Abstract:
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.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This non-provisional patent application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/638,505 filed Dec. 21, 2004, and hereby claims the benefit of the embodiments therein and of the filing date thereof. 

   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 l 2 R 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 l 2 R 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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     This invention may be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and by reference to the drawing, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a typical emergency radio transmitter/receiver system for temporary use employing this invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a four-port connector in accordance with this invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a transverse sectional of the connector of  FIG. 2  taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the connector of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an inter-port connecting electrode of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5A  is a side elevational view of the inter-port connecting electrode of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a four-port connector of  FIG. 2  with a formed metal interconnecting electrode in accordance with this invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fused cable of this invention; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a fused end connector of the cable of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan fragmentary view of a standard cable assembly and a cable assembly with integrated fused connector assembly; 
       FIG. 10  is a vertical sectional of the cable assemblies in  FIG. 3  taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a fused end connector assembly of  FIG. 7  shown with an end plug cover; 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an eight-port connector in accordance with this invention with the upper electrode partially exposed; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the connector of  FIGS. 12 and 13  with the upper electrode and spring contacts shown fully exposed without housings; 
       FIG. 15  is a top plan view of connecting the common interconnecting plate or electrode of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of the electrode of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a six-output port in-line connector in accordance with this invention. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an eight output port in-line connector similar in features to the six-output port in-line connector  FIG. 17  with the cover removed but employing a cable clamping input and output connections with higher current capacity than other conventional connectors; 
       FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the eight output port in-line connector of  FIG. 18  showing the electrode components and their support structure; 
       FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of an electrode of the in-line connector of  FIGS. 18 and 19 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the electrode of  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 22  is a top plan view of a four-port connector in accordance with this invention including four different families of connectors of similar size; 
       FIG. 23  is a side view of a four port connector of  FIG. 22  displaying on the left side a side view of a “T” connector, in the middle, an end view of a European style terminal block, and on the right side, a side view of a “Molex” type two pin series 1545 connector; 
       FIG. 24  is an end elevation view of a “T” type connector supplied on many mobile radios and usable in this invention; and 
       FIG. 25  is an end view of a Molex 2-pin series 1545 connector adaptable to use in this invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates 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 source  10 . A second alternate source is a small motor generator set MG and inverter INV designed to provide 13.5 volts DC via secondary power cable  12  to 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 cable  14  during daylight hours. Solar cell SP provides power to stations A, B and C via cable  14  and 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 cable  12  and continues via cable  16  connection 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 cable  14  and 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 of  FIG. 1  are 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 l 2 R 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 cables  10 ,  12 , and  14  are 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. Cable  22  ends with a connection plug of the basic configuration of this invention at four-port or multi-port connector  20 . Multi-port connector  20  is generally flat sided and typically has four or more ports labeled  20 A,  20 B,  20 C, and  20 D. Port  20 D acts as the input port in  FIG. 1  with each of the other ports available as output ports. The connector  20  is better seen in  FIGS. 2 through 5  to which the reader should also direct his attention. 
   The connector  20  has each of the ports  20 A-D polarized so that power is provided to the positive + (red) jack and the negative − (black) jack. The four port or mult-port connector  20  is flat on opposing surfaces. As shown, connector  20  is 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 port  20 D and three-output ports  20 A-C as shown in  FIG. 1 . A first branch cable  26  is 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 cable  26  provides the input power to an in-line or branch connector LP, which in turn distributes power to a transceiver  23  and logging computer  25  at station A. A second branch cable  28  is 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 transceiver  27  and logging computer  29  at station B. 
   A third branch cable  22  provides input power to connector  20 . 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 to  FIG. 1 , connector  20  shows a multi-port polarized connector in which the mating ports are genderless. In the case shown, all the ports are in use. Cable  22  is the DC input source at port  20 D, output to HT from port  20 A, output to GPS from port  20 B, and output from  20 C feeds cable  24  that powers a 12 volt DC fluorescent light FL. Each output cable from connector  20 , ports  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C has an integrated fuse assembly  32 , that is part of the invention and which is shown and explained later in connection with  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 . The details of connector  20  are best shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , while the short fused cable  30  is shown and described below in connection with  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The in-line multi-port connectors LP at equipment stations A, B and C are shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 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, assembly  32 , which plugs into connector  20  provides fused DC power to a handheld ratio transceiver HT. 
   The Four Port Connector 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , connector  20  is more clearly seen with its four housings  20 A-D clearly visible emerging and extending laterally outward from the central portion of the connector  20  from the central body portion cover plate  40 . The central body portion cover plate  40  acts as a closure for the cruciform-shaped positive (+) interconnector  43 . The cruciform-shaped positive (+) interconnector  43  is hidden in  FIG. 2 . However, the cruciform shaped positive (+) interconnector  43  appears in  FIG. 3  in its assembled position and as a separate part in exploded views  FIGS. 5 and 5A . Interconnector  43  is 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 in  FIGS. 5 and 5A  or as an alternative in the stamped and edge formed shape as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
   Other recognized connector materials, such as beryllium, copper or brass, with resistance between any of its four arms  43 A, 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 of  44 A, B, C, or D is press fit onto their respective arms  43 A, B, C or D of  FIG. 5  and located in the positive (+) ports  46 A, B, C, and D ready to receive a mating polarized positive (+) port. The housings  20 A-D defining ports  46 A-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 in  FIGS. 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. 
   In  FIG. 4 , it may be seen that the connector  20  includes a duplicate assembly, including a lower body portion or cover  50  that closes a second or negative conductor assembly (−)  60  with oppositely polarized ports  60 A, B, C, and D, three of which may be seen in  FIG. 4 . All four ports are contained within the single housing and extend laterally or radially outward. A second (−) interconnection plate  43  shown in plan view,  FIG. 5  and in side view  FIG. 5A  is identical to plate  42  and is contained within the lower portion of the housing  60  and extending into each port  60 A-D. Both plates  42  and  43  may be seen in the exploded view  FIG. 6 , spaced apart and insulated from contact by dielectric spacer in the form of a flat plate  70  which in the assembly of  FIGS. 1-4  is in contact with both conductor plates  42  and  43  within the connector assembly  20 . The entire assembly  20  is 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. 6  is a further, more complete exploded view of the cruciform four port connector  20  as seen in  FIG. 5  in which all of the parts are shown, including the four double + and −, red and black housings  20 A-D are present. Also, the eight spring contacts  44  positive complete the assembly  20 . The inward extending ends of the housings  20 A-D fully cover and engage formed plates  53 + and  53 −up to their centermost shoulders SH, and the top surfaces of housings  20 A-D engage and are cemented to the top disc  40  while their bottom surfaces of housings  20 A-D engage and are cemented to the bottom disc  50  to form a unitary assembly. An insulating plastic plate  70  rests and is captured between the opposed portions of the plus and minus plates  53  to eliminate any possibility of shorting together. 
   The Fused Subcable 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , which illustrate the provision of a fused line anywhere in a low voltage power supply system in accordance with this invention. 
   In  FIG. 7 , cable  30  includes connectors port end  30 M with polarized + and − red and black housings  30 RED and  30 BLK 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 in  FIG. 8 , each housing  30 RED and  30 BLK contains a respective spring clip or terminal  44  capable of engaging an oppositely engaging spring  44  in a low-loss electrical spring loaded contact. 
   As may be seen in  FIG. 7 , the opposite end of the cable  30  has a second connector  30 M that has the same polarization and connector springs  44  as the first connector  30 M for connection to a DC load device or to a connector  20  as illustrated above or any of the other embodiments as illustrated herein. Two other alternative cable ends are shown in fragmentary cable form as  30 MT and  30 MM. The  30 MT and  30 MM fragments represent alternatives such as the common “T” shaped connector of  FIG. 23 , while  30 MM represents a connector of the Molex 2-conducton style. Cables such as  30  are 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 cable  30  and the second (upper) connector  30 M, however, is a dual fuse assembly  80  as best shown in  FIG. 8  in exploded form. In that figure, the housings for the two-end connectors  30 M are shown exploded from the dual fuse assembly  80 . Two mirror image insulated fuse holders  82  and  84  include side recesses  83  and  85 , respectively, for receiving standard automotive accessory fuses  86  and  88 , and two end recesses each for receiving spring connectors  92 , each with their respective spring clips  44 . Connectors  90  include a crimpable sleeve at their outer end to allow the cable  30  conductors to be crimped or crimped and soldered in place and a side female spring clip for receiving one terminal of their respective fuse  86  or  88 . The connectors  92  have flat end terminals for engaging spring terminals  44  and side female terminals for receiving the second terminal of fuse  86  and  88 . 
   When assembled with terminals and fuses in place, and the spring terminals  44  in their respective housings  40  and  60 , 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 fuses  86  and  88  have visible fusible links FL, one of which is visible in  FIGS. 7 ,  9  and  10  and easily detected and changed in a matter of seconds. 
     FIG. 9  shows an in-line connection of a fused cable  30  with its end connector  30 FM and fuse  88  in the negative (−) end connector housing  30 B next to a mating end connector  30 M of a standard (non-fused) cable such as cables  22 ,  26  and  28  of  FIG. 1 . 
   In  FIG. 10 , a longitudinal sectional view along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  shows that the end connectors  30 M, 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 contacts  44  overlap and will not enter unlike ports to engage + to − and provide reliable low loss connections when engaged. The visible fuse  88  is also seen with its visible fusible link FL. The fuses  86  and  88  are 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 in  FIG. 9 . 
     FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the fused end connector  80  with insulating end cap  34  used to cover the exposed end of a cable, such as cable  30  and connector  30 M shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   Eight Port Connector Embodiment 
   Now referring to  FIGS. 12 through 16  where an 8-port connector  100  is illustrated and based upon the 4-port version of  FIGS. 2 through 6 . In this version, identical reference numerals may be used for identical components as found in earlier figures. One input port  100 A can act as the power input port serving seven other power supply ports  100 B- 100 H or to power up to six appliances and feeding power to a sub-cable through any one of the ports, for example, port  100 E. 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 contact  44 , appearing only in  FIG. 14  and otherwise shielded by the housings  120 . At least one end plate  140  is present adhering to the rear or opposite side of eight housings  142  and adding structural strength the octagon assembly  100 . 
   In  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16 , the upper (+) octagonal-shaped interconnector or distribution plate  192  is visible with its eight equally spaced arms  192 A-H and in  FIG. 14  the end contact springs  44  are shown in their operative position on the ends of their respective arms  192 A-H. The plate  192  may be fabricated of the same material and thickness as plate  42  utilizing 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 plates  142  and  192 , one for each polarity at each connector, as is best shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
   In-Line Connectors 
   Another form of multi-port connector is illustrated in  FIGS. 17 through 21 . It is the in-line connector  28  of  FIG. 1 . As may be seen in more detail in  FIG. 17 , an array of identical dual housings  22  (red +) and  42  (black −) are mounted in an insulating base  150 , with one connector acting as the power input ports IP (red +) and IP (black −), and six pairs of output DC power distribution ports  22  for distribution of power to various equipment as illustrated by inline connectors LP of  FIG. 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 connector  28 C (cable connect) may be seen in  FIGS. 18-21 , which is similar to the connector  28  of  FIG. 17  except that screw/clamp connectors  152  are used instead of the standard connectors  22  and  42  of each of the previous embodiments. This in-line connector  28 C, in addition to providing two additional output power distribution as compared with  FIG. 17  ports, 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 connectors  22  and  42  each have their housings red or black covering a respective spring clip  44  (unshown) as in previous embodiments that engages upward extending arms of their respective power distribution plates  162  and  164  as shown in  FIGS. 19 ,  20  and  21  with their upstanding arms identified as arms  166 A-H and  168 A-H. The side tabs of the power distribution plates  162  and  164  are each secured by screws S to insulating support blocks  165  and  167  of  FIG. 19  that are secured as by screw attachment inside chassis  180 . The chassis  180  includes the end cable entrance openings  0  normally including insulating grommets for the cables to reach the cable clamps  122  and  124  at one end and  126  and  128  at the opposite end. The cable end clamps are all secured to the assembly and particularly to the respective power distribution plates  162  and  164  by the same screws, which mount the power distribution plates,  162  and  164 . 
   Universal Adapter Connectors 
   Another form of the multi-port connector is illustrated in  FIGS. 22 through 25 . It is a four-way version similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-6  to 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 in  FIGS. 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 in  FIG. 22 , a four-port connector  20  includes a standardized polarized connector, such as the APP connector capable of 30 amperes such as  170 A, a two-pin version of Molex series 1545 connector  170 B capable of carrying 8 amperes of current, a European style terminal block such as  170 C 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 as  170 D capable of 12 amperes capacity, which has been installed by the manufacturer for power input on many amateur mobile radios. 
     FIG. 23  is a side view of the multi-port connector  170  that from the left displays a side view of the “T” connector  170 D. In the middle is an end view of the European style terminal block  170 C, and on the right side is the 2-pin version of the Molex series 1545 connector, with covers  40  on the top and  50  on the bottom that serve as closure for both the cruciform shaped positive + and negative − interconnectors that are also invisible but similar to  FIGS. 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 connector  170  of  FIGS. 22 through 25  and 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.