Abstract: An electrical connecting device having one or more contact members to be in contact with a contact target is provided. The electrical connecting device includes a main body having one or more recesses on a surface thereof opposed to the contact target, and a flexible portion that covers the recesses to form sealed spaces. The main body includes a gas exhaust passage and an air supply passage provided for each of the sealed spaces to adjust a pressure in each of the sealed spaces, and the contact members are respectively disposed to be opposed to the recesses with the flexible portion interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Actuators having reversible seals are described herein. The actuators can move from a first position to a second position and lock in the second position using a reversible seal. The device can include a soft hydraulic actuator having a fluid-impermeable membrane. The fluid-impermeable membrane can define a compartment, the compartment having a central region, an edge region extending from and fluidly connected with the central region, a reversible seal between the central region and the edge region, and a dielectric fluid. When actuated, the actuators can force fluid through the reversible seals and into the edge region. Once in the edge region, the reversible seals be actuated and controllably sealed to prevent return flow.

Abstract: Contacts and connector assemblies that may be space efficient, provide direct connections to flexible circuit boards, provide corrosion resistance, prevent moisture leakage into an electronic device housing the connector assembly, are readily assembled, and have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer removably attaches a robotic tool to a robotic arm. The changer includes a tool module connected to the robotic tool, and a master module connected to the robotic arm. To attach and detach the robotic tool, the changer couples and uncouples the tool module and the master module. A master electrical signal module (ESM) affixes to the master module and a tool ESM affixes to the tool module. In accordance with design requirements, the changer applies the same power supply to both the master ESM and the tool ESM. The changer, however, selectively suppresses application of the power supply to the tool ESM, while maintaining application of the power supply to the master ESM, during the coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. In doing so, the changer enables such coupling and uncoupling, while also preventing the formation of transient electric arcs.

Abstract: A control test device for testing a dual starter system has a first and a second starter. Each starter has a starter electrical interface including a starter start signal interface and a starter status signal interface. The control test device includes a first and a second communication interface for communicating a test signal to the first and second starter respectively. Each communication interface includes an electrical interface for interfacing with the first and second starter electrical interface. The test signal includes a start signal and a status signal. The start signal interfaces with one of the first and second starters start signal interface. The status signal sends a simulated status of the other one of the first and second starters to the one of the first and second starters start interface. A switch mechanism commands the start signal to one of the first and second starters.

Abstract: A retaining device for a printed circuit board includes an expandable bladder. The bladder is responsive to a source of pressurized fluid for selectively clamping a printed circuit board within a slot of an associated cooling and/or storage chassis. A method for retaining a circuit card within a chassis includes pressurizing a volume of fluid, and filling an expandable bladder with the pressurized fluid; wherein filling of the bladder causes its expansion and clamps a circuit card within the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a test circuit that is provided on a test substrate and tests the device under test; a sealing section that covers a region of the test substrate on which the test circuit is formed, and seals the test circuit to form a sealed space that is filled with a cooling agent; and a through-connector that passes through the sealing section and electrically connects the test circuit to an element provided outside the sealing section, such that the connection is not through the test substrate.

Abstract: A connector has first and second connector units, each unit incorporating an oil-filled chamber housing one or more contact elements to be joined. At least one connector unit has a face seal assembly which seals the forward end of the contact chamber in the unmated condition. The face seal assembly comprises three elements. One element is an annular elastomeric seal situated radially outward. The two other elements are inner seal elements which are pressed together radially to form a substantially disc-like shape. The resulting disc-like shaped seal fills the central, circular end face opening of the outer annular seal. As the connector units are mated, elements of the elastomeric face seal assembly are displaced, one axially, and others both axially and radially, creating an opening between the oil-filled chambers that is sealed from the outside environment.

Abstract: A connector assembly having a connector body that includes a support structure and a mating side and has an adjustable cavity therebetween. The mating side has a mating array of terminals thereon that is configured to face a communication component. The mating side is moveable relative to the support structure. The connector assembly also includes an elastic container having a reservoir that holds a working fluid. The elastic container is positioned within the adjustable cavity between the support structure and the mating side. The elastic container changes between first and second shapes to move the mating side toward and away from the communication component.

Abstract: An IC socket is pneumatically actuated and has an integrated heat sink. Thermally conductive elements of the heat sink extend through an opening of a pneumatically actuated element shaped as a closed curve of finite width so that heat radiating from the thermally conductive elements may dissipate through a top opening of the IC socket. Downward force exerted by the pneumatically actuated element is transferred through a gimbaled multi-plate and spring arrangement to provide even pressure on the die and substrate of an IC device being held in place by the IC socket. A spring-loaded ground tab on the bottom of the IC socket simplifies grounding of the IC socket to avoid damaging the held IC device by static discharge.

Abstract: A connector has first and second connector units, each unit incorporating an oil-filled chamber housing one or more contact elements to be joined. At least one connector unit has a face seal assembly which seals the forward end of the contact chamber in the unmated condition. The face seal assembly comprises three elements. One element is an annular elastomeric seal situated radially outward. The two other elements are inner seal elements which are pressed together radially to form a substantially disc-like shape. The resulting disc-like shaped seal fills the central, circular end face opening of the outer annular seal. As the connector units are mated, elements of the elastomeric face seal assembly are displaced, one axially, and others both axially and radially, creating an opening between the oil-filled chambers that is sealed from the outside environment.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals.

Abstract: There is provided a connecting system including a connecting apparatus that includes (i) a signal transfer path that transfers one of an electrical signal and an optical signal and (ii) a connecting device that connects the signal transfer path to a connection target component in such a manner that a signal is capable of being transferred therebetween, and a connected apparatus that includes the connection target component to be connected to the signal transfer path. Here, the connecting device includes a moving portion that has therein a sealed space. The moving portion moves an end portion of the signal transfer path closer to the connection target component so that the end portion of the signal transfer path is connected to the connection target component in response to an increase in a pressure within the moving portion, and moves the end portion away from the connection target component in response to a decrease in the pressure within the moving portion.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having an opening, a connector unit, a moveable door, and a biasing system. The connector unit is located inside the housing. The connector unit is capable of providing an electrical connection to a complementary connector unit. The moveable door is capable of being moved into an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the opening. The biasing system is capable of aligning the connector unit with the complementary connector unit and causing the connector unit to engage the complimentary connector unit.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes first and second conducting members that are pivotally attached to each other. A portion of the first and second conducting members distal to the pivotal attachment form an electrical contact with the electrode. The first and second conducting member, when operable connected to electric power source, provide parallel current paths for an electric current form the power source to the electrode. Further, the first and second conducting members are configured to provide additional forces at the contact with the electrode in response to magnetic field effects of the current flow Lorentz force), the additional forces having at least a predetermine value when a value of the electric current has a preselected value. For example, the predetermined value of the additional forces may be determined, using known properties of electrical contacts, so as to ensure that the contact does not fail when the current reaches the preselected value.

Abstract: A lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device includes a gate to control the device, a drain coupled to the gate formed in a well of a first type, a source to form a current path with the drain, and a first field oxide region disposed between the gate and the drain. The gate is formed over a first portion of the well of the first type and a channel portion of the well of the second type. The LDMOS also includes a second field oxide region, which is disposed between the edges of the drain and the well of the second type. A dummy polysilicon layer, which is formed to cover approximately one half of the second field oxide with a remaining portion of the dummy polysilicon layer covering a second portion of the well of the second type, reduces the electric field in the drift region.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly can include a semiconductor device that is to be tested, and the semiconductor device can include compliant, elongate contact structures that provide an electrical interface to the semiconductor device. The interconnect assembly can also include a flexible wiring substrate, which can have electrical connections to a semiconductor tester. The flexible wiring substrate can also include electrically conductive contact features located on the substrate in a pattern that corresponds to the elongate contact structures of the semiconductor device to be tested. The flexible wiring substrate can also include wiring that interconnects the probes to the electrical connections to the semiconductor tester. The semiconductor device can be located such that some of the elongate contact structures of the semiconductor device are near some of the conductive contact features of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a connector, which includes a first connecting unit, a second connecting unit, a third connecting unit, and a determining unit. Moreover, the first connecting unit is capable of being electrically connected to a first power source and/or a first data source; and the second connecting unit is capable of being electrically connected to a second power source and/or a second data source. Additionally, the determining unit is electrically connected to the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit respectively, for selectively outputting a data signal and/or a power signal based on a connecting status. Furthermore, the third connecting unit is electrically connected to the determining unit and an electronic device, for transmitting the data signal and/or the power signal from the determining unit to the electronic device.

Abstract: A connector, such as for harsh environments, may include first and second connector portions movable between unmated and mated positions. The first connector portion may include a first base, a male contact carried by the first base and extending outwardly therefrom, and a first shell carried by the first base and surrounding the male contact. The second connector portion may include a second base, and a female contact carried by the second base and extending outwardly therefrom. The second connector portion may further include an inner bladder carried by the second base and defining a bladder chamber surrounding the female contact, and a second shell carried by the second base and surrounding the bladder. A dual-level bladder connector embodiment may include an end cap defining a seal to end portions of the inner bladder opposite the second base, and an outer bladder surrounding the inner bladder.

Abstract: A holding device includes first and second walls, an adapter card, a deformable sheet member, a set of contact pads, and a force-imparting unit. The first and second walls define an accommodating space, and an insertion space that is reduced in width from the accommodating space. The adapter card extends into the accommodating space through the insertion space. The deformable sheet member has a first end portion that is secured to the first wall, and a second end portion that is sandwiched securely between the adapter card and the first wall. The contact pads are attached to the deformable sheet member. The force-imparting unit is operable so as to impart a pushing force on the deformable sheet member for elastically deforming the deformable sheet member to a contact position, where the contact pads are flush with a planar surface of the adapter card.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals.

Abstract: Various structural features for modifying the performance characteristic of cantilevered microelectronic spring structures are disclosed. Generally, the features comprise a protruding member mounted between a supporting substrate and the transverse cantilever beam of a microelectronic spring structure, at a distance spaced apart from the supporting structure from which the beam is cantilevered. The protruding member may be equal to the clearance under the beam, less than the clearance under the beam, or adjustable in height; and may be attached or mounted to either the beam or the substrate. The protruding member may include an adjustable pressure device or an electronic element. The protruding member may induce a reverse wipe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing the accidental or premature decoupling of an electrical connection, the electrical connection having two electrical connectors which can be coupled and decoupled. The invention includes a securing apparatus configured to secure the coupling of a first electrical connector to a compatible second electrical connector. The apparatus includes a moveable securing member. The moveable securing member is configured to be moved from a first position which prevents the first and second electrical connectors from being decoupled, to a second position which allows the first and second electrical connectors to be decoupled. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to move the securing member between the first and second positions. The actuator is responsive to an authorization command, so that a user or a controller can cause the securing member to be moved. The securing apparatus can be further provided with a securing member sensor.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer for the transfer of a secondary current across a master module and a tool module capable of being mated together. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts on the two modules, comprising a pair of contacts with a flat plate for electrical contact and a vertical connector tab for connection to a cable, are generally the same size and shape and are interchangeable. Both sets of contacts are slideably mounted on their respective modules, and can be moved laterally relative to each other to alter the size of a gap formed between the connector tabs, to fit a variety of kickless cable terminals. The contacts on the master module may connect directly to a kickless cable terminal, and are thus cooled by a water cooling system of the kickless cable. The contacts on the tool module may connect to a pair of shunt cables. The tool module contacts are moveable from a retracted to an extended position relative to the tool module, and are biased towards the extended position by springs.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals.

Abstract: Switch arrays are provided with controllable polarization modifiers and polarization-dependent diverters, such as one or more polarization beam splitters, for configuring switch arrays which can reduce or eliminate the need for optical fibers in the switch arrays. In one embodiment, input positions configured in a first preferably planar (e.g., horizontal) configuration are routed to one or more of a corresponding plurality of output positions which are configured in a different arrangement such as in an orthogonal (e.g., vertical) planar arrangement. Preferably some or all of the polarization-related optical components, including components such as birefringent devices, liquid crystal polarization rotator arrays and/or polarization beam splitters are integrated so that one such device can be used in connection with a plurality of input and/or output beams.

Abstract: An electric-cable-grounding piercer has a piercer blade (1) with a trunk end attached to a double-acting hydraulic piston (2) in a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (3) from which a blade housing (4) is extended from a blade end. An insertion-pressure tube (7) is positional in fluid communication intermediate an insertion-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a pump-outlet conveyance (36) from a hydraulic pump (9). A withdrawal-pressure tube (10) is positional in fluid communication intermediate a withdrawal-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and the outlet conveyance from the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump has a control valve (35) for directing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the insertion-pressure end and to the withdrawal-pressure end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder selectively.

Abstract: An electrical connector for establishing an interconnection between the contact pads of a printed circuit board and an electrical device. The connector includes a flexible circuit that is capable of being electrically coupled to a tester, driver, or some other external electrical device. The flexible circuit has a first side and an opposite second side and includes at least one metal layer and a plurality of electrically conductive contact bumps that are attached to and protrude from the metal layer along the first side. An expandable bladder is positioned adjacent the flexible circuit and exerts a force against the second side of the flexible circuit to cause the contact bumps to physically engage with the contact pads of the printed circuit board. A gas cylinder, pump, air compressor or other fluid pressure source is operatively coupled to the bladder for causing expansion of the bladder to effect the engagement of the contact bumps of the flexible circuit with the contact pads of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A clip assembly used in testing electrical equipment includes a mechanical actuator to provide mechanically assisted clipping of electrical leads in a manufacturing environment. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator takes the form of a fluid-actuated cylinder such as a pneumatic cylinder. The clip assembly includes a spring to urge the test clip into a clamping position. Upon activation, pressurized fluid is directed to the cylinder, causing a force to oppose the spring and move the test clip into a release position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight grounding contact for the transfer of currents between fixed vehicle elements of a rail vehicle and its rotating wheel axle, consisting of a plurality of contact elements (12), acted upon by a pressure in the direction toward the wheel axle, which element rests on a contact surface which originates at the wheel axle and is made of a carbon material. To achieve an always flat resting of the contact element on the contact surface, at least one contact element (12) is acted upon by pressure with a device (22) filled with a fluid (20).

Abstract: An electric connection unit includes a gas-tight housing to be put between a test board and a probe card located separately from each other. The housing has a plurality of pairs of contact pins each pair interconnected by a conductor wire and movably and gas-tightly inserted through holes formed in opposing walls of the housing, to be movable without being subjected to restriction of the conductor wire. A gas is introduced into the housing to push each pair of contact pins outwardly so that each pair of contact pins are brought into contact with corresponding conductive pads provided on test board and the probe card, with a constant contact pressure determined by a gas pressure. Even if there is variation in the projection length of the contact pins and in the distance to the conductive pads, all the contact pins can be brought into contact with corresponding conductive pads with a uniform contact pressure, with the result that an excellent and reliable electric connection can be obtained.

Abstract: An expandable clamp of the type that is used within a channel to compress a planar member within that channel against a wall of that channel. The clamp has an expandable bladder of an elongated cylindrical shape and a valve for introducing a gas or a liquid into the bladder for expanding it. Alternatively, the clamp may be manufactured with a closed bladder that is partially filled with a fluid. This closed bladder may be expanded by increasing the pressure on the fluid such as by compressing the fluid with a piston. The clamp is particularly suited for use in Standard Electronic Modules for providing more uniform contact between the frame of the electronic module and the card chassis of the instrumentation.

Abstract: An interconnection assembly for electrically connecting the contacts of an integrated circuit device with the contacts of said circuit board. The interconnection assembly having a base removably and adjustably attached to the circuit board and further having a preselected configuration for accepting the integrated circuit device therein such that the contacts thereon are aligned with the contacts on the circuit board. A bladder-like member having fluid therein is interposed between the integrated circuit and a closure element for forcing the bladder-like member into contact with the integrated circuit device thereby causing the contacts thereon to make electrical connections with the contacts on the circuit board.

Abstract: A connector carrier for an electric part comprising a pressure reduction chamber (31b) having an opening portion, a flat first part arranged in such a manner as to allow one surface of the first part (wiring sheet 6) to contact the opening portion of the pressure reduction chamber and a second part (IC4) disposed within the pressure reduction chamber such that when the pressure reduction chamber is reduced in pressure, the first part (6) is urged toward the second part side (4) by a difference in air pressure, thereby allowing contact elements on both of the first and second parts to contact with each other. A pressure increasing chamber (42a) can be provided on a side of the first part opposite the second part so as to urge the first part toward the second part. The pressure increasing chamber and the pressure decreasing chamber can be utilized independently or in combination.

Abstract: An electrical connection system is implemented while storage units are being loaded onto a transportation bed 2 or while they are being unloaded therefrom. The system includes an electrical connection constituted by at least one male-type connector 4, 5 and by at least one female-type connector 5, 4, one of the connectors being fixed to the transportation bed 2 or to the storage unit 1, the other connector being driven by a positioning element 6 fixed to the storage unit 1 or to the transportation bed 2, respectively. A control system fixed to the storage unit 1 or to the transportation bed 2 includes a time-delay piston 8 or equivalent time-delay element enabling the positioning element to be controlled.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting optical and/or electrical conductors comprises a first connector part with a first guiding plate with one or more guiding channels for first conductors each terminated by a contact pad and a second connector part to be coupled with the first connector part and having a second guiding plate with one or more guiding channels provided in a corresponding manner for second conductors to be connected with the first conductors and each terminated by a contact pad. The guiding plates comprise positioning means for mutually positioning the guiding plates in the coupled position of the connector parts in such a manner that corresponding contact pads of the first and second conductors are interconnected optically and electrically, respectively.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip having solder bumps thereon may be tested using a temporary substrate having substrate pads corresponding to locations of the input/output pads on the chip and having a sacrificial conductor layer on the temporary substrate pads. The solder bumps are placed adjacent the corresponding sacrificial metal layer and heated to form an electrical and mechanical connection between the chip and the temporary substrate. The chip is then tested and/or burned-in on the temporary substrate. After testing/burn-in, the sacrificial metal layer is dissolved into the solder bumps by heating. The integrated circuit chip, including a solder bump having the dissolved sacrificial metal layer therein, may be easily removed from the temporary substrate. Solder bumps may also be formed on the temporary substrate and transferred to unbumped chips.

Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting opposed circuit members (e.g., modules, printed circuit boards) using an interim housing on which are positioned a pair of flexible circuit members which are capable of being expanded to provide desired connections. Expansion is accomplished through the application of pressurized fluid to the housing to cause expansion. Such a fluid (liquid or gas) may also cool the structure during operation. The respective conductors of the expandable flexible circuit members are electrically coupled using a common circuitized element (e.g., a thin dielectric having opposed arrays of conductive members thereon). Means for aligning the connector of the invention with the respective electrical circuit members being connected is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid actuated connector is provided with opposing circuit members that form the interior of the connector and which are substantially L-shaped with a substantially vertical portion facing a circuit card to be inserted into the connector and a substantially horizontal portion disposed onto a printed circuit board (PCB), such as a motherboard, or the like. The circuit members are disposed adjacent a frame and connector body such that a cavity is formed adjacent the circuit members and on a side opposite the electrical connection points being being contacted with the printed circuit card. The circuit membranes are formed of a single layer of dielectric material, to maintain the required resiliency, and have contacts, which may be in the form of "bumps" etched into an electrically conductive material applied to the surface of the dielectric facing the circuit card.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprising a first body part having a first surface and a second surface normal thereto. The second surface contains a plurality of electrically conductive traces thereon in a particular spacing array. A first hinge half projects from the first surface. A flexible printed circuit board having a plurality of electrically conductive ribs in said particular spacing array is adjacent said second surface, said ribs being in contact with said traces. A second body part has a third surface and a fourth surface normal thereto, said third surface carrying a second hinge half in mating engagement with the first hinge half. The fourth surface carries a plurality of springs in substantially the same particular spacing array as the traces and ribs, each of the springs of the plurality of springs presenting a protuberant portion extending toward the flexible printed circuit board whereby a concavity exits on the side of said springs away from the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector wherein fluid pressure (pneumatics or hydraulics) is used to actuate an expandable bladder located within the housing of the connector to exert force against two flexible circuit members also located substantially within the connector's housing to cause these members to move toward each other and for highly dense arrays of electrical contacts thereon to engage each other in a predetermined manner. A first alignment means (e.g., pin and corresponding aperture) is used to provide initial alignment of the two flexible circuit members perior to contact being made. Once such contact occurs, and the expandable bladder is expanded further, the bladder is able to provide additional alignment for the engaged contacts so as to prevent movement thereof relative to each other. Such precise alignment is critical in highly dense arrays of large numbers of small contacts as required in many of today's information handling systems (computers).

Abstract: A connector system for interconnecting single or multiple pairs of flex circuits. A single pair of clamping bodies interconnects the respective ones of multiple pairs of electrical conductors in the form of conductor traces carried on respective pairs of flexible substrates, by pressing the flex circuits together between slender fluid-filled flexible bladders held in channels defined in the confronting sides of the clamping bodies. Alignment pins keep the flex circuits and clamping bodies aligned properly with each other, and alignment portions of the flex circuits correspond in thickness to that of the electrically interconnecting portions, to keep the flex circuits and clamping bodies parallel with each other. The clamping bodies are urged toward one another by clamping screws.

Abstract: A combination high pressure relief valve/high pressure cut-off device includes a housing for mounting in a pressure control installation. A high pressure switch, biased to a closed position, is mounted in this housing. A force transmitting mechanism is also mounted in the housing. The force transmitting mechanism includes a pressure sensing diaphragm adapted to be exposed to the pressure to be sensed. The force transmitting mechanism is responsive to pressure above a predetermined lower threshold pressure value to open the high pressure switch. The device also provides for rupturing the pressure sensing diaphragm so as to provide extreme high pressure relief in the event pressures build above a predetermined upper threshold high pressure value substantially higher. Additionally, the device may be electrically connected by means of a blow-off connector. The blow-off connector includes a resilient latch adapted to remain locked and retain the connector in position under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: An electrical connector which utilizes fluid pressure to interconnect two electrical circuit members (e.g., a circuit module and a printed circuit board) in a sound and effective manner. In one embodiment, two flexible circuits are brought together using two expandable bladders which are located within a housing located between the circuit members. When expanded, the bladders engage the flexible circuits and cause these to move toward each other such that arrays of contacts become engaged. In another embodiment, a singular flexible circuit and operatively connected bladder are used such that expansion of the bladder causes separate arrays of contacts on the flexible circuit to move toward and engage respective circuitry on the circuit members.

Abstract: An integrated circuit AC test and burn-in socket (10) for communicating test signals between test circuitry and an integrated circuit chip (11) comprises connection circuitry (32) associated to engage the chip (11) and communicate test signals between the chip (11) and the test circuitry. A compliant base (34) supports the circuitry (32) and assures positive engagement and electrical connection between the circuitry (32) and the chip (11). A socket assembly (20 and 21) holds the chip (11) in engagement with the connection circuitry (32).

Abstract: An electrical interconnection is provided between a tubular element (10) formed of a thin walled plastic material made conductive (16) and a further contact (18,56) by fluid pressure driving the material to engage the further contact. Positive and negative pressures are contemplated and assemblies (110) of contacts (90) are arranged to become commonly activated to interconnect arrays of contacts between electronic packages.

Abstract: An electrical connector wherein fluid pressure (pneumatics or hydraulics) is used to actuate an expandable bladder located within the housing of the connector to exert force against two flexible circuit members also located substantially within the connector's housing to cause these members to move toward each other and for highly dense arrays of electrical contacts thereon to engage each other in a predetermined manner. A first alignment means (e.g., pin and corresponding aperture) is used to provide initial alignment of the two flexible circuit members prior to contact being made. Once such contact occurs, and the expandable bladder is expanded further, the bladder is able to provide additional alignment for the engaged contacts so as to prevent movement thereof relative to each other. Such precise alignment is critical in highly dense arrays of large numbers of small contacts as required in many of today's information handling systems (computers).

Abstract: An underwater receptacle has a pressure balancing arrangement that balances he underwater force that tend to hold a receptacle and its mated plug together. The pressure balancing arrangement also relieves the air pressure formed between the insert discs of the plug and receptacle when connecting the insert discs respective electrical pins and sockets. This is achieved by moving the volume of air formed between the discs on connecting the respective components. The volume of air passes through the receptacle disc and operates a piston to form a chamber for holding the volume of air. The other side of the piston is exposed to sea pressure. This forces the volume of air back into its original position and eliminates a vacuum suction by neutralizing the pressure on the plug when disconnecting the plug from the receptacle.