gasket  406  and the dielectric  206  of the cable in an assembled connection. 
         [0055]    In an embodiment, at least one section of the gasket has an outer diameter d 4  chosen to create an interference fit with a side wall of the port tube rim  308  (d 4 &gt;d 2 ). In an embodiment, the gasket includes a first section “a” having a first diameter d 5 , a second section “b” having a second diameter d 4  and a third section “c” having a diameter d 3 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 7   c  shows another gasket  700   c  suitable for forming a pressure seal. The gasket comprises a generally plug-like body  411  with a central cavity  467 . Similar to the gasket above, a section of the gasket “c” is compressed by the mandrel of a male connector  112  during connector assembly and gasket section “c” has an outer diameter d 3  larger than the inside diameter of the mandrel d 6  to provide for an abutment of a forward gasket face  406  and the mandrel face  108 . In various embodiments, the diameter of the mouth of the cavity d 9  is chosen to exceed five (5) millimeters such that the entirety of the forward face of the gasket abuts the mandrel face. The central cavity  467  of the gasket and an opening  468  in a backwall  469  of the cavity provide a passage for the central conductor of a coaxial cable  202 . Each of the cavity diameter d 9  and the backwall opening diameter d 11  exceed the outer diameter of the conductor to be inserted therethrough  202  such that an annular gap separates the conductor from the gasket. This gap ensures that no forces are exerted on the center conductor by the gasket. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , a gasket is inserted in a port tube  800  of a female F-Type connector. Any of the gaskets of the present invention herein described, including the gaskets of  FIGS. 7   b  and  7   c , may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. As an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 8  includes a gasket similar to the gasket of  FIG. 7   b . As can be seen, section “a” of the gasket is within the port tube  114 , section “b” of the gasket is surrounded by a rim of the port tube  304  and section “c” of the gasket projects a distance p 1  from the aperture into a space outside the port tube. In some embodiments the diameter d 5  of gasket section “a” is chosen to be larger than the aperture diameter d 2  to resist passage of the first gasket section “a” through the aperture  107 . And, in some embodiments, the diameter of the gasket section “a” d 5  is chosen larger than the inner diameter of the port tube d 1  to create an interference fit between a periphery of section “a”  402  and an inner diameter of the port tube d 1 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows parts of a male F-Type connector  900 . A mandrel  112  is inserted in a nut  110  and a rim of the mandrel  113  is rotatingly engaged with a partially closed end of the nut  110 . The rim of the mandrel forms an annular face  108  having an inside diameter d 6  and an outside diameter d 7 . In an assembled connector, at least a portion of the face of the mandrel  108  comes into contact with at least a portion of the face of the port tube  106 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 10  shows an assembled connection  1000  incorporating a structure in accordance with the present invention. Any of the gaskets of the present invention herein described, including the gaskets of  FIGS. 7   b  and  7   c , may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. As an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 10  includes a gasket similar to the gasket of  FIG. 7   b . For clarity, the coaxial cable has not been shown. Here, a face of the mandrel  108  presses against at least a portion of a forward face of the gasket  406  and an opposing face of the gasket  407  presses against a backing structure within the bore of the port tube  706 . In an embodiment, this backing structure is an insulating tube similar to the insulating tube  116  described in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the backing structure is a backing washer or a similar part. In an alternative embodiment, where no backing structure is required, interference of the periphery of section “a” of the gasket  400  and the inside diameter of the port tube  312  resists movement of the gasket relative to the port tube. 
         [0060]    In operation, the gasket  400  provides a pressure seal that prevents the exchange of gasses between the interior of the connection such as the interior of the cable connected by the male connector  122  and the environment  120 . Prior to being mated with a male connector, a gasket  400  protrudes a distance p 1  from an aperture  107  of a female/port connector  102 . In various embodiments: a peripheral surface of a section of the gasket “b” seals against a side wall of the aperture  308  forms a radial seal  702   a ; a shoulder of the gasket between sections “b” and “c” forms an axial seal  702   b  with an inner surface of the port rim  310 ; and, a peripheral surface of a section of the gasket “a” forms a radial seal  702   c  with the interior of the port  312 . 
         [0061]    During assembly of a male connector  714  onto a female connector  712 , a mandrel of the male connector  112  is advanced toward a face of the female connector  106 . As advancement reduces a gap  716  between the mandrel face  108  and the female connector face, a forward face  406  of the gasket comes into contact with the mandrel face  108  forming an annular seal  704 . 
         [0062]    In an embodiment, advancement of the mandrel  112  is completed when the forward face of the gasket  406  is about flush with the face of the female connector  106  such that the face of the mandrel  108  comes to rest against the face of the female connector  106 . 
         [0063]    One or more paths for gas exchange between the environment  120  and the interior of the connector  122  are blocked by the gasket seals. For example, gas entering the annular passage between the inside diameter of nut and the outside diameter of the port tube  708  is blocked from entering the mandrel  112  by the annular seal  704  and is blocked from entering the port by one or more of radial seal  702   a , annular seal  702   b  and radial seal  702   c.    
         [0064]    Blocking the exchange of gas between the environment  120  and the inside of the connection  122  prevents the transfer of moisture from the environment to the inside of the connection. Keeping the inside of the connection dry improves the quality of the radio frequency signal transported by the cable and connection and increases the lifetime of the cable and connection by preventing the degradation of metallic parts including conductors of the cable and connectors. 
         [0065]    Also shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  is another embodiment of the present invention  1000 ,  1100 . Here, the element numbered  400  operates as a spring to form a spring lock tending to prevent loosening of an assembled connection caused by rotation of a male connector relative to a female connector. 
         [0066]    A face of the mandrel  108  presses against a forward face of the gasket  406  and an opposing face of the spring  407  presses against a backing structure within the bore of the port tube  706 . In an embodiment, this backing structure is an insulating tube similar to the insulating tube  116  described in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the backing structure is a backing washer or a similar part. In an alternative embodiment, where no backing structure is required, interference of the periphery of section “a” of the spring  400  and the inside diameter of the port tube  312  (see also  FIG. 6 ) resists movement of the spring relative to the port tube. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, any of the gasket shapes disclosed herein may be used as springs in the device of  FIG. 10 . Furthermore, where the spring functions only as a spring, both pervious materials and coiled structures may be used to form the spring. 
         [0067]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , a spring  400  protrudes a distance p 1  from an aperture  107  of a female/port connector  102 . During assembly of a male connector  714  onto a female connector  712 , a mandrel of the male connector  112  is advanced toward a face of the female connector  106 . As advancement reduces a gap  716  between the mandrel face  108  and the female connector face  106 , a forward face of the spring  406  comes into contact with the mandrel face  108  and the spring is compressed. 
         [0068]    In an embodiment, advancement of the mandrel  112  is completed when the forward face of the spring  406  is flush or about flush with the face of the female connector  106  such that the face of the mandrel  108  comes to rest against the face of the female connector  106 . 
         [0069]    In operation, the spring  400  resists the relative rotation of male and female connector parts. In particular, the spring resists rotation of the tube  114  relative to the nut  110 . Axial forces exerted by the spring F 1 , F 2  are transferred to the tube of the female connector F 22  and to the nut of the male connector F 11 . These forces tend to separate the male and female connectors resulting in forces which must be borne by the threaded interconnection  718  of the tube and nut. These forces borne by the threads of the tube and nut tend to bind the threaded port in the threaded nut, preventing rotation of the tube relative to the nut. 
         [0070]    Springs in accordance with the present invention are made from non-metallic materials and incorporate compliant materials having suitable properties including a suitable spring rate. Such materials include selected elastomers and plastics. In particular they include rubber, silicone rubber, moldable rubber and machinable rubber; and, plastics including polyurethane, moldable plastics and machinable plastics. Any one or more of these materials may be included in compositions and constructions used to make suitable springs. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, an element  400  may comprise both a gasket for making a seal and a spring for preventing loosening of a coaxial cable connection. Here, the material of element  400  should be impervious and have a suitable modulus of elasticity to generate forces suitable for tending to bind the threaded nut to the threaded port. 
         [0072]    Where the term spring is used, it should be understood that the term refers to a device that may function as a pressure seal and a spring or only as a spring. 
         [0073]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.