Abstract: An electrical connector (10,50,50',84,84') for being positioned between parallel surfaces and electrically interconnecting conductive areas on the surfaces is disclosed. More particularly, the connector (10,50,50',84,84') includes a housing (12,52,52',86) and contact elements (14,14',14",70,104) which are formed by wrapping a flexible, circuit carrying film (20,72) around a single canted coil spring (18) or by wrapping a flexible circuit carrying film (104) around two spaced apart canted coil springs (18).

Abstract: Polymeric electrically conductive apparatus such as electric connectors are disclosed. These connectors employ a polymeric conductive material such as a conductive epoxy having conductive particles dispersed therein sufficient to establish electrical conductivity. These conductive materials are at least initially deformable such that electrical conductors may be inserted within an envelope containing the conductive material and electrical continuity for a prescribed circuit can be verified before structurally affixing the conductors to the envelope. Embodiments having radially collapsible envelopes for forming splice connectors and multicontact configurations employing rigid dielectric housings are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the selective plating of a metal substrate on which a thin polymeric plating resist is first applied, followed by the selective removal of said resist to expose portions of said substrate to plating, and plating. More particularly, the method hereof includes the steps of selecting a laser wavelength which couples well to the metal substrate, choosing a polymer based plating resist having a low optical coefficient of absorption at said wavelength, curing said resist, subjecting selective areas of said resist to a single excimer laser shot, having a short wavelength, to cause ablative removal of the resist over the selective areas of said substrate, and subjecting said exposed portions of said substrate to metal plating.

Abstract: An insulating sheath for preinsulated ferrule type electrical connectors having the sheath partially surrounding the ferrule is disclosed. The sheath is a two layer laminate comprised of a layer of heat resistant polyamide bonded to a layer of tetrafluoroethylene film. The polyamide layer is against the ferrule with the tetrafluoroethylene layer being the outside of the sheath. When the connector is crimped onto wires, the polyamide layer and connector are encased by the tetrafluoroethylene layer. The connector insulated with the laminate has a minimum Limiting Oxygen Index value of 28.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electrically interconnecting two printed circuit boards or the like where the conductive pads are on extremely close spacing. More particularly, the invention includes a plurality of resilient connectors embedded in an elastomeric material with opposing ends thereof being exposed on opposite surfaces of the elastomeric body to provide contact points.

Abstract: Membrane switch assembly comprises a transparent laminate comprised of three sheets of cellulose acetate material. The intermediate sheet has an opening therein which defines a switch site. Hairline conductors on the internal surfaces of the outer sheets cross each other at the switch site so that the switch is closed when one of the outer sheets is pressed at the switch site. The conductors are produced on the surfaces of the outer sheets by a process including electroless deposition of blanket coatings of conductive metal, selective deposition along lines which define the conductors and selective etching of the blanket coating to leave the hairline conductors.