BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to connectors and splice units for coaxial cable ends. More particularly, the present invention relates to connector and splice unit designs with probes to engage the center conductor and shielding layer through the sidewalls of cables, so that cables can be connectorized or spliced together without performing the standard preparation of the cable ends, e.g., no outer jacket stripping, no folding of a shielding layer and no dielectric stripping from a center conductor.

2. Description of the Related Art

[002] Compression-style, male F-type connectors are currently the most popular connectors for terminating coaxial cable ends. Compression-style connectors became popular with the introduction of the Snap-N-Seal® connectors sold by Thomas & Betts, and have continued to gain acceptance with the introduction of many improved designs by other companies, such as PPC of East Syracuse, NY. See for example, U.S. Patent No. 9,070,986, as owned by the present Assignee, which is herein incorporated by reference.

[003] As shown in Figure 1, coaxial cables 9 generally include a central electrical conductor 11 surrounded by a first dielectric layer or insulator 13. The central conductor 11 is often made of copper, and the insulator 13 may be formed from a foam or plastic. A sheath 15 of braided metal strands and/or a metal foil is formed on an outer surface of the insulator 13 to form an outer conductive shielding layer. This sheath 15 forms a ground shield and can be applied in various thickness which are known as single, double, and triple foil cable. The sheath 15 in turn is surrounded by an outer insulating jacket 17 to physically and electrically isolate the inside of the coaxial cable 9 from the surrounding environment.

[004] Coaxial cables 9 are conventionally terminated with male F-type coaxial connectors 19 that allow the coaxial cables 9 to be connected to, e.g., spliced to, another coaxial cables 9, via a female-to-female adapter, or connected female coaxial ports of electrical devices. In order to install a connector 19 at the end of a length of coaxial cable 9, the end of the coaxial cable 9 must first be prepared to receive the connector 19. To prepare a coaxial cable 9, part of the outer insulating jacket 17 is stripped from one end of the coaxial cable 9 to expose a length L of the sheath 15. Then, a portion of the sheath 15 and the insulator 13 are removed to expose a section S of the central conductor 11. The prepared end of the coaxial cable 9 thus comprises a portion P of sheath 15 surrounding the insulator 13 projecting out of the jacket 17 and the section S of the central conductor 11 projecting out of the insulator 13. Lastly, the sheath 15 is folded back over the outer jacket 17 to expose the insulator 13.

[005] Figure 1 illustrates the coaxial cable 100 in the process of being inserted into the connector 19, which may comprise, for example, a conventional, compression- style, F-type coaxial connector. The connector 19 includes a shell 21 having an interior 23, and the shell 21 is formed from a sleeve 25 and a body 27. The shell 21 includes a first end 29 having a first end opening 31 formed in the sleeve 25 and a second end 33 having a second end opening 35 formed in the body 27. A nut 37 is connected to the body 27 at the second end 33 of the shell 21.

[006] A post 39 is formed of a base 41 and a tube 43, the tube 43 having an interior 45 and an end 47 with an aperture 49 at the end 47. The post 39 is pressed into the second end 33 of the shell 21 and retains the nut 37. The base 41 is mounted against the second end 33 of the shell 21 so that the tube 43 projects into the interior 23 of the shell 21 toward the first end opening 31. In this clamped position, the end aperture 49 of the tube 43 is located inside the shell 21 a distance from the first end opening 31.

[007] As will be apparent from Figure 1, the insulator 13 of the coaxial cable 9 must be inserted a distance into the interior 23 of the connector 19 before it contacts the end 47 of the post 39. Once the insulator 13 is inserted into the connector 19, however, a person attaching the connector 19 to the coaxial cable 9 can no longer see the end of the insulator 13. The presence of the sheath 15 further blocks the view of the interior of the connector 19. A user therefore must align the insulator 13 and its sheath 15 with the aperture 49 of the tube 43 by feel. [008] As the prepared coaxial cable end is manually pushed into the opening 31, a wedge-shape of the end 47 of the post 39 enters between the insulator 13 and the sheath 15. The end 47 of the post proceeds along this path until a folded back portion 51 of the sheath 15 overlying a cut end 53 of the outer jacket 17 abuts an end wall 55. This process can require the exertion of excessive force, as the outer jacket 17 is not so resilient as to easily allow the wedge-shaped end 47 of the post 39 to pass into the area between the insulator 13 and the sheath 15.

[009] Often times, a technician struggles to push the prepared end of the coaxial cable 9 into the opening 31, twisting the cable clockwise and counter-clockwise within the opening 31, applying force using tools and even giving up and leaving the prepared cable end well short of abutment with the end wall 55. The struggle, twisting and application of excessive force often leads to damage to the sheath 15. Once the technician decides that the prepared end of the coaxial cable 9 is seated into the opening 31 of the connector 19, or given his best efforts to do so, a compression tool is used to press the sleeve 25 into the body 27 of the shell 21. Information concerning the compression tool can be learned from Figure 4 of U.S. Patent 5,997,350, which is herein incorporated by reference, and also teaches a similar compression-style, F-type coaxial connector. The sleeve 25 exerts radial inward pressure onto the tube 43 and is intended to provide three hundred sixty degrees of electrical contact between the sheath 15 and the tube 43. The connector 19 is then considered to be installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] The Applicant has appreciated that during the installation process foil layers and braiding of the sheath 15 may be damaged. Portions of the sheath 15 may be tom way or bunched up in pockets within the connector 19 and under the outer jacket 17. If a cable is not fully seated up to the end wall 55 or portions of the sheath 15 are bunched up in random areas, a poor performance by the connector 19 can occur. Sometimes the connector 19 functions well initially, but water can enter at the opening 31 because of irregular shapes due to the tom and bunched sheath 15. Water can also enter via the nut 37 if the nut 37 is not properly tightened to a connection port, or loosens over time. Water within the connector 19 corrodes connections, like the center conductor 11 and the pin clamp of the connection port, which holds the center conductor 11.

[011] Corrosion may adversely affect the performance of the connector 19 and also weaken the attachment of the prepared end of the coaxial cable 9 to the connector 19 so that the prepared end of the coaxial cable 9 may fall out of the connector 19 due to gravity, wind or other mechanical stresses on the coaxial cable 9.

[012] The Applicant has appreciated that terminations of a coaxial cable 9 are generally problematic to technicians. It is time consuming and difficult to install a compression-style, F-type connector 19 onto a prepared end of a coaxial cable 9. Common problems are: (1) Tearing and damaging the shielding foil and/or braids of the sheath 15 as the outer jacket 17 is removed and as the sheath 15 is folded back over the remaining outer jacket 17; (2) Damaging and/or nicking the center conductor 11 as the insulator 13 is stripped away from the center conductor 11; (3) Fully inserting the post 39 beneath the outer jacket 17; and (4) Fully compressing the dielectric sleeve 25 into the body 27, so as to formed a good electrical and mechanical connection between the connector 19 and the prepared end of the coaxial cable 9 over the long term, while avoiding water infiltrations into the connector 19.

[013] A poorly installed connector 19 is typically the problem when a technician is called to the field for a quality of service (QoS) issue. Often times the technician will pull on the coaxial cable 9 before un-mating the connector 19 from a port, and the coaxial cable 9 will simply slide out of the connector 19 and will also show signs of corrosion. The typical fix is to cut off the corroded end portion, prep the cable end for a new compression-style connector 19, and install the new connector 19.

[014] The Applicant has devised a new connector style which saves time during the installation process and is easier to install. The technician no longer needs to prep the coaxial cable end, e.g., no stripping of the outer jacket or the dielectric layer, no folding back of the shielding layer, and no blind and difficult insertion of a post between the shielding layers of the sheath and the insulator. Further, a body of the new connector may be filled with a gel to block water infiltration and prevent corrosion, and may also be hermetically sealed to the elements. [015] These and other objects are accomplished by a termination unit for a coaxial cable comprising: a housing with an opening leading to a channel, said opening sized to accept a coaxial cable end to extend into said channel; a first probe for engaging a center conductor of the coaxial cable through a first hole in a sidewall of the coaxial cable; a second probe for engaging a shielding layer of the coaxial cable; and a connector electrically connected to said first probe and said second probe, wherein said connector is attached to said housing and accessible on an outside of said housing.

[016] Further, these and other objects are accomplished by a splice unit for coaxial cables comprising: a housing with a first opening leading to a first channel, said first opening sized to accept a first coaxial cable end to extend into said first channel; a second opening formed in said housing, said second opening leading to a second channel, said second opening sized to accept a second coaxial cable end to extend into said second channel; a first probe for engaging a center conductor of the first coaxial cable through a first hole in a sidewall of the first coaxial cable; a second probe for engaging a shielding layer of the first coaxial cable; a third probe for engaging a center conductor of the second coaxial cable through a third hole in a sidewall of the second coaxial cable; a fourth probe for engaging a shielding layer of the second coaxial cable; a first electrical connection formed between said first probe and said third probe; and a second electrical connection formed between said second probe and said fourth probe.

[017] Moreover, these and other objects are accomplished by a method of attaching a coaxial cable within a unit comprising: cutting a coaxial cable to form a coaxial cable end; providing a unit including a housing with an opening leading to a channel, a first probe located along the channel and a second probe located along the channel; inserting the coaxial cable end, without stripping or preparing the coaxial cable end, into the opening to lay in the channel; pressing the coaxial cable end into the channel to cause the second probe to pierce an outer jacket of the coaxial cable and engage a shielding layer within the coaxial cable; and rotating the first probe to cut a hole into a sidewall of the coaxial cable passing through the outer jacket, the shielding layer and a dielectric layer of the coaxial cable, so that the first probe establishes electrical contact with a center conductor of the coaxial cable. [018] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limits of the present invention, and wherein:

[020] Figure 1 is a side view showing a compression-style F-type male coaxial connector, in accordance with the prior art;

[021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, male coaxial connector, in accordance with the present invention;

[022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an upper half shell of the coaxial connector of Figure 2;

[023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lower half shell of the coaxial connector of Figure 2;

[024] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first probe for engaging a center conductor of the coaxial cable;

[025] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line VI- VI in Figure 2;

[026] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line VII- VII in Figure 2;

[027] Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the upper half shell of the coaxial connector in Figure 7;

[028] Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the lower half shell of the coaxial connector in Figure 7;

[029] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, female coaxial connector, in accordance with the present invention;

[030] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, male BNC connector, in accordance with the present invention; [031] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, female BNC connector, in accordance with the present invention;

[032] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, splice unit, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[033] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an upper half shell of the splice unit of Figure 13;

[034] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a lower half shell of the splice unit of Figure 13;

[035] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, splice unit, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[036] Figure 17 is perspective view of a vampire-type, splice unit, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[037] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[038] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise.

[039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[040] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."

[041] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[042] Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

[043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a termination unit for a coaxial cable, in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, Figure 2 shows a vampire-type, male coaxial connector 61. A coaxial cable 63 enters at a circular opening 65 on a first side (see Figs. 3, 4 and 6) of the male coaxial connector 61. A nut 64 and its center pin

66 are located on a second, opposite side of the male coaxial connector 61. A break line

67 divides a plastic outer housing into an upper half shell 69 and a lower half shell 71. The break line 67 passes through a middle of the circular opening 65.

[044] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the upper half shell 69 and the lower half shell 71 when separated from each other, respectively. Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line VI- VI in Figure 2, whereas Figure 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line VII- VII in Figure 2. Figures 8 and 9 are the same as Figure 7, but illustrate the upper half shell 69 separated from the lower half shell 71.

[045] The upper half shell 69 is basically shaped as a rectangular open box. The exterior surfaces 72 are formed of a dielectric material, like plastic. The interior surfaces have a shielding layer 73, which may be a metal foil or coating in some areas and/or a metal plate in other areas. A first end of the upper half shell 69 includes a first half of the circular opening 65. A first v-shaped notch 75A is formed in the dielectric material immediately adjacent to the first half of the circular opening 65. A second, opposite end of the upper half shell 69 includes an arrowhead shaped protrusion 77 formed in the shielding layer 73, as will be explained in connection with Figure 6. The four corners of the dielectric material forming the exterior surfaces 72 are provided with either pins 79 or holes 81.

[046] The lower half shell 71 has exterior surfaces 82 formed of a dielectric material, like plastic. A shielding layer 83 resides inside all of the exterior surfaces 82, which may be a metal foil or coating in some areas and/or a metal plate in other areas. A first end of the lower half shell 71 includes a second half of the circular opening 65. A second v-shaped notch 75B is formed in the dielectric material immediately adjacent to the second half of the circular opening 65. A second, opposite end of the lower half shell 71 is attached to the nut 64 and center pin 66. [047] The opening 65 leads to a channel 85 within the lower half shell 71. The channel 85 may be formed of a dielectric material like the exterior surfaces 82. The channel 85 is shaped to conform to the outer surface of a jacket 90 of the coaxial cable 63. The channel 85 leads to an end wall 87. When a cut end 89 of the cable 63 (see Fig. 6) is inserted into the opening 65, the cut end 89 is abutted against the end wall 87. The cable 63 is pressed downwardly against the channel 85 so that second probes 91 penetrate the jacket 90 forming second holes in the sidewall of the coaxial cable 63 to establish electrical contact with a shielding layer 92 beneath the jacket (see Fig. 7).

[048] The second probes 91 are in electrical contact with the shielding layer 83. The shielding layer 83 is in electrical contact with a metal spindle 93 which supports the nut 64 to rotate thereon. A first O-ring 95 may reside between the metal spindle 93 and the nut 64 to provide a weather tight seal. However, the first O-ring 95 does not hinder the three hundred sixty degree electrical connection between the metal spindle 93 and the nut 64.

[049] If the technician cannot manually press the second probes 91 through the jacket 90 of the coaxial cable 63, a pair of pliers can be used to fully seat the coaxial cable 63 into the channel 85 so that the second probes 91 penetrate the jacket 90 and establish electrical contact with the shielding layer 92 of the coaxial cable 63 and hence to the nut 64.

[050] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first probe 97 for engaging a center conductor 94 of the coaxial cable 63. The center conductor 94 resides along a center line of a dielectric layer 96 within the shielding layer 92. The first probe 97 includes a head 99. The head 99 may be hexagon in its perimeter shape to be engaged by a socket tool. Alternatively or additionally, a center section of the head 99 may include slots to be engaged by a Phillips or regular screwdriver.

[051] The head 99 is attached to a proximate end of a threaded portion 101. A distal end of the threaded portion 101 is attached to a proximate end of a non-threaded shaft 103. A diameter of the non-threaded shaft 103 is much smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion 101. Finally, a cutting head 105 is attached to a remote end of the non-threaded shaft 103. The cutting head 105 may be formed like a counter-sink to bore through a material. The cutting head 105 has a much larger diameter than the non- threaded shaft 103, but a slightly smaller diameter than the threaded portion 101.

[052] After the cable 63 is seated into the channel 85. The cutting head 105 is passed through a threaded through hole 107 formed in a metal insert 109. The metal insert 109 is embedded within a dielectric cantilevered portion 111 attached to, or integrally formed with, the lower half shell 71. The cantilevered portion is shown attached to a first side of the lower half shell 71, but may also be attached to both sides to form a bridge across the opposite side walls of the lower half shell 71 for added stability.

[053] Before the cutting head 105 reaches the jacket 90 of the cable 63, the threaded portion 101 will engage within the threads of the threaded through hole 107. A technician will engage the head 99 with a tool and rotate the head 99 clockwise. Clockwise rotation of the head 99 will cause the cutting head 105 to bore through the jacket 90, shielding layer 92 and dielectric layer 96. Just as, or slightly before, the head 99 flushes out to the top of the metal insert 109 to prevent further rotation of the head 99, the cutting head 105 will electrically engage with the center conductor 94. This occurs because the distance between the cantilevered portion 111 and the channel 85 and the length of the first probe 97 are selected to cause the cutting head 105 to only slightly contact the center conductor 94, of the designated size or type of coaxial cable 63, e.g., RG6 coaxial cable.

[054] The outer surfaces of the non-threaded shaft 103 are distanced from the shielding layer 92 because the oversized cutting head 105 bores a much larger first hole in the sidewall of the coaxial cable 63 than the diameter of the non-threaded shaft 103. Further, the outer surfaces of the non-threaded shaft 103 may be coated with a non- conductive paint, to even further insure that no electrical connection is made between the first probe 97 and the shielding layer 92 of the coaxial cable 63.

[055] Embedded within the metal insert 109 is a first conductive end 113 of an insulated wire 115. A second conductive end 117 of the insulated wire 115 is electrically connected, e.g., soldered, to a backside plate 119 of the center pin 66 within the nut 64. The backside plate 119 is attached to, but electrically isolated from, the metal spindle 93 by a dielectric washer 121. [056] Figures 8 and 9 are cross sectional views of the upper half shell 69 and the lower half shell 71 prior to attachment to each other. The pins 79 and holes 81 in the upper half shell 69 are engaged with the holes 81 and pins 79, respectively, of the lower half shell 71 after an epoxy is applied thereto to attach the upper half shell 69 to the lower half shell 71. Alternatively, screws may be used to secure the upper half shell 69 to the lower half shell 71. In Figure 7, it can be seen that after the attachment between the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71, the shielding layers 73 and 83 within the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71, respectively, are in electrical contact with each other. Further, the conductive head 99 is spaced from the shielding layer 73 of the upper half shell 69.

[057] Although Figures 2-9 have depicted the vampire termination device in combination with the nut 64 and center pin 64 of a male coaxial connector, it would be possible to apply the same internal structures to create terminations with different connector configurations. For example, Figure 10 depicts the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 used in combination with a female F-type coaxial connector 123. The female coaxial connector 123 has external threads 125 and a pin clamp within a central bore 127. The external threads 125 would be fixed, e.g., would not rotate relative to the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71, and would be electrically connected to the shielding layer 83 of the lower half shell 71. The pin clamp would be electrically connected to the backside plate 119 and hence the second conductive end 117 of the insulated wire 115.

[058] Figure 11 depicts the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 used in combination with a male BNC connector 129. A rotatable outer collar 131 with one or more slots 132 would be attached in the same way as the nut 64 in Figures 2-9. Likewise, a center pin 133 could be identically connected in the same manner as the center pin 66 of Figures 2-9. Figure 12 depicts the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 used in combination with a female BNC connector 135. The female BNC connector 135 has an outer barrel 137 with one or more bayonet lugs 139, and a central pin clamp 141. The outer barrel 137 would be fixed, e.g., would not rotate relative to the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71, and would be electrically connected to the shielding layer 83 of the lower half shell 71. The pin clamp 141 would be electrically connected to the backside plate 119 and hence the second conductive end 117 of the insulated wire 115. [059] In a preferred embodiment, the interiors of the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 are filled with a water blocking gel 100 (See Fig. 7), optionally containing antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors and/or, fungicides. A suitable gel 100 would include Octopus™ Sealing Technology gel by CommScope, Inc. of Hickory, North Carolina. The dielectric materials used to form the exterior surfaces 72 and 82 of the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 are formed of a plastic, which would be more immune to corrosion if exposed to damp or harsh environments and might form a better seal from the environment, as the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 may be welded together by an epoxy along the edges during assembly.

[060] To further enhance the weatherproof or hermitic sealing of the connectors of Figures 2, 10, 11 and 12, a grommet, such as a first O-ring 142, may be place around the jacket 90 (See Fig. 6). The first O-ring 142 is slid up the jacket 90 away from the cut end 89 prior to inserting the coaxial cable 63 into the opening 65 to reside in the channel 85. As the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 are being aligned for attachment, the first O-ring 142 is seated into the first and second v-shaped notches 75A and 75B, so as to form a weather tight seal between the jacket 90 and the opening 65 when the upper and lower half shells 69 and 71 are attached to each other. Additionally or alternatively, an epoxy may be used to seal the entrance of the cable 63 into the opening 65.

[061] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, splice unit 143, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. A first coaxial cable 63 A enters at a first circular opening 65 A on a first side of the splice unit 143. A second coaxial cable 63B enters at a second circular opening 65B on a second, opposite side of the splice unit 143. A break line 146 divides a plastic outer housing into an upper half shell 145 and a lower half shell 147. The break line 146 passes through a middle of the first and second circular opening 65 A and 65B.

[062] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the upper half shell 145, and Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lower half shell 147. The first opening 65A leads to a first channel 149. The second opening 65B leads to a second channel 151. The first opening 65A is sized to accept a cut end 89A of the first coaxial cable 63 A, so that the cut end 89A may extend into the first channel 149. Likewise, the second opening 65B is sized to accept a cut end 89B of the second coaxial cable 63B, so that the cut end 89B may extend into the second channel 151.

[063] The first and second coaxial cables 63A and 63B are assembled into the first and second channels 149 and 151 in the same manner as described in conjunction with Figures 3-9 and the same elements have been labeled by the same reference numerals. In brief, cut ends 89A and 89B abut end walls 87A and 87B. The second probes 91A and 91B establish an electrical connection with the shielding layers 92A and 92B within the first and second coaxial cables 63A and 63B as the first and second coaxial cables 63 A and 63B are seated onto the first and second channels 149 and 151. The second probes 91A and 91B are both electrically connected to the shielding layer 83 of the lower half shell 147, as depicted in Figures 7 and 9. This results in an electrical connection being formed between the shielding layers 92A and 92B of the first and second coaxial cables 63 A and 63B.

[064] First probes 97 A and 97B are installed in threaded through holes 107 A and 107B in the cantilevered portions 111A and 11 IB. The first probes 97A and 97B establish electric contact with the center conductors 94A and 94B of the first and second cables 63A and 63B. The second conductive end 117 of the insulated wire 115 is now embedded within the metal insert 109B of the cantilevered portion 11 IB in the same manner that the first conductive end 113 of the insulated wire 115 is embedded within the metal insert 109A of the cantilevered portion 111A. This results in an electrical connection being formed between the center conductors 94A and 94B of the first and second coaxial cables 63 A and 63B.

[065] In sum, a first probe 97A engages the center conductor 94A of the first coaxial cable 63A through a first hole in a sidewall of the first coaxial cable 63A. A second probe 91 A engages the shielding layer 92A of the first coaxial cable 63A through a second hole in the sidewall of the first coaxial cable 63 A. A third probe 97B engages the center conductor 94B of the second coaxial cable 63B through a third hole in a sidewall of the second coaxial cable 63B. A fourth probe 91B engages the shielding layer 92B of the second coaxial cable 63B through a fourth hole in the sidewall of the second coaxial cable 63B. A first electrical connection is formed between the first probe 97A and the third probe 97B via the insulated wire 115, and a second electrical connection is formed between the second probe 91A and the fourth probe 91B via the shielding layer 83 of the lower half shell 147.

[066] In Figure 13, the first and second channels 149 and 151 extend in first and second directions A and B, respectively. In other words, the first and second opening 65A and 65B exist on opposite sides of the splice unit 143, such that the first and second coaxial cables 63 A and 63B exit opposite sides of the splice unit 143. The first and second directions A and B are approximately opposite directions to each other, e.g., an angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees exists between the first and second directions A and B. Such a design is particularly useful when the length of the first coaxial cable 63A needs to be extended to reach an end destination, which is straight ahead.

[067] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, splice unit 153, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the first and second channels 149 and 151 extend in third and fourth directions C and D, respectively. In other words, the first and second openings 65A and 65B exist on a same side of the splice unit 153, such that the first and second coaxial cables 63 A and 63B exit on a same side of the splice unit 153. The third and fourth directions C and D are approximately parallel directions to each other, e.g., an angle of zero to twenty degrees exists between the third and fourth directions C and D, more preferably an angle of between zero and ten degrees. Such a design is particularly useful when the first coaxial cable 63 A is heading toward a device and the port on the device, to which the coaxial cable 63 A is to be mated, is on the opposite side of the device from the approach side of the first coaxial cable 63 A. The splice unit 153 would allow the first coaxial cable 63A to pass by the device and then be redirected one hundred eighty degrees back toward the port on the device, via the second coaxial cable 63B. This would eliminate the space requirement to install a long loop in the first coaxial cable 63 A to transition back to the port side of the device without exceeding a minimum bend radius of the first coaxial cable 63 A.

[068] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a vampire-type, splice unit 163, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the first and second channels 149 and 151 extend in fifth and sixth directions E and F, respectively. In other words, the first and second openings 65A and 65B exist on adjacent sides of the splice unit 163, such that the first and second coaxial cables 63A and 63B exit on adjacent sides of the splice unit 163. The fifth and sixth directions E and F are approximately perpendicular directions to each other, e.g., an angle of approximately ninety degrees exists between the fifth and sixth directions E and F. Such a design is particularly useful when coaxial cable is being installed through a first wall of a building and needs to be redirected to run along a floor or ceiling, or even within a second wall intersecting the first wall at a ninety degree angle. The splice unit 163 would allow the coaxial cable to continue in a direct line path toward a destination, without the worry of exceeding a minimum bend radius of the coaxial cable.

[069] As with the embodiment of Figures 2-12, exterior surfaces 72 and 82 of the housings of the splice units 143, 153 and 163 may be formed primarily of a dielectric material to better seal the housing from the outside environment. Also, the interior of the housing, beneath the exterior surfaces 72 and 82, may be lined with a shielding layer 73 and 83. Also, the water blocking gel 100 may fill the interiors of the housings.

[070] The configurations of the various probes 97, 97A, 97B, 91, 91A and 91B are illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment. However, other structures for probing the center conductors 94, 94A and 94B and/or the shielding layers 92, 92A and 92B may be substituted for the depicted probes 97, 97A, 97B, 91, 91A and 91B. For example, the probing structures for coaxial cables shown in U.S. Patents 4,120,554; 4,266,842; 4,512,619; 4,588,249; 4,614,394; 4,691,976; 4,701,001; 4,738,009; 4,809,424; 4,904,204; 5,083,934; 5,203,721; 5,281,933; 5,362,251; 5,919,059; 5,945,634 and 8,947,319, each of which is herein incorporated by reference, may be used in conjunction with the present invention. In other words, the term "probe" is a broad term meant to encompass various structures used to establish an electrical connection, such as an insulation displacement connector (IDC) and various configurations of blades, such as those found in CAT wire connectors, like a Scotchlok™ type insulation displacement connectors.

[071] In all of the devices shown herein, the termination of the coaxial cable 63, 63 A and 63B to a connector or within a splice unit should be easier for the technician and less time consuming. The resulting terminations should also be more reliable and longer lasting, as compared to the prior art of Figure 1. No cable preparation is need, one only has to cut the cable at the termination point. No specialty tools, like strippers or compression tools, are needed. Water ingress into the connector or splice unit is block by the gel, and hence the termination is less prone to corrosion over time. Further, the dielectric materials of the housing's construction are easier to seal against the outside elements.

[072] The general method of attaching a coaxial cable within a unit, such as a connector unit or splice unit includes cutting a coaxial cable to form a coaxial cable end. Next, the technician retrieves one of the units, depicted in the present disclosure, which includes a housing with an opening leading to a channel. A first probe is located along the channel and a second probe is also located along the channel. The coaxial cable end is inserted into the channel through the opening, without stripping or preparing the coaxial cable end, and lays in the channel. The coaxial cable end is pressed into the channel to cause the second probe to pierce an outer jacket of the coaxial cable and engage a shielding layer within the coaxial cable. Next, the first probe is rotated to cut a hole into a sidewall of the coaxial cable passing through the outer jacket, the shielding layer and a dielectric layer of the coaxial cable, so that the first probe establishes electrical contact with a center conductor of the coaxial cable.

[073] To enhance the seal of the coaxial cable as it enters the opening of the unit, a grommet, such as the O-ring 142, may be encircled over the coaxial cable end and slid down a length of the coaxial cable away from the coaxial cable end. As the housing is being assembled, the grommet may be inserted into a groove formed within the housing proximate the opening. The grommet will seal the jacket of the coaxial cable to the opening of the housing. Alternatively, an epoxy or caulk may be used to seal the jacket of the coaxial cable to the opening of the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is filled with a water-blocking gel, prior to the sealing of the housing from the outside elements.

[074] In the case of a splice unit, the coaxial cable is a first coaxial cable, the coaxial cable end is a first coaxial cable end, the opening is a first opening, and the channel is a first channel. The method further includes providing the housing with a second opening leading to a second channel. A third probe is located along the second channel and a fourth probe is also located along the second channel. The first and third probes are electrically connected and the second and fourth probes are electrically connected. The second coaxial cable is cut to form a second coaxial cable end. The second coaxial cable end is inserted into the second opening, without stripping or preparing the second coaxial cable end, to lay in the second channel. The second coaxial cable end is pressed into the second channel to cause the fourth probe to pierce an outer jacket of the second coaxial cable and engage a shielding layer within the second coaxial cable. Next, the third probe is rotated to cut a hole into a sidewall of the second coaxial cable passing through the outer jacket, the shielding layer and a dielectric layer of the second coaxial cable, so that the third probe established electrical contact with a center conductor of the second coaxial cable.