(19)

(11)

EP 0 882 316 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/50 (21) Application number: 97946299.0 (22) Date of filing: 24.10.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H01R 13/ 622( . ) H01R 13/ 52( . ) H01R 13/ 646( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/019290 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/019365 (07.05.1998 Gazette 1998/18)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 28.10.1996 US 19960029175P (71) Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Sparks, Nevada 89431 (US)

(72) Inventors: STABILE, David, J. Horseheads, NY 14845 (US) LOCATI, Ronald, P. Elmira, NY 14903 (US) DEAN, Michael, R. Waverly, NY 14892 (US) PHILIPS, Roger, C., Jr. Horseheads, NY 14845 (US) DUNHAM, David, E. Pine City, NY 14871 (US) RADZIK, John, R. Trumansburg, NY 14886 (US) (74) Representative: Howick, Nicholas Keith, et al  CARPMAELS & RANSFORD 43 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2RA London WC1A 2RA (GB)