Abstract: A device (100) having an external contact electrical connection (155) for providing an electrical interface to the device includes a housing member (222) having apertures (235, 335), and a flexible film substrate (270) having an electrically conductive pattern (275). Portions of the electrically conductive pattern defines contact areas (255, 355) for presenting the electrical interface of the device (100). These contact areas (255, 355) are rigidly positioned adjacent to the interior surface (324) of the housing (222) about the apertures (235, 335) such that the contact areas (255) are externally exposed through the aperture (235, 335).

Abstract: A configurable flexible circuit substrate (100) is disclosed. The substrate (100) has an electrical circuit pattern (120) and an integral separable segment (130) containing a portion (132) of the circuit pattern (120). The substrate (100) also includes an integral extraction initiator portion (132), which is pivotable between a first position substantially planar with the surface of the substrate (100), and a second position away from the surface of the substrate (100). The extraction initiator portion (132) develops stress raisers (137) when pivoted toward the second position, and the extraction initiator portion (132) also effects a removal of the separable segment (130) from the substrate (100) when the extraction initiator portion (132) is pulled across the separable segment (130).

Abstract: A method is provided for positioning an object (133) relative to a structural member (103). The method includes providing a first and second member (103, 113), a positioning member (123) with a first end (126) and a second end (124), and the object (133). The first end (126) is positioned proximal to the object (133), and a first energy director (107) is positioned between, and is in contact with, the first end (126) and the first member (103). A second energy director (125), having a slower characteristic melting rate than that of the first energy director (107), is positioned between, and is in contact with, the second end (124) and the second member (123). Energy is first imparted to cause at least one of the first and second energy directors (107, 125) to begin melting. Imparting the energy is discontinued after the first energy director (107) is substantially melted and the object (133) is properly positioned, while the second energy director (125) is not substantially melted.

Abstract: A battery assembly (10) includes at least one battery cell (12) and a circuit carrier (15) in thermal proximity to the at least one battery cell (12). Located on circuit carrier (15) is a thermal fuse (18) which is formed from an electrically conductive resilient material such as beryllium copper. At least one end of the thermal fuse is coupled in a deflected state to a solder pad (20) located on circuit carrier (15) using a low temperature conductive adhesive such as low temperature solder (24). When the temperature of the at least one battery cell (12) reaches a predetermined trip point, the one end of the thermal fuse releases away from solder pad (20) due to the heat transfer from the at least one battery cell, thereby electrically disconnecting the at least one battery cell (12) from battery terminal (23).

Abstract: A weldless battery pack (10) comprises a housing (14) having a flexible circuit (16) inserted within the housing. The flexible circuit has at least one spring contact (20) integrally formed on the flexible circuit. Inside the housing is a plurality of cells (12) interconnected by at least one of the spring contacts (20) formed on the flexible circuit.

Abstract: A battery (50) comprises a plurality of interconnected cells (56) each cell having a positive (60) and negative terminal (62) and a plurality of resistive fusible material (58) serving as interlinks interspersed between unlike terminals of the cells (56) in the plurality of interconnected cells.

Abstract: A vented battery includes an aperture 108 in the battery housing 104 for venting built up gases inside of the vented battery 104. The aperture 108 is covered with a sintered metal vent 204. The sintered vent can be molded in the battery housing, staked to the housing, friction fitted into the aperture, or attached using other commonly known methods.In an alternate embodiment, a vented battery 200 has at least one battery contact 210 formed from sintered metal allowing for the venting of gases inside of housing 104. The battery contact 210 performs the dual function of allowing the battery 200 to be vented, and also act as electrical battery contacts which allow battery 200 to be connected to external devices.A communication device 300 includes a radio 302 that has a radio battery retainer 310, or other external housing member made from sintered metal thereby allowing for radio 302 to be vented.