Abstract: A socket structure for grid array (GA) Packages, mainly comprises the assembly of flexible chassis, the frame, the first hinge cover lid and the second hinge cover lid. The assembly of flexible chassis comprises the silicon rubber pad, the inner base plate and the flex-board, in which the flex-board, encompassing the silicon rubber pad and the inner base plate, is used for electrical contacts. By pressing the first hinge cover lid and the second hinge cover lid downward, the hinge pads thereon contact with the substrate of the package and snap the package firm in place. In this invention, the package with pre-attached heat sink can be easily placed into the socket.

Abstract: A standard circuit unit (200) for a vehicle door includes a first flexible printed circuit member (220a), having a standard switch circuit portion for controlling the operation of a power window drive mechanism, an input/output signal wire (220b), which forms a lead portion for connecting the first flexible printed circuit member (220a) to a host door control unit, and an input/output signal wire (220c) which forms a lead portion for connecting the first flexible printed circuit member (220a) to a courtesy lamp mechanism (13) on a door trim (10). The first flexible printed circuit members (220a) and the input/output signal wires (220b, 220c) are produced separately from each other, and thereafter are fixedly secured to each other by piercing terminals, and therefore are electrically connected together.

Abstract: To increase the elasticity of an elastically deformable middle section of a printed-circuit board having at least two rigid circuit board sections provided with electric and/or electronic components and interconnected by the middle section, the middle section being provided with printed circuit traces extending from the first rigid section to the second rigid section, at least one opening is made in the elastically deformable middle section, the region of the middle section surrounding the opening forming at least two bars extending in a direction from the first rigid section to the second rigid section and laterally bordering the at least one opening, the printed circuit traces being arranged on the bars.

Abstract: A terminal connection structure for a flat circuit belt includes a flexible flat cable (FFC) (21) and a plurality of connection terminals (22) fixed to the end portion of the FFC 21. The FFC comprises a plurality of conductive strips (23) arranged in parallel to each other at a predetermined interval, and a pair of base films (24) sandwiching the conductive films. Each connection terminal corresponds to one of the conductive strip. The connection terminal has a base plate (28) and projections (31) rising from the longitudinal edges of the base plate so as to face each other with the base plate between them. The projections pierce through the associated conductive strip. The tips of the facing projections are bent and caulked each other. Each projection has a groove (31A) in its inner face, and the edges of the conductive film are pressed into the grooves of the facing projections.

Abstract: A pair of bosses are formed in the vicinity of a cut out portion of a lower casing from which a lead circuit section, which is integrally formed with a switch circuit section a flexible printed circuitry is led out. Three engagement holes are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the lead circuit section with predetermined intervals at both end portions of a widthwise direction thereof. The lead circuit section is folded such that all the respective three engagement holes are fitted with the respective bosses while providing surplus length portion in the form of S-shape, and then led out from the cut out portion. The upper casing having a pair of hold-down members are combined with the lower casing such that the hold-down members are engaged with the respective bosses to constitute a casing which serves as a switch unit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit socket having a contact pad is disclosed. The integrated circuit socket comprises the following components. (1) A base unit, consisting of a base, contact pins and an elastomer. The contact pins will provide the electrical contact of the other elements, the elastomer provides the compactness of the assembly. (2) An interposer, comprising flexible film, a stiffener and a stop layer wherein the contact pad of the flexible film may contact with the solder ball of IC device to buffer the pressure formed by a tight contact when IC device is moving downward. The pressure will be dispersed with the flexible film such that the testing signals are transmitted. (3) An adapter unit, capable of positioning the integrated circuit device and includes a depressor to suppress or release the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A flexible board attaching-connecting device includes a case assembly, formed by incorporating a flexible board 2 in a case 1, and a board assembly formed by mounting a flexible board connector 3 on a printed circuit board 4, and an attaching-connecting operation can be made merely by dropping the case assembly onto the board assembly from an upper side.

Abstract: A thin line jack expansion module clips onto and electrically connects to a thin line expansion cable. The thin line expansion cable has signal lines for transmitting communications signals. The expansion module has an internal module and an external module. The internal module has a cable bay for accommodating the thin line expansion cable, cable contacts in the cable bay for establishing electrical connections with the signal lines of the thin line expansion cable, and a jack. The jack is electrically connected to the cable contacts. The external module clips onto the internal module and at least partially covers the cable bay. When the thin line expansion cable is set in the cable bay, and the external module is snapped onto the internal module, the cable contacts will electrically connect the jack to the signal lines within the thin line expansion cable.

Abstract: A conductive supporting plate (150) is fastened to the engaging end part (130) of a flexible circuit board (190) so that the conductive supporting plate (150) is connected to the ground surface of the flexible circuit board (190). The conductive supporting plate is installed on the engaging end part 130 of the flexible circuit board (190). The flexible circuit board (190) is accommodated together with the conductive supporting plate (150) in a board-mounted connector (20) on a mating side, and is fastened to the board-mounted connector (20) by screw means (105). The conductive supporting plate (150) is pressed against grounding means (70) installed on the board-mounted connector (20) by the screw means (105).

Abstract: In the manufacture of disk drive suspension flexures, an absence of exposed unplated conductive trace ends at the locus of severing individual flexures from a panel of flexures is achieved by reducing the cross section a portion of the conductive traces at the locus of severing so that the portion preferentially melts upon passage of a current through the conductive traces, severing the portion and encasing the severed ends in melted plastic from the flexure plastic film layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automotive circuit assembly having a plurality of circuit segments. Each circuit segment has one or more conductive buses operatively positioned between a dielectric substrate and a protective cover. The protective cover selectively exposes a portion of the one or more conductive buses. The one or more conductive buses of one circuit segment is selectively joined to one or more conductive buses of another circuit segment to cooperatively form an electrical circuit assembly.

Abstract: A device for coupling a programming connector to a programmable hearing aid comprises an electrode coupled to a corresponding conductor of the programming connector, wherein the electrode is biased to maintain contact with a conductive surface in the hearing aid. The coupling device is adapted to engage within a receiver module of a CIC hearing device. Data from an outside source, such as a computer, can thereby be easily transferred through the programming connector to circuitry within the hearing device.

Abstract: A line replaceable module (LRM) configured with a plurality of mini-modules, each of which have relatively higher contact densities than currently available LRMs with the same form factor, for example, a Standard Electrical Module-Size E (SEM-E) form factor. The mini-modules are significantly less expensive than an entire module allowing such mini-modules to be disposable, eliminating relatively costly fault diagnostics and repair. Each mini-module includes a printed circuit board which includes a rigid primary portion, a rigid secondary portion and flexible portion interconnecting the primary and secondary portions. The rigid secondary portion may be configured to provide dual-sided interconnection to a backplane data bus. Use of the dual-sided rigid secondary portion provides for generous spacing for contact densities much higher than known contact densities for LRMs with the same form factor. The rigid primary portion carries the components forming the LRM.

Abstract: An electronic assembly includes a flexible multilayer substrate having integral electrically-conductive traces that also includes, as a lowermost layer, a metal foil. A plurality of uppermost layers, likewise including a metal foil, form a thin barrier member that is sealingly attached to the substrate's other layers. In this manner, a plurality of electronic components, mounted on the substrate's other layers so as to be electrically interconnected with the traces before sealingly attaching the barrier member, are encapsulated within metal foil to provide an environmentally-sealed assembly featuring improved resistance to moisture diffusion and penetration/permeation of other substances characteristic of the assembly's service environment into the assembly. A filler material, also encapsulated within the metal foil, is operative to neutralize a predetermined amount of a penetrant, further improving the operability and service life of the assembly.

Abstract: A printed-circuit board module comprises: a flexible printed-circuit (FPC) sheet (25) with its two opposite end portions bent toward the side on which parts (24) are mounted and having connection terminals (29) formed side by side along marginal edges of the bend end portions; a printed-wiring board (22) having an opening (26) for receiving the parts (24) and connecting conductor patterns (27) formed in the neighborhood of the opening (26); and a fixing frame (23). The FPC sheet (25) is fixedly held by the fixing frame (23) and is mounted on the printed-wiring board (22) with the fixing frame (23) held therebetween. The FPC sheet (25) makes direct electrical connections to the printed-wiring board (22), and the amount of extension of the parts (24) into the opening (26) can be adjusted by changing the thickness of the fixing frame (23).

Abstract: Apparatus such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) for coupling two electronic components that are configured to move relative to each other such as within a multi-part slide-open type camera, multi-part micro-scope, a scanner device, etc., that includes a first end configured to be coupled to a first electronic component, a flexible connecting member emanating from the first end, and a second end at which the connecting member terminates and which is used to connect the flexible connecting member to a second electronic component. The connecting member includes a component surface used to communicate electrical signals between the fist electronic component and the second electronic component. The flexible connecting member has a shape that permits it to extend and retract in directions substantially perpendicular to the component surface. The shape also permits the flexible connecting member to be maintained in a single plane when in a fully retracted state.

Abstract: An electrical contact-making connection has a metallic pin, a base part with a plug-in opening and an electrical conductor routed to the plug-in opening. The plug-in opening includes an oblique wall surface area oriented at an angle a other than zero with respect to a predefined plug-in direction. On this area, the pin is deflected as it is inserted into the plug-in opening in such a way that it comes to rest on at least one further inner wall surface area of the plug-in opening, while exerting a lateral pressure. The conductor is clamped in the plug-in opening by the deformed pin.

Abstract: A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen panel including printing an edge electrode pattern on decal paper; applying a cover coat over the electrode pattern; removing the decal paper; and transferring the edge electrode pattern to a touch screen panel. A decal to be used in accordance with this method.

Abstract: According to the invention, a multilayered image sensor is backmounted to a plate, and the plate in turn, is installed in a holding pocket of a device. In that the scheme takes advantage of a high controllability of a mounting plate's thickness, the mounting scheme provides for tight control of holding forces with which an image sensor is secured in an imaging device. In that the scheme provides for back mounting of image sensor on a planar surface, the mounting system provides tight control of an imaging assembly's pixel plane to fixed point in space distance.

Abstract: An electrical connector 100 for drop-in connection of an electronic module 50 (such as an audio speaker assembly) having at least two lead wires 52, to a flex circuit 70 having a like number of circuit traces 72 arranged on a mounting surface 60, comprising: (1) an electrically insulative body 10 having generally opposed first and second major surfaces 12/14; and (2) at least two electrically conductive, generally elongate biasing members 20 disposed within the body, each biasing member having first and second ends 22/24 and a contact region 26 proximate the second end, wherein each first end 22 is exposed through the first major surface 12 and is adapted for attachment to one of the lead wires 52, and wherein each contact region 26 extends outward from the second major surface 14 such that each contact region may be resiliently deflected inward toward the second major surface.

Abstract: A flex cable is slit between conductor traces to provide conformable strips, at least one of which can be flipped to expose one of the conductor traces to the other side of the cable. This increases the design flexibility of the flex cable because the conductor traces can be exposed on both sides of the cable without laser ablation or etch operations to remove the substrate. Also, because the flex cable is slit along its length, it is more able to conform to different connector locations, thereby obviating the need for designing a different flex cable to accommodate changes in mating hardware.

Abstract: A connection structure comprises a first structure (1) includes a first window (9), a plurality of first circuit members (2) disposed in the first structure (1), the first circuit members (2) having first connection portions (3) exposed at the first window (9) of the first structure (1), a second structure (4) including a second window (11), a plurality of second circuit members (5) disposed in the second structure (4), the second circuit members (5) having second connection portions (6) exposed at the second window (11) of the second structure (4). An arrangement of the first connection portions (3) is different from an arrangement of the second connection portions (6). The connection structure further comprises a connector (7A) including a plurality of terminals (21) that electrically connect the first connection portions (3) with the second connection portions (6) and have first contact portions (30) and second contact portions (31).

Abstract: A connector has a connector housing, a plurality of terminals, an assisting means, and a support means. The connector housing can be received in a connector receiving recess having a first wall fitted with a plurality of terminal connecting short strips. The connector housing has a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers with at least an opening communicating with the first wall side of the connector receiving recess. Furthermore, each terminal has a wire connection portion and an elastic contact piece extending from the wire connection portion. The elastic contact piece is defined by folding back a forward part of the terminal toward the wire connection portion. The folded-back portion has a contact portion formed in the middle thereof to contact the terminal connecting short strip through the opening. A plurality of terminals are inserted into the terminal accommodating chambers of the connector housing.

Abstract: A signal communication structure for communicating signals between a base and a display of an electronic device, the base and display being connected in an axially hinged connection includes an axial member formed from a flexible material and includes a communication line for signal communication with the axial member adapted to flex about the axially hinged connection between the base and the display. The axial member also includes a plurality of appendage members connected to and extending from the axial member. The appendage members include a communication line coupled to the communication line of the axial member for signal communication between the plurality of appendage members via the axial member.

Abstract: The connection structure includes a case having an insertion recess, in which a flexible printed circuit board (called FPC hereinafter) is provided, and a connector having a terminal to contact the FPC. The connector is insertable in the recess so that a conductor of the FPC can electrically connect to the terminal. Between the case and the FPC, a hollow frame having a hardness larger than the case is provided. The connector may have a lock arm with a locking protrusion and the hollow frame has a guide channel for receiving the lock arm. The guide channel having a locking portion associated with the locking protrusion. The connector may have a pivoting lever being pivotably supported by an axis provided on an outer surface of the housing, and the terminal has a resilient contact piece extending from the housing. The pivoting lever is able to pivot freely from the resilient contact piece. The pivoting lever has a locking portion at one end thereof and a movement limiting portion at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a printed circuit is provided, which includes: a connector receiving portion (36) arranged with a printed circuit having a strip-like flat-terminal portion (52, 53); a connector (31) to be received in the connector receiving portion and having a connector housing (32) and a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers (40, 40') symmetrically arranged each other on both sides of a space (39) having a predetermined interval, wherein an opening portion (41, 42, 41', 42') is provided on both of an isolation wall (40b, 40b') facing the space (39) and the opposite isolation wall (40a, 40'a) of each of the terminal accommodating chambers so as to connect each of the terminal accommodating chambers (40, 40') with the outside; and an electric terminal (33),having an elastically contacting piece (47) formed with a pair of contacting portions (49, 50) each capable of contacting the flat-terminal portion of the printed circuit through the opening portion, to be accommodated in each of the termina

Abstract: A substrate and electrical connector assembly including a unitary panel structure with metal conductors having a rigid main body portion, a rigid marginal edge portion, and a thin flexible section extending between the rigid main body portion and the rigid marginal edge portion. The assembly also includes an at least one conductive lead deposited on a surface of the plastic panel structure which extends from the rigid main body portion across the flexible section to the rigid marginal edge portion. Further included is an at least one conductive terminal affixed to the rigid marginal edge portion which is in electrical connection with the at least one conductive lead. The at least one conductive terminal is adapted to receive a mating connector. The flexible section enables the rigid marginal edge portion to move relative to the rigid main body portion.

Abstract: A branch junction box assembly containing a busbar and a flexible printed substrate. The busbar has a contact section extending therefrom and, similarly, the substrate has a contact portion extending therefrom. Connection between the two is made by inserting a connector into a connector holder in a position whereby the connector makes contact with both the contact section and the contact portion, thereby completing the circuit. It is preferable that the contact portion and contact section, as well as the terminals in the connector be parallel to each other and to the insertion direction of the connector into the connector holder. This provides a simple construction, minimizes the number of parts, and enables easy and smooth assembly.

Abstract: A device including a flexible circuit disposed within a conductive tube. The circuit may include a flexible substrate and one or more circuit elements. The circuit may have circuit elements on one or both sides, and the substrate may be multi-layered. The tube may have any one of many cross-sectional shapes, including circular, oval, square, and rectangular.

Abstract: A computing device unit includes an upper casing, at least one integrated chip module electrically mounted on an interior side of the upper casing, a lower casing selectively engageable with the upper casing, and a flexible circuity ribbon extending through the upper casing and the lower casing, and being electrically connected to the at least one chip module within the lower and upper casing. Related devices and methods provide similar advantages.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an improved electronic device, along with the product of that method is disclosed. A flat flexible substrate is provided with a generally round hole of a given diameter and with a conductive film on the substrate in an area at least about the hole. A generally round terminal pin is provided with a given diameter greater than that of the hole. The difference between the diameter of the pin and the diameter of the hole is on the order of 5% to 50% of the diameter of the hole. A non-conductive adhesive is applied to a portion of the pin or the substrate surrounding the hole. The pin is inserted into the hole in the substrate such that the non-conductive adhesive is scraped longitudinally from or along the pin to an area about the hole and the pin, leaving the pin in contact with the conductive film. An improved interface is established between the pin and the conductive film of the substrate.

Abstract: A printed circuit, printed wiring board and method of making same which includes a flexible rectangular strip (1) having an interconnect pattern thereon. A plurality of flaps (5, 5'), (7, 7'), (9, 9') of substantially equal length extends laterally from one of the sides of the rectangular strip, at least one flap having a narrow width dimension and the terminal flap having a relatively wide width dimension sufficient to overlap the other flaps. The width of the flaps having a narrow width are sufficient to contact the overlapping flap. A patterned interconnect is disposed on the rectangular strip and extends onto the flaps. A plurality of electrical components (11) is coupled to the interconnect and disposed in the region opposed to the flaps. The narrow flaps extend toward the wider flap and the wide flap extends toward the narrow flaps and extends over the narrow flaps. The interconnects are interconnected on the flaps.

Abstract: A connection device interconnecting a pair of circuit cards or circuit boards or circuit card to a circuit board is provided for connecting the circuitry on one of the cards or boards to the circuitry on the other of the cards or boards and wherein each of the cards and/or boards has contact pads. The circuit device includes a sheet of flexible circuit having a first and a second end, and a first set of contacts arranged to correspond to the contact pads on one of said circuit boards or cards and a second set of contacts arranged to contact the contact pads on the other card or board. Circuit traces connect the first and second contacts. A flexible circuit support member is provided which includes a body and a frame slidably mounted on said body for movement toward and away from a first face on the body and having an elastomeric member carried thereby. The body also has a second face extending from and substantially normal to the first face, with an elastomeric member mounted thereon.

Abstract: A partly bent electric circuit is formed including a main circuit substrate in which electric parts such as IC are carried to form an electric circuit, a sub-circuit substrate in which electric parts such as LED which can be recognized from the surface of the set, and a ribbon form metal piece for electrically connecting the main circuit substrate with the sub-circuit substrate, so that, due to the metal piece being bent, the sub-circuit substrate is bent against the above main circuit substrate. As a result, there is obtained an electric circuit substrate wherein the main circuit substrate can be inserted in a narrow place and the sub-circuit substrate part provided with the predetermined parts can be bent to arrange the predetermined parts in an accurate place at a low cost using a low priced print substrate or the like.

Abstract: Flexible film for a seat sensor is attached to a housing member in a cavity thereof. A terminal module is pluggably received in the cavity for rapid and simple plugging connection of the flex film to an electronics module.

Abstract: An efficient cooling mechanism for a multi-chip carrier can be provided while conserving board surface area. Flexible circuitized material is used to form multi-chip carriers with air baffle capability. The flex is folded or curved into the desired shape and held in position with a support structure. Bonding sites for chips are located on regions through the carrier. Shapes which provide air baffle capabilities include coils, spring-like coils and serpentines.

Abstract: A printed circuit board has a plastic carrier plate and a one-piece pressed screen forming interconnects of the electrical circuit that are firmly mechanically connected to one another via preferably hot-stamped or ultrasound-deformed plastic webs. The interconnects have connector tabs bent off at a right angle and contact tabs for contacting the plug-in base and the relays to be accepted and also have stamped-out contact profiles for the connection to electrical components. The plugged-on relays and components are preferably connected to the interconnects welding. A two-sided access to parting locations in the pressed screen is made for tools on the basis of recesses in the carrier plate.

Abstract: A connection system requiring little or no force to mechanically and electrically connect a printed circuit board to a flexible printed circuit. The connection system includes a flat and rigid carrier having an upper surface upon which is affixed a flexible printed circuit having an electrically conductive raised area in the form of a plurality of raised dots. At the upper surface, the carrier has a groove formed therein, wherein the raised dots are located in the groove. An elastomeric insert is situated in the groove in abutting relation to the flexible printed circuit behind the raised dots. A rigid printed circuit board has an electrically conductive area in the form of a plurality of pads. The printed circuit board is inserted into the groove, whereupon the elastomer resiliently compresses so as to press the plurality of raised dots into tight electrical contact with the plurality of pads. In a first preferred embodiment the printed circuit board is inserted vertically with slight force.

Abstract: In a connection device with a number of spaced and through-connected electrical contacts, the contacts are through-connected by means of band-shaped flexible printed conductor foil, whereby at least partially electrically separable contacts are through-connected via a number of at least partially parallel printed conductors on the printed conductor foil and whereby printed conductor sections create direct plugged contacts tacts in the plug areas of modular plugging and/or socket means of the connection device.

Abstract: An electrical connector structure comprises a first electrical component including a first block accommodating at least one first electrical terminal, a second block accommodating at least one second electrical terminal, and a housing that receives the first and second blocks. The housing has an end wall including upper and lower walls including, respectively, first and second opening portions aligned with the first and second electrical terminals. The first and second blocks are movable within the housing between a retracted position in which contact pieces of the first and second electrical terminals are retracted and protected from damage within the housing and an extended position in which the contact pieces of the first and second terminals extend through the first and second opening portions of the housing for connection to an electrical component, e.g., an FPC and/or a bus bar, of a second electrical connector component.

Abstract: An interconnection mechanism (1) for electrically connecting circuit paths (2) on respective flexible printed circuits (3) has clamping jaws (4, 5) to clamp a stack (6) of overlapped flexible printed circuits (3) that are in fixed registration on said mechanism (1), the clamping jaws (4, 5) having directly opposed, raised surfaces (14, 15) forcing said circuit paths (2) between the surfaces (14, 15) to engage at multiple spaced locations.

Abstract: According to known methods, several circuit board pieces in a three-dimensional arrangement of an electronic module are connected together electrically by the film connectors and arranged around an operator control or actuator element in the three-dimensional form. The assembly of such modules is, however, very costly because the circuit boards must all be fastened mechanically. By using film connectors with greater stiffness, circuit board pieces can be held over these directly without additional mechanical securing devices and the three-dimensional circuit board arrangement can be secured by appropriate securing devices in the three-dimensional form. A preferred application is for electronic modules with operator control and/or actuator elements where the space available is very limited, in particular for modules fitted in motor vehicles.

Abstract: An electrical device is provided for facilitating the connection of the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary mating connecting device. A flat flexible circuit includes a flap integral therewith and bent out of the flat plane thereof. A relatively inflexible backing structure is fixed in a supporting position behind the flap for providing relatively rigid support for the flap when mated with the complementary mating connecting device.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a molded plastic connector body, a flexible printed circuit, a plurality of plastic cable trays, an elastomeric pad and a molded plastic cap. The flexible printed circuit includes a main section and two side sections that are attached to respective longitudinal sides of the main section by flexible webs. A plastic cable tray is attached at a rearward end of each section. Thin copper conductors are arrayed in the flexible printed circuit so that each copper conductor is attached to a raised feature pressure contact in a forward contact portion of the main section of the flexible printed circuit at one end and disposed in a cable channel of one of the plastic cable trays at the other end. Electric cable ends are secured in the cable channels and electrically connected to exposed contact pads of the copper conductors. A first side section is folded over the main section with its cable tray stacked on the top of the cable tray of the main section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an integrated circuit package is provided. The integrated circuit package is designed for coupling an integrated circuit to a printed circuit board. The integrated circuit package includes a base having a bottom and a side. A flex circuit having traces therein is coupled to the base. The traces in the flex circuit are designed to couple to the leads of the integrated circuit. The traces further are designed to couple to traces on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A small-sized camera head having a connection device for a flexible printed circuit board to which connection pins of a small-sized round type connector can be soldered easily, and a small-sized multi-pin round connector permits easily performing a soldering operation for the connection pins. The round type connector connects a flexible printed circuit board to the round type connector having an even number of connection pins arranged symmetrically on parallel boundary lines of a band-shaped boundary area of a preset width passing through a center axis of a main body of the connector for dividing a connection surface into two equal portions and to plural connection pins arranged on the circumference of the circle centered about the center axis.

Abstract: A connector for ribbon-to-wire conductors includes a clip for holding a ribbon conductor and a housing for retaining a series of wire conductors. To connect the system, a ribbon conductor containing exposed conductors on one surface of its free end is extended over the free end of an upper segment of the clip which is then inserted into the opening of the housing until a shoulder on the base of the clip engages the back wall of the housing locking the clip containing the ribbon conductor to the housing. In another embodiment of the electrical connecting system, a housing and a retainer snap together to sandwich exposed electrical contacts of two ribbon conductors and/or electrical surface contacts of a flexible or rigid circuit board. To connect the system, the ribbon conductors are placed over opposite ends of the circuit board to engage contacts thereon and the retainer is snapped to the housing.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for a battery having upper and lower terminals. The connector is in the form of a flexible circuit that is bent around one side of the battery, and includes an upper section overlying the upper terminal of the battery and a lower section below the lower terminal of the battery. The upper and lower sections of the flexible circuit have conductors thereon that engage the battery terminals. The conductors extend to a connecting section of the flexible circuit to make electrical contact with the conductors of an electronic component.

Abstract: An electrical connection includes a wiring harness and an electrical device. The electrical device has a molded plastic support and a flexible printed circuit. The molded plastic support has an end wall that includes mechanical locks and the flexible printed circuit has a connector portion that overlies the end wall. The wiring harness includes a second flexible printed circuit and a plastic end connector that backs a connector portion of the second flexible printed circuit. A clamp bracket is attached to the end wall of the molded plastic support by mechanical locks and clamps the plastic end connector and the connector portion of the second flexible printed circuit against the end wall with the connector portion of the second flexible printed circuit engaging the connector portion of the flexible printed circuit of the electrical device. The clamp bracket may be insert molded or an integral part of an automotive trim piece, such as inner door panel or instrument panel fascia.

Abstract: A computer in which a hard drive-carrier assembly is mounted in the computer enclosure and includes a housing defining a space, and a hard drive mounted in the space. The dimensions of the space are slightly less that the corresponding exterior dimensions of the hard drive to provide an interference fit between the hard drive and the housing. The housing is mounted in a cage formed by a plurality of articulated arms and a flexible connector is provided that connects the hard drive to the computer's motherboard.