Abstract: An electric contact holder base for electric lighters or other gadgets for motor vehicles is provided with a thermic protection against overheating that allows its reutilization. The base has a substantially cylindrical body, permanently fixed in the passenger's cabin and carries electric contacts for the gadget that is inserted in said cylindrical body. At least a bimetallic spring acts as a holding element of the lighter in the cylindrical body during the resting phase of the same. A bimetallic lamina is the thermic protection device against overheating; this is a separated element, connected at one end with an electric contact, while the other end is facing the wall of the cylindrical body and folded back towards its bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interconnecting circuit board assemblies using memory metal wires mechanically inserted into through-plated holes. The invention has its application in the interconnection of stacked circuit board assemblies where kinked memory metal wires are stretched so the wires are substantially straight; inserted into axially aligned through-plated holes of circuit boards; and released so that the memory metal wires reform their original kinked shaped within the through-plated holes, forming an electrical connection between the circuit boards. Memory metal alloys are used in the construction of the kinked memory metal wires to take advantage of the pseudoelastic behavior of the alloys in the austenitic phase below the forming temperature range.

Abstract: A high density electrical connector (10) includes a flexible circuit (28) carrying circuit traces (32, 34) mounted on rod elements (38) driven by a cam means (60) to provide wipe and backwipe interconnections between board circuit traces (14, 18). A shape memory alloy (84) is employed to effect cam drive in one embodiment and an operating arm is utilized to effect cam drive in another embodiment.

Abstract: A connector component for connecting a coaxial cable comprising a central core and an outer braid to respective first and second contact pins, wherein the connector component is constituted by a core ferrule and a ground ferrule each made of a conductive material having shape memory and shaped so as to fit closely, when in a first shape memory state, respectively on the central core and on the outer braid, and so as to be able to engage and/or disengage the core and ground ferrules when in a second shape memory state, the core and ground ferrules being respectively connected to first and second sockets for providing electrical connection and mechanical cohesion respectively with the first contact pin and the second contact pin. The invention is applicable to electrical connections.

Abstract: An electrical connector (39) provides high density interconnections through contact paths of printed circuit pads (12, 31) via flexible circuit (22) having contact pads (26, 28) driven by a canted coil spring (40) formed of a shape memory alloy selectively responsive to variations in temperature applied to the coil through a medium, heated or cooled and supplied via passage (62) in the connector.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for coupling pins on a printed circuit board to respective mating pins on a gate-array or like plug-in device; the connector is characterized by "floating ring" engagers based within, and adapted to resiliently couple a pair of such mating pins.

Abstract: An electronic connector which has a plurality of contacts associated in one or more rows in a connector housing, a shape memory spring associated in the connector housing for driving the contacts, the shape memory spring transmitting a recovery force generated when the shape memory spring reaches its transformation temperature or higher to the contacts while recovering the shape stored when the shape memory spring reaches its transformation temperature or higher and returning to the shape before the shape memory recovery by the spring force of the contact when the shape memory spring reaches below its transformation temperature. Thus, the electronic connector can mount or dismount contacts at each other without inserting or removing force or substantially without inserting or removing force in a simple structure with less number of parts.

Abstract: A three dimensional stack of printed circuit assemblies (10,12) provides electrical interconnection or bussing between layers of the stack by means of a composite contactor (34, 35, 36, 77, 79, 81, 83) formed of a shape-memory core (90) having a number of highly electrically conductive resilient wires (92, 94) wrapped around it. The shape-memory core (90) has a low temperature configuration that is substantially straight and enables the contactor assembly or core (90) and wires (92, 94) to be inserted into vias (30, 31, 76, 78, 80, 82) extending through this stack of layers with little or no insertion force. When heated above its phase change temperature, the shape-memory core (90) assumes a sinuous configuration which tightly presses the encircling conductive wires (92, 94) against the electrically conductive interior surfaces of the vias (30, 31) to provide mechanical and electrical contact from layer to layer.

Abstract: A high-performance, multi-row contact matrix electrical connector having a spring element in the form of an elongated hollow split tube with a mechanical actuator operatively connected to the tube and including first and second sets of parallel spaced conductors terminating at least at one end thereof in a first and second matrix of contact pads, the matrices and the pads being positioned within the split, movement of the mechanical actuator overcoming the spring element to open and close the connector.

Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant electrical connector for making an electrical connection between at least two contacts, comprising a driver assembly which comprises a driver (preferably of heat-recoverable metal) which is capable of shrinking radially inwardly and of exerting a radially inward force, the assembly having two internal surfaces of insulating material which face one another and which are forced towards one another when the driver shrinks; and electrical contacts on the surfaces.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for coupling pins on a printed circuit board to respective mating pins on a gate-array or like plug-in device; the connector is characterized by "floating ring" engagers based within, and adapted to resiliently coupled a pair of such mating pins.

Abstract: For electronic circuit members including a high density fine pattern electrode and a flexible printed circuit, a reinforced connecting part includes a reinforcing fastener which is a substantially cylindrical section shaped element having edges defining an axial slit clamping the circuit members. The reinforcing fastener is formed of an alloy having both superelastic and shape memory characteristics at a temperature above the Martensite transformation temperature of the alloy. The alloy is brought to a temperature above the Martensite transformation temperature after the slit is opened at a temperature below the Martensite temperature of the alloy and the electronic circuit members are attached via the slit. The circuit members can thus be fastened with a substantially constant force over time due to the superelastic and shape memory characteristics of the alloy.

Abstract: An electronic connector which has a plurality of contacts associated in one or more rows in a connector housing, a shape memory spring associated in the connector housing for driving the contacts, the shape memory spring having a beginning shape and transmitting a recovery force to the contacts generated when the shape memory spring reaches a transformation temperature or higher while recovering a stored shape when the shape memory spring reaches the transformation temperature or higher and returning to the beginning shape by the spring force of the contact when the shape memory spring reaches below its transformation temperature. Thus, the electronic connector can mount or dismount contacts to each other without an inserting or removing force or substantially without an inserting or removing force in a simple structure with a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector comprising: an insulating substrate having a plurality of through-holes and having a desired first circuit pattern formed on the substrate; female contactors each being formed and fixed around the edge of the through-hole and having an opening, an edge of which extends inwardly of the through-hole, said female contactors being electrically connected to said first pattern; and a male contactor comprising an insulating substrate having a desired second circuit pattern thereon and a plurality of male contactor pins fixed to the substrate and electrically connected to said second pattern, said pins each being located in a position corresponding to each of the openings of said female contactors, wherein said female contactors are made of a thin film of a shape memory alloy and the edge of each of the female contactors is given, before inserting each of the male contactor pins, such a shape memory that the contactor is returned to a position to close the opening when said

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for coupling pins on a printed circuit board to respective mating pins on a gate-array or like plug-in device; the connector is characterized by "floating ring" engagers based within, and adapted to resiliently couple a pair of such mating pins.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector which permits relief from thermostress conditions on terminal/wire-run joints has a thermoplastic header that contains terminal holding cavities which allow the walls of the cavities to slide over a tail and contact sections of each terminal as the header material expands under the extreme high temperature transitions.

Abstract: A high-performance, multi-row contact matrix electrical connector having a spring element in the form of an elongated hollow split tube with a heat-recoverable member of shape-memory alloy positioned within the tube and including first and second sets of parallel spaced conductors terminating at least at one end thereof in a first and second matrix of contact pads, the matrices and the pads being positioned within the split, a change in temperature changing the shape-memory alloy from one metallurgical state to another, causing movement of the heat-recoverable member and the spring means to open and close the connector.

Abstract: An electronic connector which has a plurality of contacts associated in one or more rows in a connector housing, a shape memory spring associated in the connector housing for driving the contacts, the shape memory spring having a beginning shape and transmitting a recovery force to the contacts generated when the shape memory spring reaches a transformation temperature or higher while recovering a stored shape when the shape memory spring reaches the transformation temperature or higher and returning to the beginning shape by the spring force of the contact when the shape memory spring reaches below its transformation temperature. Thus, the electronic connector can mount or dismount contacts to each other without an inserting or removing force or substantially without an inserting or removing force in a simple structure with a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: A reinforcing fastener for fastening a chemical connector and an electronic circuit includes a substantially cylindrical section shaped element having edges defining an axial slit, wherein the element is formed of an alloy having both superelastic and shape memory properties. The slit is of such a size at a temperature below the Martensite transformation temperature of the alloy that the alloy is superelastically deformed when the slit is maintained at the same size while the alloy is above the Martensite transformation temperature. This results in the chemical connector being fastened to the electronic circuit with a substantially constant force over time.

Abstract: The invention provides a mounting assembly comprising an electronic module and a rack for receiving the module. The assembly includes an actuator arranged to cause the module to slide along the rack into engagement with an end stop, and subsequently to actuate means arranged to force a surface of the module against a surface of the rack, for example to make a heat sink link. The actuator preferably comprises a shape memory alloy element.

Abstract: The coupling is constituted by a split sleeve (1) made of material having shape memory. The sleeve (1) is capable of occupying a first memorized shape state (I) in which electrical and mechanical interconnection is provided between electrical conductors (2, 3). In a second memorized shape state (II) the sleeve allows the conductors to be freely inserted or removed from the sleeve (1). The sleeve is capable of passing reversibly between said first and second states under the effects of temperature changes.

Abstract: A connector structure comprising an electrically conductive plate having a plurality of through holes formed therein, an electrically insulated film formed on the inner wall of at least one of the through holes, an electrically conductive film formed on the inner wall of at least one other through hole, and an electrically conductive material of a low melting point provided within the through holes. The low melting point material provided in the through holes whose inner walls are coated with an electrically insulating film is insulated from the electrically conductive plate and such through holes may serve to receive signal propagating pins.

Abstract: A joint assembly for holding electrical conductors together comprises a connector which loosely engages the conductors when the assembly is subjected to relatively high temperatures. The connector is made of a material which has a sufficiently higher coefficient of expansion then the coefficient of expansion the material used for the electrical conductors in order to cause a differential shrinkage of the connector onto the conductors for a clamping engagement therebetween when the assembly is subjected to relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector for flat connections adapted for connecting electrically together printed circuit tracks or printed circuit tracks to a flat cable or two flat cables together. The connector includes a sleeve made from a shape memory material in which the conducting elements intended to be in electric contact are superimposed. The sleeve is adapted for applying transverse forces under the effect of a predetermined temperature so that electric continuity may be provided between these elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shape memory element for connecting braid (1) onto a connector (2).The element is constituted by a roll (3), with two reversible memorized shape states. A first memorized shape state permits the ensuring of electric contact and the mechanical holding of the braid on the corresponding rear zone of the connector (2), and the second memorized shape state permits the engagement or disengagement of the braid and the rear zone of the connector.Application for connectors for electric cables.

Abstract: The invention is a wire-stripping arrangement having recoverable material preferably in the form of heat-recoverable metal which is arranged to be capable upon recovery of cutting into the wire insulation and then to strip the insulation.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing an object within an aperture of a ring member utilizing a shape memory alloy material. The shape memory alloy material contracts when heated and operates to bias pin members inwardly within a central opening of the ring to thereby secure an object such as a canister placed therein. The shape memory alloy material may be in the form of a strap or wire which is easily heated and provides for a fast clamping and release action of the clamping device.

Abstract: Shape memory materials, preferably metals, are employed to replace levers to control opening and closing of opposed pairs of contacts in multicontact, zero insertion force connectors; the shape memory material replacing levers for opening the connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric connector with a contact element of shape-memory material.The connector has at least one conducting male part and/or a female part intended to be inserted the one into the other for ensuring or breaking electric conduction. One at least of the male or female parts is of a shape-memory conductive material, at least at its active contact end. The male or female part is formed in a manner to enable its tight adaption to the complementary female or male part in a first shape-memory state and to enable ensurance of disengagement of the complementary female or male part in a second shape-memory state.Application to electric connectors used in electromechanics aeronautical or space electronic installations, information or telematic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element between an electric connector and a connector contact.The element comprises a shank intended to receive the electric cable and an active contact part intended to ensure electric connection and mechanical cohesion with the contact. The active part at least is of conductive shape-memory material and is shaped in a manner to be able to tightly adapt to the contact in a first shape-memory state, and to be able to ensure the disengagement and/or engagement of the element in a second shape-memory state.Application to hermetic connectors and other non-demountable contact connectors.

Abstract: A superconducting pin and socket conductor is formed with a cylindrical pin of superconducting material, such as niobium, which fits into a mating superconducting cylinder, such as niobium or titanium, which is open at the top. A superconducting wire is laser welded to the bottom of the cylinder and a second niobium wire is laser welded to the top of the pin. A sleeve of a material, such as copper, aluminum, or magnesium, which at liquid helium temperatures has a much higher coefficient thermal expansion than the superconducting material, surrounds the cylinder. As a result, upon cooling the outer sleeve crimps the cylinder into a firm and uniform contact along the length of the pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector thermo-insertable onto a printed circuit card.Contact terminals of the connector have at least one insertable part of a shape-memory material. The insertable part of each of the terminals is shaped to the dimensions of its final use shape after insertion corresponding to its stable shape-memory state, in a manner to ensure mechanical retention and electric contact with the corresponding aperture in the printed circuit. The same insertable part is able to occupy a second memorized or not shape state, in a manner to be able to be introduced and/or withdrawn from its corresponding aperture.Application to connectors for printed circuits in any field of use.