Patent Publication Number: US-2017363814-A1

Title: Composite connection system

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/834,944 filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application includes material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to systems and methods for electrical or optical connectors, and more specifically, to electrical or optical connectors for connections in deep oceanic environments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A connector contact mating mechanism that can enable the coupling and decoupling of electrical power and/or optical and electrical communications channels, while immersed in or surrounded by a contaminating environment, during which time the contacting interfaces of the power or signal channels remain fully protected from the destructive effects of the said environment. This disclosure describes a connector design which is equipped with a dedicated, self-contained mechanical engagement chamber, which forms a clean environment between the surrounding environment and the optical and electrical signal or power contact barriers. This novel design allows engagement of optical contacts, and electrical conductive interfaces in an environment that is an order of magnitude cleaner than conventional harsh environment interconnecting devices. This interconnect concept is intended for sub-oceanic cable communication or power network system applications either as a wet-mateable electrical and/or optical cable-end to cable-end interconnection means, or as a bulkhead-to-flying-lead ROV enabled wet-mateable connection. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Driven by cost factors, as well as the need to overcome the hazards and complexities associated with joining and switching of multi-circuit cables in deep oceanic environments, the industry was first introduced to Wet-Mateable Connectors (WMC) in the early 1960&#39;s. The earliest systems enabled the mating of electrical contacts, in an undersea environment through the use of electrical contacts protected by a dense grease medium, which was then expelled during the process of connection. This wet-connection capability made possible more complex system architectures, but was limited by the inability to disconnect or to reconnect such circuits in under-water conditions. By the 1970&#39;s the next phase of under-sea connector development brought to market, commercially viable and fully wet-mateable electrical connection mechanisms. These connectors offered the operator the ability to repeatedly plug and unplug electrical connections, in deeply submerged conditions, either by the manual manipulations of divers, or with the aid of (later developed) submersible, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), linked by control cables to a surface maintenance vessel. This technological advancement provided significantly enhanced system flexibility and made possible the development of large-scale, localized under-sea networks which had not previous been possible. In the 1980&#39;s wet-mate connector technology was extended to single-channel-fiber-optic, and hybrid (electric-optic) applications. Then later, in the 1990&#39;s, multi-channel electric and “Joined Chamber” multi-channel fiber-optic and hybrid (electric-optic) connectors were introduced. Within several years, this technology became commercially viable, to where multi-channel electric, optic and electric-optic hybrid WMC configurations were marketed by several suppliers. The multi-channel WMC technology developed in the late 1980&#39;s and into the 1990&#39;s has remained unchanged in commercial WMC products being marketed to the present day. 
     SHORTCOMINGS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ART 
     A general practice which made possible the development of deep sea connector mechanisms in an environment characterized by pressures of many thousands of pounds per square inch was a method of filling all internal cavities of these connectors with a suitable oil, and then providing, within the circumferential or radial walls of the connector, a bellows or diaphragm membrane, or redundant series of bellows or diaphragm membranes, as an environmental interface, so as to maintain an equal, constant, uniform, and self-regulating pressure, both internal and external to the connector mechanisms. Current WMC art is based on containment of this oil volume within each connector half, and development of a novel unique axial interface end-seal that enables the sealed mechanical joining of an individual plug and receptacle connector half, and the respective contained oil chambers into a single contiguous unit, with a single contiguous oil chamber, while being immersed in the high pressure and contaminated environment. Where the joined oil chambers that serve as the mechanical interface between the connector halves, also share the optic and/or electric contact arrays, and concurrently serve as the contact engagement chamber. And where, within the single contiguous oil volume, or a series of oil volumes limited to one connector half, the electrical and/or optical contacts are joined as part of the mechanical engagement process, such that:
         1. “Joined Chamber” connectors have isolated fluid volumes in each connector half, which become a single, contiguous oil volume when the connector halves engage.   2. The single “joined chamber” concurrently serves as the mechanical engagement chamber, and as the contact engagement chamber.   3. Single chamber connector designs may have exposed electrical plug pin(s) on one connector half that engage an isolated receptacle contact, with dielectric fluid volume, or series of dielectric fluid volumes on the opposing connector half.       

     In each case, the oil volume serves as the primary mechanical interface volume, and also establishes the isolated environment wherein the optical and electrical contacts engage. Because single-chamber and “plug/receptacle joined-chamber” designs support connector mechanical, electrical and optical interchange requirements, the current WMC designs are susceptible to near term and long term application failures. For example, when the single or joined-chamber design is exposed to long-term environmental conditions, or to aggressive handling scenarios, the following performance shortcomings are prone to occur:
         1. Distributed contamination and cross-contamination of chamber fluids, which are exchanged and mixed during the mating and dis-mating of the connector halves.   2. Coincident use of the engagement oil as the insulation media for the plug electrical pin(s), when the dielectric properties of such oil is degraded, leads to electrical failures in a powered un-engaged plug half.   3. Electrical connection failure resulting from marginalized fluid insulation qualities, as well as diminishing volumes of oil.   4. Venting of secondary series fluid volumes into the surrounding oil chamber such that oil is exchanged between the series chamber volumes.   5. Contamination of new connectors, through engagement of same with older, contaminated connectors.   6. Oil depletion within a new connector caused by engagement with an older, oil-depleted connector.   7. Optical connection failures due to low and/or contaminated fluid volumes.   8. Optical connection failures due to contamination resulting from lack of isolation barriers between electrical and optical contact environments.   9. Axial interface end-seal failures, leading to corresponding depletion of contract chamber isolation oil.   10. Axial interface end-seal lifecycle wear leading to ingress of contaminates into the joined chamber.   11. Axial interface end-seal mis-match from typical manufacturing tolerances leading to ingress and buildup of contaminates in the joined chamber over the connector lifecycle.       

     Because these WMC shortcomings are the consequence of multiple design factors, such failures are not resolvable without specifically addressing each area of concern. 
     In brief, then, while the current WMC technology has generally satisfied the operational requirements for a system of repeatable sub-oceanic mating and dis-mating of power and/or signal communication means, all of the current designs used to perform this function, are limited in their number of engagements and dis-engagements by the inherent increase in contamination, or depletion of the internal pressure-compensation fluids, that concurrently serves as, or communicates with, the contact chamber fluid, within which environment the internal contacts are required to function . . . and as such are also contaminated or depleted. 
     Whether through subtle or major failures of the internal or external sealing structures of such connectors, or through inherent increases in fluid contamination or depletion which by nature is made to occur with each mating and dis-mating of a typical WMC set, the contamination or depletion levels of these internal fluids inevitably result in sufficient degradation of the contact interfaces to render further service of the connector set impractical. In short, the operating life of the current WMC connector designs are limited by this specified condition. 
     The specific function of the Composite Connection System, however, is to provide a means by which to reliably and repeatedly mate and dis-mate an optical or electrical contact element while the said system is fully immersed within an extensively contaminated environment. It therefore follows, for example, that as one specific application of this Composite Connection System, is use as a stand-alone new and novel WMC with extended operating life, increasing the engagement cycle life of such mechanisms from dozens to multiple hundreds of engagement cycles. Recognizing the fabrication and installation costs of a typical WMC mechanism, such a multi-fold extension of operating life would represent exceptional savings in any instance of application. 
    
    
     
       A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a series of external profile views of one embodiment of a connector set in which the plug and related receptacle are independently represented in a configuration that would support bulkhead mounting of the receptacle and flying-lead engagement of the plug using a diver, fixture or ROV. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a series of external profile views of one embodiment of a connector set in which the plug and related receptacle are independently represented in a configuration that would support cable-end to cable-end engagement of the receptacle and plug using either a diver, fixture, or ROV. 
         FIG. 3  is a series of descriptive drawings of the principle internal mechanisms of one embodiment of the connector set proper. 
         FIG. 3 a    illustrates a longitudinal section view of one embodiment of the complete plug and receptacle system, including numerical identifications of the various components and features of the internal mechanisms. 
         FIG. 3 b    illustrates a series of longitudinal section views of one embodiment of the plug and receptacle connector set, which describes the behavior of the various internal components during stages of the connector set engagement process, and depicting this progression of events from top (fully disengaged), to bottom (fully engaged). 
         FIG. 3 c    illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of the sequential stages of action which occur during the mating process, and describing in particular, the behavior of the plug and receptacle interfaces, in relation to the progress of travel of a typical plug contact. 
         FIG. 3 d    illustrates one embodiment of a direct view of the example receptacle interface end. 
         FIG. 3 e    illustrates one embodiment of a transverse section view of the plug, which principally describes the shape, contours, and interface relationship between the plug shell and the insert shell. 
         FIG. 3 f    illustrates one embodiment of a transverse section view of the receptacle shell, taken particularly to describe the polygon profile geometry of the said shell. 
         FIG. 3 g    illustrates one embodiment of a representation of a torsional-seal element which functions to isolate fluid-filled cavities of the plug or receptacle assemblies, but which can be penetrated by either electric or optic plug assembly contacts. 
         FIG. 3 h    illustrates one embodiment of a representation of the automatic shut-off or fill valve located at the end of the shaft of the plug interface plate, and a description of its manner of operation. 
         FIG. 4  is a series of representations of an electrical contact embodiment of the invention, depicted in longitudinal section, arranged in such manner as to describe the articulated components of both the plug and receptacle configurations in various stages of engagement and disengagement. 
         FIG. 4 a    describes the receptacle contact configuration in such manner as to illustrate the relative positions and attitudes of these components in both the dis-mated and mated conditions. 
         FIG. 4 b    is a typical embodiment of the invention depicted in a sequential series of representations which describes the relative positions of the components of both the plug and receptacle contacts, at various stages of contact engagement. 
         FIG. 4 c    is a representation of the plug contact configuration, which has been transversely expanded to more clearly identify the functioning components, which are then numerically identified.  FIG. 4 c    also includes an added comparative representation which illustrates the relationship of the various components of the plug contact in both the mated and dis-mated conditions. 
         FIG. 5  is a series of representations of an optical contact embodiment of the invention, depicted in longitudinal section, arranged in such manner as to describe the articulated components of both the plug and receptacle configurations of the concept, in various stages of engagement and disengagement. 
         FIG. 5 a    describes the receptacle contact configuration in such manner as to illustrate the relative positions and attitudes of these components in both the dis-mated and mated conditions. 
         FIG. 5 b    is a typical embodiment of the invention depicted in a sequential series of representations which describes the relative positions of the components of both the plug and receptacle contacts, at various stages of contact engagement. 
         FIG. 5 c    is a representation of the plug contact configuration, which has been transversely expanded to more clearly identify the functioning components, which are then numerically identified.  FIG. 5 c    also includes added comparative representations which illustrate the relationship of the various components of the plug contact during the mating process. 
         FIG. 5 d    is a representation of an alternate high voltage plug and receptacle contact embodiment that utilizes a combination of the functional components described in  FIGS. 4 and 5  for the electrical and optical invention. 
         FIG. 5 e    is a representation of one embodiment of an end-seal utilized for the optical plug described in  FIGS. 5 a -5 c   , and the alternate high voltage contact described in  FIG. 5 d   , disclosing the spiral form of the seal support stations. 
         FIG. 6  is a series of descriptive drawings which is intended to identify the principle components and features of the coupling system element of one embodiment of this connector set concept. 
         FIG. 6 a    illustrates a series of longitudinal section views of one embodiment of the plug-mounted connector coupling mechanism, which describes the behavior of the various internal components during stages of the connector set engagement process, and depicting this progression of events from top (fully disengaged), to middle (fully engaged), to bottom (coupling separation by a retraction of the coupling ring). 
         FIG. 6 b    illustrates a descriptive representation of one embodiment of the Coupling ring latching mechanism as it appears in both its engage and disengaged attitudes. 
     
    
    
     GENERAL CONCEPT DESCRIPTION 
     As a specific advancement in the art of electrical and/or optical contact design, the principle intent of this invention is to provide a means by which the electrical or optical contact interfaces of such contacts are, at all times, sealed from communication with surrounding environmental conditions during the mating and dis-mating process. Since the dynamics of the mating process of a typical electrical contact set may differ from that of an optical contact pair, where appropriate, separate embodiments of this invention are here provided for each of these contacts, and for an alternate contact configuration that utilizes features present in both types. 
     The basic operating concept for the mechanical interface of one embodiment of the connector system is illustrated in  FIG. 3 c   , and is described in four sequential drawings. In the first drawing to the left, the scalloped discs represent the plug interface component  1  (far disc) and the receptacle interface component  2  (near disc). The two discs are shown separated, as in a position poised to mate. The plug interface disc  1 , in this representation, is still positively seated into the interface end wall of the plug assembly, within an aperture of identical profile geometry. In like manner, the receptacle interface disc  2 , in this representation, is still positively seated into the interface end wall of the receptacle assembly, also within an aperture of identical profile geometry. 
     A mating force applied to both the plug and receptacle assemblies next brings the two interface components together (as represented in the illustration next to the right). The joining of the two interface discs automatically locks these components together in such manner that their rotational attitudes will remain perfectly aligned throughout the entire mating, mated and dis-mating process. At the same time, the interfacing rims of the plug interface shell (insert shell cap  66 ) and the receptacle shells are joined to form a fluid-tight seal so as to prevent intermixing of surrounding seawater with the pressure compensating fluids contained within the plug and receptacle assemblies. To this point, each extreme extension of the scalloped profile (the crests of the profiles), is positioned to be located directly in the path of a plug contact. As the compressive force between the plug and receptacle is then increased, the joined interface discs are made to displace together into the forward cavity of the receptacle assembly. 
     During this displacement travel, the shaft of the receptacle interface component  2 , is cammed into rotating as depicted in the third illustration of this drawing set. The interlocked condition of the two interface plates (plug and receptacle) assures that both of these components are made to rotate together, in perfect coincidence. The consequent effect of this rotation is to then shift the profile crests to one side, and to thereby allow a clear travel path for the plug contacts, as the compression of the plug and receptacle assemblies continues beyond the travel limits of the interface discs  1 ,  2  into a full-mated condition. Upon complete mating of the plug and receptacle assemblies, the coupling mechanism is enabled to fully engage, securing the plug and receptacle assemblies together until separation is achieved by retraction of the coupling actuation ring  6 . 
     Receptacle Assembly 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 a   , and more specifically to the longitudinal section view of the receptacle assembly, in one embodiment, the structure is composed of a receptacle shell  5  which houses an insert  7 , which insert is installed in fixed orientation to the plug/receptacle alignment guide slot  12 . This orientation is achieved and secured by the alignment of the receptacle shell  5  with the flange shell  4 , by means of the alignment pin  53 , and the alignment of the flange shell  4  with the insert  7  as a result of the common intrusion of the electric and/or optic contracts  16  and  17 . 
     The flange shell  4  and the receptacle shell  5  are secured together by means of a threaded coupling ring  54 , which assembly also serves to fixedly secure all of the internal components of the receptacle assembly. Within the core of the insert  7 , and in fixed orientation, is secured the interface shaft guide post  8 . This guide post  8  is mounted with camming pegs  9 , which are functionally engaged to corresponding camming slots  10 , which slots in turn are features of the shaft of the receptacle interface plate  2 . Moreover, the exterior surface of the receptacle interface plate  2  is covered or coated with a thin, low-durometer, elastomeric gasket  65 , to function as an interfacing seal, when engaged to the corresponding uncoated surface of the plug interface plate  1 . 
     Mounted within the insert  7  is an array of electric contacts  17 , which are secured and sealed into the flange shell  4  by means of a threaded interface and electric sealing boots  19  and/or mounted within the insert  7  is an array of optical contacts  16 , which are secured and sealed into the flange shell  4  by means of optical strain relief boots  18 . A multiplicity of such contacts, or alternate contacts containing elements of both optic and electric contacts, can be coincidentally arrayed within this assembly, in any combination. Moreover, each functional interconnection area of either the electric  17  or optical  16  contacts is enshrouded within an independent contact isolation membrane  15 , as a component of a sub-assembly which also includes, at the forward end, a torsional sealing element  58 . When the receptacle assembly is in the dis-mated condition, this torsional seal  58  serves to individually isolate the internal contact cavities from the forward, fluid-filled cavity located directly behind the receptacle interface plate. This element has through passages aligned with each contact cavity that are closed by a torsional preload on the seal element. During the mating process, the forward end of each seal  58  of the torsional seal element is so configured to relieve the seal preload, returning the seal to the unloaded but sealed state, as to permit passage by either type of intruding plug contact, whether an electric contact  36  or an optic contact  38 . 
     Finally, by various configurations of channeling within the components of the receptacle assembly, the fluid-filled cavities of the said assembly are made to communicate with the internal surface of a main bellowphragm-type pressure compensation element  13 . The external surface of this pressure compensation element  13 , is made to communicate with the environmental seawater via radially configured channels through the walls of the flange shell  4 , and then through, and around the assembly coupling ring  54 . A measure of contaminant filtering of the surrounding seawater, during the compensation “breathing” process is achieved by means of a filter band  55 , installed as a component of the assembly coupling ring  54 . 
     In the dis-mated condition, the scalloped receptacle interface plate  2 , is firmly seated within a correspondingly profiled, scalloped aperture at the interface end of the receptacle shell  5 , and is held secure in this closed and sealed condition under the motivation of the interface plate spring  11 , which surrounds the centrally located interface shaft guide post  8 . Environmental sealing between the scalloped profile of the receptacle interface plate  1 , and the corresponding seating surface of the receptacle shell  5  is further aided by a peripheral sealing gasket  20 . 
     An elastomeric band  57  is made a component of the threaded coupling ring  54 , in such manner as to serve as a contaminant sealing device, when the plug and receptacle assemblies are fully mated. The manner of this sealing function is clearly evident in the bottom-most longitudinal section view (fully mated view) of  FIG. 3   b.    
     Plug Assembly 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 a   , and more specifically to the longitudinal section view of the plug assembly, in one embodiment, the internal mechanisms of the plug assembly are supported by a surrounding plug shell  21 . 
     Secured within the plug shell  21 , by means of threaded fasteners is the insert assembly, which insert assembly is secured within the plug shell  21 , in fixed and precise orientation with regard to the plug/receptacle alignment peg  26 , so as to assure precise alignment of the plug contact array, with the corresponding receptacle contact array, during the connector set mating procedure. Moreover, an intermediate supporting structure consisting of an insert shell  3  is installed concentric to the insert assembly, in such manner that the insert shell  3  is free to travel only in an axially aligned manner with respect to the plug shell  21 . The insert assembly is free to travel within the insert shell  3 , only in a precisely axial manner, and within predefined longitudinal limits. Moreover, the forward end of the insert shell  3  is fitted with an insert shell cap  66 , which aids in the retention of internal components, provides positional support for the plug assembly contacts  36  and  38  and serves as a facilitating means for product assembly. 
       FIG. 3 e   , which depicts a transverse section (section C-C) taken through the body of one embodiment of the plug assembly, describes the interface relationship between the external surface of the insert shell  3 , and the bore of the plug assembly compensator mounting ring  41 , which in turn is installed within the plug shell  21 . This interface can be entirely exposed to seawater environment, as well as to sand, silt, and other sea-floor contaminants. In the illustrated embodiment, the external profile of the insert shell  3  is characterized by a polygonal geometry, which rides within a cylindrical bore, so as to provide an interface configuration that is least prone to contaminant degradation, to binding or to failure during normal operation in the presence of such conditions. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a tubular, corrugated, elastic, environmental isolation bellows  32  is fixed and sealed at the rear of the insert shell  3 , while at the other end of the said environmental isolation bellows  32  the said bellows is fixed and sealed to the rear segment of the insert assembly. This assembled configuration yields an internal sub-assembly mechanism that is sealed against all environmental conditions, and is provided with automatic pressure/temperature compensation, and for any consequent variations of internal fluid volumes. 
     Moreover, the environmental isolation bellows is simultaneously capable of handling the changes in volume that will be experienced during the complete cycles of mating and dis-mating of the connector set. The external surface of this isolation bellows  32  is provided access to environmental seawater by means of venting holes  34  through walls of the plug shell  21 . Additional temperature/pressure fluid-volume compensation is provided by means of a compensation element  29 , installed onto the body of the insert shell  3 , as illustrated both in the longitudinal section view of the plug assembly, and in the transverse section (C-C),  FIG. 3 e   . Effective venting  30 , for the proper operation of this compensation element  29 , are also depicted in these section views. 
     The insert assembly, as above described, is principally composed of an insert  22 , an array of plug assembly electric contacts  36 , and/or an array of plug assembly optical contacts  38 . The plug assembly electric contracts  36  are secured into the rear of the insert  22  by means of electric contact boot seals  37 . The plug assembly optical contracts  38  are secured into the rear of the insert  22  by means of optical contact strain relief boot assemblies  39 . Within the bore of the insert  22 , an insert sleeve  25  is fixedly attached, which insert sleeve  25  is also provided with an array of “L”-shaped slots  28 . These “L”-slots  28  are correspondingly engaged by a mating set of “L”-slot pegs  27 , which “L”-slot pegs  27  are made to be fixed components of the valve body  24 , which valve body  24  is a press-fitted component affixed onto the end the shaft portion of the plug interface plate  1 . 
     Under the compressed motivation of a shaft spring  33 , a shaft spring cap  23 , which also serves as a component of a fluid-venting valve assembly, is fitted into the end of the valve body, through a bearing  63  that enables a low-friction rotational relationship between the shaft spring cap  23  and the valve body  24 . As described below, the “L”-slot pegs  27  in relation to the “L”-slot features  28  of the insert sleeve  25 , provide the means by which the plug interface plate  1  is retained in its proper axial and radial positions, and is securely seated, into the scalloped aperture at the interface end of the of the insert shell cap  66 , under the influence of the interface plate spring  62 . 
     In the same manner as the “L” slot pegs  27  and “L” slot features  28  serve to define the proper orientation of the plug interface plate shaft  1 , so too does the guide block  68 , which is affixed to the shaft spring cap  24 , maintain the proper orientation of that shaft spring cap  24 , in relation to the valve body  23  and to the plug interface plate shaft  1 , to which the valve body  23  is fixedly attached. This orientation is governed by the continuous location of this guide block  53  within an “L” slot feature  28 . During their press-fitted assembly, proper relative orientation of the valve body  23  and the plug interface plate shaft  1 , is assured by means of an alignment pin  64 . 
     Coupling Mechanism 
     The top-most illustration of  FIG. 6 a   , is a longitudinal section view of one embodiment of a coupling ring mechanism, which identifies all of the significant components of the system, and their positioning in relationship to each other. The plug shell  21  comprises the foundation of the mechanism, onto the end of which is mounted the principle engagement element, the coupling assembly  51 . The coupling assembly  51 , in turn, is secured to the plug assembly by means of the retaining peg/s  70 , which retaining pegs  70  are threaded into the actuation ring  71 , so as to protrude into a groove feature of the plug shell  21 . The groove/s feature of the plug shell  21  is configured to permit a translational motion of the coupling ring  71  of up to a fixed travel limit. 
     A retainer ring  72  is attached onto the actuation ring  71 , and is secured by a threaded interface between the actuation ring  71  and the retainer ring  72 . The retainer ring  72  captures the wedge ring  73  and secures it to the actuation ring  71 . The installation of the actuation ring  71  is coincident with the installation of a return spring  74 , which is retained by the spring stop  75  and snap ring  76 . The spring stop  75  is also attached to the actuation ring  71  using threaded fasteners. 
     At appropriate locations of an inner diameter of the wedge ring  73 , wedge slot features  77  are provided, which feature can be engaged with actuator pins  78 , that are made to retract from translational movement of the wedge ring  73 , to thereby reposition the pins  78  in a retracted de-latching position. 
     Activation of the actuator pins  78  as shown in  FIG. 6 b   , and in the lower illustration of  FIG. 6 a   , resulting in upward displacement of the actuator pin  78  is also made to occur upon initial seating of the receptacle assembly into the plug assembly. This function is accomplished through a precise configuration of the receptacle shell  5  profile, in relation to correspondingly precise dimensioning of the mechanical interface geometry of the plug assembly and its coupling ring mechanisms. Upon complete seating of the receptacle assembly into the plug assembly the actuator pins  78  return to their downward orientation and engage the plug in the latching position. 
     In order to protect the functionality of the latching mechanism from the hazards of seawater and of sea floor contaminants, the actuator pins  78  are sealed along with the actuation ring  71 , wedge ring  73 , and spring stop  75  using O-rings at each leak path. The coupling assembly is then filled with a non-corrosive fluid and compensated for temperature and pressure changes with elastomeric compensator bellow  79 . 
     Coupling Ring Operational Sequence 
     The complete sequence of operations which define the overall function of one embodiment of a coupling system is represented in the stylized sequential diagrams of  FIG. 6 a   . The last diagram, illustrates how a physical retraction of the actuation ring  71  of the plug assembly (when the said plug assembly is dis-mated from its mating receptacle assembly) is made until, the full retraction of the said actuation ring  71  causes the latch pins  78  to retract. 
     The second diagram of  FIG. 6 a    describes the instant of complete mating of the plug and receptacle assemblies, at the precise moment when the ramped contour of the receptacle shell  5  has fully displaced the actuator pin  78 , the pin  78  is returned to the engaged position by spring ring  80  the is fixedly attached to plug shell  21  by fasteners  81 . 
     The third diagram of  FIG. 6 a    describes the attitude of all of the principle components of the coupling mechanism, in the fully mated condition, and in particular it illustrates the actuation ring  71 , in relation to the slot feature/s of the wedge ring  73 . In this attitude, pins  78  are perfectly positioned to retract into full dis-engagement mode, whenever the actuation ring  71 , is next retracted under the influence of an external force. 
     Finally, it will be noted from the longitudinal section views of  FIG. 6 a    that the coupling assembly  51  is configured with sealed interfaces, to facilitate successful engagement of this plug assembly with its mating receptacle assembly, even under conditions of contamination and fowling which are likely to occur when such mating is to be performed by remote mechanical aids, such as a conventional undersea ROV. 
     Plug Receptacle Mating Sequence 
       FIG. 3 b    provides a series of longitudinal section views of one embodiment of both the plug and receptacle assemblies, which views describe the sequential behavior of the internal mechanisms of this connector system and contacts during the entire engagement process. The top-most illustration describes a fully dis-mated connector set, showing the quiescent condition of all internal components. 
     The second section view illustrates the initial interface contact of the plug and receptacle assemblies, and describes the manner in which raised features on the receptacle interface plate  2 , engage into corresponding recessed features of the plug interface plate  1 , which features are made to be completely identical in position and contour. These interface features can provide a means by which to securely fix the plug interface plate  1  and the receptacle interface plate  2  together so that their orientation, relative to each other will be held coincident throughout the connector set mating process. This section view further demonstrates that upon initial contact, the receptacle shell  5  of the receptacle, which is the forward-most structural component of the receptacle, and the insert shell end  66  of the plug assembly, are in direct contact, and will remain so throughout the mating process. 
     The third section view describes the effects of the initial compressive force as it is applied to the engagement of the plug and receptacle assemblies. Upon application of this force, the travel of the insert shell  3 , within the plug shell  21 , over the receptacle shell  5 , immediately applies a corresponding force, within the plug assembly, directly to the rear of the environmental isolation bellows  32  and to the interface shaft spring  62 . Since the plug insert shell cap  66  is in constrained contact with the receptacle shell  5 , this compressive force acts to directly compress the environmental isolation bellows  32 . The same force, being applied to the rear of the interface shaft spring  62 , however, is made to motivationally displace the plug insert shell  3 , by acting through its related components. 
     Since the plug interface plate  1  (and its integral shaft) are in firm contact with the receptacle interface plate  2 , both interface plates are coincidentally made to displace directly into the forward cavity of the receptacle assembly. The coincident axial movement of the receptacle interface plate  2  causes its integral shaft, within the core of the receptacle assembly, to act and compress against the receptacle interface spring  11 . The receptacle interface spring  11  is installed directly over and around the interface shaft guide post  8 . As stated earlier, this guide post  8  is fixedly attached to the base structure of the receptacle assembly, and has mounted to it, an array of camming pegs  9 . Also as described earlier, these camming pegs  9  are engaged into a corresponding array of camming slot features  10 , which are an integral feature of the shaft of the receptacle interface plate  2 , which shaft is also made to slip-fit over, and to slide along, the guide post  8 . 
     The shaft is constrained in its motion along and around the guide post  8  by the limitations of the camming slot features  10  of the shaft, and the related camming pegs  9 , which are affixed to the guide post  8 . As the shaft portion of receptacle interface plate  2  is made to travel into receptacle assembly, the effect of the camming pegs  8 , which act within the camming slot features  10  of the shaft of the receptacle interface plate  2 , is to cause the said receptacle interface plate to rotate through a predefined orientational angle. The configuration of the camming slot feature  10 , during this motion, serves both to limit the specific length of travel of the two joined interface plates, and to effect a controlled rotation of the two joined interface plates to an exact rotational excursion. 
     Since this initial motion of the plug interface plate  1  is locked and coincident to the motion of the receptacle interface plate  2 , the traveling rotation of the shaft of the receptacle interface plate  2  imposes a coincident traveling motion on the shaft of the plug interface plate  1 . It will further be noted from the third illustration of  FIG. 3 b    that the insert  22  within the plug assembly, as well as the array of electric plug assembly contacts  36  and the array of optical plug assembly contacts  38 , are all mechanically secured to the plug shell  21 , and that therefore the insert and Contact arrays must all move coincidently with the motion of the plug shell  21 . 
     The third illustration of  FIG. 3 b    shows that the initial forward travel of the joined interface plates and related components, was also coincident with the forward motion of the complete array of the plug assembly Contracts. Moreover, since the insert shell  3  was constrained from any further forward motion, the entire array of electric plug assembly Contacts  36  and optical plug assembly contacts  38  was made to translate toward the receptacle  5 . 
     The initial travel of the joined interface plates and the array of plug assembly contacts are limited by the length of the camming slot features  10  within the receptacle assembly. Moreover, through the geometry of the camming slot features  10 , this travel yields a controlled rotation of the joined interface plates, so that the crests of the scalloped periphery of the interface plate profiles, no longer obstruct the forward motion of the any of the advancing plug assembly contacts. 
     Referring once more to a comparison between the second and third illustrations of  FIG. 3 b   , it will be seen that in the second illustration, the “L”-slot pegs  27  are seated at the crest of the short leg of the “L” slot features  28 , which features are a part of the insert sleeve  25 , which sleeve is fixedly attached to the bore of the insert  22 . As previously stated, the insert  22  is mechanically fixed to the basic plug assembly structure, i.e. the plug shell  21 . Thus, as depicted in the second illustration of  FIG. 3 b   , the axial motion of the joined interface plates, as well as their shafts and associated components, is restricted to motion coincident with that of the plug shell  21 . 
     It will further be noted in the third illustration of  FIG. 3 b   , that when the initial axial travel of the joined interface plates, as well as their shafts and associated components, has reached its limits, as defined by the camming slot features  10  within the receptacle assembly, that action of the camming slot features  10  has also caused a consequent rotation of that entire chain of components, including the positioning of the “L” slot pegs  27 , which pegs  27  as a result of rotation, are now given access to the long, axial leg of the “L” slot features  28  within the insert sleeve  25 . This re-alignment of the “L” slot pegs  27 , in relation to the associated “L” slot features  28  within the insert sleeve  25  now yields a potential for further travel of the plug shell  21 , and its related components, beyond the controlled and limited travel of the joined interface plates and their associated components. 
     The final length of compression between the plug and receptacle assemblies causes engagement and automatic locking of the Coupling ring mechanism, as described earlier in this disclosure. A further effect of this final length of travel, is represented in the fourth (bottom) illustration of  FIG. 3 b   , in which is shown the total extent of travel of the complete plug assembly contact array, to the point where full penetration of the said plug assembly Contact array into the receptacle assembly torsional seal  58  and respective electrical and optical contacts  15  and  16  is achieved, within the body of the receptacle assembly. The fourth illustration of  FIG. 3 b    also shows that during the excursion of the plug assembly contact array, each plug assembly contact is made to pierce the torsional seal element  58  that has been actuated to remove its preloaded sealing force as described earlier. The torsional seal element  58 , is designed to isolate the principle fluid-filled cavities of the receptacle assembly, from the individual fluid-filled cavities of each receptacle contact area. The torsional seal element  58  provides each contact with an elastic membrane isolation shroud  15  which enables the displacement of fluid within the shroud  15  to be translated into a displacement of the coincident volume directly to the volume of the surrounding fluid within the principle cavities of the receptacle assembly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , more specifically to the longitudinal section view of the plug electrical and optical contact assemblies, one embodiment of an electrical and optical contact are each separately described through the mating sequence. 
     When typically installed within a plug assembly, the aft end (the right end as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) of the plug electrical contact assembly  36  is fixedly attached to the plug structure, while the outer plug contact element, composed of the end cap  83  and end cap keys  88  and the outer sleeve  82  is free to move axially within the plug cavity. When the plug and its contact/s are fully dis-mated, the electrical contact  85  remains retracted within the outer sleeve  82 , under the influence of the pre-loaded spring  84 . In this attitude, the exposed interface surface of the conductive component of the electrical contact  85  is protected and secured against the surrounding environment, at the forward end, by the “O”-ring seal  86 , and at the aft end by an “O”-ring seal  87  which latter seal is understood to be a component of the plug assembly within which this example embodiment of the plug contact assembly would be installed. 
     Also, in the dis-mated condition, with the plug electrical contact assembly  36  fixed within the surrounding plug assembly, the outer sleeve is constrained against the spring  84  pre-load by the O-ring  86  detent in electrical contact  85 , or by a similar retention or shoulder feature. By this means, motion of the outer sleeve  82 , under the influence of the pre-loaded spring  84  is restricted to the engagement of the outer sleeve  82  with the receptacle torsional seal  58  contact surface. 
     As demonstrated in the sequential illustrations of  FIG. 4 b   , during the mating process of the surrounding plug assembly with its corresponding receptacle assembly, the forward edge of the outer sleeve  82  and electrical contact  85  end is made to firmly engage against the torsional seal element  58  under the forceful influence of the continued compression of the spring  84 . This action tends to jointly seal the outer sleeve  82  to the torsional seal face where further displacement of the mating sequence releases the torsional seal preload and allows the plug electrical contact  85  to penetrate the seal and make contact with the receptacle electrical contact  16 . 
     Later, as the connector set separation is made to occur, it can be seen that the electrical contact surface of the electrical contact  85  will be fully retracted into the sealed environment within the outer Sleeve  82 , and the receptacle torsional seal  58  will have fully closed, before the plug electrical contact assembly  36  can separate from its engagement to the outer rim of the torsional seal  58 . 
     Similarly for the plug optical contact assembly  36  where one embodiment of the design shows the aft end (the right end as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) of the core, aft segment  89  is fixedly attached to the plug structure, while the outer sleeve  90 , and its press-fitted related component, the outer sleeve end-cap  91 , is free to move axially within the plug cavity. Moreover, the core, aft segment  89  is axially fixed to the core, forward segment  92 , by means of the contact core anchoring key  93 , rendering both core elements as functionally a single piece. In addition, the axial travel of the core aft segment  89  is limited within the outer sleeve  90  by the constraining effects of the core travel limiting key  94 . Finally, when the plug optical contact is in the fully dis-engage condition, the core aft segment  89  is held in its fully retracted position, in relation to the outer sleeve  90 , under the influence of the pre-loaded outer sleeve spring  95 . Moreover, when the plug optical contact is in the fully dis-engage condition, the axial position of the inner sleeve  96  is constrained by the action of the pre-loaded inner sleeve spring  97 . Then too, the axial position of the optical plug stem  98 , in relation to the core forward segment  92  is influenced by the pre-loaded optical contact interface spring  99 , while the travel limits of the optical plug stem  98 , in relation to the core forward segment  92  are defined by the stem travel limiting key  100 . Dynamic environmental sealing within the inner sleeve  96  is achieved by means of the “O”-ring seals  101 . Finally, the interface contact surface of the optical contact  102  is environmentally sealed under the protection of the closed condition of the spiral contact module seal  103  and  FIG. 5 e   , which is held forcefully closed by its containment within the inner sleeve  96 . 
     As demonstrated in the sequential illustrations of  FIG. 5 b   , during the mating process of the surrounding plug assembly with its corresponding receptacle assembly, the forward edge of the end-cap  91  is made to firmly engage against the torsional seal element  58  under the forceful influence of the continued compression of the spring  99 . This action tends to jointly seal the plug contact to the torsional seal element  58  face where further displacement of the mating sequence releases the torsional seal  58  preload and allows the plug contact to penetrate the seal. 
     As the surrounding plug assembly eventually becomes fully seated into its related receptacle assembly, the plug contact core assembly  89 , and its mechanically engaged plug optical stem  98  are made to fully engage within the optical receptacle contact assembly, and the interfaces of both the plug and receptacle optical contacts are made to join. During this final stage of engagement between the plug and receptacle optical contacts, the plug spiral contact module seal  103 , and its related plug optical stem  98  are made to exit the constraining bore of the inner sleeve  96 . At this point, the pre-wound molded attitude of the plug spiral contact module seal  103  causes this seal element to segmentally unwind and flair, within the confines of the receptacle contact module shell, and in so doing, to allow for physical contact between the interface surfaces of the plug and receptacle optical contacts. Finally, the physical contact between the interface surfaces of the plug and receptacle optical contacts is forcefully sustained by the recoil action of the plug optical stem  98 , under the influence of optical contact interface spring  99 . Axial recoil travel of the plug optical stem  98  within the core forward segment  92 , is limited by means of the stem travel limiting key  100 . 
     Later, as the connector set separation is made to occur, the action of the contact interface spring  99  causes a repositioning of the of the plug optical stem  98  to the limit of travel defined by the stem travel limiting key  100 . Further separation of the surrounding connector set causes retraction of all of the core components of the plug optical contact within the inner sleeve  96 , under the influence of the inner sleeve spring  97 . This action includes the retraction and consequent re-sealing of the spiral plug contact module seal  103 , within the inner sleeve  96 . The limit of this retracting travel is defined by the shoulder geometries of the inner sleeve  96  and the outer sleeve  90 . Only as the separation of the surrounding plug and receptacle assemblies is completed, is full dis-engagement of the forward edge of the end-cap  91 , from the outer rim of the receptacle torsional seal  58  allowed to occur. 
     Alternate Contact Embodiment 
     Referencing  FIG. 5 d    showing an alternate plug high voltage electrical contact assembly  104  and associated high voltage receptacle contact  108  configuration using torsional receptacle seal  58 . Wherein certain very high voltage electrical applications, such as submarine telecom cables, an electrical contact of the design shown is best suited. One embodiment of this contact style combines the optical plug spiral contact module seal  103  and  FIG. 5 e    and a dielectric oil-fed tube conductor  105 , oil-fed splice termination  106 , and conductor termination oil compensation and fill bellow  107 . This results in a high voltage electrical contact design with a combination actuation sequence similar to the sequences described previously for the optical and electrical contact assembly. 
     By the sequence of actions thus described, the environmentally sealed condition of the cores of both the plug and receptacle optical contacts is a condition which is maintained until both contacts are forcefully joined—at which time; the interface of this joining is then opened to achieve a condition that, in combination, is environmentally sealed and separated from the mechanical engagement oil chambers cavities. Then finally, during the separation process, the forced joining of both the plug and receptacle contacts is sustained, until the traveling elements of the optical plug contact are fully retracted and both the plug and receptacle contacts are each fully sealed once again. Thus the contact oil chambers of the composite connection system remain separated from the mechanical engagement oil chambers before, during, and after connector engagement, and during and after disengagement 
     Fluid Venting and Temperature/Pressure Compensation 
     As discussed above, in one embodiment, the cavities within the plug and receptacle assemblies are filled with an appropriate fluid as a principle element for pressure compensation, i.e. as a medium that would maintain an equilibrium of pressure within the connector set cavities to be coincident with variations in the pressure of the surrounding environment. As an aid to this compensation means, elastic membranes, bellows and the like are also provided in the walls of the receptacle and plug outer structures, to act as resilient interface barriers. In general, this resilient interface barrier not only aids in accommodating variations in environmental pressure, but also relieves volumetric changes within the connector set chambers, which may result from thermal expansion or contraction of the pressure compensating fluid. In addition to accommodating volumetric changes due to variations in temperature and pressure, the resilient barriers provided in the structure of this connector set, have been made elastic enough to handle the much greater volumetric changes which occur during the mating and dis-mating procedures during which significant compression and expansion of the internal cavities are made to happen. 
     Considerable circulation of the compensating fluid is made to occur throughout the various cavities within the system. In addition, this circulation of fluids between cavities is rendered even more complex by the fact that when the plug and receptacle assemblies become physically engaged, and the joined interface plates are made to displace into the forward cavity of the receptacle assembly, the forward cavities (mechanical interface cavities) of both the plug and receptacle assemblies effectively become a single cavity . . . with common fluid content. 
     Moreover, the physical action of joining the plug and receptacle interfaces introduce trace amounts of environmental contamination into the system fluids. Furthermore, each subsequent action of mating and dis-mating must nominally add to this level of foreign contamination. Finally, mechanical wear and similar factors must also add trivial amounts of other kinds of contaminants to the total. This incremental buildup of fluid contamination need not necessarily degrade the overall performance of this connector system, provided that the corrupted fluids are not permitted to interfere with the performance and/or functionality of either the electrical or optical contact junctions. For this reason, it is a feature of at least one embodiment of the present invention to maintain a high degree of isolation in regard to the fluid flow between various cavities within the system, and in particular, the junctions of electrical and optical interfaces, in the area of the receptacle assembly contacts within the receptacle assembly. 
     To satisfy this requirement it will be noted in  FIG. 3 b    of the receptacle assembly, each receptacle contact is provided with an independent elastic cavity  15  which, in conjunction with its associated contact seal elements provides an isolated fluid environment, which is protected from the effects of potentially contaminated fluids of the surrounding cavity. Then too, with reference to the plug assembly, it will be noted that in the area of the plug assembly contact extensions (forward of the insert  22 ), that no communication of fluid is permitted to other cavities of the connector system, and that an independent means of volumetric compensation is provided, at six places, in the walls of the insert sleeve  3 . 
     Again with reference to the plug assembly ( FIG. 3 b   ), it will be noted that in one embodiment of the plug assembly a channel of fluid communication is provided, through the shaft of the plug interface plate  1  to the cavity surrounded by the environmental isolation bellows  32 . However, it should also be noted ( FIG. 3 b   ), that at the end of the shaft of the plug interface plate  1  a valve mechanism has been incorporated. This mechanism, consisting of the shaft end of the plug interface plate  1 , the valve body  24 , which is press-fitted to the end of the shaft, and the shaft spring cap  23  is positioned to regulate access between the forward-most and rear-most cavities of the plug assembly. The shaft spring cap  23  is so configured that its motion within the insert sleeve  25  is limited to axial motion only. This limitation is achieved by having provided a guide block  53 , which is fixedly attached to the shaft spring cap  23 , and is made to fit into the longitudinal leg of an “L” slot feature  28  of the insert sleeve  25 . 
     By means of the guide block  53 , which is made to ride within the longitudinal leg of an “L” slot feature  28 , the motion of the shaft spring cap  23 , during the mating and dis-mating procedures, is limited to axial travel only. As can be seen in  FIG. 3 h    that since the shaft spring cap  23  is constrained from rotation, the rotation of the valve body  24 , automatically seals or unseals access of fluids from the radial channels within the cap. By this means exchange or addition of fluid is possible between the forward-most and rear-most cavities of the plug assembly, but only during a portion of the initial travel of the joined interface plates. As the cammed rotation of the interface plates is made to occur, as previously described, the shaft of the plug interface plate  1  is also made to rotate, carrying with it the press-fitted valve body  24 , so that upon complete mating of the connector set, the valve is made to constrain fluid venting between the forward and aft cavities of the plug assembly. 
     While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, such embodiments should not be deemed to limit the teaching of this disclosure to those embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be made to the elements described above to obtain an result that remains within the scope of the systems and methods described in this disclosure.