Abstract: The electrical connector can be used to establish mechanical and electrical connection between a flexible component, such as, a flexible circuit or a flexible cable, and a printed circuit board. The connector generally comprises an upper housing, a contact housing, contacts, expandable leg members and post elements. The expandable legs are disposed on the upper housing. The contacts are disposed in openings in the contact housing. In order to use the connector, the flexible component is placed between the contact housing and the upper housing. Alignment posts ensure that the contacts and the conductors on the flexible component are precisely aligned. The connector is mounted to the circuit board by inserting the expandable legs in mounting holes in the circuit board. Once inserted, the expandable legs can be radially expanded by driving the post elements into the expandable legs. The circuit board also include alignment holes which ensure the proper orientation of the contacts to circuit board.

Abstract: The electrical connector can be used to establish mechanical and electrical connection between a flexible component, such as, a flexible circuit or a flexible cable, and a printed circuit board. The connector generally comprises an upper housing, a contact housing, contacts, expandable leg members and post elements. The expandable legs are disposed on the upper housing. The contacts are disposed in openings in the contact housing. In order to use the connector, the flexible component is placed between the contact housing and the upper housing. Alignment posts ensure that the contacts and the conductors on the flexible component are precisely aligned. The connector is mounted to the circuit board by inserting the expandable legs in mounting holes in the circuit board. Once inserted, the expandable legs can be radially expanded by driving the post elements into the expandable legs. The circuit board also include alignment holes which ensure the proper orientation of the contacts to circuit board.

Abstract: A socket assembly for mechanically and electrically coupling an integrated component with an interfacing carrier comprises a socket body for receiving the integrated component, a retaining spring hingedly connected to the socket body for retaining the integrated component within the socket body, and at least one post element. The socket body includes at least one generally cylindrical receiving member having at least a portion protruding through an aperture in the interfacing carrier which is deformable to engage the socket body with the carrier when the post element is received within the receiving element. The socket body also includes a first mounting surface having plurality of holes for receiving wadded button contacts and a heat transfer element in contacting relation with the mounting side of the integrated component.

Abstract: A socket assembly for mechanically and electrically coupling an integrated component with an interfacing carrier includes a socket body for receiving the integrated component, a retaining spring hingedly connected to the socket body for retaining the integrated component within the socket body, and at least one post element. The socket body includes at least one generally cylindrical receiving member having at least a portion protruding through an aperture in the interfacing carrier which is deformable to engage the socket body with the carrier when the post element is received within the receiving element. The socket body also includes a first mounting surface having plurality of holes for receiving wadded button contacts and a heat transfer element in contacting relation with the mounting side of the integrated component.

Abstract: A thermal transfer plate for removing heat to a heat sink or cooling fins positioned between an electrical component and a mounting surface. The plate comprises a heat conductive material which is in thermal communication with the electrical component and extends beyond the electrical component to establish thermal communication with a heat sink or cooling fins. In one specific embodiment, the thermal transfer plate has a base portion with upright side walls which form a socket to receive the electrical component. Horizontal cooling fins are located at the top of the sidewalls. The cooling fins can be of any shape which will perform the cooling or heat sink function and can be made with openings which permit air to circulate through the cooling fins. Moreover, due to its efficient heat transfer capabilities, the thermal transfer plate could be thermally connected to a separate heat sink device.

Abstract: A novel wadded wire-plunger contact is provided which possesses excellent durability and desired functional characteristics in a large variety of applications such as the testing of IC chips.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for facilitating insertion and maximizing resiliency, reliability and conductivity of button contacts in button board type circuit interconnectors.