Patents Examined by Phung T. Vu
  • Patent number: 6816386
    Abstract: A compact card connector having reduced width and thickness is provided for receiving an information card whereby the information card has a narrow step-like recess along one of its side edges and a sliding identifier mechanism provided in a concave cut in the step. The card connector includes a frame that receives the information card, and an identifier detecting means for detecting a sliding position of the identifier. The identifier detecting means includes a suitably placed fixed contact member and a movable contact member which are mounted on the frame, with part of the movable contact member forming a projection for detecting the sliding position of the identifier, whereby the projection lies in an area within the housing space through which the step-like recess of the card is to pass. As the information card is inserted into the housing space, the projection touches an upper surface of the step-like recess and/or that of the identifier and works in the concave cut in the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Oguchi, Toru Wagatsuma, Yoshimasa Kuroda