Abstract: An electrode and a lead wire therefor used with a device for measuring the electrical signals emanating from a living body, such as a cardiograph or electroenecephalograph employed for examination and diagnostic purposes. The electrode consists of two layers of finely divided electrically conductive material, that are printed in laminated fashion on the opposite surfaces of an insulating film. The lead wire comprises plural laminated layers of finely divided electrically conductive material on the opposite sides of an insulating film, the laminated layers being interspersed with or encased by carbon layers and insulating layers. Since X-rays penetrate the electrode and the lead wire, an X-ray photograph may be taken during visual inspection of the biosignals without the image of the electrode and the lead wire appearing on the film to hinder diagnosis.

Abstract: A transmission line having substantially reduced far-end forward wave crosstalk is characterized by a single layer of dielectric material having a thickness chosen to provide a forward wave coupling constant K.sub.F substantially equal to zero. The dielectric layer is located on a ground plane, and has a plurality of signal carrying conductors embedded in it. The thickness H of the dielectric underlayer below the signal carrying conductors is chosen to provide a transmission line having the selected values of impedance, etc. and substantially reduced forward wave crosstalk. The thickness t of the dielectric overlayer above the signal carrying conductors is chosen (for the selected value of thickness H of the dielectric underlayer) at the finite value critical thickness at which forward wave mutual capacitance and forward wave mutual inductance cancel to a null. The ground plane and the signal carrying conductors can be superconductors.

Abstract: A cable comprised of coated conductors, wound together and compacted, has an insulating strip interposed between the two layers in which the conductors are disposed, to ensure good insulation therebetween. Apparatus for producing the cable includes a stranding machine, with which a hollow mandrel is used for the purpose of introducing the insulating strip between the layers of conductors, and a method for producing the cable is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible connector includes a flat thin insulating base and a plurality of spaced conductive paths formed thereon. There are means for providing selective interconnection between certain conductive paths on the base, which means includes a thin defined insulating patch positioned upon a selective area of the base and conductive paths. A connecting conductive path is formed on the insulating patch and extends therethrough into electrical contact with said certain conductive paths.

Abstract: A method for routing a Flat Conductor Cable Assembly (1) in which a cable (10) includes conductors (12) (14)(16) contained in a sheath (18) and the sheath is enclosed within a sealed envelope (2)(4), in which the envelope is entered and the cable routed along an angle turn or spliced to another like cable, and the envelope is resealed.

Abstract: A jumper cable is formed from conventional ribbon cable having parallel conductors embedded in insulating material, either by laminating insulated or uninsulated conductors between plastic films, by extruding a plastic film around insulated or uninsulated conductors, or by bonding insulated conductors together, and subsequently separating the resulting individual insulated conductors at spaced intervals, forming a jumper of increased flexibility and reformability for use in confined spaces, without the need for subsequent removal of any part of the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable is preferably formed in sections, each section containing an oblique section of separated conductors, and separated by an oblique stripped area of uninsulated conductors, adjacent insulated cable sections being offset from each other.

Abstract: A multi-shielded transmission cable has no "slots" in the shielding so that signal attenuation and distortion are minimized. A shielding tape for the ready manufacture of the cable has at least one conducting layer and an insulating layer and is folded at or near its longitudinal median. When the tape is wrapped about a cable core, the ends of the tape overlap so as to effect physical and electrical contact thereby avoiding slots. A heat-sensitive adhesive strip may be applied to the tape so that the shielding is bonded to the core during the step of extruding a protective jacket over the shielding tape.

Abstract: A conductor and method of making the conductor are provided for use in winding electrical coils which are cooled by a fluid communicating with the conductor. The conductor is cold worked through twisting and reshaping steps to form a generally rectangular cross section conductor having a plurality of helical cooling grooves extending axially of the conductor. The conductor configuration makes it suitable for a wide variety of winding applications and permits the use of simple strip insulation between turns and perforated sheet insulation between layers of the winding.

Abstract: A new strip line cable is provided comprising a dielectric in tape form made of a porous, crystalline polymer and one or more pairs of electrical conductors, each pair of conductors having one conductor located on one side of said tape and the other conductor located on the opposite side of said tape and in substantially parallel relationship to the first conductor of the pair, the pairs of conductors being arranged in substantially parallel transverse relationship across said tape, and insulating layers made of a suitable non-porous plastic material placed over the conductors to affix them to said dielectric tape and encapsulate the cable assembly. The preferred tape dielectric is expanded, porous polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Several flat cable embodiments (10, 10', 10", 10'", 10"") are disclosed, as are methods and apparatus (30) for the selective manufacture and connectorization of same. In accordance with one preferred flat cable embodiment (10), adapted for telephone under carpet applications, two precisely offset arrays of rectangularly shaped conductors (13, 14) are separated by a center film (16), with each array being adhesively bonded through an associated adhesive coating (21 or 22) to only the respectively adjacent one of two outer films (18 or 19).

Abstract: Several flat cable embodiments (10, 10', 10", 10'", 10"") are disclosed, as are methods and apparatus (30) for the selective manufacture and connectorization of same. In accordance with one preferred flat cable embodiment (10), adapted for telephone under carpet applications, two precisely offset arrays of rectangularly shaped conductors (13, 14) are separated by a center film (16), with each array being adhesively bonded through an associated adhesive coating (21 or 22) to only the respectively adjacent one of two outer films (18 or 19).

Abstract: A pair of ECG cable sets are adhesively secured to disposable body electrodes, and also plug into a junction box which in turn is connected to an ECG machine. Each cable set is formed by printed circuit techniques. A pair of flat support sheets of insulating material are glued together. Signal leads formed of conductive ink are printed on the interior surface of one of the support sheets, and shielding layers also formed of conductive ink are printed on both exterior surfaces of the support sheets, thus forming a flat, flexible sandwich structure which resists entanglement. Entanglement is further minimized because the individual branch leads of each cable set merge into a common truck. The cable sets terminate in the printed circuit connectors which plug directly into the junction box, and the latter has clamping mechanisms to secure the connectors in place. A flexible housing surrounds the junction box terminal board, and permits the clamping mechanisms to be operated by squeezing the housing.

Abstract: An insulator for covering an electric cable has circular recesses for receiving any portions of a connector which extend beyond a surface of the cable covered by the insulator. If the connector extends between overlapping portions of a pair of cables, the connector and the overlapping portions of the cables can be completely enveloped by sandwiching them between a pair of insulators. The diameter of each recess is chosen so as to closely accommodate the extending portions of its associated connector and to provide a substantial barrier of insulation about the connector out to the edges of the cables being joined to prevent moisture, dirt and other contaminents from reaching the connector and causing its degradation or shorting.

Abstract: A conductor bar for an electric machine is disclosed. At least one strip-like insert is provided on a surface of the conductor which forms an angle with an insulating sleeve enclosing the insert and conductor. Voids are produced at the edges of the insert which form impregnating canals for an impregnating medium to thereby improve the impregnability of the insulating sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilization of a flat conductor cable enclosed within a sealed envelope. In particular, methods are disclosed for entering the envelope to route the cable along an angle turn or to splice the cable to another, like cable.

Abstract: An improved shielded ribbon cable arranged to expedite termination of the shield for grounding the shield. There is an isolator strip placed during fabrication of the cable between the conductor array and the shield; the isolator strip prevents flow of plasticized insulating material between the cover sheet and the conductor array, which usually occurs through the interstices in the shield, so that the shield can be readily separated from the conductor array to permit termination of the shield without jeopardizing the integrity of the insulation on the conductor array.

Abstract: A flat cable shielding device comprises a metal foil sleeve formed of an upper and a lower length of conductive metal foil. To aid the insertion of flat cable into the shielding device, a low-friction inside surface is provided on the inside surface of the metal foil sleeve. The outside of metal foil sleeve is covered with an electrically insulating film, to provide wear and scuff protection. Both the low-friction inside surface and other outer coating are coupled to the metal foil sleeve preferably using adhesive. Good electrical connections can be made easily to the shielding device which can be used as a floating ground or can be grounded to a common system ground as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of closely positioned contacts of a display device with a plurality of spaced contacts of an electronic control circuit includes a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards each having a narrow mid-section, outer areas having a width greater than the width of the mid-section and conductor lines extending from the mid-section for connection with a portion of the display device contacts to the outer areas with the spacing between the conductor lines increasing for connection with a portion of the electronic control circuit contact.

Abstract: A cable assembly for use in undercarpet wiring systems has a flat multiconductor cable encased in electrical insulation and an electrically conductive shield overlying the cable insulation, extending lengthwise with the cable and having successive extents which are respectively unsecured and secured to the cable. Electrical connection of the shield to the cable ground conductor is made redundantly at each such secured extent of the shield whereby physical continuity of the shield may be interrupted without interrupting electrical continuity of the shield to ground. Folded cable assemblies and methods for folding are set forth which facilitate cable directional change in wiring systems.

Abstract: In the manufacture of cordage (25), at least two groups (28, 29) of individually insulated, flexible conductors (21--21) which comprise a planar array (40) are moved through a core tube (71) of an extruder (27) in adjacent paths. As the groups are moved out of an exit portion of the core tube where they are spaced apart a predetermined distance and along converging paths to a die, a first plastic material is flowed about the array to enclose it and to be formed into a jacket by the die. Portions of the first plastic material flow between the groups to achieve an equilibration of pressure in the plastic material about each group, which controls the direction and magnitude of lateral movement of each group within the plane of the array, and to form a web (41) which is integral with the jacket and which may vary in thickness along its length to compensate for changes in the outside diameter of the insulated conductors.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for maintaining electrical conductivity between the ends of spliced metallic webs during surface treatment operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of connecting a first component, including a first electrical conductor, to a second component, including a second electrical conductor, which involves the steps of positioning the first component proximate to the second component to establish a juncture area, covering the juncture area with an insulating layer to form a smooth surface transition between the first and second components, and depositing a third conductor across the insulating layer and in electrical contact with the first and second conductors.

Abstract: An insulator for covering an electric cable has recesses for receiving any portions of a connector which extend beyond a surface of the cable covered by the insulator. If the connector extends between overlapping portions of a pair of cables, the connector and the overlapping portions of the cables can be completely enveloped by sandwiching them between a pair of insulators.

Abstract: A connecting tail for a switching device, for example a membrane switch, includes a substrate having a plurality of spaced parallel silver conductors formed thereon. To prevent migration of silver between the spaced conductors there are a plurality of parallel notches, one between adjacent silver conductors. At least a portion of the conductors are covered by an adhesive, with the notches extending into the adhesive.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for an electrical heater unit adapted for adhesive attachment to a surface, for example, to a window of a motor vehicle. The heater unit includes a plurality of heater strips which have an adhesive coating on one face thereof whereby the strips may be secured to the window. The strips are supported in a desired pattern for application to the window by being adhesively mounted on one surface of a backing sheet. The adhesive coated surfaces of the strips are remote from the backing sheet and a removable cover sheet overlies the heater strips. A clearance is provided between the cover sheet and the adhesive coating on the heater strips so that the cover sheet is not contacted by the adhesive coating on the heater strips.

Abstract: A transmission path for a pulse-type communication system comprises two flat outer conductors and one flat inner conductor separated from one another by layers of dielectric material such as Teflon. The maximum effective thickness of the conductors is on the order of magnitude of the penetration depth of the current. The stack of conductive and nonconductive layers is flanked by two ferrite strips of the same height as the stack and in contact therewith, these strips serving to gather the laterally emanating lines of force into closed loops alongside the stack. At least one of the strips may be subdivided into sections separated by gaps through which branch leads can extend into contact with the flat conductors.

Abstract: In the manufacture of cordage (25), at least two groups (28, 29) of individually insulated, flexible conductors (21--21) which comprise a planar array (40) are moved through a core tube (71) of an extruder (27) in adjacent paths. As the groups are moved out of an exit portion of the core tube where they are spaced apart a predetermined distance and along converging paths to a die, a first plastic material is flowed about the array to enclose it and to be formed into a jacket by the die. Portions of the first plastic material flow between the groups to achieve an equilibration of pressure in the plastic material about each group, which controls the direction and magnitude of lateral movement of each group within the plane of the array, and to form a web (41) which is integral with the jacket and which may vary in thickness along its length to compensate for changes in the outside diameter of the insulated conductors.

Abstract: A cable assembly for use in undercarpet wiring systems has a flat multiconductor cable encased in electrical insulation and an electrically conductive shield overlying the cable insulation, extending lengthwise with the cable and having successive extents which are respectively unsecured and secured to the cable. Electrical connection of the shield to the cable ground conductor is made redundantly at each such secured extent of the shield whereby physical continuity of the shield may be interrupted without interrupting electrical continuity of the shield to ground. Folded cable assemblies and methods for folding are set forth which facilitate cable directional change in wiring systems.

Abstract: A novel flat cable which has a number of parallel spaced conductors with tape segments having a conductive and insulative side woven between them at various positions along the length of the conductors. The weaving generally being done so that the conductive side touches alternate conductors. The whole complex may be encased in an outer insulation.

Abstract: A heating device for heating a glass surface, such as the rear window of a car, includes a pair of elongated electrically non-conductive carrier strips having an adhesive layer on both sides thereof and secured in spaced-apart relationship to the glass surface by one of their adhesive layers to laterally delimit the surface area of the glass encompassed by the heating device. A plurality of spaced, thin electrically conductive foil strips, each cut in predetermined lengths from a continuous strip, and each of which has an adhesive layer on one side, extend between the carrier strips. The ends of the foil strips overlie the carrier strips and are secured to the carrier strips and the glass surface by the adhesive layer thereof. A strip-shaped electrical terminal conductor overlies each carrier strip in electrically conductive engagement with the foil strip ends and is fastened to the carrier strip by the other adhesive layer on the carrier strip exposed between the foil strip ends.

Abstract: A flat, high frequency cable having a number of longitudinal conductors, is provided with a transverse conductance between said longitudinal conductors. The transverse conductance is substantially smaller than the conductivity of said longitudinal conductors to provide a defined attenuation along the cable. The transverse conductance is determined by a plurality of discrete components such as resistors and capacitors electrically connected to said longitudinal conductors at spaced intervals. The present cable may comprise two or three conductors.

Abstract: A leaky coaxial cable is disclosed having an axial conductor, a dielectric layer coaxial along the length of the conductor and an outer conductive shield coaxial with the dielectric layer. The outer shield comprises a nonconductive elongate film carrier having a pair of spaced electrically conductive foil strips formed thereon which define a uniform width gap therebetween along the length of the film, the film being disposed about the circumference of the dielectric layer such that outer lateral edges of the foil strips overlap and the uniform width gap extends along the length of the cable. The film carrier may be applied on the dielectric layer either longitudinally thereof or by helically winding the film along the length of the dielectric layer. The cable also preferably includes at least one drain wire and an outer protective jacket.

Abstract: An improved cable having low crosstalk characteristics is comprised of a pair of multi-conductor cable members laminated together with the pairs of wires of and between the respective cable members being so spaced as to effectively form a balanced capacitivebridge configuration. The conductors of the cable members can be either round or flat in section and the cable members are preferably secured together across their entire width by means which allows the cables to be readily separated at the termination. This capability for separation of the cable members is also effective for inserting a tap means intermediate the ends of the cable.

Abstract: A miniaturized electrical system comprises a number of electrical devices interconnected by conductive tape. The electrical devices and metal foil conductors are electrically connected in the system directly or indirectly to the metal foil conductors of the conductive tape and the entire system may be adhesively secured to the surfaces of a miniature device such as a doll house with the metal foil conductors fully covered and protected and adapted to be painted over so as not to be discernible. Brads are used to penetrate the conductive foils either to enhance the electrical connection between directly contacted foils or to establish electrical connection between foils separated by an adhesive strip. The kit of electrical devices and conductive tape features a miniaturized wall outlet which is physically secured to and electrically connected with the conductive tape by brads.

Abstract: Structure equivalent to conventional printed circuits is made by forming round wires, usually copper, into the shapes the conductor strips are to occupy, fixing the wires to a surface of a thin plastic sheet, and then pressing the assembly between flat opposed die surfaces to form the wires into thin flat flexible strips.

Abstract: A thick-film circuit module including a monolithic ceramic cross-over device, wherein the thick-film circuit includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path, transverse to the first conductive path and having spaced apart ends, and wherein the monolithic ceramic cross-over device is used in the second electrically conductive path as an electrically conductive device and for providing an insulative barrier between the first and second electrically conductive paths. The monolithic cross-over device comprises a ceramic chip including a plurality of stacked generally planar layers of ceramic material and electrically conductive metalized paths sandwiched between the respective layers of ceramic material, the ceramic chip having each of its opposite ends supporting an electrically conductive termination end cap, and the opposite ends of each of the electrically conductive metalized paths being connected to the respective termination end caps.

Abstract: A method of laminating a cover layer for flexible circuits which provides increased flexibility. The cover layer encapsulates a flexible circuit having a plurality of spaced conductors on a flexible insulating substrate. The cover layer is a tri-layered laminate having a first layer of insulating film, a second intermediate layer of a thermosetting adhesive, and a third layer of a phenolic resin adhesive. The cover layer is bonded to the flexible circuit with the third layer of phenolic resin adhesive being contiguous the conductors.

Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly and a method of making it in which there are no separate electrical interconnections between the flexible interconnecting cable and the rigid connector. A flexible insulating film is bonded to a surface of the connector member and extends from the connector to provide a flexible interconnecting cable for external electrical connections. A plurality of conductors on the insulating film provides a continuous electrically conductive path thus providing an interfaceless electrical connection between the rigid connector and the flexible interconnecting cable. In the method, a metallic clad insulating film is placed on a surface of a rigid support member which includes a portion which will serve as the connector. The support member also includes a filler block portion in the space designated for the flexible interconnecting cable. The film is selectively bonded to the connector portion of the support member. Conductors are then formed on the insulating film.

Abstract: A flat, high frequency cable having a number of longitudinal conductors, is rovided with a transverse conductance between said longitudinal conductors. The transverse conductance is substantially smaller than the conductivity of said longitudinal conductors to provide a defined attenuation along the cable. The transverse conductance is determined by a plurality of discrete components such as resistors and capacitors electrically connected to said longitudinal conductors at spaced intervals therealong.

Abstract: An electrical jumper cable comprising a plurality of spaced metallic conductors, each conductor having a flexible area and integrally formed rigid terminal ends, is provided. Starting with a metallic sheet having a thickness approximating that required for the conductor flexible areas, one or more mesas of thickness approximating that required for the terminal ends are formed on the edge regions of the sheet. The mesas may be formed by plating or casting so that the thickened edge regions are integral with the sheet central region. The resulting substrate is then chemically or mechanically milled so as to define the conductor patterns and terminal ends, and the metallic conductors laminated to flexible films so as to support and maintain the metallic conductors in spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: A cover layer for flexible circuits which provides increased flexibility. The cover layer encapsulates a flexible circuit having a plurality of spaced conductors on a flexible insulating substrate. The cover layer is a tri-layered laminate having a first layer of insulating film, a second intermediate layer of a thermosetting adhesive, and a third layer of a phenolic resin adhesive. The cover layer is bonded to the flexible circuit with the third layer of phenolic resin adhesive being contiguous the conductors.

Abstract: Multiple strips of foil are continuously and precisely laminated to a substrate by a process which comprises the following steps: (1) coating rolls of foil on one side with an adhesive, (2) slitting the adhesive-coated foil to the desired width(s), (3) mounting the slit rolls onto an unwind shaft, (4) pulling each foil strip through a first guiding spool fixed on a rigid shaft, (5) pulling each foil strip through a second spool mounted on a shaft, (6) placing the foil strips onto the substrate, and (7) handling the resulting laminate product by any known and convenient method.

Abstract: An electrical main cable has a continuous flat strip of flexible insulating material, which strip carries a plurality (e.g., three strips) of longitudinally-extending strips of conductive material in an electrically balanced configuration. To connect a branch cable to the main cable, an inductive-coupling cable termination is used, the cable termination having a flat insulating member carrying a conductive strip in the form of an inductive coupling loop including substantially linear portions for alignment with the three strips of conductive material in the main cable, the cable termination having an adhesive coated surface portion.

Abstract: In a preferred form, this disclosure relates to a method for continuously applying a polyimide electrically insulating film laminated on one side with a fluorinated resin such as that marketed by DuPont under the trade designation Teflon FEP-fluorocarbon resin onto a metal conductor. The method includes the steps of (a) simultaneously longitudinally feeding the conductor and the laminated film with the fluorinated resin side adjacent the conductor into a guide means, (b) partially wrapping the film around the metal conductor into a guide means, (c) passing the partially wrapped conductor and the film through a first heater means, in an inert atmosphere to preheat the copper conductor to a temperature of from about 500.degree. F. to about 600.degree. F.

Abstract: The telephone communication cable of this specification has a metal shield formed by bending a sheet of metal at one or both edges so that the portions of the sheet that are folded over one another form a shield of double thickness and the shield has one or both of its edges formed by a continuous extent of folded metal instead of a square edge or fluted edge with a burr along the side of the edge toward which the slitting instrument advanced to make the cut. Air spaces are prevented by filling any clearance between the folded areas of the shield with adhesive. The shield is applied as a D-Screen with the edges off the original strip on the curved part of the D-Screen and away from the group of pairs that are shielded by the D-Screen.

Abstract: An elongated section of bus duct having U-shaped insulating pieces surrounding the longitudinally extending edges of the stacked bus bars and a flat insulating sheet of a material which does not adhere to the U-shaped insulating pieces disposed between the bus bars. The flat insulating sheets can also be disposed between the housing and the outside stacked bus bars which are compressed by the housing. The non self-adhering U-shaped pieces and the flat insulating sheets permit the insulated bus bars to slide with respect to each other due to differentials in expansion and contraction of the bus bars. The sliding action, of the U-shaped insulating pieces and the flat insulating sheet, prevents rupture of the primary insulation layer which is applied to the bus bars and which is self-adhering at operating temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A clip is provided for interconnecting a mesh or foil shield and a conductor of a shielded multiconductor flat cable. The clip comprises a pair of hingedly connected arms, the first arm having a pair of upwardly projecting tabular sections for piercing the insulation of the flat cable, each tabular section has a V-shaped groove for receiving and engaging a conductor in the cable; and the second arm has a pair of upwardly projecting points for piercing the insulation from the opposite side of the flat cable and engaging the shield of the cable.

Abstract: A multi-signal transmission line is formed of a flat cable having a plurality of generally parallel conductors embedded in a dielectric core material, with an insulator jacket encasing the flat cable and being made of a dielectric material having a higher dielectric constant than the dielectric core material of the flat cable. The resulting composite transmission line cable insures that substantially all of the transverse electromagnetic propagation field created by the passage of a fast rise time pulse in a signal conductor is confined to the geometric area of the cable and the cable functions in a manner to greatly reduce the far end line-to-line interference (crosstalk) between the signal conductor and adjacent quiet lines.