Abstract: A terminal for use in an electronic connector for establishing electrical contact with a conductive surface on a first printed circuit board. The terminal includes a base section configured for electrical connection with a second printed circuit board, and a resilient contact beam having a proximal end coupled to the base section and a free distal end. The contact beam is shaped to provide a contact section between the proximal end and the distal end. The contact section is configured for engaging the conductive surface on the first printed circuit board upon insertion of the first printed circuit board into the housing in a first direction. The free distal end of the contact beam extends substantially in the first direction.

Abstract: A contact retention module for a test socket includes mating gear-like teeth formed of alternating projections and valleys. The projections of one module half close the valleys of another module half to produce pockets which retain and guide contact terminal ends within the pockets.

Abstract: A test socket for integrated circuits includes a base and a platform supported above the base upon which may be placed an integrated circuit. The platform is free to tilt in any direction relative to the base to prevent damage to the integrated circuit by unbalanced forces caused by closing of a cover which retains the integrated circuit in contact with the platform.

Abstract: Test and burn-in sockets with many mechanical contacts require increased support strength, and with the increase in the number of contacts it is beneficial that the contacts are inserted before assembly, the contacts in the support comb are supported to restrict movement of the contact other than in the path of movement of the IC device, and the registration and movement of the IC device is sufficient to obtain good electrical contact and maintain electrical contact during temperature cycling.

Abstract: A connector with a base having a plurality of contacts that are operable and which can be closed, with opposing sides resiliently forced against device terminals which force can be supplemented by further force provided by an actuator.