Embodiments are generally directed to a snap button fastener providing electrical connection. An embodiment of a fastener includes a first mechanical part, the first mechanical part including at least a stud portion, the first mechanical part including a first electrical connector; a second mechanical part, the second mechanical part including at least a socket portion with a spring element and the socket portion, the second mechanical part including a second electrical connector. The stud portion of the first mechanical part and the socket portion of second mechanical part, if separated, are to interlock upon the application of a first force towards each other, and, if interlocked, to separate upon the application of a second force away from each other. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are to be electrically connected when the first mechanical part and the mechanical part are interlocked, and first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are to be disconnected when the first mechanical part and second mechanical part are separated.

A surgical instrument support arm of a teleoperated patient side cart may include a first arm portion including a first connector end and a second a second arm portion including a second connector end. The second arm portion may be removably connectable to the first arm portion via mating engagement of the first and second connector ends. The first and second connector ends may each include complementary mechanical connections and complementary electrical connections. At least one of the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends may include electrical shielding to protect against electrical interference in a position in which the electrical connections are matingly engaged. The electrical shielding may be configured to axially compress when the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends are matingly engaged.

A surgical instrument support arm of a teleoperated patient side cart may include a first arm portion including a first connector end and a second a second arm portion including a second connector end. The second arm portion may be removably connectable to the first arm portion via mating engagement of the first and second connector ends. The first and second connector ends may each include complementary mechanical connections and complementary electrical connections. At least one of the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends may include electrical shielding to protect against electrical interference in a position in which the electrical connections are matingly engaged. The electrical shielding may be configured to axially compress when the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends are matingly engaged.

A separable clasp connector is provided that has first and second parts that are pivotable with respect to one another by a die set. The clasp connector includes one or more die alignment features to ensure proper alignment with the die set so as to apply an unlocking force in a predetermined direction. Die sets and methods also provided to move a separable clasp connector back-and-forth among a locked position and an unlocked position.

A plug assembly for a vehicle-trailer wiring connector assembly includes a plug housing, six connector cavities, and a first and second electrical connectors. The plug housing is positionable in a receptacle assembly. The six connector cavities are defined in and radially disposed around a connecting face of the plug housing in compliance with the Society of Automotive Engineers J2863 standard. The first electrical connector is positioned with respect to a first connector cavity of the cavities. A first contact surface of the first electrical connector is contactable within the first connector cavity. The second electrical connector is positioned with respect to the plug housing. A second contact surface of the second electrical connector is substantially aligned with an outer surface of the plug housing and externally contactable. The second electrical connector is positioned relative to the first electrical connector such that the second electrical connector is electrically insulated therefrom.

A system may comprise a dock. The dock may comprise a front. The front may include a front side, wherein a plurality of connectors are disposed on the front side and wherein the plurality of connectors accept external cables, and a rear side, wherein the rear side includes a plurality of extenders and wherein each one of the plurality of extenders connects to one of the plurality of connectors. The dock may comprise a rear including an aperture to allow for insertion of a computing device, wherein the plurality of extenders correspond with and connect to one of a connector on the computing device.

A system may comprise a dock. The dock may comprise a front. The front may include a front side, wherein a plurality of connectors are disposed on the front side and wherein the plurality of connectors accept external cables, and a rear side, wherein the rear side includes a plurality of extenders and wherein each one of the plurality of extenders connects to one of the plurality of connectors. The dock may comprise a rear including an aperture to allow for insertion of a computing device, wherein the plurality of extenders correspond with and connect to one of a connector on the computing device.

A work machine powered electrically by a conductor rod contacting power rails along a haul route. The conductor rod has a central passageway coupling a head to a tip. A barrel extending from the head and an arm extending from the tip have concentric tubular conductors radially offset from each other and slidably mated together. The concentric tubular connectors maintain physical and electrical contact as the conductor rod extends and contracts so that contact with electrical power is maintained despite lateral movements caused by steering or road conditions.

Embodiments are generally directed to a snap button fastener providing electrical connection. An embodiment of a fastener includes a first mechanical part, the first mechanical part including at least a stud portion, the first mechanical part including a first electrical connector; a second mechanical part, the second mechanical part including at least a socket portion with a spring element and the socket portion, the second mechanical part including a second electrical connector. The stud portion of the first mechanical part and the socket portion of second mechanical part, if separated, are to interlock upon the application of a first force towards each other, and, if interlocked, to separate upon the application of a second force away from each other. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are to be electrically connected when the first mechanical part and the mechanical part are interlocked, and first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are to be disconnected when the first mechanical part and second mechanical part are separated.

Embodiments are generally directed to a snap button fastener providing electrical connection. An embodiment of a fastener includes a first mechanical part, the first mechanical part including at least a stud portion, the first mechanical part including a first electrical connector; a second mechanical part, the second mechanical part including at least a socket portion with a spring element and the socket portion, the second mechanical part including a second electrical connector. The stud portion of the first mechanical part and the socket portion of second mechanical part, if separated, are to interlock upon the application of a first force towards each other, and, if interlocked, to separate upon the application of a second force away from each other. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are to be electrically connected when the first mechanical part and the mechanical part are interlocked, and first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are to be disconnected when the first mechanical part and second mechanical part are separated.