Abstract: An improved electrical connection system for use in a communications card for interfacing a media connector of an unknown media with a computer is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the connection system facilitates the physical coupling of either an RJ-11 jack or an RJ-45 jack of the media connector into the same retractable jack of a PCMCIA card. Upon the physical coupling of the media connector, the connection system of the present invention evaluates the signal characteristics to determine which type from among a group of supported media types is coupled through the media connector. The connection system of the communications card conforms to the media standard and supports that standard through any communications transpiring therebetween. Typical media standards supported by the preferred embodiment of the present invention include PSTN, ISDN, Ethernet and wireless transceivers.

Abstract: An electrical plug assembly includes a secondary plug assembly which releasably mates with a rotatable default plug assembly. The default plug assembly is moveable between a storage position and a deployed position and includes a plurality of default prongs of a first physical configuration. A casing associated with the default plug assembly includes a recess for receiving the default plug assembly in the storage position. The distinct secondary plug assembly includes a main body and a plurality of secondary prongs of a second physical configuration extending from the front of the main body. The secondary plug assembly attaches to the default prongs to assume a mated position, such as by sliding the secondary plug assembly rearwardly over the default prongs. A suitable latch and catch arrangement is used to releasably secure the secondary plug assembly to the default plug assembly. Preferably, the only connection between the secondary plug assembly and the casing is via the default plug assembly.

Abstract: A connector is moveable between a coupled state and an uncoupled state with respect to a counter connector. Plural contact members of the connector individually contact respective, plural contacts of the counter connector when coupled together. A contact module of the connector has a pair of contacts individually contacting and short circuiting a corresponding pair of respective contacts of the counter connector, in a selected one of the coupled and uncoupled states thereof. The contact module may include a pair of output terminals corresponding to the pair of contacts and a switch, actuated between first and second states in accordance with the coupled and uncoupled states of the connector, a selected one of the coupled and uncoupled states producing short circuiting of the pair of output terminals.

Abstract: A base for mounting electrical components having terminals which are potted. The base uses a substantially smaller amount of potting material than conventional bases. Furthermore, the base provides a larger contact surface area for the deposited potting material, allowing the potting material to cure more quickly. In addition, trough space between the components on the upper surface of the base is increased substantially.

Abstract: A circuit board connection device and method for use in an assembly having a first portion and a second portion, wherein a first circuit board is contained within the first portion of the assembly and a second circuit board is contained within the second portion of the assembly. A flat cable is connected to the second circuit board. The flat cable is flexible, yet is rigid enough to support its own weight. Consequently, the flat cable extends upwardly from surface second circuit board and terminates at a free end. A flat cable connector is provided on the first circuit board. The flat cable connector is sized to receive the free end of the flat cable. An alignment collar is placed over the flat cable connector. The alignment collar receives the free end of the flat cable and guides the free end of the flat cable into the flat cable connector as the first portion of the assembly is assembled to the second portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A tape carrier package having many pins with a fine pitch can be simultaneously attained through a simplified positioning during the connection to external devices. Leads (4) and (5) are formed from an over coat area (3), which is formed at the central area of a base film (2), which is made of a resin, such as polymide, for example. Furthermore, outer leads (4a) at the input side and outer leads (5a) at the output side are respectively formed in a manner so that they extend towards both edge areas of the base film (2). A notched section 6 is formed between the outer leads (5a) at the output side of the base film (2), and through this, each of the regions (2a) and (2b) expands independently during a thermocompression bonding. The notched section 6 is provided almost at the central area of the base film (2) in the longitudinal direction, and outer leads (5) at the output side in the same number (256 for example) are formed at both of its sides in a pitch of approximately 70 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting a data access device to a main board for notebook computers without requiring a flexible printed circuit assembly and a connector module. The method involves interconnecting a simple circuit board between a connector interfacing the data access device and a connector interfacing the main board. The circuit board serves to convert the number of contacts of one of the two connectors to be in electrical and mechanical conformity with the number of pins of the other connector. The connector module employs the circuit board which is adapted to be directly interconnected between the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A board-to-board connector assembly for directly connecting a daughter board to a mother board includes a plug connector having an integrally formed dielectric housing with an outer wall, a bottom wall defining a first mating face and six ridges projecting from the first mating face. A number of first contacts are mounted to two sides of each of the ridges and extend through a bottom surface of the bottom wall for being directly soldered to the daughter board. A receptacle connector has an integrally formed dielectric housing with a second mating face, a bottom face opposite the second mating face and six grooves. A number of second contacts are mounted to the housing in side walls of the grooves and extend through the bottom surface for being directly soldered to the mother board.

Abstract: An electrical connector for configuring the supply voltage of rotary electric machines, particularly electric motors, having a plurality of electrical windings. The connector includes an electrical terminal block mountable in a bell housing of the rotary electric machine. The terminal block includes a socket having a plurality of female electrical connectors coupled to a corresponding plurality electrical windings. A male electrical connector having a plurality of jumper pins matably engageable with the female electrical connectors of the socket in a first and second configurations to electrically configure first and second winding portions of each electrical winding in parallel or in series. The connector also includes a visual electrical configuration indicator to indicate whether the male electrical connector and socket are in the first or second configurations.

Abstract: A front holder-incorporating connector includes terminal receiving chambers formed in a connector housing, terminals each having a contact portion, which is formed at a front end thereof, and projects in a connector fitting direction, elastic retaining piece portions respectively elastically retaining the terminals received respectively in the terminal receiving chambers, and a front holder attached to a fitting-side front end surface of the connector housing so as to prevent the flexing of the elastic retaining piece portions, thereby preventing the elastic retaining piece portions from being brought out of retaining engagement with the terminals. Support surfaces are formed on the front holder, and are abutted respectively against the contact portions in a direction perpendicular to the direction of projecting of the contact portions, thereby supporting the contact portions, respectively.

Abstract: A socket for establishing a releasable connection between terminals of electronic modules and a circuit board includes a base having a module support surface for supporting the module in test position. A contact holder cooperates with the base for supporting contact elements for each terminal of the module. Each of the contact modules include a projecting portion projecting from the socket and before engagement with the circuit board, a support section which is supported on the contact holder in grooves defined between ribs and oriented with respect thereto by tabs on the contact elements engaging gaps in the grooves, and a deflecting section which extends over slots in the contact holder. When a module to be tested, the module is placed on the test surface and a lid pivotally mounted on the socket is closed to thereby push the terminals into engagement with the contact elements and thereafter downward force being accommodated by deflection of the deflectable portion of the contact elements into the grooves.

Abstract: A pin grid array includes a base having a first surface and a second surface which is substantially parallel thereto. The base is formed with a plurality of apertures which open through the base, and a plurality of electrical connectors are mounted on the base. Specifically, the connectors are formed with a central portion, and each connector has two deflectable fingers which extend in opposite directions from this central portion. The central portion of the connector is embedded into the base to cantilever the fingers into juxtaposed apertures. When they are not deflected, one finger of the connector projects outwardly from its aperture and beyond the first surface of the base, while the other finger projects outwardly from its aperture and beyond the second surface of the base. In a plurality of apertures, one finger projects one way and another finger projects the other way.

Abstract: A header assembly (10) having an array of posts (12,14) extending through plastic bodies (16,18) with end portions extending beyond opposed header faces for connection with circuits of a pair of parallel, spaced circuit boards. Adapters (40) are securable at ends (32,34) of the assembly that self-secure to end posts (12) and include alignment posts (50) along one face (26), such that after the header assembly has been mounted onto a first circuit board, the alignment posts provide for blindmate alignment with a connector of the second circuit board (or directly with the second circuit board) for board-to-board interconnection.

Abstract: A low profile board to board connector system is disclosed. Retention areas in the respective mating connectors are utilized to receive portions of opposed mating contact terminals. Utilization of centralized retention structures allows optimum placement of areas to receive distal portions of mating contact terminals. These centralized retention structures also allow maximization of contact beam length in limited available space, so that favorable contact characteristics are achieved. Contact insertion/retention features are positioned at intermediate locations of the contact beams, for enhanced contact retention and improved beam performance. Terminal contacts may be retained in a passage by projections that engage openings formed in the retention portion of the contact terminal.

Abstract: A power supply housing with folding rotatable mounted blades adapted to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position. In a retracted position, the blades are adapted to be plugged into various receptacle adapters for use with receptacle configurations outside of North America. In an extended position, the rotatable blades are adapted to be plugged into a standard receptacle. A rotatable barrier is provided which prevents accidental contact with the blades when the blades are plugged into a standard receptacle, thereby enabling the power supply housing to meet industry standards.

Abstract: A high speed, high density surface mount connector which may be easily manufactured. The connector is formed by injection molding a ground plate into a portion of an insulative housing, leaving conducting beam portions and tail portions extending from opposite ends of the housing. A mating section of the housing is separately made. Signal contacts are sandwiched between the two pieces of the housing, which are then mated. The signal contacts are parallel to the ground plate but spaced apart from it, forming individual transmission lines. In use, the tail portions are soldered to a printed circuit board. The beam portions are bent to form contact springs. They make contact to a back plane when the connector is pressed against the back plane.

Abstract: A shearable fastener has a threaded shank (10) adapted for engagement with a threaded bore and a head (12) formed for engagement with a drive tool. The shank (10) is formed with a series of axially separated weakenings (14) defining a series of shear planes, the weakenings (14) being formed such that the applied torque necessary to cause the shank (10) to shear increases progressively from the shear plane (14) furthest from the head (12) to the shear plane (14) nearest the head (12).

Abstract: A new and improved Christmas light extension cord system for extending the configurational capabilities of Christmas lights. The system includes a first wire assembly with an electrical receptacle at one end and an electrical plug at the other end and with a plurality of wires for conveying electrical current therebetween. The system is also provided with a plurality of secondary wire assemblies, each having an input end electrically coupled to the primary wire assembly and an output end terminating in a female receptacle. A plurality of third wire assemblies, each having an input end with a male connector connected to a female receptacle of the second wire assembly and an output end terminating in a light with the length of each third wire assembly being several times longer than the male connector.

Abstract: An insert subassembly for an electrical connector includes a lower terminal insert and an upper terminal insert. The lower terminal insert includes a lower insulative member which carries a plurality of terminals which have exposed portions at a rear of the lower insulative member. The exposed portions extend downwardly to provide leads for the connector. The upper terminal insert includes an upper insulative member having support surfaces which confront the exposed portions of the terminals of the lower terminal insert to provide support for the exposed portions when the leads are engaged with a circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical cable coupling assembly includes six equally angularly spaced axially extending tubular insulators which have a central internal annular ridge against which a thimble and a socket are collectively secured by the operation of a bolt. A phase barrier, which is a structural member, is engaged at opposed ends by respective plates. The plates are forced toward each other and into clamping engagement with insulators by the action of bolts which are threadedly engaged within complementary bores in the phase barrier.