Abstract: A specialized contact structure is provided for IC sockets to permit increases contact pressure and to permit contact with an IC lead at its base instead of at its tip. The socket includes a substrate with the subject contacts embedded therein in rows, an overlying lever-actuated plate having corresponding rows of apertures, with the apertures corresponding to IC lead positions. In operation, the IC leads are inserted into the apertures in the lever-actuated plate and the plate with the inserted leads is moved laterally, such that the leads are moved laterally into contact with the mating contact arms of the contacts mounted in the substrate.

Abstract: A hermaphrodite housing assembly containing a plurality of positions for supporting a plurality of electrical connectors, secured captively in respective halves of the assembly for mating contacts positioned in opposite portions of the assembly.