Abstract: An array and method of forming an array of solder-holding clips is provided, suitable for fabrication by automatic progressive stamping techniques, and for ganged application to a corresponding array of terminal pins of an electrical device, for soldering such pins directly to the conductive pads or internally plated holes of a substrate, or to provide a lead connecting such pins to a substrate.

Abstract: An array and method of forming an array of solder-holding clips is provided, suitable for fabrication by automatic progressive stamping techniques, and for ganged application to a corresponding array of terminal pins of an electrical device, for soldering such pins directly to the conductive pads or internally plated holes of a substrate, or to provide a lead connecting such pins to a substrate.

Abstract: An electrical lead includes a substrate-receiving section which has a collapsible rear plate and a plurality of outwardly projecting prongs or arms. The prongs are spaced apart to define a gap having an opening slightly larger than the width of the substrate to be engaged. A substrate is inserted into the gap between the prongs so that the prongs are spaced on either side of the substrate. The rear plate of the lead is then compressed so that the prongs engage and tightly grip the substrate from opposite sides. Alternatively, the prongs may pivot upon the application of force to engage the substrate.

Abstract: An array and method of forming an array of solder-holding clips is provided, suitable for fabrication by automatic progressive stamping techniques, and for ganged application to a corresponding array of terminal pins of an electrical device, for soldering such pins directly to the conductive pads or internally plated holes of a substrate, or to provide a lead connecting such pins to a substrate.

Abstract: A circuit board connector (10), such as for a flex circuit (20), which provides a solid and reliable contact termination between a flex circuit (20) and a connector. The flex circuit connector (10) includes multiple contact points (24, 26) for contacting each lead or trace on the flex circuit (20). The multiple contact points (24, 26) are provided along a common member (28) which also includes a strain relief mechanism (30) in between the multiple contact points (24, 26). The strain relief mechanism (30) may be provided in the form of a V-shaped bend in the material of the common member (28) connecting the multiple contact points (24, 26) together. The contact points (24, 26) used to join the flex circuit (20) and the connector (10) may be achieved using any combination of staple-like contact points or solder contact points. The addition of the strain relief mechanism (30) in between the contact points (24, 26) greatly enhances the termination between the flex circuit (20) and the connector (10).

Abstract: A zero-insertion force connector having a frame which includes a selectively deformable base. Contacts are supported by the base and are selectively displaced from an insertion path when the base is deformed, allowing insert elements, such as wire from flat cable, or a printed circuit board, to be inserted between the contacts without substantial resistance. Releasing the force which is deforming the base allows the base to return to its rest shape under a natural resiliency of the material used to make the base, which causes the contacts to move against the inserted element and establish electrical communication.

Abstract: An array and method of forming an array of solder-holding clips is provided, suitable for fabrication by automatic progressive stamping techniques, and for ganged application to a corresponding array of terminal pins of an electrical device, for soldering such pins directly to the conductive pads or internally plated holes of a substrate, or to provide a lead connecting such pins to a substrate.

Abstract: A solder-bearing metallic lead, and methods of fabricating and using it, where the lead is formed with a solder-retaining portion having a cross-sectional profile with undercuts, which may be in a V-shape or flat, where solder surrounds said solder-retaining portion and undercuts, and extends outwardly from the lead while leaving a portion of the lead uncovered by solder to permit the lead metal to form direct contact with a substrate or other conductive pad.

Abstract: A connector for substrates such as smart cards has a housing containing two parallel rows of spring contacts, each of which is held in a respective channel of the housing. Integral with each of the spring contacts and extending outside of one end of the housing is a terminal lead for connection to a substrate. The lead has a solder mass adjacent its end. The two parallel rows of solder-bearing leads will straddle and resiliently hold a substrate between them to improve accuracy in soldering during solder re-flow. The other end of the housing is provided with entry apertures for pins of a multi-pin connector, so that each pin will enter a respective housing channel to contact the spring contact therein. The entry apertures may accommodate a substrate with contact pads.

Abstract: A solder-bearing lead, and methods of fabricating and using it, where the lead is formed with a solder-retaining portion having a cross-sectional profile with undercuts and a tip, preferably in a V-shape, where solder surrounds said solder-retaining portion and undercuts, and extends outwardly substantially no farther than said tip.

Abstract: A method of making an array of electrical components having pre-attached leads ready for automated surface-mounting on a substrate. The method involves aligning an array of leads with electrical components and attaching each lead to a conductive terminal on a respective component. A series or coil of leads joined integrally together and carried by a carrier strip is thus provided with a series of electrical components pre-attached thereto. The electrical components along with their leads may thus be quickly and easily surface-connected to the conductive pads on a substrate in a simple, automated manner.

Abstract: A clip lead is provided for soldering to and supporting a first substrate vertically on a second substrate which may be horizontal. The terminal end of the clip is configured to form a stable support for the substrate during soldering in a vertical position to the second substrate by being bent at right angles to and extending under the first substrate.

Abstract: A solder-bearing lead adapted to be soldered to a conductive surface comprises an elongated body portion having a solder-bearing portion, a terminal portion, and a middle portion disposed between said solder-bearing portion and said terminal portion. The solder-bearing portion carries a solder mass either on a pair of projections extending from one edge of said body portion and forming a gap therebetween dimensioned to receive a solder mass, or on one or both of the opposed faces of said solder-bearing portion. A region of the middle portion is twisted or the projections are bent so that the solder-bearing portion lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the terminal portion. The solder-bearing lead can be used as an edge clip for mounting a substrate such as a printed circuit board, or as a surface-mounted lead for a substrate.

Abstract: A solder-bearing lead adapted to be soldered to a conductive surface comprising an elongated body portion having a solder- bearing portion, a terminal portion, and a middle portion disposed between said solder-bearing portion and said terminal portion. The solder-bearing portion carries a solder mass either on a pair of projections extending from one edge of said body portion and forming a gap therebetween dimensioned to receive a solder mass, or on the opposed faces of said solderbearing portion. A region of the middle portion is twisted so that the solder-bearing portion lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the terminal portion. The solder-bearing lead can be used as an edge clip for mounting a substrate such as a printed circuit board, or as a surfacemounted lead for a substrate.

Abstract: A solderable lead structure adapted for joining or soldering to a substrate carrying electrical components, comprising a double comb-like configuration made of conductive material, having two rows of contact strips or leads that are connected to opposite edges of a common carrier strip. At the free or distal ends of the leads, individual clips are formed for resiliently engaging both sides of a substrate. The leads extend from the carrier strip from opposite edges and are then folded to result in a linear, intermeshed arrangement.

Abstract: A lead arrangement is provided having a number of leads to be mechanically and electrically connected to a substrate. Retaining means are also provided integral with the lead arrangement to hold the substrate against the leads, as during soldering. The retaining means may be disengaged from the substrate separately or simultaneously with the trimming of the leads from the lead arrangement after connecting to the substrate.

Abstract: A solder-bearing lead having a C-clip to resiliently grip the upper and lower surfaces of a substrate. One of the two arms forming the "C" is solder-bearing for mechanical and electrical connection to a conductive area on the substrate. In one embodiment, a polymer plug may be provided on the second arm, the plug having a narrowed neck region for improved retention by the second arm. In another embodiment, the second arm is coated with a non-conductive material, eliminating the need for mechanically retaining a plug or other insulator between the second arm and substrate. The coating on the lead is provided preferably by applying a liquid polymer to the second arm of the lead and hardening the polymer to form a durable, insulating coating.

Abstract: A lead frame is provided having a number of leads to be mechanically and electrically connected to a substrate. Retaining members are also provided with the frame to hold the substrate against the leads. The retaining member is preferably disengaged from the substrate simultaneously with the trimming of the leads from the frame after connecting to the substrate.

Abstract: A solder-bearing lead for attachment to the surface of a substrate, wherein a discrete mass of solder is mechanically held firmly by the lead in a position permitting close proximity to the substrate surface to connect the lead to the substrate with an electrical and mechanical bond upon melting of the solder, the lead body having a pair of fingers partially encircling the solder mass with a gap between the fingers providing an unobstructed flow for the melted solder to the substrate. The lead may also be used to interconnect a first substrate to a second substrate, forming a bond between conductive areas on both substrates.The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 416,505, filed Oct. 3, 1989, U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,954 which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 129,715, now U.S. Pat,. No. 4,883,435, and is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,305, U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,889, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,278. The disclosure of the parent application, Ser. No.

Abstract: A solderable lead is fashioned with a C-shaped contact portion along its length. The interior of the C-portion is dimensioned to receive and resiliently contact a substrate at a predetermined contact pad. A layer of solder is provided on the exterior of the C-shaped contact portion and extends around its edge. During heating, the solder migrates to the interior of the C-portion by capillary action to the area between the contact pad of the substrate and the interior of the C-portion. While the solder is liquid, the C-portion maintains engagement with the substrate.