Patents Assigned to Berg Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6254400
    Abstract: Providing a connector structure is obtained whose structure is simple, and whose release operation for the connector is easy even when the packing density of the connector cover with respect to the substrate is high. The connector structure according to the present invention is characterized in providing a connector cover 2 installed in a substrate 1, and a connector 3 mounted freely detachably on the connector cover 2, and in particular, the connector 3 is stopped from coming out of the connector cover 3 by the engagement of the latch means 21 and the connector 3 installed on the connector cover 2. At the same time, by moving the rod provided on the connector 3 in the direction of the mounting of the connector 3 of the connector cover 2, the latch means 33 engages the connector, and by moving the rod 33 in the direction of the release of the connector 3 from the connector cover 2, the engagement of the latch 21 and the connector 3 is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihiro Yodogawa
  • Patent number: 6253451
    Abstract: An electrical connector which includes an insulative body which has a leg portion and a top portion which extends generally perpendicularly from the leg second portion. A conductive contact which includes a retention section and a resilient section is also included in the electrical connector. The contact is fixed to the top section and the resilient section extends along the leg section. The connector may be interposed between a electrical device and a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. E. M. Semmeling, Andrew G. Meller
  • Patent number: 6249960
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for use in disengaging elements of an electrical connector comprising an elongated axial handle having a griping end and a forward distal end; first and second opposed arms extending laterally from the elongated axial handle adjacent said forward distal end; and laterally spaced first and second fingers ending forward respectively from said first and second opposed arms to be engageable with the electrical connector. A combination of this tool and an electrical connector and a method of using this tool are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Faesel
  • Patent number: 6250968
    Abstract: An electrical connector system with an electrical connector having signal contacts exhibiting unwanted cross-talk; and a circuit substrate engaging the connector. The substrate has a plurality of layers and at least first, second and third traces, each corresponding to a respective signal contact. The first trace includes: a first portion on at least one of the layers and adjacent a portion of the second trace in order to produce a first compensating cross-talk; a second portion on at least another of the plurality of layers and adjacent a portion of the third trace in order to produce a second compensating cross-talk. The substrate could also comprise a board having a first layer, a second layer, a plurality of inner layers between said first and second layers, and a ground plane on at least a lower surface of said board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford L. Winings
  • Patent number: 6250942
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a housing, an electrical contact in the housing, and a shield connected to the housing. The shield comprises a latching section with a latch, a deflection control section, and a first torsionally deflectable beam extending laterally from the latching section at a location between the latch and the deflection control section. The beam connects the latching section to the rest of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Lemke, Timothy W. Houtz
  • Patent number: 6247635
    Abstract: A connector for use with a circuit substrate having a plurality of elongated conductors. A solder ball is fused to the end of the conductors for connection of the connector to a circuit substrate. Method for attaching the solder ball to the end of the conductors using a solder paste with or without a preformed solder ball. The conductors are fitted into passages of an interface member. A tail end of each conductor terminates in a well in a surface of the interface member that facilitates the attachment of solder ball to the end of the conductors. The passages in the interface member hold the conductor tail ends in place while providing a clearance around the conductor to accommodate the effects of thermal expansion and contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley W. Olson
  • Patent number: 6241535
    Abstract: An electrical connector having a connector body with a passage extending from an interface portion toward a mounting portion; a conductive terminal having a base section secured in the passage and a tab adjacent the mounting interface; and an opening through the terminal at a location within the body to provide a thermal break for retarding the flow of liquid solder along said terminal. A method of making an electrical connector, comprising the steps of: inserting a contact in a passage of a connector body to a generally fixed position, a void existing between the contact and a wall defining the passage and adjacent a mounting interface; and reflowing a fusible element to attach to the contact and to fill the void. A method of retaining a contact within a body of an electrical connector, comprising the steps of: inserting a contact into an aperture in a connector body; limiting entry of the contact into the aperture; and reflowing a fusible element to attach to the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Lemke, Timothy W. Houtz
  • Patent number: 6241536
    Abstract: An electrical connector illustrated as a plug and receptacle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connector includes a base member having a plurality of bores. A first plurality of contact elements is positioned in certain of the bores. The tail portion of each contact element extends a distance beyond the base member. A second plurality of contact elements is positioned in others of the bores. Insertion of the tail portion of the second plurality of contact elements into a circuit board is sufficient to hold the tail portions of the first plurality of contact elements against the circuit board. It is preferred for the tail portions of the second plurality of contacts to be capable of axial movement when a compression force is applied. In another embodiment, the connector includes a frame and a layer of contact elements, wherein each of the contact elements includes a forward end and a tail portion. The ends of the tail portions are positioned proximate the bottom surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph B. Shuey
  • Patent number: 6240629
    Abstract: A connecting tool for guiding a flexfoil into a connector element. The tool includes a guiding part that directs the flexfoil into the opening in the connector element. The tool also includes a crimping part that urges the clamps of the connector element against the flexfoil. The guiding part and the crimping part of the tool are movable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubertus B. Libregts
  • Patent number: 6238247
    Abstract: An electrical connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of first contacts extending through the housing for electrically contacting conductors in a mating connector, and a cover releasably secured to the housing and contacting at least one of the plurality of first contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Belopolsky, James A. Somerville
  • Patent number: 6234832
    Abstract: Disclosed is a double row modular gang jack for board edge application. A plurality of vertical walls are interposed between first and second longitudinal horizontal walls, and another plurality of vertical walls are interposed between the second and third horizontal longitudinal wall. Parallel rows of plug receiving recesses are consequently formed between the first and second and the second and third longitudinal horizontal walls. One of the longitudinal walls extends transversely beyond the edges of the other two to enable the plugs inserted in one row of the plug receiving recesses to be superimposed over the plugs inserted in the other row of plug receiving recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Belopolsky, David J. Dutkowsky
  • Patent number: 6234844
    Abstract: Card reading apparatus capable of accepting different sized disconnectible electronic cards, including memory storage cards such as larger smart cards and smaller S.I.M. (signature identification module) cards, includes a reader housing assembly which encloses a connection chamber. A conventional connector in the connection chamber has a plurality of resilient contacts projecting toward a course to be taken by a memory storage card as it is inserted through an entry slot into the housing assembly. Each memory storage card is rectangular and includes a similarly sized and positioned plurality of contact pads thereon for mechanical and electrical engagement, respectively, with the plurality of resilient contacts on the connector in the connection chamber when inserted into the connection chamber through the entry slot and advanced to a seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Somerville, Paul G. Rutledge, Kevin P. Kady
  • Patent number: 6231403
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electrical connector on a PCI bracket comprising a base containing a plurality of apertures and at least one spring loaded eject pin, a contact support plate having a plurality of slots used to position contact tails on the connectors, a vertical clamp used to hold the connectors in place and a spring loaded plunger positioned in the base such that the PCI bracket is accurately positioned with respect to the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Casey, George I. Peters, Jr., Jose L. Ortega
  • Patent number: 6231392
    Abstract: A cable connector having improved strain relief and cable retention qualities disclosed. A separate strain relief member includes a ferrule or anvil. This member is placed on a cable. The connector is then assembled and the shields are then attached to the connector parts, including the strain relief member. Latches are provided on a connector that mates with the cable connector. The latches engage the strain relief directly. In one embodiment, the latches engage lugs formed on the strain relief member. In another embodiment, the latches have a plurality of protrusions that engage openings in a facing side wall of the cable connector to aid in maintaining the connectors in mated condition, under forces imparted by the cable. The latches can be removed by inserting latch parts or tools into removal openings in side walls or at the top of the connector on which the latch is mounted. Alternatively, latches are mounted to the cable connector to engage latching elements on the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Maria Blasius van Woensel
  • Patent number: 6230392
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mounting an electrical connector on a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board is initially positioned on locating projections on a tooling plate. Eyelets are positioned in hold down apertures in the connector. The hold down apertures initially engage the locating projections to align the connector pins with pin receiving apertures on the printed wiring board. Engagement continues until the pins are positioned in the apertures and the lower end of the eyelet is deformed to engage the innerside of the down aperture and the lower side of the printed wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Clark, David C. Horchier, Stuart C. Stoner, Glenn J. Pontius, William K. Nailor, III
  • Patent number: 6227882
    Abstract: An interconnection system having a first connector with a plurality of contacts; and a second connector with a plurality of contacts. The contacts of the first connector engage the contacts on the second connector, creating unbalanced resultant forces an the contacts of the second connector. The unbalanced resultant forces caused by a set of the contacts of the second connector generally offset the unbalanced forces caused by another set of contacts on the second connector. Thus, the contacts balance the forces created during mating, providing a generally balanced interconnection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose L. Ortega, John R. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6224432
    Abstract: An electrical contact usable in an electrical connector and comprising a first contact arm having a first contact area; and a second contact arm having a second contact area. The first and second contact arms form a male contact receiving area therebetween. The first and second contact arms are generally orthogonal to each other with a relatively narrow side edge of the second contact arm forming the second contact area and facing a relatively wide side face of the first contact arm which forms the first contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy B. Billman
  • Patent number: 6224404
    Abstract: An extraction device for removing an electrical component from a socket, comprising: an insulative housing; an electrical component receiving surface for receiving the electrical component thereon; and a socket contacting surface for engaging the socket. Movement of the apparatus generally along the socket also moves the apparatus in a direction generally away from the socket to extract the electrical component from the socket. A method of extracting an electrical component from a socket connector assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a socket connector assembly having a socket; and an extraction device engageable with the socket; providing an electrical component on the socket connector assembly; and moving the extraction device relative to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Sauer
  • Patent number: 6224417
    Abstract: An assembly which includes a jack having an insulative housing with first and second longitudinal walls positioned such that said second longitudinal wall is positioned over said first longitudinal wall in spaced parallel relation. At least one lateral wall is interposed between said first and second longitudinal wall. The jack is positioned such that the PCB is interposed between said first and second longitudinal wall. The first planar surface of the PCB faces the first longitudinal wall to form a first section of the jack, and the second planar surface of the PCB faces the second longitudinal wall to form a second section of the jack. Conductive terminals extend from the jack in said second section. An LED is located in the first section of the jack so that it does not interfere with signals passing through the conductive terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Belopolsky, Lee W. Potteiger
  • Patent number: 6220896
    Abstract: A header for interconnecting electrical components comprises at least one column of conductors interposed between ground planes, wherein the column of conductors comprises at least a first, second and third conductor. The first conductor is a ground line, the second and third conductors are signal lines, and the first conductor is electrically connected to one of the ground planes, wherein the second conductor is positioned in the column in interposed relation between said first and third conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Bertoncini, Stuart C. Stoner, Ray C. Doutrich