11:17 Mar 13, 2007 

....well, I probably went a bit over the top suggesting that these were 'thumping great things' (actually Tony's original idea, not mine!), but I wanted to clarify that they are not tiny, micro sized things. They are probably quite a respectable size of connector... so I think the 'flats' answer suggested is appropriate here. I wasn't convinced about the 'plates' idea, myself, but was still in the process of researching these things... the input from everyone has been very helpful in the meantime.

22:35 Mar 12, 2007 

...to answer your question, no, they are not dainty little things, as far as I know. The industries in question are: Space, Railways, Military, that kind of thing...and they are being very vague as to exactly what these connectors do. I suspect it is because they make such a huge range of these things, so they don't actually want to be too specific - a connector for all seasons sort of thing! But I imagine they are thumping rather than dainty and form part of large assemblies...but funny thing, I found it easier to imagine 4 holes than 4 flats! But then I can't really visualize these parts very well. I see that Germaine07 has suggested 4-plates...