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The Lace-N-Lok cable-to-post connector uses an insulation displacement technique for simultaneously terminating a group of discrete or ribbon wires, thereby minimizing total labor in attaching wires to a connector assembly. The wires require no preparation since the tooling trims them to proper length and the terminal displaces the insulation to make an extremely reliable electrical connection. Since the connector is furnished with the contacts fully loaded in the housing, Lace-N-Lok product offers additional labor savings by not having to load individual contacts into the housing after wire termination.

The insulation displacement means of wire termination, after successful use in the telephone industry, is now meeting increasing industrial acceptance. Although the termination has a rather fragile appearance it is actually a rugged, dependable terminating technique.

The Lace-N-Lok cable-to-post connector family is available in 2 through 18 positions. All contacts are preloaded in the housings, simplifying ordering, inventory and assembly. It is designed to mate with an assortment of tin-plated posts; either .045" square, .045" round, or .031" x .062".

The contacts for the connector are made from tin-plated brass while the housing is constructed of a flame retardant thermoplastic material rated by Underwriters Laboratory as 94V–0.

The Lace-N-Lok connector meets 3 basic requirements:

1.A high force contact system incorporating a good wiping action on the mating post.

2.Use of a contact lubricant.

3.Provision for contact stability to reduce relative motion between the two mating parts of the connector system.

Contact stability is achieved by plastic fingers molded into the housing at each contact position. These spring fingers hold the post firmly after it is inserted into the connector. Pedundant tin-plated contacts captivate the posts at the opposite end of the connector. This system of support at both ends of the post provides a firm and stable condition.

The wire terminating area consists of a double slotted beam in a "U" shaped terminal configuration with a funnel area at the top. Insulated wires are positioned in the uppermost portion of the slot either manually or automatically. As the tool is activated, the wires are trimmed and forced into the slotted beams, displacing the insulation and deforming the wire. This deformation of the conductor breaks down any oxides present and the wiping action cleans the inside area of the slots.

At the same time the wire is being deformed the walls of the slot are forced slightly outward. The stored spring energy causes the two side walls of the slot to function as opposing cantilever beams, maintaining constant inward pressure to