U.S. patent application number 12/710967 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for coaxial cable y-splitter assembly and methdo.
This patent application is currently assigned to ADC Telecommunications, Inc.. Invention is credited to David J. Johnsen.
Application Number | 20100146784 12/710967 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33313345 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100146784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnsen; David J. |
June 17, 2010 |
COAXIAL CABLE Y-SPLITTER ASSEMBLY AND METHDO
Abstract
A coaxial cable splitter including an integral body with a first
cable connection, a second cable connection and a third cable
connection, each defining an axis. The second cable connection is a
crimp sleeve, the first cable connection is a coaxial connector,
and the axes are generally parallel to each other. The third cable
connection is a coaxial cable connector and the axis is at an angle
to the axes of the first and second cable connections. The first
and third cable connections each include a center conductor which
are electrically linked. The first and third cable connections each
include an outer shell positioned about the center conductor which
are electrically linked. A method of assembling a coaxial cable
splitter with an integral body.
Inventors: |
Johnsen; David J.; (New
Hope, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
ADC Telecommunications,
Inc.
Eden Prairie
MN
|
Family ID: |
33313345 |
Appl. No.: |
12/710967 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11489085 |
Jul 18, 2006 |
7669316 |
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12710967 |
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10770904 |
Feb 3, 2004 |
7094971 |
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11489085 |
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60454950 |
Mar 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/861 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49123 20150115;
H01R 2103/00 20130101; Y10T 29/49194 20150115; Y10T 29/5191
20150115; H01R 9/0518 20130101; Y10T 29/49218 20150115; Y10T
29/49208 20150115; H01R 24/547 20130101; Y10T 29/49181 20150115;
Y10T 29/49183 20150115; Y10T 29/49174 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/861 |
International
Class: |
H01R 43/04 20060101
H01R043/04 |
Claims
1. A method of assembling a coaxial cable splitter comprising:
providing an integral housing with a first cable connection, a
second cable connection and a third cable connection, each of the
cable connections defining an axis, and the axes of the first and
second cable connections positioned generally parallel to each
other; providing a center conductor for the first and third cable
connections; inserting a coaxial cable having a center conductor
through the second cable connection; compressing a crimp sleeve
about the second cable connection and the coaxial cable to
mechanically connect the coaxial cable to the housing; and
electrically linking the first, second, and third cable
connections.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first cable connection is a
BNC plug connection.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the third cable connection is a
BNC jack connection.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the third cable connection is a
BNC plug connection.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein electrically linking the second
cable connection to the first and third cable connections
electrically links the center conductor of the coaxial cable to the
center conductor of the first and third cable connections.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the third cable connection is
arranged at a non-perpendicular angle to the axes of the first and
second cable connections.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/489,085, filed Jul. 18, 2006, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,904, filed
Feb. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,094,971, which claims the benefit
of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/454,950, filed Mar. 12,
2003, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to cables for use
with telecommunications equipment. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a coaxial cable Y-splitter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In telecommunications installations, it is known to have
signal handling or processing equipment which has high availability
requirements. Often, such equipment is installed in a paired or
redundant arrangement. For example, the signal handling equipment
might be in the form of a module configured to be mounted to a
chassis. A redundant module may be mounted adjacent the first
module. The redundant module may be connected to the first module
so that the redundant module can carry out the signal handling or
processing if the first module should fail. In this fashion, a
failure or maintenance of the first module would not result in the
loss of connectivity or failure or of transmission of the signals
handled by the first module.
[0004] It is desirable to improve the cables which are used to
connect these redundant signal processing or handling modules.
These improved cables and cable assemblies may also be adaptable to
other coaxial cable installations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A coaxial cable splitter including an integral body with a
first cable connection, a second cable connection and a third cable
connection, each cable connection defining an axis. The second
cable connection is a crimp sleeve, the first cable connection is a
coaxial connector, and the axes of the first and second cable
connectors are arranged generally parallel to each other. The third
cable connection is a coaxial cable connector and the axis of the
third cable connection is arranged at an angle to the axes of the
first and second cable connections. The first and third cable
connections each include a center conductor and the center
conductors of the first and third cable connections are
electrically linked. The first and third cable connections each
include an outer shell positioned about the center conductor, the
outer shell of the first cable connection electrically linked to
the outer shell of the third cable connection.
[0006] A method of assembling a coaxial cable splitter including
providing an integral housing with a first cable connection, a
second cable connection and a third cable connection, each of the
cable connections defining an axis. A first insulator is positioned
within the first cable connection and includes a central opening
oriented along the axis of the first cable connection. A first end
of a center conductor is inserted within the central opening of the
first insulator. The center conductor includes a second end which
extends through the second cable connection along the axis of the
second cable connection. A cable conductor is extended through the
third cable connection and electrically linked with the center
conductor. A hollow tubular outer shell is positioned about the
second end of the center conductor, so that the tubular outer shell
is oriented along the axis of the second cable connection. An
insulator is inserted within the tubular outer shell about the
second end of the center conductor.
[0007] An alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable splitter
including an integral body with a first cable connection, a second
cable connection and a third cable connection, each cable
connection defining an axis. The second cable connection is a crimp
sleeve and the first cable connection is a coaxial connector, and
the axes of the first and second cable connectors are arranged
generally parallel to each other. The third cable connection is a
coaxial cable connector and the axis of the third cable connection
is arranged at an angle to the axes of the first and second cable
connections. The first and third coaxial connections each include a
center conductor and the center conductors of the first and third
coaxial connections form an integral center conductor having an
angled shape. The first and third coaxial connections each include
an outer shell positioned about the center conductor. The outer
shell of the first coaxial connection is electrically linked to the
outer shell of the third coaxial connection. The integral center
conductor is held within the housing by at a pair of insulators
which electrically isolate the center conductor from the
housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of
the invention and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention. A brief description of the
drawings is as follows:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telecommunications
equipment chassis with a plurality of equipment modules mounted to
the chassis, and a coaxial cable splitter in accordance with the
present invention linking two of the equipment modules.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of the coaxial cable
splitter in accordance with the present invention shown.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the coaxial cable
splitter of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the coaxial cable splitter of FIG.
2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable
splitter of FIG. 2, taken along the centerline of the coaxial
cable.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the housing
assembly of the coaxial cable splitter of FIG. 5, with a portion of
the jack cable connection removed for clarity.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a first exploded perspective view of the housing
assembly of the coaxial cable splitter of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a second exploded perspective view of the housing
assembly of FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded side view of the housing assembly of
FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of a housing of the housing assembly
of the coaxial cable splitter of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a first end view of the housing of FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a second opposite end view of the housing of FIG.
10.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of a locking barrel of the housing
assembly of the coaxial cable splitter of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a first end view of the locking barrel of FIG.
13.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a second opposite end view of the locking barrel
of FIG. 13.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a side view of an insulator within the plug cable
connection end of the housing assembly of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a first end view of the plug end insulator of
FIG. 16.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a second opposite end view of the plug end
insulator of FIG. 16.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of a center conductor of the housing
assembly of FIG. 7.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a first end view of the center conductor of FIG.
19.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a second opposite end view of the center
conductor of FIG. 19.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a side view of a tubular outer shell of the jack
cable connection end of the housing assembly of FIG. 7.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a first end view of the jack end outer shell of
FIG. 22.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a second opposite end view of the jack end outer
shell of FIG. 22.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a side view of a jack end center conductor of the
housing assembly of FIG. 7.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a first end view of the jack end center conductor
of FIG. 25.
[0035] FIG. 27 is a second opposite end view of the jack end center
conductor of FIG. 25.
[0036] FIG. 28 is a side partially exploded view of the housing
assembly of FIG. 7, showing the plug connection end components.
[0037] FIG. 29 is a side partially exploded view of the housing
assembly of FIG. 7, showing the jack connection end components.
[0038] FIG. 30 is a first perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a coaxial cable splitter in accordance with the
present invention, including three plug connection ends.
[0039] FIG. 31 is a second perspective view of the coaxial cable
splitter of FIG. 30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] In telecommunications equipment installations where a high
degree of communications availability is required or desirable, it
is known to install redundant or paired equipment for signal
processing or switching. The redundancy permits failure of the
primary piece of equipment without jeopardizing the passage of
signals through the equipment. As shown in FIG. 1, a chassis 1
provides a location for mounting of equipment modules 2. A first
pair of modules 2, labeled 2A and 2B, and a second pair of modules
2, labeled 2C and 2D, are the same type of equipment modules.
Modules 2A and 2B and modules 2C and 2D, respectively, are mounted
adjacent each other and each module 2 includes a coaxial cable jack
connection 3.
[0041] Cable connections 3 of modules 2A and 2B, are linked to each
other by a cable splitter 10. Cable splitter 10 connects both the
cable connections 3 of modules 2A and 2B to each other and to
another piece of telecommunications equipment by a cable 4. As
shown in FIG. 1, both modules 2A and 2B are electronically linked
to the downstream equipment at all times, as cable splitter 10 is a
passive device without any switching circuitry. Module 2A is the
primary piece of equipment in this pair of modules 2. If module 2A
were to fail or need to be taken out of service for routine
inspection, maintenance or repair, module 2B would still be
connected to the other piece of telecommunications equipment by
cable 4. Thus, failure, repair or maintenance of module 2A would
not require taking the entire telecommunications circuit offline,
which can be inconvenient and costly.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5, cable splitter 10
includes a housing 12 with a first cable connection 14, a second
cable connection 16 and a third cable connection 18. All three
cable connections are part of a housing assembly 11. As shown,
first cable connection 14 is a BNC plug connector, second cable
connection 16 is a crimp connector and third cable connection 18 is
a BNC jack connector. A first end of a coaxial cable 20 is
electrically and physically connected to second cable connection
16, as will be discussed in further detail below. A second end of
coaxial cable 20 is connected to a cable connector 22, which is a
BNC plug connector. The length of coaxial cable 20 is sufficient so
that first connection 14 can be connected to cable connection 3 of
module 2A and connector 22 can be connected to cable connection 3
of module 2B, or between cable connections 3 of modules 2C and
2D.
[0043] While cable splitter 10 is shown with a pair of BNC plug
connectors, cable connection 14 and cable connector 22, and a BNC
jack connector, cable connection 18, other configurations are
anticipated and are within the scope of the present invention. All
three connections might be BNC jack or BNC plug connections.
Further, difference combinations of BNC jack and plug connections
may be used. Alternatively, other types, styles and formats of
coaxial cable connectors may be used.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, cable splitter 10 includes a center
conductor 26 which extends between cable connections 14 and 18.
Center conductor 26 includes an opening 25 which receives a center
cable conductor 24 of cable 20 extending through connection 16.
Cable center conductor 24 is physically and electrically connected
to center conductor 26 and thus to cable connections 14 and 18. The
connection can be crimped and/or soldered. Cable center conductor
24 is also electrically connected to connector 22, so that all
three connectors at cable connections 14, 16, and 18 are
electrically linked. Center conductor 26 is held within a central
cavity 30 of housing 12 by a center conductor insulator 28.
Insulator 28 holds center conductor 26 so that a plug end 40
extends within connection 14 and a jack end 38 extends within
connection 18. Centrally located along center conductor 26 is an
angled portion 42.
[0045] Central cavity 30 of housing 12 includes three openings, a
first opening 44 associated with first connection 14, a second
opening 34 associated with connection 16, and a third opening 32
associated with third connection 18. Within opening 44 is a ledge
or shoulder 46 against which insulator 28 is positioned. Housing 12
generally defines a cylindrical shape and openings 44 and 34
generally extend parallel to each other and to housing 12. Opening
32 defines an axis 48 which extends at a non-perpendicular angle to
the other two openings and to housing 12.
[0046] A locking barrel 36 is positioned about first cable
connection 14. Barrel 36 is rotatable mounted about housing 12 and
engages bayonets extending from a tubular outer shell of a mating
jack connector. Barrel 36 allows connection 14 to be selectively
fastened to a mating jack connector or released from such a mating
connector by rotation of barrel 36.
[0047] Second cable connection 16 includes a crimp sleeve 50 and a
crimp post 52. Crimp post 52 defines opening 34 of connection 16.
When connecting a coaxial cable, such as cable 20, to connection
16, an inner insulation member 54 of cable 20, which is positioned
about cable center conductor 24, is inserted through opening 34.
Cable 20 also includes an outer shield conductor 19. Outer shield
conductor 19 is positioned about crimp post 52. Crimp sleeve 50 is
placed about the outer shield conductor 19 and compressed to
mechanically lock cable 20 to housing 12 and to ensure electrical
contact of outer shield conductor 19 and housing 12.
[0048] Housing 12 and the various elements mounted within and about
housing 12 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 through 12. The
exterior surface of crimp post 52 is shown with shallow threads 53
to aid in the mechanical connection between cable 20 and housing
12. Other similar outer surfaces may also be used, such as knurling
or circumferential rings may be used to aid in the mechanical
connection. Barrel 36 is mounted to housing 12 with a crimp ring 56
about which barrel 36 is compressed. Positioned between crimp ring
36 and an exterior barrel ledge 60 of housing 12 is a wave washer
58. Washer 58 is shaped to provide bias against longitudinal
movement of barrel 36 and improve the locking provided by barrel 36
about a mating jack connection. A bearing washer 62 is positioned
between barrel 36 and barrel ledge 60 opposite wave washer 58.
[0049] A tubular outer shell 64 is inserted within opening 32 and
forms part of third connection 18. A mating portion 70 of shell 64
is sized to be received within opening 32 in an interference fit.
Jack end 38 of center conductor 26 extends within shell 64 and is
held generally centered and insulated from shell 64 by a jack
insulator 66. Projecting from an outer wall of shell 64 is a pair
of opposing bayonets 68.
[0050] About opening 44 of housing 12 is a plurality of fingers 72.
Fingers 72 are electrically connected to housing 12 and thus to the
shield conductor of cable 20 connected to second connection 16.
When first connection 14 is connected to a mating connector,
fingers 72 fit within an outer tubular shell such as shell 64 of
third connection 18, and a pair of slots 74 of barrel 36 engages
projections such as bayonets 68 of shell 64. Rotating barrel 36
brings a locking slot 76 corresponding to slot 74 into engagement
with bayonets 68 and draws first connection 14 more securely into
contact with the mating connector. Further rotation of barrel 36
moves a detent 78 (shown more clearly in FIG. 13) into engagement
with bayonet 68. The bias of wave washer 58 against barrel 36 and
barrel ledge 60 releasably holds bayonets 68 within detents 78.
Removal of first connection 14 from the mating connector requires a
reversal of the rotation of barrel so that bayonets 68 move from
detents 78 and are aligned with slots 74.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 15, barrel 36 includes a
textured or knurled ring 80 for improving friction and aiding in
the movement of barrel 36. Barrel 36 includes a central opening 82
which defines three portions each with a different diameter with
two ledges or shoulders extending radially therebetween. From a
first end 84 which extends about housing 12, a first, largest
diameter portion 90 is sized to fit over crimp washer 56 so that
crimp washer 56 rests against a first shoulder 86. Large diameter
portion 90 and crimp washer 56 are very close in diameter to permit
barrel 36 to be crimped down onto crimp washer 56 to rotatable hold
barrel 36 to housing 12. As shown in FIG. 6, wave washer 58 is
captured between barrel ledge 60 and crimp washer 56. A second,
middle diameter portion 92 is sized to fit over barrel ledge 60 of
housing 12 and receives bearing washer 62. As shown in FIG. 6,
bearing washer 62 is captured between a middle shoulder 88 and
barrel ledge 60. Wave washer 58 biases crimp washer 56 away from
barrel ledge 60, which in turn biases shoulder 88 against bearing
washer 62 and bearing washer 62 against barrel ledge 60. The third,
smallest diameter portion 94 extends through opening 82 to a second
end 96. Smallest diameter portion 94 is sized to fit about fingers
72 and allow fingers 72 to be inserted within a mating jack
connection.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 16 through 18, center conductor
insulator 28 of first connection 14 includes a central channel 104
for receiving plug end 40 of center conductor 26. A disk 98 defines
a diameter sized for insertion within opening 44 of housing 12 so
that insulator 28 is held within opening 44 by an interference fit.
Channel 104 extends through disk 98 and through a central shaft
102. A plurality of ribs 100 extend outward from shaft 102 to the
same diameter as disk 98. The embodiment shown includes three ribs
102 but more or fewer ribs 102 are anticipated as within the scope
of the present invention. Each rib 102 includes an outer surface
112 which cooperate to define generally the same diameter as disk
98. Disk 98 includes a taper 110 opposite ribs 102 and channel 104
includes an entry taper 108. Tapers 108 and 110 cooperate to aid in
the insertion of insulator 28 about center conductor 26 and within
opening 44. Taper 110 ends at a face 111 which defines a diameter
greater than ledge 46 within opening 44.
[0053] Insulator 28 further includes a recess 106 about channel 104
and taper 108. Recess 106 receives a shoulder 114 of center
conductor 26 (shown in FIGS. 19 through 21, below). Shoulder 114
and ledge 46 cooperate with recess 106 and face 111 to position
insulator 28 within opening 44 and center conductor 26 within
housing 12 and opening 32.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 21, center conductor 26
includes shoulder 114 for positioning center conductor 26 within
insulator 28. A catch 116 is located between shoulder 114 and plug
end 40 along a shaft portion 117 of center conductor 26 in a
location that is within channel 104 of insulator 28 when shoulder
114 engages recess 106. Catch 116 is sized larger than channel 104
and is tapered to ease insertion. On the opposite side of catch 116
from the taper is a wall 115 perpendicular to shaft portion 117.
Insulator 28 is made of a resilient deformable material and will
deform to permit entry of catch 118 within channel 104. Once center
conductor 26 is positioned within channel 104, insulator 28 will
conform to the shape of catch 116. Wall 115 cooperates with
insulator 26 to resist extraction of center conductor 26 from
insulator 28. At jack end 38 of center conductor 26 is an opening
118 for receiving a jack end of a center conductor of a mating
connection. Angled portion 42 provides a transition between jack
end 38 and plug end 40, which are angled with respect to each
other. Opening 25 in center conductor 26 is positioned at least
partially within angled portion 42. Opening 25 may be positioned at
other locations along center conductor 26 as desired to facilitate
connection of cable center conductor 24 to center conductor 26.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 22 through 24, tubular shell 64
includes a smaller diameter opening defined by inner wall 124
within mating portion 70 and a larger diameter opening defined by
inner wall 122 within shell 64. An insulator shelf or shoulder 120
extends between these two diameters. Shelf 120 provides a stop
against which insulator 66 is positioned to set the depth of
insertion of insulator 66 within shell 66. Center conductor 26
extends into shell 64 through the smaller diameter opening defined
by inner wall 124, as shown in FIG. 6, above.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 25 through 27, jack insulator 66
includes a center shaft 126 through which is defined a conductor
channel 128 for receiving jack end 38 of center conductor 26. A
plurality of ribs 130 extend from shaft 126 and each rib 130
defines an outer wall 132. The outer walls 132 of each rib 130
cooperate to engage inner wall 122 of shell 64 and position channel
128 generally centered within shell 64. Ribs 130 also cooperate to
define a rear face 134 which engages shelf 120 within shell 64 to
limit the depth of insertion of insulator 66 within shell 64. Each
rib 130 also includes a tapered portion 136 to aid the insertion of
insulator 66 within shell 64. Channel 128 includes a tapered entry
138 at rear face 134 to aid the insertion of center conductor 26
within channel 128.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, the assembly of housing
assembly 11 begins with the mounting of barrel 36 about fingers 72
of first cable connection 14. Plug insulator 28 is inserted into
opening 44 of housing 12 and positioned against shoulder 46.
Bearing washer 62 is inserted into barrel 36 through end 84 and
positioned against shoulder 88. Barrel 36 is placed on housing 12
about fingers 72 so that bearing washer 62 is positioned against
barrel ledge 60. Wave washer 58 is inserted over housing 12 into
end 84 of barrel 36 and positioned against barrel ledge 60 opposite
bearing washer 62. Crimp washer 56 is inserted over housing 36 into
end 84 of barrel 36 and end 84 is compressed to capture crimp
washer within barrel 36 and rotatably hold barrel 36 to housing 12.
Center conductor 26 is inserted through opening 32 into central
cavity 30 of housing 12 so that plug end 40 enters channel 104 of
plug insulator 28. Center conductor 26 is advanced through channel
104 until shoulder 114 engages recess 106 of insulator 28. Jack end
38 of center conductor 26 extends through opening 32.
[0058] An outer jacket 21 of cable 20 is stripped so that cable
center conductor 24 and inner insulation member 54 may be extended
through opening 34 of crimp post 52 into central cavity 30. Cable
center conductor 24 is inserted within opening 25 of center
conductor 26 and mechanically and electrically connected to center
conductor 26. The connection between cable center conductor 24 and
center conductor 26 may be crimped and/or soldered. Outer shield
conductor 19 of cable 20 is placed over crimp post 52 and crimp
sleeve 50 is placed over outer shield conductor 19 and crimp post
52. Crimp sleeve 50 is compressed to mechanically and electrically
connect outer shield conductor 19 to housing 12 and securely hold
cable 20 to housing assembly 11.
[0059] Shell 64 is positioned so that mating portion 70 can be
inserted into housing 12 through opening 32 and shell 64 is pressed
into housing 12. Housing 12 is made from a conductive material and
connecting shell 64 to housing 12 electrically connects shell 64
with the outer shield conductor of cable 20 and also to fingers 72
of first cable connection 14. Jack insulator 66 is positioned for
insertion into shell 64 and center conductor 26 is positioned for
jack end 38 to be received within channel 128. Jack insulator 64 is
inserted into shell 64 until rear face 134 engages shelf 120 within
shell 64.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, an alternative embodiment
140 of a coaxial cable y-splitter according to the present
invention is shown. Cable splitter 140 includes a housing assembly
144 with a housing 142 with first, second and third cable
connections 14, 16 and 18, respectively, wherein third connection
18 is a plug BNC connector rather than a jack BNC connector.
[0061] Although the foregoing invention has been described in
detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity
of understanding, it will be obvious that changes and modifications
may be practiced which are within the scope of the present
invention as embodied in the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *