Abstract: A method of interconnecting first and second printed circuit boards using a float connector with a contact assembly that includes installing a first guide member onto the first printed circuit board with the float connector in an open non-compressed position, after installing the first guide member onto the first printed circuit board, installing a second guide member onto the second printed circuit board with the float connector in the open non-compressed position, and compressing the first and second printed circuit boards toward one another to move the float connector from the open non-compressed position to a compressed position until contact ends of the contact assembly of the float connector are exposed outside of the first and second guide members, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the contact ends to the first and second printed circuit boards, respectively, for electrical connection between the first and second printed circuit boards through the float connector.

Abstract: A float connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards that has a contact assembly including a contacts and a holder and each of the contacts has opposite first and second contact ends for electrically connecting to the boards. A first guide member is slidably and flexibly coupled to the contact assembly and has openings corresponding to the first contact ends. A second guide member is slidably and flexibly coupled to the contact assembly and has openings corresponding to the second contact ends. A biasing member biases the guide members away from one another to an open position. Axial float of the contact assembly is provided between the first and second guide members to compensate for axial misalignment between the first and second printed circuit boards. Radial float of the contact assembly is provided between the first and second guide members to compensate for radial misalignment between the boards.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting first and second printed circuit boards using a float connector with a contact assembly that includes installing a first guide member onto the first printed circuit board with the float connector in an open non-compressed position, after installing the first guide member onto the first printed circuit board, installing a second guide member onto the second printed circuit board with the float connector in the open non-compressed position, and compressing the first and second printed circuit boards toward one another to move the float connector from the open non-compressed position to a compressed position until contact ends of the contact assembly of the float connector are exposed outside of the first and second guide members, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the contact ends to the first and second printed circuit boards, respectively, for electrical connection between the first and second printed circuit boards through the float connector.

Abstract: A float connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards that has a contact assembly that includes one or more contacts and a holder therefor such that opposite ends of the contact are exposed outside of the holder. The holder supports each contact in a clearance fit inside thereof, thereby allowing each contact to radially tilt. One or more guide members has a one or more guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with a board. The contact assembly is axially moveable with respect to the one or more guide member.

Abstract: A float connector for interconnecting two printed circuit boards that includes a contact assembly including a plurality of contacts and a holder therefor such that opposite ends thereof are exposed outside of the holder. The holder supports each contact in a clearance fit inside thereof, thereby allowing each contact to radially tilt to compensate for radial misalignment between the boards. A first guide member has a plurality of first guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with one board. A second guide member has a plurality of second guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with the other board. The contact assembly is axially moveable between the guide members along an axis generally parallel to longitudinal axes of the contacts to compensate for axial misalignment between the boards.

Abstract: A float connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards that has a contact assembly that includes one or more contacts and a holder therefor such that opposite ends of the contact are exposed outside of the holder. The holder supports each contact in a clearance fit inside thereof, thereby allowing each contact to radially tilt. One or more guide members has a one or more guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with a board. The contact assembly is axially moveable with respect to the one or more guide member.

Abstract: A shielded connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards that has a contact assembly that includes a plurality of contacts electrically connectable to the printed circuit boards, first and second guide members that separable from the contact assembly and associated with one of the printed circuit boards, and shielding that establishes electrical continuity through the connector. The contact assembly and the first and second guide members are configured to provide axial and radial float to compensate for axial and radial misalignment between the printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A shielded connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards that has a contact assembly that includes a plurality of contacts electrically connectable to the printed circuit boards, first and second guide members that separable from the contact assembly and associated with one of the printed circuit boards, and shielding that establishes electrical continuity through the connector. The contact assembly and the first and second guide members are configured to provide axial and radial float to compensate for axial and radial misalignment between the printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A float connector for interconnecting two printed circuit boards that includes a contact assembly including a plurality of contacts and a holder therefor such that opposite ends thereof are exposed outside of the holder. The holder supports each contact in a clearance fit inside thereof, thereby allowing each contact to radially tilt to compensate for radial misalignment between the boards. A first guide member has a plurality of first guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with one board. A second guide member has a plurality of second guide features corresponding to the ends of the contacts, respectively, for aligning the contact ends for electrical connection with the other board. The contact assembly is axially moveable between the guide members along an axis generally parallel to longitudinal axes of the contacts to compensate for axial misalignment between the boards.

Abstract: A float connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards that has a contact assembly including a contacts and a holder and each of the contacts has opposite first and second contact ends for electrically connecting to the boards. A first guide member is slidably and flexibly coupled to the contact assembly and has openings corresponding to the first contact ends. A second guide member is slidably and flexibly coupled to the contact assembly and has openings corresponding to the second contact ends. A biasing member biases the guide members away from one another to an open position. Axial float of the contact assembly is provided between the first and second guide members to compensate for axial misalignment between the first and second printed circuit boards. Radial float of the contact assembly is provided between the first and second guide members to compensate for radial misalignment between the boards.

Abstract: A multiposition switch that comprises a base member accommodating a plurality contact members, respectively. The plurality of contact members are adapted to electrically mate to a host printed circuit board. A routing subassembly is rotatably coupled to the base member. The routing subassembly includes a routing member that defines a plurality of electrical paths between the contact members for switching between combined and uncombined positions. An actuator is coupled to the rotating member for rotating the routing member with respect to the base member between the combined and uncombined positions.

Abstract: A tool for a connector that comprises a main body that has first and second opposite ends. The first end is configured to receive a torque device and has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The second end is configured to grasp a connector and has a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape, thereby defining an open side of the second end. The second end has at least one engagement member for engaging the connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly that comprises a first connector member including a first connector body supporting a first contact. The first connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first interface end. The first interface end has a substantially conical shape that defines a first tapered surface. A second connector member includes a second connector body supporting a second contact configured to mate with the first contact. The second connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a second interface end that mates with the first interface end. The second interface end of the second connector member has a second tapered surface. The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another in a friction fit wherein the angle of taper is between about 3.5° to 6.5°.

Abstract: A multiposition switch that comprises a base member accommodating a plurality contact members, respectively. The plurality of contact members are adapted to electrically mate to a host printed circuit board. A routing subassembly is rotatably coupled to the base member. The routing subassembly includes a routing member that defines a plurality of electrical paths between the contact members for switching between combined and uncombined positions. An actuator is coupled to the rotating member for rotating the routing member with respect to the base member between the combined and uncombined positions.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly that comprises a first connector member including a first connector body supporting a first contact. The first connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first interface end. The first interface end has a substantially conical shape that defines a first tapered surface. A second connector member includes a second connector body supporting a second contact configured to mate with the first contact. The second connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a second interface end that mates with the first interface end. The second interface end of the second connector member has a second tapered surface. The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another in a friction fit wherein the angle of taper is between about 3.5° to 6.5°.