Patent Publication Number: US-9407050-B2

Title: Shielded coaxial connector

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/723,800 filed Dec. 21, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/612,922 filed Mar. 19, 2012 and entitled SHIELDED COAXIAL CONNECTOR. All of the above listed patents and patent applications are incorporated herein in their entireties and for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to the field of manufactured radio frequency devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a radio frequency shield for use in association with a coaxial cable connector. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     In cable television and satellite television systems (“CATV”) reduction of interfering radio frequency (“RF”) signals improves signal to noise ratio and helps to avoid saturated reverse amplifiers and related optic transmission that is a source of distortion. 
     Past efforts have limited the ingress of interfering RF signals into CATV systems. These efforts have included increased use of traditional connector shielding, multi-braid coaxial cables, connection tightening guidelines, increased use of traditional splitter case shielding, and high pass filters to limit low frequency spectrum interfering signal ingress in active home CATV systems. 
     While it appears the industry accepts the status quo as satisfactory, there remain, in the inventor&#39;s view, good reasons to develop improvements further limiting the ingress of interfering RF signals into CATV systems. 
     One significant location of unwanted RF signal and noise ingress is in the home. This occurs where the subscriber leaves a CATV connection such as a wall-mounted connector or coaxial cable drop connector disconnected/open. An open connector end exposes a normally metallically enclosed and shielded signal conductor and can be a major source of unwanted RF ingress. 
     The F connector is the standard connection used for cable television and satellite signals in the home. For example, in the home one will typically find a wall mounted female F connector or a coaxial cable “drop” including a male F connector for supplying a signal to the TV set, cable set-top box, or internet modem. Notably, wall mounted female F connectors are connected via a coaxial cable terminated with male connectors at opposite ends. 
     Whether a CATV signal is supplied to a room via a drop cable or via a wall mounted connector, each one is a potential source of unwanted RF signal ingress. Wall mounted connectors can be left open or a coaxial cable attached to the wall mounted connector can be left open at one end. Similarly, drop cables terminated with a male F connector can be left open. 
     Multiple CATV connections in a home increase the likelihood that some connections will be left unused and open, making them a source of unwanted RF ingress. And, when subscribers move out of a home, CATV connections are typically left open, another situation that invites RF ingress in a CATV distribution system. 
     A method of eliminating unwanted RF ingress in a CATV system is to place a metal cap over each unused F connector in the home or, to place a single metallic cap over the feeder F port at the home network box. But, the usual case is that all home CATV connections are left active and open, a practice the industry accepts to avoid expensive service calls associated with new tenants and/or providing the CATV signal in additional rooms. 
     The inventor&#39;s experience shows current solutions for reducing unwanted RF ingress resulting from open connectors are not successful and/or not widely used. Therefore, to the extent the CATV industry recognizes a need to further limit interfering RF ingress into CATV systems, it is desirable to have connectors that reduce RF ingress when they are left open. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An inventive coaxial connector includes means for one or more of shielding against RF ingress and guarding against electrical hazards. In various embodiments, the inventive connector includes moving part internals and in various embodiments the internals provide a disconnect switch. 
     Various male connector embodiments and various female connector embodiments provide RF signal ingress protection when a connector is left open. Enhanced shielding is activated when the connector end is left open and de-activated when a mating connector is engaged. 
     In some female embodiments, a spring loaded nose such as an insulator passes through a connector body end for operating a disconnect switch within the body. In an open position, two center conductor contacts of the shielded connector are separated. This open circuit restricts RF signals from passing through the shielded connector. When a mating connector is engaged, the spring loaded insulator is pushed into the shielded connector body causing center conductor contacts to engage for passing RF signals. In the open position, where the center conductor is disconnected, RF signals received at the entry (open) end are restricted from passing through to connected systems such as CATV systems due to the open center conductor. 
     In some male embodiments with a pin type contact, the pin is fixed in a moving contact assembly that is biased away from a coaxial cable center conductor by a spring. Protruding from a body end and typically encircled by a fastener engaging the same body end, the pin is movable for engaging a moving contact of the moving contact assembly with the coaxial cable center conductor. When a mating connector is engaged, the spring loaded pin is pushed further into the body where it, and/or the moving contact, engages the center conductor of the coaxial cable to complete the center conductor circuit. 
     And, in some embodiments, a similar mechanical activation method is used to operate a shield curtain surrounding a center contact of the disconnected connector end. In a shield curtain embodiment, positioning and opening shield curtain slots is optimized to reduce passing signals for the most damaging spectrum bands such as the CATV data upstream spectrum of 5-42 MHz. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a prior art CATV wall plate with an F female connector or a splitter connector with a mated F female connector. 
         FIG. 2  shows a prior art CATV wall plate that is a source of ingress of interfering RF signals. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a prior art standard F female splice (commonly called F-81) with F contacts on both ends. 
         FIG. 4  shows a prior art standard F female bulkhead coaxial connector (commonly called an F-61). 
         FIG. 5  shows a prior art CATV installation having a cable terminated with a male F connector. 
         FIG. 6  shows a prior art male F connector with a compression type cable attachment. 
         FIG. 7  shows a prior art male F connector with a crimp type cable attachment. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a coaxial connector according to the current invention. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a coaxial splice connector according to the current invention. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a coaxial bulkhead connector according to the current invention. 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C  show a coaxial male connector according to the current invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a coaxial adapter connector according to the current invention. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a second coaxial splice connector according to the current invention. 
         FIGS. 13C-F  show coaxial cable connectors for IEC use according to the current invention. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  show a third coaxial splice connector according to the current invention. 
         FIG. 15  indicates comparative performance of selected connectors. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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 the embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method 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 not be used to limit the disclosed invention. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” includes direct and indirect connections. Moreover, where first and second devices are coupled, intervening devices including active devices may be located therebetween. 
       FIGS. 1-7  show prior art devices. Typical prior art CATV signal outlets are shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 5  and typical coaxial cable connectors are shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a front view of a wall mounted coaxial connector  100 . The connector  102  is mounted on a wall plate  104  fixed to a room wall  106 . As shown, the connector is a female F connector. A hole  108  in an insulator  110  of the connector  102  provides access to a CATV signal conductor  394  (see  FIG. 3 ) within the connector. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of  FIG. 1 &#39;s wall mounted coaxial connector  200 . Here, the female F connector  102  is shown as a female-female connector for splicing coaxial cable. Threads at opposed ends of the connector  203 ,  205  provide a means for attaching male F connectors to opposed splice ends  207 ,  209 . A coaxial cable for carrying a CATV signal  204  is terminated with a male F connector  202  that threadingly engages an end  209  of the splice. 
     Typical coaxial cable features will be known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, an embodiment includes a center conductor  220  surrounded by a dielectric material  222 , the dielectric material being surrounded in turn by one or two shields  224  such as a metallic foil wrapped in a metallic braid. An outer insulative jacket  226  such as a polyvinylchloride jacket encloses the conductors. 
     As seen, the open end of the splice  207  provides an opportunity for unwanted RF ingress  208 . In particular, unwanted RF ingress  206  is shown entering an exposed end of the splice  207  where it is conducted by a CATV signal conductor  304  through the connector and to a signal conductor  220  of the attached CATV coaxial cable. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a cross-section of a splice  300 A and  FIG. 3B  shows a side view of the splice of same splice  300 B. Referring to both of the figures, the splice includes a cylindrical outer body  302  with a circumferential, hexagonal grip  304  between opposed first and second ends  322 ,  324  of the splice. Outer surfaces of the body are threaded, in particular, an outer surface between the first end and the grip ring is threaded  309  and an outer surface between the second end and the grip ring is threaded  311 . 
     Within and at opposed ends of the cylindrical body  304  are insulators  306 ,  308 , each having a central socket  310 ,  312  for receiving opposed ends  316 ,  318  of a tubular seizing pin  304 . Resilient tines located in each end of the seizing pin  370 ,  372  provide a means for making a secure electrical contact with a conductor (not shown) inserted in either end of the seizing pin. Splice internals are typically fixed in place by rolling an end of the body  324 . In some embodiments, rolling a body end  324  or an interference fit fixes an annular plug  323  adjacent to the second end insulator  312 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a single ended female coaxial cable connector  400 . An outer body  402  has front end  434  opposite a rear end  436  and threads on an external surface  414 . The body also houses a front insulator  408  with a socket  412  for receiving a front end  418  of a tubular seizing pin  404 . Resilient tines located in the front end of the seizing pin  422  provide a means for making a secure electrical contact with a conductor (not shown). A rear insulator  406  supports a rear portion of the seizing pin  431  while a rearmost portion of the seizing pin  432  passes through a connector base  430  to which the first end of the connector body is fixed. In various embodiments, this type of connector is affixed to larger surfaces such as equipment rear panels. 
       FIG. 5  shows a coaxial cable “drop” within a room  500 . As shown, a hole  502  penetrates a room baseboard  503  and a length of coaxial cable  506  enters the room through the hole. Such “drops” are typically terminated with male F connectors. In particular, a male F connector  508  has an outer shell  510  adjacent to a fastener  512  and a prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted in the connector such that the central conductor  514  of the coaxial cable protrudes beyond a fastener free end  513 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a compression type male F connector  600 . A connector body  630  arranged concentrically about a post  632  provides an annular cavity  650  for receiving metal braid  617  and jacket  619  of a coaxial cable  606 . The body and a fastener  612  are rotatably engaged. Passing through a hollow interior of the post  631  is coaxial cable dielectric  633  and coaxial cable center conductor  614 . Cable fixation occurs when a connector outer shell  610  forces a collapsible ring  652  to press against the coaxial cable jacket as the shell is slid toward a fastener  612  of the connector. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, this figure illustrates but one of many F type compression connectors. 
       FIG. 7  shows a crimp type male F connector utilizing a fixed pin  700 . A connector body  730  arranged concentrically about a post  732  provides an annular cavity  750  for receiving metal braid and jacket of a coaxial cable (not shown). An insulator  738  inserted in the body supports a center contact pin  740  and a fastener  712  rotatably engages the body. Cable fixation occurs when a crimp zone of the connector body  762  is forced against an outer jacket of a coaxial cable (not shown). 
       FIGS. 8-14  show shielded coaxial connectors in accordance with the present invention. In particular, these connectors incorporate internal moving parts for shielding and/or enhancing connector safety. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show schematic views of a shielded coaxial connector  800 A,  800 B. The connector includes a tubular body  802  having opposing ends  808 ,  810 , at least one of which is for receiving a mating male or female coaxial cable connector. Some embodiments include a fastener  809  for engaging a female coaxial connector such as a port. 
     A stationery contact assembly  804  is near a first end of the body  808  and a movable contact assembly  806  is near a second end of the body  810 . The stationery contact assembly is at least partially within the body  802  and the movable contact assembly is only partially within the body such that a biasing force Fb acting on the movable contact assembly tends to separate a stationery contact  805  of the stationery contact assembly and a movable contact  807  of the movable contact assembly. In various embodiments, a front support  812  fixedly couples the stationery contact assembly to the body while a rear support enables motion of the moving contact relative to the body. For example, a sliding contact rear support  814  enables the movable contact to slide relative to the body. And, in various embodiments one or both of the front and rear supports provide an electrical insulating barrier between the body  802  and at least one of the contacts  805 ,  807 . 
     A feature of this connector is seen in  FIG. 8B  when the biasing force Fb is overcome by a moving force Fm, pushing the movable contact assembly  806  in the direction of the body&#39;s first end such that the contacts  805 ,  807  press together. In various embodiments the moving force is supplied by a coaxial connector that engages the second end of the body  810 . Exemplary biasing force means include springs, spring-like materials, gas struts or springs, resilient materials, resilient structures, elastic materials, elastic structures, and the like. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show cross sectional views of a coaxial splice connector  900 A,  900 B. A connector body  802  having first and second ends  808 ,  810  houses a stationery contact assembly  804  with a stationery contact  805 , and a movable contact assembly  806  with a movable contact  807 . A first end bore of the body  919  receives the stationery contact assembly and a second end bore of the body  921  receives the movable contact assembly. In various embodiments the bores  919 ,  921  have similar or the same diameters and in some embodiments the bore is a through bore. 
     The stationery contact assembly  804  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the first body bore  919 . The contact assembly includes a stationery conductor assembly  940  and a stationery conductor assembly carrier  980 . 
     A first end of the carrier  981  is positioned near the first end of the body  808  and a second end of the carrier  961  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  966  holds the conductor assembly  940 . The conductor assembly  940  extends between and includes the stationery contact  805  at one end and an accessible contact  916  with inwardly directed tines  956  at an opposed end. A stationery entrance of the carrier  933  provides access to the accessible contact. 
     The movable contact assembly  806  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the second body bore  921 . The movable contact assembly includes a movable conductor assembly  942  and a movable conductor assembly carrier  982 . 
     A first end of the carrier  983  protrudes from the body  802  and a second end of the carrier  962  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  968  holds the conductor assembly  942 . The conductor assembly  942  extends between and includes a) the movable contact  807  at one end with inwardly directed tines  957  and an accessible contact  918  with inwardly directed tines  958  at an opposed end. A movable entrance of the carrier  935  provides access to the accessible contact. 
     In various embodiments, the movable contact assembly  806  is separated from the stationery contact assembly  804  by a resilient device or material such as a spring. In an embodiment, a coil spring  902  is captured between an end of the movable carrier  988  and fixed surface such as a radial shoulder of the stationery carrier  986 . As skilled artisans will recognize, the function of springing the stationery and movable contact assemblies apart can be accomplished in other ways with similar effect. For example, the contact assemblies may interoperate via telescoping arrangement as shown or they may have no such engagement. 
     A feature of this connector is seen from  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In particular, engaging a mating connector  999  with the second end of the splice  810  pushes a protruding nose  960  of the first contact assembly toward the first end of the splice body  802 . Moving with the contact assembly is the movable contact  807  which is seen in  FIG. 9B  to engage the stationery contact  805  by traversing a gap  941 . This completes the circuit between the accessible contacts  916  and  918  of the splice. As shown, a center conductor  997  of an associated coaxial cable  995  is also engaged with the splice second end accessible contact  918 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show cross sectional views of a single ended female coaxial connector  1000 A,  1000 B. A connector body  802  having first and second ends  808 ,  810  houses a stationery contact assembly  804  with a stationery contact  805 , and a movable contact assembly  806  with a movable contact  807 . Supporting the connector body is a connector base  1022  that is fixed to the body&#39;s first end  808 . 
     A first bore of the body  1019  receives the stationery contact assembly  804  and a second bore of the body  1021  receives the movable contact assembly  806 . In various embodiments the bores  1019 ,  1021  have similar or the same diameters and in some embodiments the bore is a single bore. 
     The stationery contact assembly  804  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the first body bore  1019 . The contact assembly includes a stationery conductor  1026  and a stationery conductor carrier  1008 . 
     A first end of the carrier  1081  is positioned near the first end of the body  808  and a second end of the carrier  1061  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  1066  holds the conductor  1026 . The conductor  1026  extends through the carrier end  1081  and through a connector base passageway  1033 . The conductor&#39;s body enclosed end is the stationery contact  805 . 
     The movable contact assembly  806  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the second body bore  1021 . The movable contact assembly includes a movable conductor assembly  942  and a movable conductor assembly carrier  982 . 
     A first end of the carrier  983  protrudes from the body  802  and a second end of the carrier  962  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  968  holds the conductor assembly  942 . The conductor assembly  942  extends between and includes the movable contact  807  at one end and an accessible contact  918  with inwardly directed tines  958  at an opposed end. A movable entrance of the carrier  935  provides access to the accessible contact. 
     In various embodiments, the movable contact assembly  806  is separated from the stationery contact assembly  804  by a resilient device or material such as a spring. In an embodiment, a coil spring  902  is captured between an end of the movable carrier  988  and fixed surface such as a radial shoulder of the stationery carrier  1086 . As skilled artisans will recognize, the function of springing the stationery and movable contact assemblies apart can be accomplished in other ways with similar effect. For example, the contact assemblies may interoperate via telescoping arrangement as shown or they may have no such engagement. 
     A feature of this connector is seen in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . In particular, engaging a mating connector  999  with the second end of the single ended female connector  810  pushes a protruding nose  960  of the first contact assembly toward the first end of the body  808 . Moving with the contact assembly is the movable contact  807  which is seen in  FIG. 10B  to engage the stationery contact  805  by traversing a gap  1041 . This completes the circuit between the accessible contacts  918  and the stationery conductor  1026 . As shown, a center conductor  997  of an associated coaxial cable  995  is also engaged with the connector second end accessible contact  918 . 
     As skilled artisans will recognize, contact arrangements shown in  FIGS. 9-10  are changed in different embodiments. For example, other contact arrangements include single piece male and female contacts such as pancake contacts, female binary contacts such as knife switch like female contacts, and other switch contact arrangements that will be appreciated by skilled artisans as suitable for this application(s). 
       FIGS. 11A-C  show cross sectional views of a crimp type male coaxial cable connector utilizing a fixed pin  1100 A-C. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand, the described moving and stationery contact assemblies may be implemented in other connectors including other male F type connectors having different structures for cable fixation. 
       FIG. 11A  shows the connector before a coaxial cable is inserted  1100 A. A connector body  802  extends between first and second connector ends  808 ,  810  and a fastener  809  engages the second connector end. Near the first end of the connector is a crimp portion of the connector  1162 . The connector body houses a stationery contact assembly  804  with a stationery contact  805  (see  FIG. 11B ) and a movable contact assembly  806  with a movable contact  807 . 
     A first bore of the body  1119  receives the stationery contact assembly  804  and a second bore of the body  1121  receives the movable contact assembly  806 . In various embodiments, the bores  1119 ,  1121  have similar or the same diameters and in some embodiments the bore is a single bore. 
       FIG. 11B  shows the connector after a coaxial cable is inserted  1100 B. The stationery contact assembly  804  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the first body bore  1019 . The coaxial cable  995  is stabbed onto a hollow post  1132  such that the post passes between a cable shielding braid  1175  and a cable dielectric  1176 . An annular collar  1170  is inserted in a mouth of the post  1129  near the body&#39;s second end  810 . The collar aperture  1174  is a passageway through which the coaxial center conductor  1171  passes. This free end of the coaxial cable center conductor is the stationery contact  805 . 
     The moving contact assembly  806  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the second body bore  1121 . This contact assembly includes a moving contact carrier  1178 , the moving contact  807 , and an elongated pin  1180 . The pin is electrically coupled to the moving contact and fixed to the carrier such that it projects beyond a fastener mouth  1181 . 
     A first end of the movable carrier  1183  protrudes from the body  802  and the second end of the carrier  1184  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  1168  holds the moving contact  807  and the elongated pin  1180 . 
     In various embodiments, the movable contact assembly  806  is separated from the stationery contact assembly  804  by a resilient device or material such as a spring. In an embodiment, a coil spring  1102  is captured between an end of the movable carrier  1184  and a fixed surface such as a part of the stationery contact assembly  804 . As skilled artisans will recognize, the function of springing the stationery and movable contact assemblies apart can be accomplished in other ways with similar effect. For example, the contact assemblies may interoperate via telescoping arrangement as shown or they may have no such engagement. 
     A feature of this connector is seen in  FIGS. 11A-C . In particular, engaging a mating connector such as a female connector or splice end  1100 C with the second end of the fixed pin connector  810  pushes a protruding nose  1160  of the first contact assembly toward the first end of the body  808  while compressing the coil spring  1103 . Moving with the contact assembly is the movable contact  807  which is seen in  FIG. 11C  to engage the stationery contact  805  by traversing a gap  1141 . This completes the circuit between the center conductor of the coaxial cable  1171  and the elongated pin  1180 . Note, the coaxial cable  995  is not shown in  FIG. 11C  for clarity. 
     Embodiments of the invention are configured as adapters for use with existing coaxial connector connectors. For example, panel mounted coaxial connector ports can be protected against RF ingress using embodiments of the invention such as the adapter discussed below. 
       FIG. 12  shows a cross sectional view of an adapter  1200 . A connector body  802  having first and second ends  808 ,  810  houses a stationery contact assembly  804  with a stationery contact  805 , and a movable contact assembly  806  with a movable contact  807 . At the first end of the connector is a fastener such as an internally threaded fastener  1209 . 
     A first bore of the body  1219  receives the stationery contact assembly  804  and a second bore of the body  1221  receives the movable contact assembly  806 . In various embodiments, the bores  1219 ,  1221  have similar or the same diameters and in some embodiments the bore is a single bore. 
     The stationery contact assembly  804  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the first body bore  1219 . The contact assembly includes a stationery conductor  1226  and a stationery conductor carrier  1208 . 
     A first end of the carrier  1281  is positioned near the first end of the body  808  and a second end of the carrier  1261  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  1266  holds the conductor  1226 . The conductor  1226  extends through the carrier end  1281  and in some embodiments through a connector body annular end wall  1293 . The stationery conductor&#39;s enclosed end is the stationery contact  805 . 
     The movable contact assembly  806  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into the second body bore  1221 . The movable contact assembly includes a movable conductor assembly  1242  and a movable conductor assembly carrier  1282 . 
     A first end of the carrier  1283  protrudes from the body  802  and a second end of the carrier  1262  extends into the body. A socket of the carrier  1268  holds the conductor assembly  1242 . The conductor assembly  1242  extends between and includes a) the movable contact  807  with inwardly directed tines  1257  at one end and b) an accessible contact  1218  with inwardly directed tines  1258  at an opposed end. A movable entrance of the carrier  1235  provides access to the accessible contact. 
     In various embodiments, the movable contact assembly  806  is separated from the stationery contact assembly  804  by a resilient device or material such as a spring. In an embodiment, a coil spring  1202  is captured between an end of the movable carrier  1288  and fixed surface such as a radial shoulder of the stationery carrier  1286 . As skilled artisans will recognize, the function of springing the stationery and movable contact assemblies apart can be accomplished in other ways with similar effect. For example, the contact assemblies may interoperate via telescoping arrangement as shown or they may have no such engagement. 
     Comparing this connector with the connector of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrates a feature of this connector. In particular, engaging a mating connector  999  with the second end of the adapter  810  pushes a protruding nose  1260  of the first contact assembly toward the first end of the body  802 . Moving with the contact assembly is the movable contact  807  which engages the stationery contact  805  by traversing a gap  1241 . This completes the circuit between the accessible contacts  1218  and the stationery conductor  1026 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a second coaxial splice connector  1300 A,  1300 B. This connector is similar to the connector of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  and implements a disconnect switch including stationery and moving contact assemblies  940 ,  942 . In addition, this connector implements a second shield using a retractable coaxial shield assembly  1399 . 
     The moving contact assembly  806  has a generally tubular shape and is fitted into a second bore of the body  921 . The moving contact assembly includes the moving conductor assembly  942  and a moving conductor assembly carrier  1382 . Adjacent to a first end of the carrier  1383  is a generally tubular nose  1310  protruding from the body  802 . A second end of the carrier  1362  has a generally tubular shape and is separated from the nose by a reduced diameter waist  1313 . The waist is, in various embodiments, made from one more materials including an insulating material(s). 
     Portions of the retractable coaxial shield assembly  1399  are formed by a coaxial shield spring  1316  and the moving conductor assembly carrier  806 . In various embodiments, the spring shield encircles one or both of the moving conductor assembly carrier  1382  and the conductor of the moving contact assembly  942 . Details of this spring are shown in detail views  1350  and  1354 . In particular, detail view  1350  shows the shield spring has a collar  1351  adjoining inwardly pointed fingers  1353  with finger tips  1355 . Detail view  1354  shows a view of the shield spring looking into the open collar end of the spring. 
     In various embodiments, the shield spring  1316  is mounted such that its fingers  1353  are moved and/or lifted up by movement of the conductor carrier nose  1310  toward the first end of the connector  808 . With the nose in an extended position, the spring finger tips  1355  are initially at rest against an outer surface of the waist  1322 . As the nose is pushed into the body, a shoulder of the moving contact assembly near the waist  1312  lifts the spring fingers out of a space above the waist  1318  and toward an inner surface of the body  1317 . In similar fashion, as the moving contact assembly returns to its earlier extended position, the spring fingers descend toward the waist until the finger tips rest on the waist outer surface. 
     In some embodiments, the shield spring collar  1351  encircles and touches the nose outer surface  1330 . And, in some embodiments the shield spring collar encircles the nose outer surface but does not touch the outer nose surface. In connector embodiments utilizing an annular end plug  1387 , the shield spring collar, encircles the plug in some embodiments while in others it lies at least partially within the plug. 
     Because the shield spring  1316  is an energy shunt, it is electrically conductive and there is electrical continuity between the shield spring and the body  802 . In addition, the distance between the moving conductor assembly  942  and the deployed finger tips of the shield spring  1355  as determined by a waist thickness is, in various embodiments, in the range of about 0.2 to 1.0 millimeters and in an embodiment about 0.5 millimeters. This separation distance or waste thickness is chosen to promote antenna like action of the spring shield with respect to the moving conductor assembly. 
     A feature of this connector is seen in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . In particular, engaging a mating connector  999  with the second end of the splice  810  pushes a protruding nose  1310  of the movable contact assembly  806  toward the first end of the splice body  808 . Moving with the movable contact assembly is the movable contact  807  which is seen to engage the stationery contact  805  by traversing a gap  1341 . This completes the circuit between the accessible contacts  916  and  918  of the splice. A center conductor  997  of an associated coaxial cable  995  is also engaged with the splice second end accessible contact  918 . Further, as explained above, the retractable coaxial shield  1316  is deployed while the protruding nose is extended and lifted away from the movable conductor assembly  942  when the protruding nose is pushed toward the connector&#39;s first end  808 . 
       FIGS. 13C-F  show connector embodiments of the present invention mateable with International Electrotechnical Commission (“IEC”) type connectors  1300 C,  1300 D,  1300 E, and  1300 F. 
       FIGS. 13C and 13D  show cross sectional views of a female coaxial cable connector  1300 C,  1300 D. 
     The connector has first and second ends  1315 ,  1317  and includes a hollow connector body  1360  having first and second ends  1361 ,  1362  and a central longitudinal axis x-x. The connector body houses a stationery contact assembly  1363  with a stationery contact  1364  and a moveable contact and/or moveable contact assembly  1365  with a moveable contact  1366 . Generally opposed ends of the moveable contact form a movable contact pin  1388  and a movable contact center pin receiver  1387 . Slidingly supporting the moving contact is a base  1367  supported by and fixed with respect to a connector body inner wall  1369 . As shown, the moving contact passes through a central aperture of the base  1368 . 
     The connector body  1360  contains a spring such as a coil spring  1378  that extends in a body middle section  1371  between stationery and moving spring plates  1376 ,  1379 . The stationery spring plate includes a central aperture  1377  through which the moving contact pin  1388  moves to engage a bore  1381  of the stationery contact  1364 . A stationery conductor  1372  is mated with and/or integral with the stationery contact  1364 . 
     Opposite the spring side of the stationery spring plate  1382 , a socket  1373  projects from the spring plate. The socket receives and supports the stationery contact  1364  such that the stationery contact bore  1381  is aligned with the moving contact pin  1388 . A stationery contact housing  1374  surrounds the stationery contact and is at least partially inserted in a body end bore  1370  near the second end  1362  of the connector body  1360 . A portion of the housing protruding from the connector body  1384  includes and/or is integral with a stationary contact distal end support  1375 . An end support central aperture  1385  supports one or both of the stationery contact and the stationery conductor  1372 . 
     Opposite the spring side of the moving spring plate  1386 , a spring plate rest  1367  is fixed relative to and supported by the connector body inside wall  1369 . Central apertures  1380 ,  1368  through the moving spring plate  1379  and through the rest  1367  provide support for the moving contact  1366  which passes through the apertures. In various embodiments, the rest aperture provides a sliding engagement with the moving contact. 
     A distal end of the moving contact includes a bore  1778  having a longitudinal centerline about coincident with the x-x axis. Insertion of a mating male connector (see for example the connector and center pin of the IEC male connector of  FIG. 13E ) into the first end  1361  of the female connector body causes the female connector moving contact  1366  to be pushed toward the stationery contact  1364 . Insertion of the male connector (not shown) into the female connector  1300 C causes the moving contact pin  1388  to be inserted into the stationery contact bore  1381  such that electrical continuity is established between the stationery contact  1372  and the moving contact  1366 . 
       FIG. 13D  shows the connector of  FIG. 13C  when continuity through the connector center conductors is established  1300 D. As seen, spring  1378  is compressed due to movement of the moving contact  1366  and the moving spring plate  1379  toward the stationery contact  1364 . Here, moving contact pin  1377  passes through the stationery spring plate  1376  via aperture  1377 . Electrical continuity between the moving contact and the stationery contact is established when the moving contact pin enters the stationery contact bore  1381  and contacts the stationery contact. 
       FIGS. 13E and 13F  show cross sectional views of a male coaxial cable connector  1300 E,  1300 F. 
     The connector has first and second ends  1315 ,  1317  and includes a hollow connector body  1393  having first and second ends  1361 ,  1362  and a central longitudinal axis x-x. The connector body houses a stationery contact assembly  1363  with a stationery contact  1364  and a moveable contact and/or moveable contact assembly  1394  with a moveable contact  1390 . Generally opposed ends of the moveable contact form a movable contact pin  1392  and a movable contact center pin  1391 . Slidingly supporting the moving contact is a base  1367  supported by and fixed with respect to a connector body inner wall  1369 . As shown, the moving contact passes through a central aperture of the base  1368 . 
     The connector body  1393  contains a spring such as a coil spring  1378  that extends in a body middle section  1371  between stationery and moving spring plates  1376 ,  1379 . The stationery spring plate includes a central aperture  1377  through which the moving contact pin  1392  moves to engage a bore  1381  of the stationery contact  1364 . A stationery conductor  1372  is mated with and/or integral with the stationery contact  1364 . 
     Opposite the spring side of the stationery spring plate  1382 , a socket  1373  projects from the spring plate. The socket receives and supports the stationery contact  1364  such that the stationery contact bore  1381  is aligned with the moving contact pin  1392 . A stationery contact housing  1374  surrounds the stationery contact and is at least partially inserted in a body end bore  1370  near the second end  1362  of the connector body  1393 . A portion of the housing protruding from the connector body  1384  includes and/or is integral with a stationary contact distal end support  1375 . An end support central aperture  1385  supports one or both of the stationery contact and the stationery conductor  1372 . 
     Opposite the spring side of the moving spring plate  1386 , a spring plate rest  1367  is fixed relative to and supported by the connector body inside wall  1369 . Central apertures  1380 ,  1368  through the moving spring plate  1379  and through the rest  1367  provide support for the moving contact  1390  which passes through the apertures. In various embodiments, the rest aperture provides a sliding engagement with the moving contact. 
     A distal end of the moving contact includes a center pin such as a bull nose center pin  1391  having a longitudinal centerline about coincident with the x-x axis. Connection with a mating female connector (see for example the IEC female connector of  FIG. 13C ) causes the male connector moving contact  1390  to be pushed toward the stationery contact  1364 . Mating of the connectors (not shown) causes the moving contact pin  1392  to be inserted into the stationery contact bore  1381  such that electrical continuity is established between the stationery contact  1372  and the moving contact  1390 . 
       FIG. 13F  shows the connector of  FIG. 13E  when continuity through the connector center conductors is established  1300 F. As seen, spring  1378  is compressed due to movement of the moving contact  1390  and the moving spring plate  1379  toward the stationery contact  1364 . Here, moving contact pin  1392  passes through the stationery spring plate  1376  via aperture  1377 . Electrical continuity between the moving contact and the stationery contact is established when the moving contact pin enters the stationery contact bore  1381  and contacts the stationery contact. 
     As skilled artisans will recognize, contact parts including the stationery conductor  1372 , stationery contact  1364 , and moving contact  1366 ,  1390  will be made from one or more electrically conductive materials. And, as skilled artisans will recognize, electrically insulating materials will typically support these connector center conductors, polymer(s) for example might be used to fabricate the stationery contact end support  1375 , the stationery spring support plate  1376 , the moving spring support plate  1379 , and the rest  1367 . In various embodiments, the connector body  1360 ,  1393  and stationery contact housing  1374  will be made from materials including electrically conductive materials to allow continuity of a ground signal through the connector. In an embodiment, metal(s) including copper form the stationery conductor  1372 , the stationery contact  1364 , and the moving contact  1366 ,  1390 . 
     Embodiments utilizing a retractable coaxial shield spring need not incorporate a disconnect switch. For example,  FIGS. 14A and 14B  show a third coaxial splice connector  1400 A,  1400 B. Like the connector of  FIG. 13A  above, this third splice connector incorporates a retractable coaxial shield spring. However, it does not include a disconnect switch. 
     The connector body  1402  extends between first and second ends  1408 ,  1410  and includes a seizing pin  1404  supported at the first end by a stationery carrier  1460  located in a first bore of the body  1419  and supported at the second end by a moving carrier  1462  located in a second bore of the body  1421 . 
     First and second contacts of the seizing pin  1416 ,  1418  are inserted in opposed ends  1464 ,  1466  of through holes in the stationery and moving carriers  1463 ,  1465 . The seizing pin contact in the moving carrier  1418  is slidable in the through hole  1465  and is acted on by a spring  1420 . One end of the spring presses on an annular face of the moving contact face  1426 . Another end of the spring presses on an inwardly turned shoulder at a mouth of the moving carrier through hole mouth  1424 . Action of the spring tends to hold a moving carrier rim  1439  against an inwardly turned shoulder at a mouth of the body  1437 . 
     RF shielding is provided by a retractable coaxial shield spring  1416 . Details of this spring are shown in detail views  1450  and  1454 . In particular, detail view  1450  shows the shield spring has a collar  1451  adjoining outwardly pointed fingers  1453  with finger tips  1455 . Detail view  145   r  shows a view of the shield spring looking into the open collar end of the spring. 
     In various embodiments, the shield spring  1416  is mounted such that its fingers  1453  are extended radially outward when a carrier nose  1411  is extended. When the nose is pressed into the body  1402 , it slides along the seizing pin and captures the shield spring fingers between the seizing pin and the bore of the moving carrier  1465 . In various embodiments, the shield spring collar is fixed with respect to the seizing pin such as by soldering, by collar mechanical features that interengage with seizing pin mechanical features, and the like. 
     As with the first coaxial shielding spring of  FIG. 13A , this second coaxial shielding spring is also electrically conductive.  FIG. 14A  shows the shielding spring deployed and establishing electrical continuity between the conductive connector body  1402  and the seizing pin  1404 .  FIG. 14B  shows the shielding spring in a stored position alongside the seizing pin. 
     As skilled artisans will recognize, contact arrangements shown above are changed in different embodiments.  FIGS. 9A, 10A, 12, and 13A  are examples where at least some contacts can be reversed. In particular, the stationery contact  805  shown in  FIG. 10A  is a male contact while the moving contact  807  of the same figure is a female contact; these contacts may be reversed such that the stationery contact is a female contact and the moving contact is a male contact. 
       FIG. 15  compares RF passing through open coaxial splices  1500 . In particular, in a frequency range of 0.3 MHz to 1000 MHz, a prior art splice similar to the splice of  FIG. 3A  allows the RF ingress shown by trace  1506 , an estimated −70 dB signal on average 1503. In the same frequency range, a splice similar to the inventive embodiment of  FIG. 9A  allows RF ingress shown by trace  1502 , a signal generally below −110 dB  1504 . As can be seen, a −40 dB improvement results from use of such a splice. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are 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.