Abstract: A card edge connector assembly is provided for electrically connecting at least a pair of stacked memory cards to a circuit board. The assembly includes a lower connector having a dielectric housing mounting a plurality of conductive terminals along a slot for receiving an edge of a lower memory card. An upper connector has a dielectric housing mounting a plurality of conductive terminals along a slot for receiving an edge of an upper memory card at an angle to the lower memory card, the angle diverging in a direction away from said slots.

Abstract: A circuit board electrical connector includes a connector housing (20) having a front edge holding section (21) with a receiving groove (23) for receiving a leading edge of a circuit board (1) having a plurality of contact pads (2) on the leading edge and an aperture or notch (3) therein, and a pair of guiding sections (22) extending upward from opposite ends of the front edge holding section for guiding the circuit board; a plurality of contact elements (25) provided in the receiving groove for contact with the contact pads of the circuit board; a pair of insertion slots (28) provided in the guiding sections and having a width slightly greater than a thickness of the circuit board; at least one pair of pressure portions (29A) provided on opposed faces of one of the insertion slots such that a distance between the pressure portions is slightly less than the thickness of the circuit board so as to hold the circuit board between them; and at least one pair of engaging projections (29B) provided on the pressure

Abstract: An ejecting mechanism for a card connector (10) comprises a push rod (30) movably mounted on the connector, an ejecting lever (40) pivotally mounted on the connector, and a pair of spring tabs (50) fixed on an insertion end of the connector. Each spring tab includes a fixed portion (56, 58) to fix the spring tab on the connector and a spring portion (52) having an inwardly extending section (54) adapted for engaging with a locking notch (108) of an inserted card (102), thereby ensuring a safe ejection of the card from the card connector.

Abstract: A solder-less printed circuit board edge connector (10) translates construction and impedance characteristics associated with a coaxial cable (20) to construction and impedance characteristics associated with a micro-strip transmission line formed on a printed circuit board (22). The solder-less printed circuit board edge connector (10) comprises a first edge connector (16), a second edge connector (16), and a “C-shaped” ground contact (30). The first edge connector (16) receives a first coaxial cable (20) having a first signal potential and a first ground potential, and has a first slot formed therein having the first ground potential. The second edge connector (16) receives a second coaxial cable (20) having a second signal potential and a second ground potential. The second edge connector (16) has a second slot formed therein having the second ground potential.

Abstract: A card edge connector includes an insulative housing retaining conductive contacts soldered to a mother board. The housing defines a slot for receiving a daughter board engageable by the contacts for electrically connecting the daughter board to the mother board. Two side arms integrally extend from the housing, each having an inner face forming a platform for supporting the daughter board. A remote end section of each side arm forms a relatively rigid portion and a relatively flexible portion. A reinforcing member made of metal is attached to the remote end section of each side arm. The reinforcing member includes a side plate having a remote end from which a securing tab extends for interposing the relatively flexible portion therebetween and thus attaching the reinforcing member to the relatively flexible portion.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for securing an electrical connector of a printed circuit card to an electrical connector of a main circuit board is presented. The retention mechanism has a base, through which each of the connectors fit, having a number of snaplets and a number of guiding ledges. The snaplets secure the retention mechanism to the electrical connector of the main circuit board, while the guiding ledges support the positioning of the electrical connector of the printed circuit card in the electrical connector of the main circuit board. A locking feature secures the electrical connector of the printed circuit card in place by fitting into a slot between a card arm and the main body of the printed circuit card. A handle extends from the locking feature, allowing for easy manipulation, so that the locking feature may be locked and unlocked and the printed circuit card may be inserted or removed at will.

Abstract: A PC card holder is mounted on a circuit board. A card retainer is mounted adjacent to the holder to prevent unintentional movement of a card out of an engaged position in the holder when the holder is subjected to vibrations. The retainer preferably includes a finger having a hook formed on a free end thereof that is yieldably biased into a blocking position in which it blocks the unintentional movement. An outer end surface of the hook engages a front corner portion of the card. When the card is being intentionally removed from the holder, movement of the card deflects the finger to allow passage of the card. Similarly, insertion of a card into the holder deflects the finger into a nonblocking position.

Abstract: A card edge connector 1 capable of effectively restraining a daughter board B from inadvertent removal in the horizontal direction by increasing the holding pressure of the daughter board B. The card edge connector 1 has an insulated housing 10 mounted onto the mother board A and latch members 30A, 30B attached to the housing 10, for holding the daughter board B. The latch members 30A, 30B have a daughter board locking portion 47a for restraining the daughter board B in the horizontal direction. The locking portion engages the inner wall of the semicircular recess B1 formed at the edge portion of the daughter board B. The daughter board locking portion 47a has a pointed edge portion 47c for penetrating the inner wall of the semicircular recess B1.

Abstract: In a connector for a small circuit board, contacting means is formed independently of elastic means that provides contact pressure on the small circuit board when the edge portion of the small circuit board is fitted to the connector. The contacting means comprises for example an insulator film and electrical contacts corresponding to terminals of the plate object. The insulator has first and second surfaces and the electrical contacts are formed on the first surface. The elastic means is for example arranged within a housing of the connector. Within the housing, the second surface of the insulator is fixed on the elastic means, so that the electrical contacts are also arranged on the elastic means via the insulator film. When the edge portion of the small circuit board is accommodated within the housing, the elastic means gives the contact pressure to the edge portion of the small circuit board so that the electrical contacts are connected with the terminals of the small circuit board.

Abstract: A lock and lock releasing mechanism for an IC card connecting mechanism comprising a resilient lock arm for accumulating a preliminary resilient force by being resiliently contacted with one side edge of an IC card to be received in a card receiving space through a card inlet port of the card connecting mechanism. The resilient lock arm is arranged to engage in a recess formed on the side edge of the IC card in order to establish the locked state of the IC card. The lock and lock releasing mechanism also comprises a control member that is arranged to selectively engage the resilient lock arm so that the resilient lock arm moves against its resiliency to disengage from the recess formed on the side edge of the IC card, thereby establishing a lock released state of the IC card.

Abstract: A smart card connector of simple design and small size is provided, which retains a fully inserted smart card until a person deflects a tab (172) that releases the smart card, with the connector including a spring (130A) which then partially ejects the smart card so it can be grasped and removed. The apparatus includes a housing (302A) with a dielectric plastic plate-shaped support (72A) that holds contacts (94) with pad-engaging ends (92) projecting above an upwardly-facing face (106) of the plate to engage contact pads of the smart card. The housing forms a forwardly-opening cavity (88) for receiving the smart card when it is rearwardly inserted therein, the housing having a stop (109) that limits rearward movement of the card to a fully inserted position. A card retainer (304A) has a largely rearwardly-facing shoulder (166A) at the front of the cavity to resist withdrawal of the card until the tab is manually deflected.

Abstract: A retainer (4) for retaining a daughter card (5) in a card edge connector (6) includes a pair of side walls (40) having first and second ends (400, 401), an end wall (41) connecting both side walls at their first ends, a retaining portion (42) formed at the end wall, and an interlocking device (43) including a first arm (431) and a second arm (432) each projecting from a second end of a corresponding side wall and extending toward each other. The first arm forms a first locking portion (441) on an end thereof and the second arm forms a second locking portion (442) on an end thereof. The side walls enclose the card edge connector with the first locking portion catching with the second locking portion and the retaining portion retaining the daughter card within the card edge connector.

Abstract: A printed circuit card retention mechanism is presented that maintains electrical connection by securing an electrical connector of a printed circuit card to an electrical connector of a main circuit board in a piece of electronic equipment. The retention mechanism has a base and at least one pivot arm extending from the base. The base fastens directly onto (i.e., fits over) the electrical connector of the main circuit board. The at least one pivot arm has a finger that extends towards the printed circuit card and fits into notches either cut into or cut through the printed circuit card. While the connector on the printed circuit card is electrically mated to a connector mounted on the main circuit board, the fingers of the retention mechanism latch into notches located on the printed circuit card to ensure the electrical connection between the printed circuit card and main circuit board is maintained when physically moving the piece of electronic equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for retaining a circuit board in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer that are used as retaining structures. In operation, the retaining structures may be hinged down onto a circuit board cap that is in turn coupled to a central processing unit package that includes a circuit board. In this manner, the central processing unit or another component including a circuit board may be retained in a computer system.

Abstract: A retention device for retaining a combination of a daughter card and a heat sink mounted on the daughter card to an electrical connector comprises a pair of retention mechanisms positioned on opposite ends of the electrical connector. Each retention device includes a base and a wall upwardly extending from the base. The wall defines a pair of vertical grooves which divide the wall into a pair of sidewall portions and a central wall portion. A pair of central blades and a pair of side blades inwardly extend from the central wall portion and the sidewall portions, respectively. The central wall portion of each retention mechanism forms a push bar at a free end thereof. The central wall portion and the central blades of each retention mechanism are outwardly flexible under a lower force, relative to the sidewall portions, and then revert to lock the daughter card and the heat sink to the electrical connector.

Abstract: A semiconductor package for vertically surface mounting to a printed circuit board having retention apparatus for holding the package thereto.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a plastic connector mounted on mainboard and two metal enhancement devices wherein connector includes a body and two parallel arms each including two spaced raised members, a positioning projection, and a protrusion with a guide slope defined between top side of arm and protrusion; and enhancement devices are secured to arms including a U-shaped plate member having a planar portion and two spaced tab members with central openings, a protruded engagement member fixed on mainboard, and an outward slant flexible strip. With the support of engagement members, strips can share stress with plate members and flexed arms when inserting RAM module in connector, resulting in a uniform stress distribution on the assembly.

Abstract: A memory module connector mounted on a mother board and adapted to receive a memory module, having two metal reinforcing members respectively fastened to two latches at two opposite ends of a connector body thereof to reinforce the structural strength of the latches for positively holding an inserted memory module in the connector body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card edge electrical connector which makes it possible to achieve reliable grounding of a daughter board to a mother board via latch members thereof. Card edge connector (1) is equipped with an insulating housing (10), which is to be attached to a mother board (50) and which has a daughter board-accommodating recess (11) that extends in the direction of length thereof, and metal latch members (30), which are disposed in the vicinity of end portions of the housing (10) with respect to the direction of length of the housing and which hold a daughter board (60) at a second angle when the daughter board (60) is rotated to the second angle after being inserted into the daughter board-accommodating recess (11) at a first angle. The latch members (30) are connected to a ground path of the mother board (50).

Abstract: An ejector is operable to move an ejector member against a data card in engagement with a connector to move the card along a pathway into an ejected position out of engagement with the connector. A latch member is mounted on the connector and has a blocking portion with a latch position in which it extends into the pathway to block movement of the card. The ejector includes a slide button that engages a lever to pivot the lever so that one end of the lever pushes on the card to push the card toward its ejected position. The positive latch action of the latch member prevents such movement unless the latch member is disengaged. The latch member preferably includes a leaf spring having a spring force that resists movement of its free outer end from a blocking position. A projection on the spring may be engaged to depress the spring into an unlatch position.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an elongate housing and a latching device attached to each end thereof. The latching device includes a plastic retaining member integrally formed with the housing and a metal release member assembled to the retaining member. A daughter board engages with a slot defined in the housing and is rotated downward whereby resilient portions of the retaining member move outward until the daughter board is fully received in the slot. To disengage the daughter board from the connector an outward force is exerted on release pads of the release member. The resilient portions are moved outward to abut against corresponding first stoppers formed on the retaining member. At this position, an embossment extending from each retaining member will abut against a corresponding second stopper of the release member. The provision of the stoppers effectively prevents breakage of the resilient portions while disengaging a daughter board from the connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector system includes an elongated dielectric connector housing defining an elongated opening for receiving a flat circuit. A plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing and have contact portions spaced along the opening. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement between a first position allowing free insertion of the flat circuit into the opening and a second position wherein a pressure plate of the actuator biases the circuit against the contact portions of the terminals. The flat circuit includes at least one latch aperture. The connector housing includes at least one latch projection allowing free insertion of the flat circuit into the opening but engaging the latch aperture in the circuit to resist withdrawal of the circuit from the opening.

Abstract: Computer apparatus 10 includes mother board 10M, bracket 12 mounted on the mother board, a circuit board assembly 10A installed in the bracket, and a pair of assembly latches 13L and 13R. The mother board has connector slot 12E for electrically engaging corresponding contacts 10E on the circuit board assembly. The bracket has an elongated base member 12M positioned proximate the connector slot, and a pair of spaced retaining posts 12L and 12R extending generally away from the mother board, one at each end of the base member. The bracket receives the circuit board assembly into the space between the retaining posts. The circuit board assembly has heat conductive thermal plate 14 between circuit board 10C and heat sink 14H. The thermal plate has two end edges 14L and 14R, one proximate each retaining post, which are engaged by the retaining posts during and after installation. Each retaining post has a latch port 12P extending therethrough.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a latch for retaining an IC card. A card adaptor body receives the IC card. The adaptor body has a connector end including a pin header. A pair of opposed card side edge guides extend from the connector end and terminate adjacent an open end of the adaptor body. The IC card is inserted into the adaptor body and has a connector edge engaged with the pin header, a pair of opposed sides engaged with the side edge guides and a rear edge at the open end of the adaptor body. A retainer includes a flexible arm and a hook extending from the connector end into the open end. The hook is automatically engaged with the card rear edge when the card is inserted for retaining the card engaged with the pin header, and is movable out of engagement with the card rear edge to permit the card to be removed from the adaptor body.

Abstract: A connector assembly (10) includes a lower housing (14) and an upper housing (12) each generally including the basic structure of the typical SO DIMM connector housing (16, 16'). Each housing (14, 12) defines two rows of passageways (20, 20') on two sides of the central slot (18, 18') in which the corresponding module (100) is received. A plurality of contacts (40, 42, 50, 52) are received within the corresponding passageways (20, 20') wherein the tail of each contact (40, 42, 50, 52) extends downward to engage the corresponding circuit on the PC board (100) on which the connector assembly (10) is mounted.

Abstract: A component module holder is adapted to hold a plurality of integrated circuit devices in alignment with one another in a way that enables the devices to be directly plugged to a printed circuit board. In this condition, the holder is secured to said printed circuit board with the contacts on said integrated circuit devices making contacts with appropriate contacts on the printed circuit board. This direct contact between the packaged integrated circuit device leads and a board may reduce the die bond pad to board pad stub length, improving speed. This arrangement may also allow the integrated circuit devices to be replaced and upgraded as a whole as needed. The holder may be utilized, for example, to upgrade system integrated circuit devices in computer systems by providing a plurality of connected, integrated circuit dynamic random access memory elements directly pluggable onto a computer system motherboard.

Abstract: Retention system (10) for guiding a processor module during mating, and retention thereafter, having a pair of retention members (12) with upper sections (20) pivotable from upright positions to recumbent positions with respect to lower sections (22) when a processor module is absent. Retention members (12) latch a module (16,100) therebetween upon full insertion into guide channels (52). Module (16) includes latching surfaces (78) that latch beneath latch surfaces (76) defined on a latch (70) that is deflectable outwardly to delatch. Module (100) includes latch projections (102) that seat in apertures (88) adjacent the guide channel entrance.

Abstract: A cover is employed with an edge mount electrical header connector to secure the header connector to a printed circuit board during soldering. The header connector includes plural electrical contacts supported in an insulative housing. The contacts include extending solder tails for engagement with solder pads of the printed circuit board. The cover includes an elongate insulative body for attachment to the header connector. The body of the cover includes gripper arms extending therefrom and being in spaced opposition to the extending solder tails. The solder tails and the gripper arms form a space therebetween for receiving an edge of the printed circuit board. The gripper arms and solder tails retain the printed circuit board edge so as to permit secure soldering of the solder tails to the solder pads of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed in the invention is a connector structure that is used on a mother board for holding a central processing unit of cartridge type or card type. The connector structure comprises two connector halves. Each connector half has retaining slots and elongated notches formed on the upper portion thereof. Such an arrangement makes the connector structure adapted for holding cartridge type central processing units. The connector half has an incompletely connected retaining protrusion on one side. The retaining protrusion extends obliquely and inwardly and has locking means disposed on the lower end and an upwardly extending moving lever arranged on the outside of the locking means. The above arrangement makes the connector suitable for holding a card type central processing unit. Each connector half is composed of a stationary piece pivotally connected with a movable piece. Thus the connector can be folded when not in use to decrease the space it takes.

Abstract: A board to board electrical connector for electrically connecting a first substrate to a second substrate on which the electrical connector is mounted, comprises an insulated housing and a pair of actuators. The insulated housing further includes an elongated slot and a pair of receiving sections for receipt of the first substrate wherein each receiving section consists of a first cavity for pivotably receiving an actuator therein, a second cavity for clamping a lateral edge of the inserted first substrate therebetween to restrict the first substrate from moving along a first direction, and a partition for restricting the first substrate from moving along a second direction. The actuator includes a locking portion capable of extending through an indent defined on the partition to latch with a corresponding notch of the first substrate received within the second cavity thereby restricting the first substrate from moving along a third direction.

Abstract: A PCMCIA electrical connector for assembly to a printed circuit board is disclosed which includes a C-shaped connector with a strain relief for the contact tails to prevent stress fracturing of soldered connections. The connector is circumjacent the front edge and the side edges of the printed circuit board and snap engages the side edges of the board for precise alignment of the contact tails for soldering to a corresponding conductive pad on a surface of the board. The connector has opposed channel shaped legs which receive the side edges of the circuit board therebetween. The strain relief may include a flex beam formed on one side wall of the channel shaped leg which has a locating pin engaging a corresponding hole in the edge portion of the circuit board. Alternatively, each channel shaped leg may have a notch in the base of the channel adapted to receive an outwardly projecting tab on each side edge of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Retention assembly (10) includes an end section (30,104) at each end of a pair of board-mounted receptacle connectors and defines guide channels (20) for insertion thereinto of a pair of modules (22). A retention cap (14,100) is securable to posts (38,122) of end sections (30,104) and is movable transversely to be wedged against top surfaces (68) of modules (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a circuit card in a connector. The apparatus includes a frame member that defines an opening that is sized so as to receive the connector therein. The apparatus also includes an anchor member that is adapted to engage with the connector so as to anchor the frame member on the connector. A securing member is attached to the frame member and is adapted to engage with an aperture formed in the circuit card so as to retain the circuit card in electrical connection with the connector. The securing member is movable between a first position, where it secures the circuit card in the connector, and a second position where it is at least partially removed from the plane of the opening in the frame member so as to allow the circuit card to be positioned in electrical contact with the connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an elongated insulative housing defining a central slot to receive a module therein. A plurality of contacts are provided by two sides of the central slot for mechanical and electrical engagement with the corresponding circuit pads on the module. A pair of platforms are provided adjacent two opposite ends of the housing. A pair of latch devices are provided at two opposite ends of the housing wherein each latch device includes a plastic member and a metal member. The plastic member integrally extends forward from the housing with a locking head proximate the distal free end thereof. The metal member includes a horizontal plate interferentially received within the corresponding platform, and a vertical plate closely positioned by the outer side of the plastic member.

Abstract: A PCMCIA electrical connector for assembly to a printed circuit board is disclosed which includes a C-shaped connector with strain relief for the contact tails to prevent stress fracturing of soldered connections. The connector is circumjacent the front edge and the side edges of the printed circuit board and snap engages the side edges of the board for precise alignment of the contact tails for soldering to a corresponding conductive pad on a surface of the board. The connector has opposed channel shaped legs which receive the side edges of the circuit board therebetween. The strain relief may include a flex beam formed on one side wall of the channel shaped leg which has a locating pin engaging a corresponding hole in the edge portion of the circuit board. Alternatively, each channel shaped leg may have a notch in the base of the channel adapted to receive an outwardly projecting tab on each side edge of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) includes an insulative housing (12) defining a central slot (14) for receiving a module (100) therein. A plurality of contacts are disposed by two side of the central slot (14). A pair of platforms (18) are provided at two ends of the housing (12). A latch device (22) provided adjacent to each corresponding platform, includes a plastic member (24) with a locking head (48) integrally extending by the outside of said platform (18), and a metal member (26) including a resilient body (36) positioned by the outside of the plastic member (24), wherein both the resilient bodies (36) of the metal members (26) at two opposite ends of the housing (12) are substantially exposed to an exterior and commonly define the maximum lengthwise dimension of the connector (12), so that the full lengthwise dimension of the connector (10) can be reduced for miniaturization.

Abstract: A foldable retainer device includes a pair of clamping members pivotably connected to distal ends of an elongate base frame, and a folding mechanism for retaining the pair of clamping members either perpendicular or parallel to the base frame.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a generally U-shaped connector housing, which has two parallel side walls. Each of the side walls is formed with an integral projection, which engages a notch in a circuit board that is inserted into the connector. Two unitary reinforcing members are secured to the side walls, respectively. Each of the unitary reinforcing members has an elongated abutment plate overlying a respective one of the side walls to reinforce the side walls, two contact portions and a stop element, which is located between the contact portions. When inserted into or disengaged from the connector, the circuit board slides over the projections of the side walls, thereby permitting flexing of the side walls and movement of the stop element relative to the contact portions. Upon contact of the stop element with either of the contact portions, the side walls cannot continue to flex. Accordingly, excessive flexure and breakage of the side walls can be prevented.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an elongate insulative housing defining a central slot for receiving a module therein. latch device is positioned at each end of the housing. Each latch device includes a plastic member integrally extending from the housing, and a metal member cooperating with the plastic ember. A first plate of the metal member abuts against an outer surface of the plastic member and a first tang extending from the first plate, incorporates the first plate to confine the plastic member therebetween. The module can be released from the connector by applying an outward force to free ends of the latch devices. A second tang extending from the first plate abuts against the plastic member when the latch device reaches its outermost position thereby preventing over-extension and breakage thereof.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) includes an elongated insulative housing (12) defining a central slot (14) to receive a module (100) therein. A plurality of contacts are provided by two sides of the central slot (14) for mechanical and electrical engagement with the corresponding circuit pads on the module (100). A pair of platforms (18) are provided adjacent two opposite ends of the housing (12). A pair of latch devices (20) are provided at two opposite ends of the housing (12a) wherein each latch device (20) includes a plastic member (22) and a metal member (24). The plastic member (22) integrally extends forward from the housing (12) with a locking head (48) proximate the distal free end thereof.

Abstract: A cover is employed with an edge mount electrical header connector to secure the header connector to a printed circuit board during soldering. The header connector includes plural electrical contacts supported in an insulative housing. The contacts include extending solder tails for engagement with solder pads of the printed circuit board. The cover includes an elongate insulative body for attachment to the header connector. The body of the cover includes gripper arms extending therefrom and being in spaced opposition to the extending solder tails. The solder tails and the gripper arms form a space therebetween for receiving an edge of the printed circuit board. The gripper arms and solder tails retain the printed circuit board edge so as to permit secure soldering of the solder tails to the solder pads of the printed circuit board. The removable cover may be employed over a device bay plug to cover exposed contacts during the soldering process.

Abstract: A cover is employed with an edge mount electrical header connector to secure the header connector to a printed circuit board during soldering. The header connector includes plural electrical contacts supported in an insulative housing. The contacts include extending solder tails for engagement with solder pads of the printed circuit board. The cover includes an elongate insulative body for attachment to the header connector. The body of the cover includes gripper arms extending therefrom and being in spaced opposition to the extending solder tails. The solder tails and the gripper arms form a space therebetween for receiving an edge of the printed circuit board. The gripper arms and solder tails retain the printed circuit board edge so as to permit secure soldering of the solder tails to the solder pads of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card edge connector having mirror image latches which are integrally molded into the housing and which have horizontal latch manipulation platform members which extend outwardly from their body section. A stopper member is positioned outwardly from the latches to prevent overstressing when the latches are deflected. The horizontal latch manipulation has a central major slot and a peripheral secondary slot which are vertically aligned respectively with a vertical slot between the latch body and the stopper member and the top surface of the stopper member to allow for relatively easy molding of the latch. A separately molded finger engagement portion may be inserted into the central principal slot which the stopper member is received by the secondary slot when the latch is flexed. The finger engagement portion may advantageously be of a different color from the housing to make it easier to locate.

Abstract: A socket for a printed circuit board which includes a housing having an insertion inlet defined between one pair of opposed walls to receive a printed circuit board. There are a plurality of spring contacts having their contact points extending at least from one wall into the insertion inlet to provide arrays of contact points along a longitudinal direction of the insertion inlet. A pair of latch arms also each extend from an area near each longitudinal end of the insertion inlet of the housing and each has an integral structure of a cam section and latch section. The cam section is configured so that when the printed circuit board is swung in a direction to press the contact points, each latch arm allows slide motion of a corresponding side edge of the printed circuit board to create a force along the direction of the array of contact points and the latch section latches the side edge of the printed circuit board to swing clear of the cam section.

Abstract: A plug-in connector assembly for ribbon cables comprises a ribbon cable, a plug-in connector, a locking spring and a locking spring housing. The locking spring may engage the ribbon cable in a shape-mated fashion to provide lateral guidance of the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable may be configured with a recess for spring-actuated engagement to provide strain relieving locking of the ribbon cable and to provide a region of electrical contact with the locking spring to enhance shielding contact.

Abstract: An electrical connector for reliably and electrically connecting a daughter board and a mother board, includes a first insulative housing, a second insulative housing for electrically receiving the daughter board, and a pair of board locking devices. Each board locking device includes a first operative portion for providing a user with a manually locking operation, a protrusion for locking a corresponding notch of the inserted daughter board, and a moveable pin having a second operative portion for providing the user with a manually releasing operation. The moveable pin of the board locking device can be restricted within and linearly slide along a pair of L-shaped slots of the first housing whereby the user can selectively lock or release the daughter board. An elastic supporting portion is adapted to maintain a locking/releasing position of the board locking device with respect to the inserted daughter board under a stable and reliable situation.

Abstract: An interconnected book-package system permitting the circuit boards within book packages to communicate exclusively of the backplane (e.g., 300). This permits a circuit board that would otherwise have to be constructed from a larger than standard size circuit board and housed within a larger than standard size book package to be formed out of two standard size or smaller circuit boards housed within standard size book package assemblies. This is especially useful to customers seeking upgrade flexibility. The book packages of the interconnected system are connected mechanically and electrically exclusively of the backplane by a connection assembly (e.g., 502, 414, 504, 416) that makes it possible to blindly plug the book packages together. Multi-book latch assemblies include a clip (e.g., 702 and/or 704) used to interconnect the latches on a pair of book packages so that the connected books can be plugged into the backplane as a unit.

Abstract: An edge connector for a plurality of daughter boards has a plurality of adjacent board-receiving openings which are configured to receive the daughter boards first in a common linear insertion direction at respective upstream positions and then in a common pivoting insertion direction to respective downstream positions. A plurality of latch members are operable to retain the daughter boards in their respective downstream positions. The latch members are also releasable to allow reverse pivoting of the daughter boards. The latch members are configured so that releasing the latch members associated with a relatively downstream one of the openings operates to release the latch members associated with relatively upstream ones of the openings, thereby preventing collisions between adjacent ones of the daughter boards.

Abstract: A card edge connector (10) includes an insulative elongated housing (12) defining a central slot (14) for receiving a card (100). A plurality of passageways (16) are formed by two sides of the central slot (14) for receiving a corresponding number of contacts (18) therein. An upstanding high retention device (20) positioned at either opposite end of the housing (12), includes a pair of side arms (24) for transversely sandwiching the side edge portion (104) of the card, and an engagement arm (36) positioned between such pair of side arms (24) for longitudinally abutting against the side edge (106) of the card (100) whereby the card (100) is reliably and efficiently retained in the housing (12) by the retention device (20).

Abstract: A printed circuit board retention system for supporting printed circuit boards in a computer chassis consists of a mother board located in the computer chassis and having a mother board connector mounted to it for connecting to a daughter card. The mother board connector has attachment points molded into it for optionally fastening a base support member. A daughter card including an edge card connection along the bottom edge for mating with the mother board connector such that the daughter card is positioned substantially at right angles to the mother board. A separate base support member may be fastened to the mother board by attachment points that mechanically mate with the attachment points on the mother board connector. The base support member has upwardly extending arms with clips on the ends. A partial frame element has downwardly extending arms with clips at the end that mate with the clips on the base support member arms.