(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0110977 A1
`Matthews
`(43) Pub. Date:
`May 25, 2006
`
`US 20060110977A1
`
`(54) CONNECTOR HAVING CONDUCTIVE
`MEMBER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Roger Matthews, Long Beach, MS
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Schmeiser’ Olsen & Watts LLP
`Suite 201
`3 L931‘ Jet Lane
`Latham, NY 12110 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/997,218
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 24, 2004
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(200601)
`H01R 9/05
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`............................................................ .. 439/578
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A connector having a conductive member is provided
`wherein the connector comprises a connector body capable
`of sealing and securing a coaxial cable, and further wherein
`the conductive member, such as an O-ring, physically seals
`the connector, electrically couples the connector and the
`coaxial cable, facilitates grounding through the connector,
`and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of
`unwanted environmental noise.
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 25, 2006 Sheet 1 of 6
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`Patent Application Publication May 25, 2006
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`US 2006/0110977 A1
`
`May 25, 2006
`
`CONNECTOR HAVING CONDUCTIVE MEMBER
`AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
`
`BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`
`1. Technical Field
`
`[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of
`connectors for coaxial cables. More particularly, this inven-
`tion provides for a coaxial cable connector comprising at
`least one conductive member and a method of use thereof.
`
`[0003]
`
`2. RelatedArt
`
`[0004] Broadband communications have become an
`increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information
`exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for
`transmission of broadband communications. Connectors for
`
`coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary
`interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to
`various electronic devices. In addition, connectors are often
`utilized to connect coaxial cables to various communications
`
`modifying equipment such as signal splitters, cable line
`extenders and cable network modules.
`
`[0005] To help prevent the introduction of electromagnetic
`interference, coaxial cables are provided with an outer
`conductive shield. In an attempt to further screen ingress of
`environmental noise, typical connectors are generally con-
`figured to contact with and electrically extend the conduc-
`tive shield of attached coaxial cables. Moreover, electro-
`magnetic noise can be problematic when it is introduced via
`the connective juncture between an interface port and a
`connector. Such problematic noise interference is disruptive
`where an electromagnetic buffer is not provided by an
`adequate electrical and/or physical
`interface between the
`port and the connector. Weathering also creates interference
`problems when metallic components corrode, deteriorate or
`become galvanically incompatible thereby resulting in inter-
`mittent contact and poor electromagnetic shielding.
`
`[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the field of coaxial
`cable connectors for an improved connector design.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`[0007] The present invention provides an apparatus for use
`with coaxial cable connections that offers improved reliabil-
`1ty.
`
`[0008] A first general aspect of the invention provides a
`connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial
`cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric,
`the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding
`shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by
`a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a con-
`nector body, a threaded nut, and a conductive seal,
`the
`conductive seal electrically coupling the connector body and
`the threaded nut.
`
`[0009] A second general aspect of the invention provides
`a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable,
`the
`coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a
`dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive
`grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being
`surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said connector
`comprising a post, having a first end and a second end, the
`first end configured to be inserted into an end of the coaxial
`cable around the dielectric and under the conductive ground-
`
`ing shield thereof. Moreover, the connector comprises a
`connector body, operatively attached to the post, and a
`conductive member, located proximate the second end of the
`post, wherein the conductive member facilitates grounding
`of the coaxial cable.
`
`[0010] A third general aspect of the invention provides a
`connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial
`cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric,
`the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding
`shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by
`a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a con-
`nector body, having a first end and a second end, said first
`end configured to deformably compress against and seal a
`received coaxial cable, a post, operatively attached to said
`connector body, a threaded nut, operatively attached to said
`post, and a conductive member,
`located proximate the
`second end of the connector body, wherein the conductive
`member completes a shield preventing ingress of electro-
`magnetic noise into the connector.
`
`[0011] A fourth general aspect of the invention provides a
`connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial
`cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric,
`the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding
`shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by
`a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a con-
`nector body a threaded nut, and means for conductively
`sealing and electrically coupling the connector body and the
`threaded nut.
`
`[0012] A fifth general aspect of the invention provides a
`method for grounding a coaxial cable through a connector,
`the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a
`dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive
`grounding shield,
`the conductive grounding shield being
`surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said method com-
`prising providing a connector, wherein the connector
`includes a connector body, a post having a first end and a
`second end, and a conductive member located proximate the
`second end of said post, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable
`to the connector, and advancing the connector onto an
`interface port until a surface of the interface port mates with
`the conductive member facilitating grounding through the
`connector.
`
`[0013] A sixth general aspect of the invention provides for
`a method for electrically coupling a coaxial cable and a
`connector,
`the coaxial cable having a center conductor
`surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded
`by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding
`shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said
`method comprising providing a connector, wherein the
`connector includes a connector body, a threaded nut, and a
`conductive member electrically coupling and physically
`sealing the connector body and the threaded nut, fixedly
`attaching the coaxial cable to the connector, and completing
`an electromagnetic shield by threading the nut onto a
`conductive interface port.
`
`[0014] The foregoing and other features of the invention
`will be apparent from the following more particular descrip-
`tion of various embodiments of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Some of the embodiments of this invention will be
`[0015]
`described in detail, with reference to the following figures,
`wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
`
`

`
`US 2006/0110977 A1
`
`May 25, 2006
`
`[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of an embodiment of a connector, in accordance with
`the present invention;
`
`[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a threaded nut,
`in accordance with the present
`invention;
`
`[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a post, in accordance with the present inVention;
`
`[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a connector body, in accordance with the present
`inVention;
`
`[0020] FIG. 5 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a fastener member, in accordance with the present
`inVention;
`
`[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a connector body haVing an integral post,
`in
`accordance with the present inVention;
`
`[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a connector configured with a conductiVe member
`proximate a second end of a post, in accordance with the
`present inVention;
`
`[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a sectional side View of an embodi-
`ment of a connector configured with a conductiVe member
`proximate a second end of a connector body, in accordance
`with the present inVention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0024] Although certain embodiments of the present
`inVention will be shown and described in detail, it should be
`understood that Various changes and modifications may be
`made without departing from the scope of the appended
`claims. The scope of the present inVention will in no way be
`limited to the number of constituting components, the mate-
`rials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relatiVe arrangement
`thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an
`embodiment. The features and adVantages of the present
`inVention are illustrated in detail
`in the accompanying
`drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
`elements throughout the drawings.
`
`[0025] As a preface to the detailed description, it should be
`noted that, as used in this specification and the appended
`claims, the singular forms a , an” and “the” include plural
`referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
`
`[0026] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts one
`embodiment of a connector 100. The connector 100 may
`include a coaxial cable 10 haVing a protectiVe outer jacket
`12, a conductiVe grounding shield 14, an interior dielectric
`16 and a center conductor 18. The coaxial cable 10 may be
`prepared as embodied in FIG. 1 by remoVing the protectiVe
`outer jacket 12 and drawing back the conductiVe grounding
`shield 14 to expose a portion of the interior dielectric 16.
`Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable 10 may
`include stripping the dielectric 16 to expose a portion of the
`center conductor 18. The protectiVe outer jacket 12 is
`intended to protect the Various components of the coaxial
`cable 10 from damage which may result from exposure to
`dirt or moisture and from corrosion. MoreoVer, the protec-
`tiVe outer jacket 12 may serVe in some measure to secure the
`
`Various components of the coaxial cable 10 in a contained
`cable design that protects the cable 10 from damage related
`to moVement during cable installation. The conductiVe
`grounding shield 14 may be comprised of conductiVe mate-
`rials suitable for proViding an electrical ground connection.
`Various embodiments of the shield 14 may be employed to
`screen unwanted noise. For instance,
`the shield 14 may
`comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric 16, or
`seVeral conductiVe strands formed in a continuous braid
`around the dielectric 16. Combinations of foil and/or braided
`
`strands may be utilized wherein the conductiVe shield 14
`may comprise a foil layer, then a braided layer, and then a
`foil layer. Those in the art will appreciate that Various layer
`combinations may be implemented in order for the conduc-
`tiVe grounding shield 14 to effectuate an electromagnetic
`bulfer helping to preVent ingress of enVironmental noise that
`may disrupt broadband communications. The dielectric 16
`may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insu-
`lation. It should be noted that the Various materials of which
`
`the Various components of the coaxial cable 10 are
`all
`comprised should haVe some degree of elasticity allowing
`the cable 10 to flex or bend in accordance with traditional
`broadband communications standards, installation methods
`and/or equipment. It should further be recognized that the
`radial thickness of the coaxial cable 10, protectiVe outer
`jacket 12, conductiVe grounding shield 14, interior dielectric
`16 and/or center conductor 18 may Vary based upon gener-
`ally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband
`communication standards and/or equipment.
`[0027] Referring further to FIG. 1, the connector 100 may
`also include a coaxial cable interface port 20. The coaxial
`cable interface port 20 includes a conductiVe receptacle 22
`for receiVing a portion of a coaxial cable center conductor 18
`sufficient to make adequate electrical contact. The coaxial
`cable interface port 20 may further comprise a threaded
`exterior surface 24. Although, Various embodiment may
`employ a smooth as opposed to threaded exterior surface. In
`addition, the coaxial cable interface port 20 may comprise a
`mating edge 26. It should be recognized that the radial
`thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface port
`20 and/or the conductiVe receptacle 22 may Vary based upon
`generally recognized parameters corresponding to broad-
`band communication standards and/or equipment. More-
`oVer, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed
`upon the threaded exterior surface 24 of the coaxial cable
`interface port 20 may also Vary based upon generally
`recognized parameters corresponding to broadband commu-
`nication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should
`be noted that the interface port 20 may be formed of a single
`conductiVe material, multiple conductiVe materials, or may
`be configured with both conductiVe and non-conductiVe
`materials corresponding to the port’s 20 electrical interface
`with a connector 100. For example, the threaded exterior
`surface may be fabricated from a conductiVe material, while
`the material comprising the mating edge 26 may be non-
`conductiVe or Vise Versa. HoweVer, the conductiVe recep-
`tacle 22 should be formed of a conductiVe material. Further
`
`still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the
`interface port 20 may be embodied by a connectiVe interface
`component of a communications modifying deVice such as
`a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network
`module and/or the like.
`
`[0028] Referring still further to FIG. 1, an embodiment of
`the connector 100 may further comprise a threaded nut 30,
`
`

`
`US 2006/0110977 A1
`
`May 25, 2006
`
`a post 40, a connector body 50, a fastener member 60, a
`mating edge conductive member such as O-ring 70, and/or
`a connector body conductive member, such as O-ring 80,
`and means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling
`the connector body 50 and threaded nut 30. The means for
`conductively sealing and electrically coupling the connector
`body 50 and threaded nut 30 is the employment of the
`connector body conductive member 80 positioned in a
`location so as to make a physical seal and effectuate elec-
`trical contact between the connector body 50 and threaded
`nut 30.
`
`[0029] With additional reference to the drawings, FIG. 2
`depicts a sectional side View of an embodiment of a threaded
`nut 30 having a first end 32 and opposing second end 34. The
`threaded nut 30 may comprise an internal lip 36 located
`proximate the second end 34 and configured to hinder axial
`movement of the post 40 (shown in FIG. 1). Furthermore,
`the threaded nut 30 may comprise a cavity 38 extending
`axially from the edge of second end 34 and partial defined
`and bounded by the internal lip 36. The cavity 38 may also
`be partially defined and bounded by an outer internal wall
`39. The threaded nut 30 may be formed of conductive
`materials facilitating grounding through the nut. Accord-
`ingly the nut 30 may be configured to extend an electro-
`magnetic bulfer by electrically contacting conductive sur-
`faces of an interface port 20 when a connector 100 (shown
`in FIG. 1) is advanced onto the port 20. In addition, the
`threaded nut 30 may be formed of non-conductive material
`and function only to physically secure and advance a con-
`nector 100 onto an interface port 20. Moreover, the threaded
`nut 30 may be formed of both conductive and non-conduc-
`tive materials. For example the internal
`lip 36 may be
`formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the nut 30 may
`be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. In
`addition, the threaded nut 30 may be formed of metals or
`polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly
`formed body. Manufacture of the threaded nut 30 may
`include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, tapping, drilling,
`injection molding, blow molding, or other fabrication meth-
`ods that may provide efficient production of the component.
`[0030] With further reference to the drawings, FIG. 3
`depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a post 40
`in accordance with the present invention. The post 40 may
`comprise a first end 42 and opposing second end 44.
`Furthermore, the post 40 may comprise a flange 46 opera-
`tively configured to contact internal lip 36 of threaded nut 30
`(shown in FIG. 2) thereby facilitating the prevention of axial
`movement of the post beyond the contacted internal lip 36.
`Further still, an embodiment of the post 40 may include a
`surface feature 48 such as a shallow recess, detent, cut, slot,
`or trough. Additionally, the post 40 may include a mating
`edge 49. The mating edge 49 may be configured to make
`physical and/or electrical contact with an interface port 20 or
`mating edge member or O-ring 70 (shown in FIG. 1). The
`post 40 should be formed such that portions of a prepared
`coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and center
`conductor 18 (shown in FIG. 1) may pass axially into the
`first end 42 and/or through the body of the post 40. More-
`over, the post 40 should be dimensioned such that the post
`40 may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable
`10, around the dielectric 16 and under the protective outer
`jacket 12 and conductive grounding shield 14. Accordingly,
`where an embodiment of the post 40 may be inserted into an
`end of the prepared. coaxial cable 10 under the drawn back
`
`conductive grounding shield 14 substantial physical and/or
`electrical contact with the shield 14 may be accomplished
`thereby facilitating grounding through the post 40. The post
`40 may be formed of metals or other conductive materials
`that would facilitate a rigidly formed body. In addition, the
`post 40, may also be formed of non-conductive materials
`such as polymers or composites that facilitate a rigidly
`formed body. In further addition, the post may be formed of
`a combination of both conductive and non-conductive mate-
`
`rials. For example, a metal coating or layer may be applied
`to a polymer of other non-conductive material. Manufacture
`of the post 40 may include casting, extruding, cutting,
`turning, drilling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding,
`or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient
`production of the component.
`[0031] With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 4
`depicts a sectional side view of a connector body 50. The
`connector body 50 may comprise a first end 52 and opposing
`second end 54. Moreover, the connector body may include
`an internal annular lip 55 configured to mate and achieve
`purchase with the surface feature 48 of post 40 (shown in
`FIG. 3). In addition, the connector body 50 may include an
`outer armular recess 56 located proximate the second end 54.
`Furthermore, the connector body may include a semi-rigid,
`yet compliant outer surface 57, wherein the outer surface 57
`may include an annular detent 58. The outer surface 57 may
`be configured to form an annular seal when the first end 52
`is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable
`10 by a fastener member 60 (shown in FIG. 1). Further still,
`the connector body 50 may include internal surface features
`59, such as armular serrations formed proximate the first end
`52 of the connector body 50 and configured to enhance
`frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received
`coaxial cable 10. The connector body 50 may be formed of
`materials such as, polymers, bendable metals or composite
`materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer
`surface 57. Further, the connector body 50 may be formed of
`conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination
`
`thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 50 may include
`casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection mold-
`ing, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods
`that may provide efficient production of the component.
`[0032] Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 5 depicts a
`sectional side view of an embodiment of a fastener member
`
`60 in accordance with the present invention. The fastener
`member 60 may have a first end 62 and opposing second end
`64. In addition, the fastener member 60 may include an
`internal annular protrusion 63 located proximate the first end
`62 of the fastener member 60 and configured to mate and
`achieve purchase with the armular detent 58 on the outer
`surface 57 of connector body 50 (shown in FIG. 4). More-
`over, the fastener member 60 may comprise a central pas-
`sageway 65 defined between the first end 62 and second end
`64 and extending axially through the fastener member 60.
`The central passageway 65 may comprise a ramped surface
`66 which may be positioned between a first opening or inner
`bore 67 having a first diameter positioned proximate with
`the first end 62 of the fastener member 60 and a second
`
`opening or inner bore 68 having a second diameter posi-
`tioned proximate with the second end 64 of the fastener
`member 60. The ramped surface 66 may act to deformably
`compress the outer surface 57 of a connector body 50 when
`the fastener member 60 is operated to secure a coaxial cable
`10 (shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, the fastener member 60
`
`

`
`US 2006/0110977 Al
`
`May 25, 2006
`
`may comprise an exterior surface feature 69 positioned
`proximate with the second end 64 of the fastener member
`60. The surface feature 69 may facilitate gripping of the
`fastener member 60 during operation of the connector 100
`(see FIG. 1). Although the surface feature is shown as a
`annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as
`a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or
`gripping type arrangements. It should be recognized, by
`those skilled in the requisite art, that the fastener member 60
`may be formed of rigid materials such as metals, polymers,
`composites and the like. Furthermore, the fastener member
`60 may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting,
`turmng, drilling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding,
`or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient
`production of the component.
`
`[0033] Referring still further to the drawings, FIG. 6
`depicts a sectional side View of an embodiment of an integral
`post connector body 90 in accordance with the present
`invention. The integral post connector body 90 may have a
`first end 91 and opposing second end 92. The integral post
`connector body 90 physically and functionally integrates
`post and connector body components of an embodied con-
`nector 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the integral post
`connector body 90 includes a post member 93. The post
`member 93 may render connector operability similar to the
`functionality of post 40 (shown in FIG. 3). For example, the
`post member 93 of integral post connector body 90 may
`include a mating edge 99 configured to make physical and/or
`electrical contact with an interface port 20 or mating edge
`member or O-ring 70 (shown in FIG. 1). The post member
`93 of integral should be formed such that portions of a
`prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and
`center conductor 18 (shown in FIG. 1) may pass axially into
`the first end 91 and/or through the post member 93. More-
`over, the post member 93 should be dimensioned such that
`a portion of the post member 93 may be inserted into an end
`of the prepared coaxial cable 10, around the dielectric 16 and
`under the protective outer jacket 12 and conductive ground-
`ing shield 14. Further, the integral post connector body 90
`includes an outer connector body surface 94. The outer
`connector body surface 94 may render connector 100 oper-
`ability similar to the functionality of connector body 50
`(shown in FIG. 4). Hence, outer connector body surface 94
`should be semi-rigid, yet compliant. The outer connector
`body surface 94 may be configured to form an armular seal
`when compressed against a coaxial cable 10 by a fastener
`member 60 (shown in FIG. 1). In addition, the integral post
`connector body 90 may include an interior wall 95. The
`interior wall 95 may be configured as an unbroken surface
`between the post member 93 and outer connector body
`surface 94 of integral post connector body 90 and may
`provide additional contact points for a conductive grounding
`shield 14 of a coaxial cable 10. Furthermore, the integral
`post connector body 90 may include an outer recess formed
`proximate the second end 92. Further still, the integral post
`connector body 90 may comprise a flange 97 located proxi-
`mate the second end 92 and operatively configured to
`contact internal lip 36 of threaded nut 30 (shown in FIG. 2)
`thereby facilitating the prevention of axial movement of the
`integral post connector body 90 with respect to the threaded
`nut 30. The integral post connector body 90 may be formed
`of materials such as, polymers, bendable metals or compos-
`ite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer
`connector body surface 94. Additionally, the integral post
`
`connector body 90 may be formed of conductive or non-
`conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture
`
`of the integral post connector body 90 may include casting,
`extruding, cutting,
`turmng, drilling,
`injection molding,
`spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that
`may provide efficient production of the component.
`[0034] With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 7
`depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a con-
`nector 100 configured with a mating edge conductive mem-
`ber 70 proximate a second end 44 of a post 40, in accordance
`with the present invention. The mating edge conductive
`member 70 should be formed of a conductive material. Such
`
`materials may include, but are not limited to conductive
`polymers, plastics, conductive elastomers, elastomeric mix-
`tures, composite materials having conductive properties,
`soft metals, conductive rubber, and/or the like and/or any
`workable combination thereof. The mating edge conductive
`member 70 may comprise a substantially circinate torus or
`toroid structure adapted to fit within the internal threaded
`portion of threaded nut 30 such that
`the mating edge
`conductive member 70 may make contact with and/or reside
`continuous with a mating edge 49 of a post 40 when
`operatively attached to post 40 of connector 100. For
`example, one embodiment of the mating edge conductive
`member 70 may be an O-ring. The mating edge conductive
`member 70 may facilitate an armular seal between the
`threaded nut 30 and post 40 thereby providing a physical
`barrier to unwanted ingress of moisture and/or other envi-
`ronmental contaminates. Moreover, the mating edge con-
`ductive member 70 may facilitate electrical coupling of the
`post 40 and threaded nut 30 by extending therebetween an
`unbroken electrical circuit. In addition,
`the mating edge
`conductive member 70 may facilitate grounding of the
`connector 100, and attached coaxial cable (shown in FIG.
`1), by extending the electrical connection between the post
`40 and the threaded nut 30. Furthermore, the mating edge
`conductive member 70 may effectuate a buffer preventing
`ingress of electromagnetic noise between the threaded nut
`30 and the post 40. The mating edge conductive member or
`O-ring 70 may be provided to users in an assembled position
`proximate the second end 44 of post 40, or users may
`themselves insert the mating edge conductive O-ring 70 into
`position prior to installation on an interface port 20 (shown
`in FIG. 1). Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the
`mating edge conductive member 70 may be fabricated by
`extruding, coating, molding, injecting, cutting, turning, elas-
`tomeric batch processing, vulcanizing, mixing, stamping,
`casting, and/or the like and/or any combination thereof in
`order to provide efficient production of the component.
`[0035] With still further continued reference to the draw-
`ings, FIG. 8 depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment
`of a connector 100 configured with a connector body con-
`ductive member 80 proximate a second end 54 of a con-
`nector body 50, in accordance with the present invention.
`The connector body conductive member 80 should be
`formed of a conductive material. Such materials may
`include, but are not limited to conductive polymers, plastics,
`elastomeric mixtures, composite materials having conduc-
`tive properties, soft metals, conductive rubber, and/or the
`like and/or any workable combination thereof. The connec-
`tor body conductive member 80 may comprise a substan-
`tially circinate torus or toroid structure, or other ring-like
`structure. For example, an embodiment of the connector
`body conductive member 80 may be an O-ring configured to
`
`

`
`US 2006/0110977 A1
`
`May 25, 2006
`
`cooperate with the armular recess 56 proximate the second
`end 54 of connector body 50 and the cavity 38 extending
`axially from the edge of second end 34 and partially defined
`and bounded by an outer internal wall 39 of threaded nut 30
`such that the connector body conductive O-ring 80 may
`make contact with and/or reside contiguous with the annular
`recess 56 of connector body 50 and outer internal wall 39 of
`threaded nut 30 when operatively attached to post 40 of
`connector 100. The connector body conductive member 80
`may facilitate an annular seal between the threaded nut 30
`and connector body 50 thereby providing a physical barrier
`to unwanted ingress of moisture and/or other environmental
`contaminates. Moreover,
`the connector body conductive
`member 80 may facilitate electrical coupling of the connec-
`tor body 50 and threaded nut 30 by extending therebetween
`an unbroken electrical circuit. In addition, the connector
`body conductive member 80 may facilitate grounding of the
`connector 100, and attached coaxial cable (shown in FIG.
`1), by extending the electrical connection between the
`connector body 50 and the threaded nut 30. Furthermore, the
`connector body conductive member 80 may effectuate a
`buffer preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise between
`the threaded nut 30 and the connector body 50. It should be
`recognized by those skilled in the relevant art that
`the
`connector body conductive member 80, like the mating edge
`conductive member 70, may be manufactured by extruding,
`coating, molding,
`injecting, cutting,
`turning, elastomeric
`batch processing, vulcanizing, mixing, stamping, casting,
`and/or the like and/or any combination thereof in order to
`provide efficient production of the component.
`
`[0036] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6-8