Abstract: A novel press-fit electrically-conductive contact member, as, for example, an electrically-conductive metal pin, characterized by a conforming section which has an elastically-deformable region which acts as a spring and which is adapted to engage a substrate hole in a press-fitting relationship. The conforming section comprises opposed beam members configured to accommodate a considerably larger hole tolerance yet still provide sufficient retention force to stabilize the pin during a soldering process that such substrates may typically undergo. The beam cross-sections are configured to allow them to occupy a side-by-side position. Contact members with the conforming section can be manufactured by a wire-forming process in which end-to-end connected pins are formed as a continuous strip needing no excess material for carrying the pins, nor are any air gaps formed between the pins, and thus the finished continuous strip of pins can be wound up on a reel.

Abstract: A continuous electrical connector or component part of plastic or metal manufactured by injection molding of axial discrete segments. A novel in-line chaining structure is provided for interlocking adjacent discrete segments. The interlocking structure comprises complementary reduced-size fitted end units pinned together by a matching component, or a multi-component splicing device which engages one or more holes in adjacent segment units. The resultant strip can be wound up on a reel.

Abstract: A low profile, push-pull, jumper switch that relies on movement of an electrically-insulating switch housing to make and break the connection between two contact members mounted on the surface of a PCB or other substrate. The only metal used are the two contact members and a fixed wire in the housing. The wire is forced into contact with the contact members to electrically interconnect them by movement of the housing when placed in its closed-switch position. In a preferred embodiment, the two contact members are identical and are each constituted of a one-piece U-shaped metal member, with the U-bight depending from the housing and configured to be solderable to the PCB pads or through-holes and thus being fixed. The contact members are configured to latch the housing in its open-switch position or closed-switch position. The switch lends itself to SMT applications.

Abstract: A continuous electrical connector or related part manufactured by injection molding axial segments in sequence. A novel in-line interlocking structure is provided for interlocking adjacent segments. The interlocking structure comprises end units nested together. Electrical or mechanical parts are simultaneously incorporated in the units of each segment during the molding process.

Abstract: Surface mountable socket connector having first and second base portions providing for top, bottom, or horizontal entry of a male mating projecting member depending on the mounting position of the socket connector on a substrate such as a PCB. A spring contact member cantilevered at the first base portion, is configured to contact the projecting member via a hole at the first base portion or at an opposite end of the socket connector. The socket connectors are preferably fabricated from a continuous strip for loading onto a PCB by placement equipment.

Abstract: A new continuous carrier for surface mount or other electrical or mechanical parts, and a method of fabricating same, formed by molding one or a pair of continuous flexible film strips to a side or sides of a series of desired electrical or mechanical components such that the components are attached to the single strip or filament or suspended between the film strips or filaments. The film strips may be provided with sprocket holes or other equivalent structure for advancing the film strips during the molding process and for reeling up the resultant assembly onto a reel for sale or distribution to a PCB assembler. The latter places the reel of molded parts onto a conventional feeding device. The parts are then separated from the supporting strips or filament, picked-up by a pick-and-place device and placed onto the PCB in the normal manner. The filament or strip may be constituted of plastic, paper or metal.

Abstract: A low profile, push-pull, jumper switch that relies on movement of the switch housing to make and break the connection between two contact members mounted on the housing. The only metal used are the two contact members, which are cammed into contact by movement of the housing when placed in its closed-switch position. In a preferred embodiment, the two contact members are identical and are each constituted of a one-piece U-shaped metal member, with the U-bight depending from the housing and configured to be solderable to the PCB pads or through-holes and thus being fixed. Protrusions on the contacts latch the housing in its open-switch position or closed-switch position. The switch in one embodiment lends itself to SMT applications.

Abstract: A hood for protecting an electrical connector and having a wire strain relief member integral therewith. More particularly, the hood is formed from a pair of mateable components. The strain relief member is formed simultaneously by half shells, projecting in to the cavity of the hood from the end walls, being brought together.