Patents Assigned to Advanced Circuit Technology
  • Patent number: 4824379
    Abstract: In a flexible circuit connector assembly, a first circuit has exposed contacts which are positioned in register with the termination pads of another circuit by means of a connector which mechanically clamps the two circuits together. The connector includes a frame having an undersurface to which the first circuit is affixed. Locating posts project from that surface and are received in locating apertures in the second circuit to properly position the connector and the attached circuit relative to the second circuit. A generally C-shaped spring member engages around the frame with its arms extending beyond the locating posts and with its bridging segment extending more or less perallel to the frame reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. Roberts, Thomas H. Stearns
  • Patent number: 4753000
    Abstract: A switch module includes a base and an array of one or more switches spaced adjacent to one another on the base. Each switch includes a fixed contact as well as a moving contact and supporting arm therefor. All of the switches in the array are formed from a single planar conductive blank composed of a closed frame and first and second sets of opposed elongated cantilevered panels extending from opposite sides of the frame, one set of panels forming the stationary contacts and the other set of panels forming the moving contacts and supporting arms therefor. The blank is deformed to move all of the corresponding stationary and moving contacts into overlapping relation and to give bias to all of the contact arms so that they urge the associated moving contacts into or out of engagement with the corresponding fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Thomas H. Stearns
  • Patent number: 4446342
    Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend cantilevered from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to beyond the geometric center of the said associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4402131
    Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies and methods for manufacturing same. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to pass one another over or within their associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4295184
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apertured circuit board having self-locking terminals which partially cover at least some of the apertures. The terminals, which are integral extensions of the circuit pathways, each include a pair of inwardly disposed generally L-shaped fingers. The terminals are adhesively anchored to the circuit board at the terminal peripheries and are covered in part by a dielectric overlay. The latter also provides environmental protection and electrical insulation to the circuit conductive pathways. The circuit board and integral sockets may be formed by photoimaging and chemical milling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4223435
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apertured circuit board having self-locking terminals which partially cover at least some of the apertures. The terminals, which are integral extensions of the circuit pathways, each include a pair of inwardly disposed generally L-shaped fingers. The terminals are adhesively anchored to the circuit board at the terminal peripheries and are covered in part by a dielectric overlay. The latter also provides environmental protection and electrical insulation to the circuit conductive pathways. The circuit board and integral sockets may be formed by photoimaging and chemical milling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4187388
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apertured circuit board having self-locking terminals which partially cover at least some of the apertures. The terminals, which are integral extensions of the circuit pathways, are adhesively anchored to the circuit board at the terminal peripheries and are covered in part by a dielectric overlay. The latter also provides environmental protection and electrical insulation to the circuit conductive pathways. A particular feature and advantage of the invention resides in the provision of an integral tie-down shoulder on each terminal for capturing by the dielectric overlay. The circuit board and integral sockets may be formed by photoimaging and chemical resist techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4107836
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apertured circuit board having self-locking terminals which partially cover at least some of the apertures. The terminals, which are integral extensions of the circuit pathways, are adhesively anchored to the circuit board at the terminal peripheries and are covered in part by a dielectric overlay. The latter also provides environmental protection and electrical insulation to the circuit conductive pathways. A particular feature and advantage of the invention resides in the provision of an integral tie-down shoulder on each terminal for capturing by the dielectric overlay. The circuit board and integral sockets may be formed by photoimaging and chemical resist techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Advanced Circuit Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. Roberts