Abstract: A flexible metallic bolt assembly including a flexible threaded rod formed of a helical tension coil spring is engaged by a rotationally fixed threaded hole, such as a nut, that defines a first longitudinal axis of the assembly. A guide positionally fixed relative to the threaded nut also engages the threaded rod. The guide defines a second longitudinal axis different from the first longitudinal axis. A rotary drive interface is provided, preferably at one end of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A uniform pressure pad formed of a resilient material having a plurality of uniform pressure areas formed between a row and column array of cavities formed in the pad thickness. The cavities surrounding the pressure areas allow the resilient pad material to flow evenly thereby providing uniformity in the pressure applied to each pressure area.

Abstract: A flexible fastener having a body formed from tightly coiled wire, with a head affixed to one end of the body, the other end being attached to a first structure, which may be a component of a computer system. The fastener functions by maintaining the position of a first structure adjacent to a second structure, which is provided with a slotted flange. The head end of the fastener is lifted and allowed to fall back such that it drops into the slot in the flange, with the head on the side opposite from the first structure, thus maintaining the correct alignment. The fastener may be threaded into a threaded aperture in the first structure, as a means of effecting the attachment to the first structure. The length of the fastener may be adjusted for optimum alignment by threading the fastener to a desired depth in the aperture. A locknut is provided, to lock the fastener to maintain a desired length.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a flexible circuit substrate extending between a pair of mechanical connectors to electrically couple circuits, and a supporting member between the mechanical connectors to reduce twisting of the flexible circuit substrate. The supporting member cambered to permit the mechanical connectors to translate with respect to one another. A clamping member includes a tapered clamping surface in an undeformed, unclamped position. The clamping member bends when in a clamped position, resulting in approximately planar clamping surface. Resilient pressure pads on the clamping members bias the flexible circuit substrate to the circuit board. The pressure pads are mounted in wells in the clamping members to support a side wall of the pressure pads. Frames provide additional support to the side walls of the pressure pads. The pressure pads include a raised edge along a periphery of a contact surface of the pressure pad.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a electrical connector extending between a pair of mechanical connectors to electrically couple circuits, and a supporting member between the mechanical connectors to reduce twisting of the electrical connector. The supporting member cambered to permit the mechanical connectors to translate with respect to one another. A clamping member includes a tapered clamping surface in an undeformed, unclamped position. The clamping member bends when in a clamped position, resulting in approximately planar clamping surface. Resilient pressure pads on the clamping members bias the electrical connector to the circuit board. The pressure pads are mounted in wells in the clamping members to support a sidewall of the pressure pads. Frames provide additional support to the sidewalls of the pressure pads. The pressure pads include a raised edge along a periphery of a contact surface of the pressure pad.

Abstract: A flexible metallic bolt assembly including a flexible threaded rod formed of a helical tension coil spring is engaged by a rotationally fixed threaded hole, such as a nut, that defines a first longitudinal axis of the assembly. A guide positionally fixed relative to the threaded nut also engages the threaded rod. The guide defines a second longitudinal axis different from the first longitudinal axis. A rotary drive interface is provided, preferably at one end of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A connector installation device wherein a connector has a stationary connector element and another connector element that is movable along an engagement axis with the stationary connector element and mates therewith. The movable connector element is formed with an insertion drive surface oriented relatively to the engagement axis. An insertion cam is movable perpendicular to the engagement axis of the mating connector elements. An insertion drive mechanism is interconnected with the insertion cam and is movable along an installation axis substantially perpendicularly to the engagement axis. A drive force applied to the insertion drive mechanism translates the insertion cam along the installation axis into contact with an insertion drive surface of the insertion cam. Pressure against the insertion drive surface translates the movable connector element along the engagement axis toward the stationary connector element.

Abstract: A reliable power supply connection to a printed circuit board. A canted coil spring in a channel is coupled to a printed circuit board. The individual chips, electrical components and other circuits on the printed circuit board have their respective power supply terminals connected to the canted coil spring channel member. The printed circuit board can be easily slid into, and removed from a frame assembly with a high degree of reliability in making the electrical connection having a low impedance each time the circuit board is placed into the frame of the computer. Furthermore, as the board is slid into the computer, the coil spring rubs against the electrical surface to which it is going to make contact, abrading the surface and removing any debris, or buildup which may have occurred both on the power supply pad and on the spring itself. A fresh, clean metal connection is therefore made each time the printed circuit board is placed into, or removed from the computer frame.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a flexible circuit substrate extending between a pair of mechanical connectors to electrically couple circuits, and a supporting member between the mechanical connectors to reduce twisting of the flexible circuit substrate. The supporting member cambered to permit the mechanical connectors to translate with respect to one another. A clamping member includes a tapered clamping surface in an undeformed, unclamped position. The clamping member bends when in a clamped position, resulting in approximately planar clamping surface. Resilient pressure pads on the clamping members bias the flexible circuit substrate to the circuit board. The pressure pads are mounted in wells in the clamping members to support a side wall of the pressure pads. Frames provide additional support to the side walls of the pressure pads. The pressure pads include a raised edge along a periphery of a contact surface of the pressure pad.

Abstract: An electrical cabinet configured to accept a number of individual circuit boards and provide a mechanism for remotely interconnecting movable connectors on each circuit board with stationary connectors mounted within the electrical cabinet. The circuit boards are grouped into a number of circuit board assemblies. Each circuit board assembly includes a frame configured to cooperate with a slot in the cabinet to align the movable connector elements on the circuit boards with the stationary connector elements in the cabinet. The circuit boards each include a first mechanism acting from a remote location to gently urge the counterpart connector elements together, and a second mechanism also acting from a remote location to gently disengage the mated connector elements.

Abstract: A canted coiled spring is used as a highly conductive, high current electrode between a printed circuit board and a conductive strip connected to a selected voltage. A conductive channel member has fixed therein a coil spring made of a highly conductive, metallic material. The canted coiled spring is fixed at each end so that it may be easily slid along an adjacent electrode of the power strip. The channel member holding the canted coiled spring is coupled to a printed circuit board with a clamped, highly conductive contact surface. The use of the coil spring in a channel member connected to a printed circuit board permits the printed circuit board to be easily slid into, and out of electrical contact with power carrying electrodes.

Abstract: A casing assembly is provided for clamping to circuit boards of various thicknesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling electrical connectors to a printed circuit board. The first and second clamp member are held in an open position with electrical connectors therebetween. While in the open position, the clamp is positioned over a printed circuit board, with the first and second clamp members aligned for connection to the circuit board. The clamp is then partially closed, to a preloaded position which aligns the electrodes in the clamping assembly with the electrodes on the circuit board. After the initial alignment has occurred, the clamp is firmly fastened to the printed circuit board, to electrically couple the electrodes of the connectors and the clamp to the electrodes on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a flexible conductor extending between a pair of mechanical connectors to electrically couple circuits. A supporting member is positioned between the mechanical connectors to reduce twisting of the flexible circuit substrate. The supporting member is cambered to permit the mechanical connectors to translate with respect to one another.