Abstract: A programmable tool for mounting a connector to a circuit board, the tool having a guide member with a plurality of apertures therein for receiving the leading ends of terminal members disposed in thhe connector and at least one plate member having first apertures therein aligned with selected ones of those in the guide member and defining selected deeper apertures. The leading end of the tool is positioned over the terminal members and as force is applied the selected deeper apertures allow the ends of corresponding terminal members received therein to extend further back within the tool than those of the other terminal members and hence are not pushed as far, whereby upon removing the tool from the mounted connector, the terminal members are arranged in a staged array.

Abstract: A holding device (24) operates to hold a component such as a connector (16) to a printed circuit board (12) through a pair of spring driven projections (30, 40) having barbs (34, 44) engaging interior surfaces (14, 20, 22) of the component and board. Releasible versions (50, 80) facilitate closure by a tool to remove barbs from the components and allow separation of elements.

Abstract: An improved pin terminal configuration obviates bowing and cracking of associate housings which often occurs with force fit insertion of standard pin terminals. The subject pin terminals are formed in pairs having compatible intermediate mounting portions with profiled enlargements and recesses which allow for corresponding displacement of and reception of housing material flowing as a result of the insertion process. The intermediate mounting portions are so spaced on the respective pin terminals as to lie substantially centrally of the thickness of the associate housing.

Abstract: A cartridge, cartridge holder and connector system are disclosed formed primarily of two components, namely, an electronic component carrying cartridge and an assembly for receiving the cartridge and interconnecting it as an addition to existing equipment. The holder assembly includes a housing of rigid insulative material defining a cartridge receiving cavity and including means for interconnecting the cartridge to a circuit board or the like. The holder also includes a profiled and polarized entry leading to the cassette cartridge cavity. The cartridge is formed by a pair of mating housing members which enclose a circuit board having a plurality of components mounted thereon. An edge portion of the circuit board is accessible from one end of the cartridge so that when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the holder there is an electrical interconnection effected.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector is disclosed for terminating multi-conductor flat flexible cable. The connector includes a housing which is pre-loaded with a plurality of terminals, each having an insulation displacing portion extending from a mating face, and a cover which is adapted to be held on the housing in a spaced position, in an unterminated condition, and which fully seats against the housing upon termination. The cover further includes both cable stop means and conductor positioning means. The connector further can include a snap-in handle member which makes it easier to remove the assembled connector from an associated header.

Abstract: An electrical terminal structure is disclosed which is provided with a flow deposited quantity or band of solder adhered to a selected portion of the terminal and limited from spreading over the surface of the terminal by the presence of a solder-nonwettable material adjacent to but not necessarily touching the terminal. A method of mounting the banded electrical terminals in plated apertures provided in a substrate is also disclosed, wherein the solder bands are applied to the terminals according to the above mentioned application technique. A technique of flattening the solder bands, and the resulting terminal structures having flattened solder bands adhered thereto are also disclosed. Flattening of the solder bands facilitates insertion of the banded terminals into the plated apertures by changing the shape of the solder bands and by reducing their structural integrity through the creation of numerous hairline fractures.