To Bridge Post-type Contacts Patents (Class 439/510)
  • Patent number: 6341967
    Abstract: By dividing a bus bar group 65 into a pair of subordinate bus bar groups 65A, 65B, tabs 31 extending from the bus bar group 65 in mutually different oblique directions can be held in a metal mold separately. Due to this, the bus bar group 65 can also be set in a metal mold including a slide mold 3, which makes it possible to manufacture a connector block 20 with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nabeshima, Masahiro Takeda, Masaki Akutagawa
  • Publication number: 20010012724
    Abstract: A semiconductor signal connector has a contact area provided with a contact part. The contact part is elongated in a transverse direction so that a signal terminal can contact at any location thereof. Further, the semiconductor signal connector has a first contact part to contact a first signal terminal, a second contact part to contact a second signal terminal, and a connecting part formed by a deformable member for connecting the first contact part and the second contact part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: TATSUO SHINOHARA
  • Patent number: 6256572
    Abstract: At least one surface contact is formed upon a circuit substrate disposed within a housing for electronic control unit for an anti-lock brake system. The surface contact is electrically connected to a programming port of a microprocessor mounted upon the circuit substrate. A probe is extended into housing and into electrical contact with the surface contact. A algorithm for controlling the operation of the anti-lock brake system is then transferred through the probe and into the microprocessor, where it is stored for use during anti-lock braking operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Paolo Rea
  • Patent number: 6231354
    Abstract: A connector assembly mounted on a printed wiring board allowing modifications to be made to the connectivity using simple wiring techniques. The connector assembly contains special contacts providing three connections. One end of the contact mates with the source or destination of the signals in a modular electronic device. The other end accepts a wired contact for making additional connections not contained in the printed wiring board. The middle section of the contact makes a compliant connection to the printed wiring board. A signal can be disconnected from the printed wiring board by removing the contact and replacing it with a contact that is insulated from the printed wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel D. Church, David R. Gladish, Dai Hung Pham, John P. Webber
  • Patent number: 6188583
    Abstract: A contact bridge arrangement in a housing of an electronic assembly provides a simplified electrical interconnection of circuit boards while avoiding the need of electrical plugs, sockets and connector cables for connecting the circuit boards. The contact bridge includes an insulating block provided on the floor of the housing, and a plurality of conducting connectors embedded in the insulating block. First electrical contacts, such as contact pads with holes therein, are provided on the circuit boards, and engage the second electrical contacts in the form of contact pins provided by the free ends of the conducting connectors protruding from the insulating block. Assembling the arrangement simply requires pressing the circuit boards onto the contact pins of the contact bridge. The insulating block of the contact bridge may have a step configuration providing two offset flat support surfaces on which two circuit boards may be supported one above the other with a spacing therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Fendt, Richard Baur, Michael Bischoff
  • Patent number: 6140581
    Abstract: An electrically grounded semiconductor structure is embedded in a non-conductive packaging material, without employing any electrical leads of the semiconductor structure as an electrical path and without damaging the semiconductor structure. The desired grounding connection is obtained by physically removing a portion of the non-conductive packaging material from a rear portion of the semiconductor structure, replacing the removed non-conductive material by a conformable electrically conductive material, and then electrically contacting this conformable electrically conductive material to a grounding element. In another aspect of the invention, a portion of the non-conductive packaging material is removed from a rear portion of the semiconductor structure and a metallic element such as a pin or a spring is disposed to make contact between the exposed portion of the semiconductor structure and the grounding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cowan, Tom Taylor, J. Neil Schunke
  • Patent number: 6139345
    Abstract: A component unit (40) is provided for connecting a circuit component (42) such as a chip resistor to a pair of contacts (22A, 22B) of a connector, in a simple, robust, and low-cost manner. The component unit includes a chip component in the form of a block with opposite end portions forming terminals, and a pair of clips (44, 46) that each has a chip-engaging part (52) soldered to a component terminal and a pin-engaging part (50) that can be slid over a pin portion of a connector contact. The chip-engaging part of each clip includes three walls (80, 82, 84) forming a channel that closely receives an end portion of the chip and that is soldered thereto. A connector insulator (26) has a surface (118) with a recess (120) that closely receives the chip component and the side walls (82, 84) of each clip channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Zolten Muzslay
  • Patent number: 6139333
    Abstract: Module (10) including a circuit board (30) having a first power-receiving connector (20) and a second power-receiving connector (42) and a power output connector (also 20). A shunt switch (60) is removably matable with posts (74) of the circuit board (30) in either of two orientations by simply being reversed in orientation, to interconnect circuits of the power output connector (20) with either the first power-receiving connector (20) or the second power-receiving connector (42). The module (10) is useful in an NIU and provides for an alternate source of power to the electronics elsewhere in the NIU as well as for voltage test probing of the power circuits (46,48) and testing of the electronics at test port connector (40), while the module also includes connectors (14) for connection of telephony distribution cable to subscriber premise wiring and test ports (16) for testing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Green, Sam Denovich
  • Patent number: 6099347
    Abstract: An electrical shunt for shorting adjacent electrically conductive pins in an array of electrically conductive pins includes an insulative housing containing an electrically conductive contact. The conductive contact preferably includes two longitudinal wipers for making electrical contact with each pin. The longitudinal wipers are connected by a transverse spring portion which provides a normal force between the contact and inserted pins. The shunt has a pin insertion axis which is transverse to the contact insertion axis to prevent the contact from inadvertently being dislodged from the housing during installation or removal of the shunt. When conductive pins are inserted into the housing, the pins are electrically connected between the first and second wipers of the conductive contact. The shunt preferably includes a frangibly attached application tool and extraction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tim Keith Hoyt, Steven Feldman, Kok Hong Ng
  • Patent number: 6036534
    Abstract: An electrical shunt for shorting adjacent electrically conductive pins in an array of electrically conductive pins includes an insulative housing containing an electrically conductive contact. The conductive contact preferably includes two longitudinal wipers for making electrical contact with each pin. The longitudinal wipers are connected by a transverse spring portion which provides a normal force between the contact and inserted pins. The shunt has a pin insertion axis which is transverse to the contact insertion axis to prevent the contact from inadvertently being dislodged from the housing during installation or removal of the shunt. When conductive pins are inserted into the housing, the pins are electrically connected between the first and second wipers of the conductive contact. The shunt preferably includes a frangibly attached application tool and extraction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tim Keith Hoyt, Steven Feldman, Kok Hong Ng
  • Patent number: 5989061
    Abstract: The low profile backplane jumper board is mounted over the connector pins on the circuit pack side of the backplane to thereby selectively interconnect designated conductors in the connectors. These interconnections among connector conductors can be within a single connector or can span multiple connecters. The low profile backplane jumper board comprises a circuit board that contains holes for each of the backplane connector pins over which it is inserted. The ones of these holes that require an electrical connection to the associated backplane connector conductor are filled with a miniature spring socket assembly contact which is soldered to or press fit into the plated hole and associated conductors formed on the surface of the circuit board to interconnect a plurality of the holes formed in the circuit board. The thickness of the circuit board is selected to be of sufficient thinness to not interfere with the connection of the circuit packs to the associated connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Amberg, Charles R. Lindemulder, Michael L. Nienaber
  • Patent number: 5928030
    Abstract: A bridging clip for providing electrical connection between adjacent terminals; in particular, terminals having wire wrap connection wounded on the tail end of the terminals. The bridging clip comprises two integrated and electrically conductive walls, creating a groove therebetween for engaging the wire wrap connection of adjacent terminals. Along each wall is at least one corresponding cut-out, which are indented into the groove for independently engaging the tail ends of adjacent terminals. Multiple electrical contact is achieved by the walls and cut-outs of the bridging clip. The bridging clip is made of a resilient material which provides positive electrical contact and allows repetitive use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bassel Hage Daoud, Christopher M. Helmstetter
  • Patent number: 5921810
    Abstract: A short-circuit terminal assembly comprised of two components: a housing and a U-shaped short-circuit terminal. The housing includes a box portion having its one end surface substantially closed and its other end surface opened as an open portion, and further includes a terminal holding portion which projects from the substantially closed end surface toward the opposite end surface so as to halve the hollow inside of the box portion. The U-shaped short-circuit terminal includes a short-circuit bridge portion substantially bent into a U-shape in vertical section, and two pairs of elastic socket portions formed on outsides of opposite leg portions of the bridge portion by curving a pair of projection pieces toward each other on opposite sides of each of the leg portions so as to be formed into each pair of the elastic socket portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Murakoshi
  • Patent number: 5882224
    Abstract: A squib connector socket assembly for automotive air bags includes a shorting clip assembly. The squib connector socket assembly holds a pair of igniter pins of a squib assembly which are connectable to a pair of terminals in a squib connector which plugs into the socket assembly. To prevent accidental firing when the squib connector is removed, the igniter pins are shorted by a shorting clip having a pair of resilient , bowed beams which are independently biassed into contact with the pins. The shorting clip is fixedly retained within a plastic socket insert. The socket insert and squib assembly are assembled within a metal socket which is roll crimped about the insert and squib assembly to form an inseparable, integral squib connector socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford K. Gauker
  • Patent number: 5816851
    Abstract: A shorting block (10) includes a main body (12) defining a plurality of passageways (14) therein. A conductive strip (22) including a plurality of downward extending tangs (24) adapted to be received within the corresponding passageways (14), respectively, is attached to the main body (12) from the top. A cover (28) including a pair of locking tabs (30) positioned at two opposite ends, is fastened to the main housing (12) and has the conductive strip (22) sandwiched therebetween. An offset area (36) is formed on the top surface (26) of the main body (12) for snugly receiving the conductive strip (22) therein. Each of some passageways (14) further includes a guidable alignment post (15) for aligning and pre-loading the inserted tang (24) therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lee-Ming Cheng, I-Fee Chen, Gwou-Jong Tseng, Yuh Huey Kang, George Lee
  • Patent number: 5810617
    Abstract: A jumper connector (15) for making an electric connection between contact pins or posts (14) that protrude from a printed circuit board (11) has a recipient core (16) made of a conductive elastomer. The jumper connector further has parallel bores (17) formed through the recipient core so as tightly fit on the two contact pins (15). An insulating mantle (18) is integrally secured to and covers the outer periphery of the recipient core. One or two finger tabs (19) extend in the longitudinal direction of the insulating mantle (18), and a guide (30) is formed in or on the bottom of the recipient core so that the contacts pins (14) are guided to take a correct position relative to the parallel bores (17) of the jumper connector, which enables a high density array of contact pins, is easily mountable on and dismountable from a printed circuit board and is of such a simple structure as reducing manufacture cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Japan Solderless Terminal MFG Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Miki Hasagawa
  • Patent number: 5782655
    Abstract: A miniature shunt connector for commoning a pair of adjacent terminal posts and a method for commoning a pair of adjacent terminal posts are provided. The shunt connector includes a housing formed of an insulating material which forms an internal contact cavity configured to receive an electrical shunt contact. A pair of terminal post receiving apertures communicate with the contact cavity to allow terminal post to be inserted therein. A surface feature is also formed in a wall of the contact for locking said contact element into said housing. An electrical shunt contact element is provided and configured to fit within the internal shunt cavity. The contact element is formed with two rear contact beams and two resilient front contact beams. The resilient front contact beams being provided with and anti-overstress feature in the form of flared ends configured to physically engage the contact housing. A shunt portion of the contact element provides an electrical short circuit between the contact beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Michael V. Stefaniu, Raymond Silbernagel, John T. Scheitz
  • Patent number: 5711681
    Abstract: A jumper connector (15) for connecting contact pins or posts (14) protruding from pin header (12) mounted on a printed circuit board (11) has an accessible conductive core (16) made of a conductive elastomer. Two apertures (17) extend through the conductive core so as to tightly fit on the pins or posts (14) that are to be electrically connected one to another. An insulating mantle (18) covers the accessible core (16), such that the connector is rendered simple in structure, produced inexpensively, adapted to a high density arrangement of those pins or posts, and the electric resistance of the core can be set at an easily adjustable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Japan Solderless Terminal Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Miki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5697501
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed for use with a semiconductor chip package where the electrostatic discharge protection device establishes an electrical connection between connector pins on the semiconductor chip package and ground thereby creating a short circuit to protect the semiconductor chip package from electrostatic discharge. The electrostatic discharge protection device is manually operable to engage or disengage and also automatically withdraws the shorting connection upon insertion of the semiconductor chip package onto a printed circuit board or into a mating receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold W. Johansen
  • Patent number: 5669787
    Abstract: A miniaturized shunt connector assembly provides sufficient retention force between the assembly and mating contact posts and includes an insulative housing defining a contact-receiving cavity and a contact mounted therewithin. The contact includes an opposing pair of generally opposing support pieces including parallel arm supporting portions spaced a given dimension apart. Resilient contact arms extend from an upper edge of each arm supporting portion and are inwardly and downwardly formed to project beyond the lower edge thereof. An anchor portion extends from a lower portion of each support piece and connects to an adjacent portion of the other of the pair of support pieces. One resilient contact arm opposes a corresponding resilient contact arm inside respective arm supporting portions and maintains a spaced apart dimension smaller than the dimension of the parallel arm supporting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Junichi Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 5655927
    Abstract: The present invention hybrid junction box 11 joins two or more external electric current carrying members within a vehicle electrical system 14 and is comprised of a protective cover 31 and a protective housing 39 which define a casing having a cavity therewithin where a plurality of internal electric current carrying circuits are juxtaposed. The internal electric current carrying circuits may include at least one conducive deposited metal trace directly on the casing. Furthermore, a junction box 11 of the present invention has a plurality of internal electric current carrying circuits which may additionally include a flexible printed circuit board 37. Moreover, a junction box of the present invention provides for use of a rigid printed circuit board 33 and/or a busbar and insulator assembly 35 in combination with either or both the conductive deposited metal traces 67 and the flexible printed circuit board 37.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Winston Maue, George A. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 5655930
    Abstract: An electrical pin field connector assembly includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of pins projecting from at least one side thereof. A housing is mounted over the pins with a mounting face of the housing in close proximity to the one side of the printed circuit board. The pins extend through passages in the housing. A locking member is disposed within the confines of the housing and intersects at least one of the passages. The locking member includes a gripping aperture aligned with the one passage for gripping the respective pin that extends therethrough to hold the housing mounted over the pins with the mounting face in close proximity to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Helen Dechelette, Reiner DeVries
  • Patent number: 5588855
    Abstract: When a short-circuit terminal 4 is inserted into a 22, a first engaging projection 46 formed in the terminal 4 is engaged with an engaging member 24, thereby realizing first engagement. Thereafter, when a retainer 5 is pressed to its main locking position, a second engaging projection 48 of the terminal 4 is engaged with the rear edge of guide surfaces 55, thereby realizing second engagement. The terminal 4 can be securely locked in the cavity 22 by the two engaging mechanisms. At the same time, supply terminals 3 are also doubly locked in cavities 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Nankoh
  • Patent number: 5509819
    Abstract: A low profile electrical bussing plate for electrically connecting a plurality of spaced pin terminals carried by an insulated housing of an electrical connector assembly, the housing having a planar face from which the terminals project and which is matable with an insulated housing or member for connection with the housing having an end face for engaging and holding the bussing plate against the planar end face of the housing when connected thereto. The bussing plate includes an elongated planar base plate having a plurality of spaced apart, generally rectangularly shaped openings, a plurality of spaced pairs of first and second arms integral with the base plate along its opposite elongated sides and located transversely of the openings and with the arms each being folded across the base plate toward each other and bent to provide arcuate portions which face one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Stein, Sr., Robert W. Rimko
  • Patent number: 5490033
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device that fits within a connector for high frequency cables having a tubular ground conductor surrounding one or more core conductors. The electrostatic discharge protection device creates a shunt across the one or more core conductors and the ground conductor thus electrically grounding any electrostatic discharge on the one or more core conductors. Upon joining of a complimentary receptor to the connector, the electrostatic discharge protection device automatically withdraws the shunt reestablishing electrical isolation among the one or more core conductors and the ground conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: David V. Cronin
  • Patent number: 5478244
    Abstract: The present invention hybrid junction box 11 joins two or more external electric current carrying members within a vehicle electrical system 14 and is comprised of a protective cover 31 and a protective housing 39 which define a casing having a cavity therewithin where a plurality of internal electric current carrying circuits are juxtaposed. The internal electric current carrying circuits may include at least one conductive deposited metal trace directly on the casing. Furthermore, a junction box 11 of the present invention has a plurality of internal electric current carrying circuits which may additionally include a flexible printed circuit board 37. Moreover, a junction box of the present invention provides for use of a rigid printed circuit board 33 and/or a busbar and insulator assembly 35 in combination with either or both the conductive deposited metal traces 67 and the flexible printed circuit board 37.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Winston Maue, George A. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 5462453
    Abstract: An electrical connector for a battery terminal having a known minimum diameter, comprising an electric contact of electrically conductive material having a substantially U-shaped cross-section defined by a base portion and a pair of resilient legs extending away from the base portion, the free end of each leg being bent inwardly to form an arm which is directed back towards the base portion, the pair of arms being resilient, spaced apart to define a longitudinally extending slot therebetween, and converging such that the slot has a predetermined inner width which is less than a predetermined outer width, the predetermined outer width of the slot being greater than the minimum diameter of the battery terminal, and the predetermined inner width of the slot being less than the minimum diameter of the battery terminal; and a housing of electrically insulating material which surrounds the electric contact and which has an opening adjacent the slot through which the battery terminal can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Delphi France Automotive Systems
    Inventor: Fabien Muller
  • Patent number: 5449301
    Abstract: A shunt connector provides for electrical connection of a pair of adjacent terminal pins inserted into a housing. A spring contact having a convex bowed body portion extends into a cavity in the housing where the pins are inserted. The terminal pins are inserted into the housing along an axis which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spring contact. The spring contact is resilient such that the body engages the terminal pins and pressure engagement is maintained between the spring body and the pins which ensures that a proper electrical connection is made. The spring contact comprises a conducting material such that the pins are shorted upon contacting the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Taj F. Hanna, Stanley W. Olson, David E. Whiting
  • Patent number: 5281165
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1), comprising: an insulative housing (2), a shroud (3) to receive therein a shorting bar (25) at a selected one of multiple positions (29) interconnecting electrically at least two electrical contacts (5) selected from multiple contacts (5), each of the positions (29) of the shorting bar (25) being aligned with at least one of multiple openings (21) for said one of the openings (21) to provide an entryway for an extraction tool (30) to extract the shorting bar (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Earl W. McCleerey, Michael A. McCaffrey, Robert N. Whiteman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5282112
    Abstract: A backplane comprises several socket connectors that are arranged in parallel, side by side on a side that faces the modules. The socket connector has pins which form a pin field that face away from the modules. At least one bus comprises at least one bus line. A bus contact pin of each socket connector of the bus has an associated contact pin. These contact pins are electrically connected to each other with a bus line. Each contact pin can be electrically connected with a jumper plug to its associated bus contact pin. A backplane comprising a bus that extends beyond the modules is thus obtained where modules can be separated from the bus without having to pull the modules from their plug-in locations on a module carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Bremer
  • Patent number: 5275575
    Abstract: An electrical connection system comprises a first component carrying a pair of male connector elements releasably mated with a pair of female connector elements carried by a second connector component. A shorting clip is associated with the first component for providing an electrical short between the male connector elements. A safety latch is selectively receivable in a latch position for moving the shorting clip to a non-shorting position when the first component is mated with the second component and a lock element is arranged to be actuated by the safety latch to prevent separation of the first and second components while the safety latch is in the latch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Cahaly, Brian R. Pitstick
  • Patent number: 5256082
    Abstract: A coaxial ribbon cable connector (1) consists of a cable connector (2) and a substrate connector (3). The cable connector includes an insulating case (4) having a partition wall (4a); a plurality of signal terminals (8) to which signal lines of a coaxial ribbon cable (11) are connected; a plurality of ground terminals (9) to which drain lines of the cable are connected; the signal and ground terminals being disposed on the partition wall in a back-to-back relationship to form a microstrip line; a plurality of shield terminals (10) disposed between the signal terminals and each having a short-circuit portion (10c) brought into contact with one of the ground terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Yaegashi, Tadahiro Fumikura
  • Patent number: 5201853
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second housing having a normally open switch fixed between them. Means are formed on one of the housing for maintaining the switch in an open position. In the event of separation of the housings, spring action causes the arms of the switch to engage electrical contacts, closing a circuit and energizing a warning light. The device has applicability in automatic braking systems for automotive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: K. Troy Alwine
  • Patent number: 5169337
    Abstract: A shunt (10) for commoning a pair of posts is disclosed. The shunt (10) includes a housing (12) having a commoning element (14) in a chamber (30). Openings (32, 40) through opposite ends (20, 22) provide access to the element (14) which has fins (82) on one end member (72) and ears (84) on another end member (74) cooperating with the chambers surfaces (26a, 66) to prevent misaligned posts from being inserted beneath the element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Jose L. Ortega, David A. Griesemer
  • Patent number: 5145391
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second housing having a normally open switch fixed between them. Means are formed on one of the housing for maintaining the switch in an open position. In the event of separation of the housings, spring action causes the arms of the switch to engage electrical contacts, closing a circuit and energizing a warning light. The device has applicability in automatic braking systems for automotive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: K. Troy Alwine
  • Patent number: 5116244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for separably connecting a coaxial cable to a pair of parallel, spaced conductive pins, particularly the output contact pins of an integrated circuit. It includes a tubular conductive body (13) adapted to be affixed to the outer conductor (14) of the coaxial cable (1) at the end of the latter, and provided internally with means (15) for separably connecting the central conductor (16) of the coaxial cable to one of the pins (7), the tubular body having, near the end of the coaxial cable, a conductive tubular arm (18) with an axis parallel to the axis of the tubular body, and in contact with the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, the arm being arranged to receive removably contact means (21, 22, 23) adapted to provide an electrical contact with the second pin (8) and the tubular arm (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Radiall
    Inventor: Jacques Cartier
  • Patent number: 5112238
    Abstract: Disclosed is a backplane connector with shorting contacts for providing re-routing of signals when a circuit pack is withdrawn from its shelf. Shorting contacts are mounted on a block which is attached to the inside of an insulating shroud surrounding the contact pins. The shorting contacts make electrical contact between pins when a circuit pack is removed, but are otherwise electrically isolated from the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventor: Miguel Cizin
  • Patent number: 5106324
    Abstract: A joint terminal including: a fixed contact plate having side plates at both sides thereof; a first resilient contact plate integrally formed with the fixed contact plate and formed by folding the fixed contact plate from one end thereof to the other end via a stiff bent portion; an enclosing plate integrally formed with the fixed contact plate and extending from said side plates of the fixed contact plate over the first resilient contact plate to enclose the first resilient contact plate; and a second resilient contact plate integrally formed with the enclosing plate and formed by folding the enclosing plate at one end thereof on the stiff bent portion side via a bent portion, the second resilient contact plate being opposed to the first resilient contact plate, wherein one of two male terminals are inserted between the fixed contact plate and the first resilient contact plate, and the other male terminal is inserted between the first and second resilient contact plates in the opposite direction from which t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Natsume
  • Patent number: 5071362
    Abstract: An electrical shunting contact and method for producing the same for mounting between adjacent first contacts in a first connector and for self-operatively providing a short circuit between the adjacent first electrical contacts when corresponding second contacts of a second connector are demated from the first connector. The electrical shunting contact comprises a conductive member having opposing legs joined by a resilient bridge, each leg having a non-conductive protuberance projecting outwardly therefrom. Under demated conditions, a contact edge of each leg abuts the adjacent first contacts between which the shunting contact is mounted to form a short circuit therebetween and the non-conductive protuberance is disposed in a chamber located just above the first contact. The presence of a second contact forces the legs of the shunting contact to be compressed out of engagement with the first contacts, thereby creating an open circuit between the adjacent first contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Augat Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Martens, Jerry A. Kendall
  • Patent number: 5014002
    Abstract: Relays and toggle switches for programming the electrical interconnections between automated test equipment and the pins of a DUT are replaced with manually programmable jumpers connected between various jumper terminals mounted on a jumper programmable interface board. The jumper terminals are located on the interface board in close proximity to the pins of a DUT to minimize interference and crosstalk. Pulldown and pullup resistors as well as bypass capacitors are optionally incorporated into the jumpers. The jumper terminals provide easy access to pin electronics (PE) test signals and to various power and ground plane in a multilayer interface board so that the test conditions for each pin can be manually programmed by selection of jumper connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Wiscombe, Arie Shavit
  • Patent number: 5007888
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an electrical interconnection assembly, such as a bulkhead interconnect for an automobile or truck. For such preferred use, the assembly hereof is located in the bulkhead or fire wall to connect the electrical systems on the engine side with switches and/or indicators on the cabin side. The assembly comprises a housing (10) having an array of electrical contacts (30) therein, where said contacts (30) are arranged for exposure to opposed openings (70) in said housing to allow for the above mentioned electrical connection to be made. In its preferred embodiment, the contacts (30) are elongated contact members (30) having male tabs (32) at each end thereof and disposed in parallel relationship with said housing (10). Further, means (50,52,54,72) are provided for electrically engaging certain adjacent elongated contact members (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Alain Goutiere
  • Patent number: 4971568
    Abstract: For an electrical connector member which has a plurality of pins which mates with a complementary receptacle member, there is provided a shorting member comprising a thin conductive sheet having a base portion fixedly connected with respect to the connector member in spaced relation with respect to the pins and a plurality of thin elongated arm portions each integrally connected at one end to the base portion and cantilevered therefrom to extend past at least a respective one of the pins, the other end of each arm portion extending laterally outward so as to electrically contact a side of the pin past which that arm portion extends, each of the arm portions having an inherent spring bias so as to urge its laterally extending end portion away from the connector member and into electrical contact with a respective pin so as to short a select number of pins upon disconnection of the connector and receptacle members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: David V. Cronin
  • Patent number: 4955824
    Abstract: An electrical shunt includes a U-shape contact having a unitary body molded directly in a housing into which pin contacts may be inserted for connection to and via the shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventors: David A. Pretchel, Howard J. Venaleck, John T. Venaleck
  • Patent number: 4954672
    Abstract: A ground start key switch for use with a modular duplex adapter to permit momentarily shorting a pair of jack terminals includes a switch actuator mechanism adapted to be mounted onto the modular duplex adapter having a pair of jack terminals and a conductor member attached to the switch actuator mechanism. The switch actuator mechanism includes a resilient lever arm which is depressible for causing engagement of the conductor member with the pair of jack terminals so as to electrically short the pair of jack terminals together. When the resilient lever arm is released, the resiliency thereof returns the conductor member thereof to its normal position at which the conductor member is disengaged from the pair of jack terminals such that the latter are not longer shorted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 4913663
    Abstract: A combined transient voltage and sneak current protector is presented. The protector device comprises a two-piece substantially rectangular insulative housing. The housing has four spaced and aligned openings at the bottom thereof for receiving upstanding terminals from a terminal block. The interior of the housing is loaded with four contact members which are adapted to effect electrical connection with a three element surge suppressor (e.g. transistor) and a pair of small cylindrical fuse elements. Each of the four contact members include a female connector communicating with the four aligned openings in the housing. The housing interior also includes a ground contact which electrically connects to the middle element on the surge suppressor. The ground contact passes through a lateral opening in the housing for mating with a novel plug-on grounding bus connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Howard Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4906203
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a plug connector body which has a pair of female terminals and a U-shaped, sheet metal shorting clip. The shorting clip is retained in an intermediate cavity and has a pair of cantilevered spring contact arms which engage respective side walls of the female terminals. A mating electrical connector comprises a socket connector body which has a cam which engages one of the spring contact arms of the shorting clip and disengages the shorting clip form the side wall of one female terminal when the socket connector body is connected to the plug connector body. A loose piece shroud which is attached to the plug connector body has a lock arm which engages a lock member of the socket connector body to lock the mated plug and socket connector bodies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Margrave, Randall K. Smith, Charles E. Fowler, Glenn E. Robison
  • Patent number: 4883430
    Abstract: A bridge clip carrier comprises a one-piece molded insulative housing having at least two cavities for receiving discrete metal bridge clips which are then snap locked in the cavities. Each cavity has an open ended slot which permits loading of a bridge clip therein and is adpated for receiving a terminal from a terminal block. The cavity further includes stepped-in side portions near the slot which act to narrow the width thereof towards the top of the housing. Each discrete bridge clip is snap locked into a cavity by opposed extensions which mate with pre-existing grooves or windows in the bridge clips. An important feature of the present invention is the presence of apertures on the top face of the housing which expose the bridge clips and which are sized for receiving a suitable test probe. Thus, the bridge clip carrier of the present invention permits ease of testing of the electrical circuits subsequent to installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Brian E. Reed
  • Patent number: 4870542
    Abstract: Plug-on enclosed fusible switches, enclosed lug devices and non-enclosed molded case circuit breakers are attached to a panelboard in a single or side-by-side double row. Spring biased latches retain the devices to the panelboard. Locating notches on the panelboard locate the devices at incremental spacing to provide a variable, compact arrangement for the devices. Filler plates and end structures on the devices cooperate with a cover for the panelboard to provide an integral dead front. The panelboard is particularly adapted for field assembly, including attachment of a main feed device which effects a plug-on feed in either a single or electrically parallel double panel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventors: Howard E. Koslosky, John E. Swedowski, Robert J. Clarey, Allan E. Grams, Frank Navratil
  • Patent number: 4824380
    Abstract: A modular connector (10) has a generally rectangular insulating housing (12). A one piece conductive member (14) is mounted within and extends from the housing (12). The conductive member (14) has a common conductive portion (16), compliant pin portions (18) extending from the common conductive portion (16), a socket portion (20) extending from the common conductive portion (16), and a tail portion (22) connected to a bus element (23). The socket portion (20) has a circular receptacle (24) in face (25) for receiving a mating pin contact (52) of another connector (10) and a plurality of tines (28) extending axially with respect to the receptacle (24) to engage the mating pin contact (52). The housing (12) has a substantially open bottom (30) having slots (32) along sides (34), which receive the pin portions (18) of the conductive member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Elcon Products International Company
    Inventor: Russell H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 4820194
    Abstract: A miniature low-profile shunt connector (10) for one or more than one pair of terminal posts (20) of a post array includes a housing member (12) having at least one shunt-receiving cavity (16), and at least one shunt member (14) formed of a continuous length of wire having spring characteristics. The formed wire shunt (14) has a central portion (36) consisting of a pair of leg sections (38) extending rearwardly from a large bight (40) at the front of the cavity (16), and end sections (46) extending forwardly from rear bights (44) joining them to respective leg sections (38). Free ends (48) of the end sections (46) are disposed behind stop surfaces (28) near the front of the cavity (16) to retain the formed wire shunt (14) therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Jon D. Stine