Patent Publication Number: US-8123557-B2

Title: Compression connector for coaxial cable with staggered seizure of outer and center conductor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/743,633, entitled Compression Connector for Coaxial Cable, filed May 2, 2007, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application generally relates to the field of coaxial cable connectors and more specifically to a compression connector for various types of coaxial cable, the connector including a mechanism for reliably seizing each of the center and outer conductors of an inserted prepared coaxial cable end in a sequential fashion. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Coaxial cables are well known as a transmission medium that are installed on a widespread basis for purposes of carrying signals for communication networks, such as cable television (CATV) and computer networks, among others. A coaxial cable used for these purposes must, at some point, be connected to network connector parts. Typical coaxial cables are defined, such as 75 ohm and 50 ohm cables, by a center conductor, an outer conductor and an intermediate foam dielectric layer disposed therebetween, the outer conductor being covered by a protective sheath. The center conductor can be solid in terms of its construction or hollow as to various applications, thereby reducing material usage and stiffness. Coaxial cables can include smooth-walled and corrugated versions, depending on the application and signals to be carried. 
     When affixing a cable connector to a corrugated or other coaxial cable for termination thereof, it is necessary to provide both good electrical and mechanical contact between the cable connector and the center and outer conductors of the prepared coaxial cable end. Each of these types of coaxial cables face particular difficulties as to both mechanical and electrical interconnectivity, such as impedance matching, noise reduction and the like. It is also desirable to connect each of the center and outer conductors without having to reposition the cable connector during the connection operation. With regard to this, it may be required to seat the inner conductor first or alternatively seize the outer conductor first as opposed to attempting to seize each contemporaneously. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect, there is described a compression connector for a coaxial cable, said coaxial cable comprising a center conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween, said connector comprising: a connector body having opposing first and second ends and a center passageway defined therethrough; an insulator disposed within said center passageway adjacent said first end of said connector; a compression sleeve movably connected to the second end of said connector body; first means disposed in the center passageway for seizing said outer conductor; and second means disposed in the center passageway for seizing said center conductor. The compression sleeve is axially movable from the second end to the first end of the connector body to cause the first and second means to sequentially engage the cable such that seizure of the outer conductor of the cable occurs either before or after seizure of the center conductor. 
     In one version, the outer conductor of the prepared coaxial cable is seized prior to the center conductor. In another version of the herein described compression connector, the center conductor is seized prior to the outer conductor. 
     In one version, a clamp is provided to seize the outer conductor, the clamp including an outer portion in contact with an interior surface of the connector body. The clamp is caused to translate axially with the compression sleeve wherein the interior surface of the connector body includes a first diameter and a narrower second diameter separated by a transitional area. When the clamp is axially translated and traverses the transitional area, the clamp is caused to compress inwardly thereby seizing the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. 
     The insulator retains a hollow conductive pin within an axial opening. According to one version, the conductive pin includes a collet portion extending outside the insulator that receives the center conductor of a prepared coaxial cable. The axial movement of the compression sleeve causes engagement between a drive member and the collet portion, causing the collet portion to be advanced into the opening of the insulator, the latter being in fixed relation relative to the connector body. As the collet portion is axially advanced by the drive member, the collet portion seizes the center conductor. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a compression connector for a coaxial cable end, said coaxial cable end comprising an exposed center conductor extending from a distal end, an exposed outer conductor extending over an axial portion adjacent said exposed center conductor and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween, said connector comprising a connector body having opposing first and second ends and a center passageway defined therethrough, said center passageway having a first diameter and a different second diameter linked by a transitional section. An insulator is disposed within the center passageway adjacent said first end of said connector, as well as a compression sleeve that is movably connected to the second end of the connector body. A clamp disposed in relation to said compression sleeve is mounted for axial movement within the center passageway, said clamp having an external surface in contact with the interior surface of said center passageway and an internal surface that is configured for engagement with the center conductor of an engaged cable end. The connector also includes a conductive member disposed in an axial opening of said insulator, said conductive member having means for seizing said center conductor, said compression sleeve being axially movable from said second end to said first end to cause said clamp and said conductive member to sequentially engage the outer and center conductors of said cable and in which seizure of said outer conductor occurs either before or after seizure of said center conductor. 
     In one version, the means for seizing the center conductor includes a collet portion provided at one end of the conductive member. The collet portion is made up of a plurality of flexible fingers, the collet portion being disposed outside of the insulator. According to one embodiment, the collet portion is defined by a transition diameter that is tapered, this diameter being greater than that of the insulator opening. A drive element disposed in relation to the clamp engages and causes the collet portion to be driven into the insulator opening, closing the collet portion and thereby seizing the center conductor. 
     In yet another version, the means for seizing the center conductor includes a plurality of spring contacts that are disposed within the hollow interior of the conductive member. The conductive member is disposed within the insulator opening such that the center conductor is seized when the cable end is advanced a predetermined distance therein. In the instance of coaxial cables having more than one center conductor, a plurality of conductive pins are provided, each having the seizing means. 
     The positioning of the transitional surface and the drive element are arranged within the connector body so as to stagger or sequentially permit seizure of either the center conductor or the outer conductors of a prepared coaxial cable end. For example, the insulator can be fixedly attached in one version in which the clamp engages the outer conductor first and then the inner conductor. In another version, the insulator is movably disposed to permit seizure of the inner conductor by the insulator and then permit the clamp to engage the outer conductor. 
     The above compression connector design is applicable for use with various types of coaxial cable, including but not limited to spiral corrugated, corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial cables. 
     According to yet another aspect, there is provided a connector for a coaxial cable end, said coaxial cable end comprising an exposed center conductor extending from a distal end, an exposed outer conductor extending over an axial portion adjacent said exposed center conductor and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween, said connector comprising a connector body having opposing first and second ends and a center passageway defined therethrough, said center passageway having a first inner diameter and a different second inner diameter linked by a transitional section; an insulator disposed within said center passageway adjacent said first end of said connector; a compression sleeve movably connected to the second end of said connector body; a clamp disposed in relation to said compression sleeve and mounted for axial movement within said center passageway, said clamp having an external surface in contact with the interior surface of said center passageway and an internal surface that is configured for engagement with the center conductor of an engaged cable end; and a conductive member disposed in an axial opening of said insulator, said conductive member having means for seizing said center conductor, said compression sleeve being axially movable from said second end to said first end to cause said clamp and said conductive member to sequentially engage the outer and center conductors of said cable and in which seizure of said outer conductor occurs either before or after seizure of said center conductor; a conductive member disposed in an axial opening of said insulator, said conductive member including at least one seizing element for seizing said center conductor, said compression sleeve being axially movable from said second end toward said first end to cause said clamp and said at least one seizing element to sequentially engage the outer conductor and inner conductors of said coaxial cable. 
     An advantage is that a compression connector has been developed in which the center conductor can be secured out of sequence with that of the ground, which may be desirable in some attachment situations. For example, in the instance the coaxial cable were “live” at the time of connection, such sequencing would be preferable. 
     These and other features and advantages will become readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1(A)  is a perspective view of a spiral corrugated coaxial cable having an end prepared for engagement with coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 1(B)  is a perspective view of the spiral corrugated coaxial cable of  FIG. 1(A)  with a portion of the dielectric layer removed; 
         FIG. 1(C)  is a perspective view of an annular corrugated coaxial cable having an end prepared for engagement with a coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 1(D)  is a perspective view of a smooth-walled coaxial cable having an end prepared for engagement with a coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 1(E)  is a perspective view of the smooth-walled coaxial cable of  FIG. 1(D)  with a portion of the dielectric layer removed; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectioned side perspective view of a coaxial cable connector in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, illustrating a coaxial cable of  FIG. 1(B) , the connector being shown in an initially compressed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectioned side perspective view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1(B) , as shown in an intermediate engagement position; 
         FIG. 4  is the sectioned side perspective view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the connector in a fully engaged position; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded assembly view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIGS. 2-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectioned side perspective view of a coaxial cable connector made in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, having a coaxial cable end installed as shown in  FIG. 1(B) , the conductor being shown in a partially engaged position; 
         FIG. 7  is the side sectioned perspective view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 6 , illustrated in an intermediate engaged position; and 
         FIG. 8  is the side sectioned perspective view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , shown in a fully engaged portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description relates to certain exemplary embodiments of a compression conductor for use with various types of coaxial cable, including corrugated, spiral corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial cables. Throughout the course of this description, various terms are used in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms, however, are not intended to constrict the definition or scope of the present invention, unless so specifically noted. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1(A)-1(E)  and in order to provide a suitable background, there are depicted exemplary coaxial cables having cable ends that have been prepared for installation into a compression connector. Referring first to  FIG. 1(   a ), an exemplary prepared spiral corrugated coaxial cable  10  is defined by a center conductor  18  that is surrounded by an intermediate dielectric layer  16 . An outer insulative jacket  12  is cut away to expose an axial section of a corrugated conductor layer  14  consisting of a plurality of protrusions and valleys formed in a spiral configuration. This layer  14  is also known and referred to throughout as the ground or outer conductor layer. Both the spiral corrugated conductor layer  14  and a portion of the intermediate dielectric layer  16  are cut away at the distal end of the cable  10 , exposing an axial section of the exposed center conductor  18 . 
     Another spiral corrugated coaxial cable  10 ′ end is shown for termination onto a compression conductor in  FIG. 1(B) . In addition to the outer insulative jacket  12  being cut away to expose an axial portion of the spiral corrugated conductor layer  14 , the intermediate dielectric layer  16  is cored out leaving a hollow  58  extending beneath the outer conductor layer after both the corrugated conductor layer  14  and the dielectric layer  16  have been cut away from the center conductor  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1(C) , a non-spiral corrugated coaxial cable  10 ″ is shown prepared for installation onto a compression conductor. This section of cable also includes an outer insulative jacket  12  that is cut away to expose an axial section of an outer corrugated layer  14 ″, this layer being made up of a plurality of annular corrugations with valleys or slots therebetween. As in the preceding, the outer conductor layer  14 ″ and intermediate dielectric layer  16  are also cut away to expose a center conductor  18  defining the distal end of the prepared cable  10 ″. 
       FIG. 1(D)  illustrates a smooth-walled coaxial cable  10 ′″ also defined by an outer insulative jacket  12  that is cut away to expose an outer conductor layer  14 ′″, the latter being different than each of the preceding versions in that this layer is defined by a smooth annular surface having no corrugations. As in the preceding, the outer conductive layer  14 ′″ and the intermediate dielectric layer  16  are each cut away at the distal end of the cable to expose the center conductor  18 . 
       FIG. 1(E)  depicts another smooth-walled coaxial cable version  10 ″″. Like the preceding versions, the cable  10 ″″ includes an outer insulative jacket  12 , an outer conductive layer  14 ″ like that of  FIG. 1(D) , and a center conductor  18  in which the intermediate dielectric layer  16 ,  FIG. 1(D) , is cored to define a hollow  58 . Each of the foregoing cables are described with a solid center conductor. However and as noted above, the center conductor pin can alternatively be hollow. Cables having either form of center conductor can be used in conjunction with this application. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , a compression connector  20  made in accordance with a first embodiment is shown in a partially compressed position, the connector being defined by a body  22  having a nut  24  that is rotatably secured to one end  41  of the body according to this embodiment via an annular flange  26 . An insulator  28  that is disposed within a defined center cavity or passageway  23  of the compression body  22  adjacent to the distal end  41  positions and retains a conductive pin  30  within a defined opening  56 . The insulator  28  is fixedly disposed within the center passageway  23  according to this embodiment wherein an annular shoulder  47  engages the top surface of a cylindrical retaining section  27  of the connector body  22 , the retaining section having a defined bore into which a distal portion of the insulator is snugly fitted. 
     At least a portion of the conductive pin  30  is hollow, the pin being defined by a pin portion  32  and a collet portion  34  at opposing ends, the pin extending through the insulator opening  56  with the collet portion  34  extending outwardly from the insulator  28 . The collet portion  34  includes a set of electrically conductive contacts surrounded by a plurality of flexible finger sections or tines. A drive insulator or mandrel  36  is positioned for axial movement within the center passageway  23  between the collet portion  34  and a clamp  38 , the mandrel having a through opening  37  that is axially aligned with the insulator opening  56 . 
     In this version, the mandrel  36  includes a surface facing the proximal body end  42  that is essentially planar such that this surface can engage the dielectric layer  16  of an inserted cable end  10 ,  FIG. 1(A) , and the clamp  38 . In an alternate version, such as when a cable  10 ″,  FIG. 1(B) , is used, the surface of the mandrel  36  can include an extending portion (not shown) that is sized to extend into the hollow  58  of the cable. Such a version is shown in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 11/743,633, the relevant portions being incorporated by reference herein. 
     In terms of assembly, the clamp  38  is positioned proximally from the drive mandrel  36  and is defined by a body made from a compliant material and having an interior annular surface  45  that is geometrically congruent to that of the spiral corrugations of the outer conductor layer  14  of the coaxial cable  10 . That is, the interior annular surface  45  is defined by a plurality of protrusions and notches formed in a spiral configuration matching those of the outer conductor layer  14  of the coaxial cable  10 . Referring to the exploded view of  FIG. 5 , a plurality of slots  39  are formed in an outer annular portion of the clamp, thereby permitting the clamp  38  to be compressed or squeezed radially inward under the application of an inwardly directed radial force. The clamp  38  is fitted within the center passageway  23  of the body  22  such that the outer annular surface  43  of the clamp is in intimate contact with the interior surface of the body  22 , but allowing for axial movement thereof. 
     The compression sleeve  40  is defined by an exterior portion formed over an axial section of the connector body  22 , as well as an extending drive portion  44  that engages into the connector  20  against an annular flange  46  of a drive ring  48 , the latter being fitted between the clamp  38  and the compression sleeve and including an annular slot sized to receive the periphery of the connector body  22 . An annular seal element  50  made preferably from an elastomer fits snugly against the outer insulative jacket  12  of the prepared coaxial cable  10  during installation to prevent external environmental influences (i.e., moisture, grit, etc.) from entering the interior of the compression connector  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the end of the prepared spiral corrugated coaxial cable  10 ,  FIG. 1(A) , is initially inserted into an opening  54  on the proximal end  42  of the connector  20  and into the center passageway  23  of the body  22  using a compression tool (not shown). During this initial insertion, the spiral corrugated cable  10  is initially twisted as it is inserted such that the spirals on the outer conductor layer  14  fit into the spirals in the interior annular portion of the clamp  38 . At the same time, sufficient axial displacement has occurred in the direction shown by arrow a, permitting the center conductor  18  to advance along the central passageway  23 , through the opening  37  in the mandrel  36  and into the collet portion  34  of the extending hollow conductive pin  30 . 
     It should be noted that the connector  20  is retained in a fixed and immovable position while the compression tool is in engagement therewith and during the time compressive force is applied in the direction shown by arrow a. Compression tool designs are known in the field to accomplish this type of stabilization and do not form an essential part of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  and following initial engagement, the clamp  38  advances axially per the direction shown by arrow a into the transitional surface area  52  of the connector body  22  and subsequently the smaller interior diameter of the center passageway  23 . Due to the inclusion of the formed slots  39 ,  FIG. 5 , and by also manufacturing the clamp  38  from a relatively compliant material, the clamp is able to maintain contact with the interior surface of the connector body  22  and to elastically inwardly (radially) compress with respect to the primary axis of the body. This compression causes the interior annular surface  45  of the clamp  38  to engage directly or seize against the spirals of the outer conductor layer  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , further movement of the compression sleeve  40  and clamp  38  causes the drive mandrel  36  to axially advance in the direction shown by arrow a. This movement engages the distal surface of the mandrel  36  directly against the end of the collet section  34 , causing the collet portion of the hollow conductive pin  30  to also axially advance into the defined opening  56  of the fixedly mounted insulator  38 . Because the diameter of the insulator opening  56  is smaller than the outer diameter of the ramped exterior surface  35  of the collet portion  34 , this axial movement causes the electrical contacts disposed within the flexible finger sections  35  of the collet portion  34  to radially squeeze onto and permanently seize the center conductor  18  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Because the exposed center conductor  18  of the prepared cable end  10 ,  FIG. 1(A) , has already advanced into the conductive pin  30 , the conductor does not move axially relative to the pin during this phase of the clamping or seizing process. 
       FIGS. 6-8  depict an alternative embodiment of a compact compression connector  220  made in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the center conductor  18  of a prepared cable end  10 ,  FIG. 1(A) , is seized in advance of the outer conductive layer  14 . 
     The compression connector  220  according to this embodiment is defined by a body  222  that includes a center cavity or passageway  223 , the body having adjacent axial sections with different interior diameters that are separated by a transitional section or area  252 . This transitional area  252  can be defined by a ramped, convex, concave or other shaped configuration that provides gradual demarcation. The connector  220  further includes a nut  224  rotatably secured to a distal end  241  of the body  222  by means of an annular flange  226 . It should be noted that the nut is used on the end  241  of the connector, though it will be readily apparent that other means could be provided for securing same (not shown). An insulator  228  disposed within the center passageway  223  of the connector body  222  positions and holds a hollow conductive pin  230  within a defined opening  256 . In this version, the insulator  228  is movably supported within the center passageway  223 , wherein an annular shoulder  247  of the insulator is in spaced axial relation to a cylindrical retaining section  227  of the connector body  222 , the retaining section having a defined bore that is sized snugly to receive a distal portion of the insulator. 
     The hollow conductive pin  230  includes a pin portion  232  and a collet portion  234  at opposing ends, the collet portion  234  being made up of a set of electrical contacts disposed within a plurality of flexible finger sections  235  or tines extending outwardly through the insulator opening  256 . A drive insulator or mandrel  236  is positioned within the center passageway  223  between an end of the collet portion  234  and a clamp  238 , the mandrel having a through opening  237  that is axially aligned with the insulator opening  256 . The mandrel  236  can include a proximal surface that includes an extending portion sized to engage a hollow  58 ,  FIG. 1(B) , of a cored cable end or as per this embodiment, the mandrel includes a substantial planar distal surface that engages the intermediate dielectric layer  16 ,  FIG. 1(A) , and clamp  238 , as described below. 
     The clamp  238  is defined by an interior annular surface  245  that is geometrically congruent to the spiral corrugations of the outer conductor layer  14  of the coaxial cable  10 ,  FIG. 1(A) . As in the preceding, the clamp  238  also preferably includes a plurality of slots (not shown) that are formed in an outer annular portion of the clamp, such that the clamp  238  can be compressed or squeezed radially inward, the outer annular portion being initially fitted in intimate contact with the interior surface of the body  222 . A compression sleeve  240  is attached to the opposite end  242  of the body  222 , the sleeve being configured for axial movement along with the clamp  238  and an annular elastomeric seal element  250 . 
     The compression sleeve  240  includes a drive portion  244  that fits against an annular flange  246  of a drive ring  248  fitted between the clamp  238  and the compression sleeve. As in the previous version, the annular elastomeric seal element  250  fits snugly against the outer insulative jacket  12  of the corrugated coaxial cable  10  during installation thereof in order to prevent external environmental influences (i.e., moisture, grit, etc.) from entering the interior of the compression connector  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  and in operation, the prepared end of a coaxial cable  10 ,  FIG. 1(B) , is inserted initially by means of a compression tool (not shown) into the opening  254  of the compression connector  220  but prior to full installation of the cable  10  within the connector. As in the preceding, the engaged spiral corrugated cable  10 ,  FIG. 1(A) , must initially be twisted in order to align the outer conductor layer  14  with the features of the interior annular surface  245  of the clamp  238 . However and in this embodiment and due to the spacing of the components, the exposed center conductor  18  extends through the opening  237  of the drive insulator  236  and fits within the collet portion  234  of the conductive pin  230  at this stage. The collet portion  234  surrounds the center conductor  18 , but does not yet seize the center conductor  18  while in this position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a compression tool (not shown) then axially advances the compression sleeve  240  by known means along the body  222  in the direction shown by arrow a, such that clamp  236  and drive mandrel  236  each translate toward the distal end  241  of the connector body  222 , causing the drive mandrel to impinge against the collet portion  234  and forcing the collet portion into the insulator opening  256 . Due to the tapered transition surface  235  of the flexible collet portion  234 , the conductive electrical contacts within the collet portion are caused to close as the flexible fingers are acted upon by the insulator opening, permanently engaging the contacts with the exposed center insulator  18  and seizing same. In this embodiment, the clamp  238  has not yet reached the transitional area  252  of the connector body  222 , and therefore the clamp  238  has not yet seized the outer conductor layer  14 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , and as the clamp  238  reaches the transitional area  252 , the clamp is caused to compress based on the slots and the compliant nature of the connector body, wherein the interior annular surface  245  engages or seizes the outer corrugated conductor layer  14  of the prepared cable end. In the meantime, the insulator  228  is caused to axially translate along with the drive element  236  and clamp  238  until the annular shoulder  247  engages the top surface of the cylindrical retaining section  227 , fixing the insulator in place. 
     Alternatively and in lieu of a flexible collet portion, the hollow conductive pin can be provided with a series of spring contacts as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/421,894, filed Apr. 10 2009, the relevant portions of which are herein incorporated by reference. In this instance, the hollow conductive pin is not movable within the insulator opening and therefore the mandrel is not required to create mechanical contact to drive the conductive pin into the opening of the insulator. That is, the insulator and mandrel can be manufactured as a single integral component. In this version, axial advancement of the center insulator of a prepared coaxial cable end proceeds using a compression tool or by hand to a predetermined distance within the connector, and within the conductive pin until the center conductor is engaged by a plurality of leaf springs that extend into the hollow opening of the conductive pin. At least two or more leaf springs are equally spaced from one another circumferentially, creating both electrical and mechanical contact with the exposed center conductor. For purposes of corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial cables, this form of connector can be utilized and performed in conjunction with a clamp or other means in which seizure of each of the center conductor and outer conductors is made in a sequential fashion. 
     Still further and according to alternative embodiments, other forms of coaxial cable can be utilized for use with the compression connector of the present invention. That is, smooth-walled and/or other corrugated coaxial cables can be used with clamp designs configured for seizing the outer conductor layer  14  of the cable  10 , as described for example in U.S. Ser. No. 11/743,633, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     In addition to the foregoing and also in combination therewith, the herein described compression connector can be used with still other coaxial cable configurations. For example, the fixed insulator and drive mandrel can each include multiple axial aligned openings in order to accommodate a prepared coaxial cable end having multiple center conductors as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/421,826, Apr. 10, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. According to this version, annular and other forms of corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial cables can also have each of their outer and respective center conductors seized sequentially. 
     PARTS LIST FOR FIGS.  1 - 8   
     
         
           10  coaxial cable 
           10 ′ coaxial cable 
           10 ″ coaxial cable 
           10 ′″ coaxial cable 
           10 ″″ coaxial cable 
           12  outer jacket 
           14  spiral corrugated conductor layer 
           16  dielectric layer 
           18  outer conductor 
           20  compression conductor 
           24  body 
           26  annular flange 
           27  cylindrical retaining section 
           28  insulator 
           30  conductive pin 
           32  pin portion 
           34  collet portion 
           36  drive insulator or mandrel 
           37  opening, mandrel 
           38  clamp 
           39  slots 
           40  compression sleeve 
           41  end, distal 
           42  end, proximal 
           43  external surface, clamp 
           44  drive portion 
           45  internal surface, clamp 
           46  annular flange 
           47  annular shoulder 
           48  drive ring 
           50  elastomeric seal element 
           52  transitional surface 
           54  opening 
           56  opening, insulator 
           58  hollow 
           220  compression connector 
           224  body, connector 
           226  annular flange 
           227  cylindrical retaining section 
           228  insulator 
           230  conductive pin 
           232  pin portion 
           234  collet portion 
           236  drive insulator or mandrel 
           237  opening, mandrel 
           238  clamp 
           239  slots 
           240  compression sleeve 
           241  end, distal 
           242  end, proximal 
           243  external surface, clamp 
           244  drive portion 
           245  internal surface, clamp 
           246  annular flange 
           247  annular shoulder 
           248  drive ring 
           250  elastomeric seal element 
           252  transitional surface 
           254  opening 
           256  opening, insulator 
       
    
     It will be readily apparent that variations and modifications are possible that embody the intended inventive concepts, but without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.