Allochiral Cantilevered Clamping Fingers Patents (Class 439/857)
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Patent number: 6217395Abstract: A contact spring includes a bottom spring having a centrally disposed spring arm base formed by a rectangular frame. A connection part is formed onto one end of the spring arm base, for electrical conductors. Two spring arms are each formed onto broad sides of the spring arm base on the opposite end. The spring arms converge in a wedge-like manner toward a free end and after that widen into a plug-in funnel. The spring arms are each kept spaced apart in the region of the contact zone by respective indentations oriented toward one another and disposed on long edges. A detent sleeve surrounds the spring arm base and the spring arms formed thereon. An opening angle of the plug-in funnel, over its entire length, is &agr;≦30. The spring arms are shaped spherically in the vicinity of the contact zone and each form a respective contact dome.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AGInventors: Richard Flieger, Freddy D'Hulster
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Patent number: 6210241Abstract: Electrical contacting of very fine wires, including an electrical transducer and an electrical apparatus, as well as a process for producing the electrical contacting of very fine wires. It is the goal of the invention to simplify the electrical contacting of very fine wires to the contact sleeve and make it more secure, so that an automatic is possible and the production costs for the electrical contacting are reduced. According to the invention, for the accomplishing of the set task an electrical contacting of a very fine wire is proposed, in which contacting the contact sleeve shows two superimposed plates and provision is made for a clamp region of the plates, in which region the plate spacing is less than in the other plate regions. In the clamp region the wire is clamped in between the plates and connected to at least one of the plates in an electrically conducting manner. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & CO KGInventor: Andre Michaelis
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Patent number: 6190215Abstract: A power port terminal formed by stamping from a blank of conductive material comprises a contact receiving socket portion (12) and an integral mounting portion (14). The socket includes a web with a plurality of beams (20) thereon. The inner surface of the beams on the bends thereof define a substantially continuous cylindrical contact surface at a predetermined point along the reference axis of the terminal. The contact surface has a predetermined constricted dimension (36) measured in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis, this dimension being the most constricted dimension along the reference axis of the terminal. The terminal is thereby able to accommodate a pin of any desired axial length. The trailing mounting legs (46) thereon, that in the preferred instance, extend generally perpendicular to the reference axis of the terminal. Latch tabs (38) may be provided on one or more of the beams.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Pendleton, Ray C. Doutrich, Stuart C. Stoner
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Patent number: 6190209Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch housing has a dielectric plastic body, an electrical device secured to the body, a plurality of electrical conductors each at least partially imbedded in the body and each having an end forming a terminal adjacent the device, and a plurality of connectors on the device each is elastically deformable and bearing elastically on a respective one of the terminals. Each terminal fits in a predetermined direction with the respective connector. The connectors are deformed elastically transversely to the installation direction when fitted with the respective terminals. Thus as the device is fitted to the body, its connectors are automatically joined to the terminals.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Kierkert AGInventors: Thomas Hülsmann, Ulrich Nass
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Patent number: 6186841Abstract: A contact sleeve (3) comprising a first end (6) for electrical communication with a conductor means (7), a fastening portion (9) at a central part (11) of said contact sleeve (3) and a second end (12) comprising a plurality of contact beams (13) with inner contact surfaces (14) projecting longitudinally from said central part (11) arranged generally cylindrically around a longitudinal axis (A—A) of said contact sleeve (3) adapted for electrical communication with a corresponding mating pin (15) provided with a rounded top (17).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: FCI Katrineholm A.B.Inventor: Jan Jacobsson
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Patent number: 6183268Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting circuit boards comprises a first electrical connector (12) and a second electrical connector (14), the first electrical connector including a first dielectric housing (16) in which an array of electrical blade contacts (34) is mounted, the second electrical connector including a second dielectric housing (42) in which an array of electrical receptacle contacts (58) is mounted, each of the receptacle contacts having hook-shaped fork members (60, 62) extending outwardly from a base member (64) and hook sections (60b, 62b) bent away from each other defining a lead-in for a blade contact section (36) of a blade contact (34) to be electrically connected therewith.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: John Joseph Consoli, James Lee Fedder, Lynn Robert Sipe
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Patent number: 6171126Abstract: A battery receptacle connector comprises a dielectric housing forming a number of parallel terminal receiving grooves with a terminal received in each groove. Adjacent grooves are spaced by a partition. The housing further defines first and second engaging slots in communication with each groove for securing the corresponding terminal therein. Each terminal comprises a base, a tail portion downwardly extending from the base, positioning means consisting of a first positioning member and a second positioning member, a pair of cantilevered arms upwardly extending from the base, and a mating portion consisting of a first mating member and a second mating member. The first positioning member upwardly extends from the base opposite the tail portion, and the second positioning member forwardly extends from the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jerry Wu, Allen Chiu, Kelly Shih
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Patent number: 6165028Abstract: Disclosed is an improved card bus connector whose insulating housing has bifurcate contact pieces and a shield plate fixed thereto. The leads of the bifurcate contact pieces and shield plate are connected to selected conductors of an associated printed circuit. The insulating housing has a contact-support mold press-fitted in its rear opening. The contact-support mold has the contact-to-lead transitions of the female contact pieces embedded therein. Each bifurcate contact piece has a stem offset from its center longitudinal contact line.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Honda Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Hirai, Kenichi Yotsutani
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Patent number: 6142810Abstract: A ZIF socket of the present invention comprises a base, a cover slidably mounted on the base, a number of terminals received in the base and a cam mechanism arranged between the base and the cover for driving the cover to move along the base in one direction. Each terminal comprises an engaging portion, a retention portion, a neck interconnecting the engaging and retention portions and a mounting pad. The engaging portion comprises a pair of cantilevers symmetrically extending a predetermined distance from the neck in one direction and converging toward each other. The neck is flexible enough so that the engaging portion rotates with respect to the neck whereby the pair of cantilevers is reliably connected with a contact tail of an electronic package even when the contact tail is incorrectly positioned in the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shih-Wei Hsiao, Yao-Chi Huang
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Patent number: 6139351Abstract: A high power connection system adapted for automotive environments which provides environmental and EMI shielding includes a female connector, a male connector, and a panel mount. The female connector includes a female connector base and a snap fitted female connector cover. The male connector includes a male connector base and a snap fitted male connector cover. The female connector base has at least one female power terminal cavity for seatably receiving a respective female power terminal. The male connector base has at least one male power terminal cavity for seatably receiving a respective male power terminal. The female connector is covered by a cover seal and a conductive shroud. A pair of lock arms protrude outward from the front end of the male connector base, pass through the panel mount and interface with a lever of a lever rotatably connected to the shroud to thereby mechanically assist mating of the male and female connectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christopher E. Schaefer, Robert C. Beer, Mark D. McCall
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Patent number: 6123587Abstract: An electrical contact (6) has a base (18) for surface mount engagement with a circuit board (4), first spring fingers (19) on a first edge of the base (18), and second spring fingers (21) on a second edge of the base (18), the first spring fingers (19) and the second spring fingers (21) projecting upwardly to define respective sides (24, 25) of an electrical receptacle (23), and each of the first spring fingers (19) being offset along the base (18) from each of the second spring fingers (21).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Victor Beloritski, Satishchandra Shantilal Mistry, Robert Saba, Philip Charles Vaccaro
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Patent number: 6116926Abstract: A connector system having a header connector and a receptacle connector. The header connector has an array of pins. The modular receptacle connector comprises a ground receptacle contact that contacts adjacent mating surfaces of a pin, and a signal receptacle contact for engaging another pin. The ground and signal receptacle contacts engage respective pins to produce an unbalanced force. The unbalanced force is offset by another unbalanced force produced by neighboring contacts to provide a balanced connector system.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: BERG Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jose L. Ortega, Stuart Craig Stoner
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Patent number: 6109974Abstract: An electrical connector including a female connector (40). The female connector (40) is provided with a housing (12) which have insertion slots (14) opening its one side and allowing male terminals (6) to be inserted, and a plurality of female terminals (10) each having a pair of contact sections (46) which project into the respective insertion slots and hold a male terminal from both of its sides, and having a base section (42) which support these contact sections via a pair of arm sections and is fixed onto the housing. The housing (12) has a recess portion (22) which receives the base section (42) and is formed on one of side wall portions 20 partitioning the insertion slot (14). The arm sections (44) extend from the base section (42) received in the recess portion (22) in a state of being inclined with respect to the axial line of the insertion slot (14).Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.Inventor: Yoshihiko Kodaira
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Patent number: 6102754Abstract: The invention is directed to a bus bar contact having a body with two mating ends. One of the mating ends has a tab contact portion. The other of the mating ends having a receptacle contact portion. The receptacle contact portion has a plurality of resilient fingers for providing an electrical interface. The resilient fingers are stamped and formed from the body member wherein adjacent resilient fingers are sheared from each other thereby removing no material from between the adjacent resilient fingers.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Harry Milton Capper, Brian Frank Jacobeen, James William Robertson
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Patent number: 6064509Abstract: An improved electrochromic device for rearview mirror for motor vehicles and windows, the device incorporating an improved conductive clip comprising an elongated unitary member having a resilient backwall section connecting a plurality of first resilient sections separated from one another by a plurality of recesses and a plurality of second resilient sections Laterally spaced from the plurality of first resilient sections and separated from one another by a plurality of recesses, where each of the plurality of first resilient sections have at least one dimple adapted to bear against a surface of an electrozhromic device that is coated with a transparent conductor, and where each of the plurality of second resilient sections are adapted to bear against another surface of said electrochromic device, where said unitary member is capable of bending in three directions and supplying a potential to the transparent conductor in a stable manner for long periods of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Fred T. Bauer, Dan J. Bostwick, Joel A. Stray
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Patent number: 6045416Abstract: A universal production ball grid array socket is provided for use with a ball grid array package. The socket will receive a ball grid array package and in turn can be mounted or plugged into an underlying circuit board. One embodiment of the socket includes a tulip-shaped contact which is capable of receiving ball grid array ball leads of various diameters. Another embodiment of the socket includes a ball receiving contact capable of clasping an inserted ball grid array ball lead. In still another embodiment the universal production ball grid array socket is translucent allowing for visual inspection of a ball grid array package and ball grid array socket combination. Methods are provided for mounting a plurality of ball leads onto the bases of a plurality of ball receiving contacts after the contacts have been mounted within the universal production ball grid array socket.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Aries Electronics, Inc.Inventor: William Y. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6042389Abstract: A low profile board to board connector system is disclosed. Retention areas in the respective mating connectors are utilized to receive portions of opposed mating contact terminals. Utilization of centralized retention structures allows optimum placement of areas to receive distal portions of mating contact terminals. These centralized retention structures also allow maximization of contact beam length in limited available space, so that favorable contact characteristics are achieved. Contact insertion/retention features are positioned at intermediate locations of the contact beams, for enhanced contact retention and improved beam performance. Terminal contacts may be retained in a passage by projections that engage openings formed in the retention portion of the contact terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Lemke, Timothy W. Houtz
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Patent number: 6039610Abstract: Improved electrical connectors and an improved technique for mounting metal contacts in an electrical connector. Such a technique employs overlapping, staggered arrays of forked electrical contacts in connector channels which engage corresponding blade contacts in a mating connector. The blades are inserted between prongs of the forked contacts. In the preferred embodiment, the electrical connector has an insulating housing having two parallel arrays of linearly aligned, offset, overlapping channels extending inwardly through a front of the housing. Each of the channel arrays extend inwardly through to two arrays of channels at a rear of the first housing. A forked metallic contact having a planar base, a pair of parallel and coplanar prongs at one of the ends separated by a gap, is mounted in each of the front channels such that the prongs from each forked metallic contact is positioned in one of the channels of the rear arrays of channels. A second housing is mated with the first housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: William Vito Pauza, Harold William Kerlin
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Patent number: 6039584Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved electrical power distribution system that provides continuous access for inserting take-off devices and also high current capacity. This invention provides enhanced electrical contact between the busbars and the stabs on take-off devices. This invention provides firm contact pressure and large contact surface area and allows a take-off device to be inserted at almost any point along the track. A unique retainer fits in a slot in the insulating support in the channel enclosure at each end of each busbar. The retainers are secured to the insulating support and thereby retain the busbar within the slot in the support.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Universal Electric CorporationInventor: Steven L. Ross
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Patent number: 6024613Abstract: A socket contact includes a connection portion, a fixing portion, contact portions and connecting portions for connecting the contact portions to the fixing portion. The center axis of the contact portions are shifted from the fixing portion by bending the connecting portions in their planes. In producing the socket contact, a blank material is punched to form a flat socket contact whose two contact pieces arranged in parallel with each other are then bent inwardly to form a U-shaped form. Thereafter, connecting portions of the two contact pieces are bent in the planes of the connecting portions. This socket contact fulfills the requirement with respect to the miniaturization of connectors with very narrow pitches. There is no longer any risk of the distal end of a mating contact contacting the bottom surface of the fixing portion of the socket contact, so that the assembling of the connector becomes easy and the stable contact between the socket and mating contacts can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: DDK, Ltd.Inventors: Jin-ichi Mashiyama, Yukio Saitoh
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Patent number: 6012944Abstract: A quick connector includes a contact and a housing. The contact has a first contact piece, a second contact piece which cooperates with the first contact piece to hold a core wire of an electric wire, and leg portions which are electrically connected and mechanically fixed to a circuit board. The housing has a top wall thereof formed with a core-wire insertion hole and a guide hole, and a peripheral wall thereof defining therein an accommodation space in which portions, other than leg portions, of the first and second contact pieces are closely received. The quick connector permits easy insertion of an electric wire thereinto, adequately maintains electrical connection between itself and an electric wire inserted thereinto, is suitable to be automatically installed onto a circuit board, and is low priced.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Kyoshin Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshihiro Hatakeyama
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Patent number: 6007389Abstract: A card edge type electrical connector including dual-beam ground contacts each having splayed pre-loaded tips and a realignment twist enabling a plurality of such contacts to be gang inserted into the insulator housing of the connector. To adjust the pitch of the pre-loaded tips, a predetermined twist is added to the bottom of the contacts during the stamping operation which re-aligns the tips with the correct contact receiving apertures. The re-alignment twist disappears once the contact(s) are fully seated in the insulator housing, thus allowing the pre-loaded tips to reach their ultimate position within the insulator housing relative other adjacent contacts.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Dale A. Weber
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Patent number: 6000975Abstract: A stamped electrical socket contact for connection to a contact pin which is inserted along a pin insertion axis, and a method for forming such a socket contact. The socket contact includes a body portion from which a first longitudinal beam and a second longitudinal beam extend. The first and second beams are positioned about a central plane. When viewed from a direction normal to the central plane, the first and second beams intersect the pin insertion axis at an acute angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Steven Feldman
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Patent number: 5980337Abstract: An improved electrical terminal having a tri-beam construction is adapted to be received in an electrical connector housing and includes two retention beams which provide high normal retention forces to a conventional male pin contact slidably disposed therebetween. A third beam is disposed substantially parallel to the two retention beams and constitutes a contact beam which provides a standard normal force and a contact surface which is selectively gold plated on a contact interface region defined thereon. The contact interface region defines an area in which the male pin contact and the electrical terminal establish an electrical connection. The connector beam is offset from the retention beams so as to define a space in which the male pin contact is retained.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Phillip V. Little
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Patent number: 5975964Abstract: A pair of resilient contacts 12 facing each other are made into a C shape. The base end of each contact 12 connects to a tubular member 11. In this manner, the contact 12 has a strengthening wall 13 formed along the direction of bending. Thus when a male terminal fitting C is inserted between the contacts 12, the strengthening walls 13 bend in a direction that is parallel to the wall face and consequently an increased clamping force can be provided notwithstanding that the thickness of the terminal material is not great. Miniaturization of the terminal is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Satomi Seko, Masamitsu Chishima, Kenii Okamura, Yoshimasa Wada, Hiroyuki Oka
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Patent number: 5971817Abstract: A contact spring for a plug-in connector includes spring legs (2,3) which are disposed and constructed in such a way that they are capable of exerting a compressive force from opposite sides on a contact blade (20) inserted in between and of thereby establishing contact with the contact blade. The spring legs (2,3) are disposed laterally offset with respect to each other in such a way that they do not overlap each other in the respective directions of compressive force.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jacques Longueville
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Patent number: 5957734Abstract: A tuning fork according to the present invention is made from a relatively thin blank of stamping stock. A plurality of tuning fork units are stamped out of the blank and carried on a continuous strip for further processing. The tuning fork units include integral first and second terminal portions with a first arm extending therebetween. The first terminal portion includes a first core body having first and second spaced apart contact beams extending from one end and a cable mounting portion extending from the other end of the first core body. Likewise, the second terminal portion includes a second core body and third and fourth spaced apart contact beams extending from one end, and preferably a tail extending from the other end of the second core body. The first arm is bent so that the second core body overlies the first core body and the contact beams of the second terminal portion overlie the contact beams of the first terminal portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Joseph Howard Gladd, Jeffrey Michael Hickox
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Patent number: 5938487Abstract: A socket contact has a generally tubular base defining a longitudinal axis and beams extending from the base at spaced-apart locations around the base. The beams converge to define a pin reception zone between the beams. At least one of the beams has a tapered portion which progressively narrows as the beam extends longitudinally from the base, and a non-tapered portion having a lateral dimension which remains constant as the beam extends longitudinally. The length of the tapered portion and the degree of taper can be selected to provide desirable spring characteristics for the beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Randall Robert Henry, Robert Todd Frederick
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Patent number: 5908335Abstract: A contact structure of a socket connector capable of shortening the arrangement pitch of socket contacts, and speeding up the processing cycle by simplifying the structure of a stamping die for the socket contacts. The socket contacts are formed by stamping an electrically conductive flat metal plate. Each socket contact is provided with a conductive section for taking on the contact with the other pin contact, a holding section to be press-fitted and fixed in an insulating housing, and a terminal section to be soldered on a circuit substrate. The conductive section is stamped out in the shape of a long strip having a smaller width than the holding section. A rectangular opening is formed at the center of the conductive section, and contact leaves are respectively formed at the inner side edges of a pair of planar spring sections which are opposed to each other through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideaki Satoh
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Patent number: 5897394Abstract: A flat cable connection terminal giving stable connection terminal giving stable connection with a conductor (2) in a flat cable (1). The connection terminal (30) has a fork (31). The fork (31) has flat prongs (34) of a thickness equal to or somewhat smaller than the width of the conductor (2) and thick portions (32) projecting partially out from the flat prongs and of a thickness for fitting in the groove (14) of the terminal holder. The thick portions (32) are disposed to closely fit between partitions (12) to laterally stabilize the connections. The prongs (34) are formed thinner toward the frontmost ends. Further, the frontmost ends (33) of the prongs (34) facing each other across the (c) comprising the fork (31) have inclinations (33a) at the sides facing each other across the slot (c) so as to facilitate insertion over the bent back conductor (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryoichi Adachi
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Patent number: 5888105Abstract: A multi-station female blade receptacle stamping has female blade receptacles. Each receptacle is three sided, having a longitudinal opening. There is a flat side and curved side. The metal is resilient so that the curved side releases from the plastic when molded into a multi-outlet receptacle. In the multi-outlet receptacle, each female blade receptacle is supported against unwanted flexure and biased against a received blade, providing full surface contact on one side of the receptacle. The sides of the female blade receptacle do not fatigue in use. The multi-station female blade receptacle is economical of metal and adapted for automated crimping. The structure of the receptacle enables one size receptacle to serve blades of various widths and thicknesses. Molding multi-station female blade receptacle stampings into a multi-outlet receptacle saves crimping of multiple parts and can be effected in prior art molds.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Heyco Products, Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Brown, Suzanne V. Hickey
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Patent number: 5888096Abstract: A shielded electrical connector having a housing and a cover each of which are formed by inmoulding an insulative portion respectively within a respective outer shield portion. Terminals are mounted within the housing and the housing and cover are joined together. Shielding characteristics are improved by a carrier strip interconnecting the shielding of adjacent connectors within a connector stack. Further shielding improvements are recognized by incorporating a contact surface external the shielding for engaging an outer reference terminal. The connector includes terminals having a floatable contact portion and a support feature for preventing damage to the terminals as a result of stubbing with a mating terminal. The connector being impedance matched to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Lucas Soes, Johannes Marinus Jacobus Den Otter, Willem Reginald Maria Smits, Jan Hendrik Ate Wiekamp
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Patent number: 5860838Abstract: A three contact pieces type contact comprises first and second contact pieces facing each other and adapted to clamp a lead pin of an IC, and a third contact piece disposed between the first and second contact pieces at one side thereof such that the third contact piece can contact one side of the lead pin. A tangle-preventive mechanism is provided in the three contact pieces type contact and includes a pair of tangle-preventive pieces formed on opposite sides of the third contact piece and projecting into slits formed between the first contact piece and the third contact piece and between the second contact piece and the third contact piece so that no other contacts enter the slits.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Kaneko
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Patent number: 5839908Abstract: A multi-contact electrical terminal includes a body member and attachment member made of a substantially resilient flexible electrically conductive material. The body member includes a pair of opposite contact walls defining a central passageway through the body member and providing respective pairs of spaced upper and lower opposed portions along opposite sides of the central passageway, and a pair of opposite support straps provided between and connected with one of the pairs of upper and lower opposed portions of the opposite contact walls. A male prong of an electrical plug is receivable through the central passageway of the body member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Nelson Bonilla, Thomas J. Vigorito
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Patent number: 5833500Abstract: A terminal fixture of the present invention comprises an electric wire connection member connected to the terminal of an electric wire; a pair of elastic contact members in which the respective top ends of a pair of side plates opposite to each other and bent in the same direction from a bottom plate are bent inward in a reverse U-shape; and a protective plate member comprising a front protective plate provided integrally with the above-mentioned bottom plate on the front side of the pair of elastic contact members, a pair of side protective plates which surround the outside of the above-mentioned pair of side plates and is formed by bending both the sides of the front protective plate on the above-mentioned electric wire connection member side, and a top plate which is located between the above-mentioned electric wire connection member and the above-mentioned pair of elastic contact members and top end thereof is extendedly provided from the one side protective plate and locked to the other side protective pType: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Tony Mahon, Masakuni Samejima
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Patent number: 5827094Abstract: A connector for a heavy current substrate in which a power source wire for passing the heavy current is connected to a substrate comprises a male terminal which is flexibly formed by a pair of side walls to be directly attached to the substrate and a base wall so that the section thereof may be generally U-shaped, a female terminal which is flexibly formed so as to be integrated with a pair of elastic side walls for holding the male terminal therebetween and a base wall in which a connecting portion to be connected to the power source wire is extended, and an insulating cover which is flexibly formed so as to be integrated with a pair of elastic side walls for covering and holding the female terminal therebetween and a base wall. The power source wire can be easily connected to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Aikawa Press Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiichi Aizawa, Shinobu Saito
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Patent number: 5797774Abstract: A contact includes a first contact piece and a second contact piece extending vertically and arranged so that plate surfaces thereof are opposed to each other. A pin terminal projecting vertically from a lower surface of an IC body can be laterally moved and forcibly introduced in between the first contact piece and the second contact piece in order to achieve an electrical connection under pressure. Upper end portions of the first and second contact pieces are bent forwardly to form forwardly-bent pieces, respectively, and an upper edge portion of each of the forwardly-bent pieces is bent backwardly to form a backwardly-bent upper piece. An inner curved-surface of the backwardly-bent piece serves as a pressure contact surface for contacting the pin terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Kaneko
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Patent number: 5766045Abstract: A female-type terminal unit provided with an insertion portion for insertion of a male-type terminal at one end and a conductor connection portion for connecting with a conductor at the other end. A male-type terminal insertion portion is formed by facing plate-shaped terminal pieces. At the base side of the plate-shaped terminal pieces is provided a stopper piece for stopping the spread of the two plate-shaped terminal pieces when a male-type terminal is press-fit there. The two facing plate-shaped terminal pieces will not plastically deform due to twisting by the male-type terminal. Further, the stopper piece prevents the plate-shaped terminal pieces from excessively spreading apart.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Sawaki, Tadashi Ikezawa
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Patent number: 5730629Abstract: The disclosed terminal part can protect the elastic contact portion securely, without increasing the manufacturing cost thereof. The terminal part (43) is formed with a wire connecting portion (3); an elastic contact portion (5); and a top plate portion (49) formed between the wire connecting portion (3) and the elastic contact portion (5). The top plate portion (49) has a lower top plate portion (45) and an upper top plate portion (47). In particular, a lower engage projection (55) formed at the end of the lower top plate portion (45) is engaged with an upper engage hole (57) formed in the upper top plate portion (47), and further an upper engage hook (41) formed at the end of the upper top plate portion (47) is engaged with a lower engage hole (39) formed in the lower top plate portion (45). Therefore, it is possible to securely protect the two side plate portions (13, 15) from being deformed inward even if an external force (F3) is applied to the terminal part inadvertently.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Masakuni Samejima, Isao Kameyama, Hideto Kumakura
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Patent number: 5730606Abstract: A universal production ball grid array socket is provided for use with a ball grid array package. The socket will receive a ball grid array package and in turn can be mounted or plugged into an underlying circuit board. One embodiment of the socket includes a tulip-shaped contact which is capable of receiving ball grid array ball leads of various diameters. Another embodiment of the socket includes a ball receiving contact capable of clasping an inserted ball grid array ball lead. In still another embodiment the universal production ball grid array socket is translucent allowing for visual inspection of a ball grid array package and ball grid array socket combination. Methods are provided for mounting a plurality of ball leads onto the bases of a plurality of ball receiving contacts after the contacts have been mounted within the universal production ball grid array socket.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Aries Electronics, Inc.Inventor: William Y. Sinclair
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Patent number: 5716238Abstract: A lower case (30), constituting a housing, has a terminal fitting insertion tube (35) supporting a terminal (42) of an electrical appliance (40). The insertion hole (35) allows the insertion of a terminal fitting (50) which is inserted from the exterior for direct contact with the terminal of the electrical appliance. Intermediate wiring is unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Uchiyama, Shinji Ogawa
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Patent number: 5713767Abstract: A socket contact (4) comprises a unitary contact body (12) including a tubular body portion (20) having a wall (22) which defines an interior space (24) and an open end (25) which permits insertion of a lead (11) of a mating contact into the interior space. The unitary contact body further includes a spring finger (30) extending into the interior space for engagement with the lead of the mating contact, and a shield (40) partially covering the open end and arranged to guide the lead into the interior space. The shield (40) prevents stubbing of the spring finger (30) during insertion of the lead (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Theodore George Hanson, James Valentino, Jr.
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Patent number: 5709573Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals secured within the housing for mounting a mating connector or an electronic module or the like having a plurality of electronic leads disposed thereon to a printed substrate. A first contact beam is cantilevered from a base portion and has a distal end, while a second contact beam is similarly cantilevered from a base portion and also has a distal end wherein a gap is formed between the distal ends of the contact beams. The leads of the mating connectors or the like are inserted into the gap for contacting engagement with the contact beams. A gap adjustment integrally connected to the base portion provides for simple adjustment of the size of the gap between the contact beams.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.Inventor: Robert G. McClure
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Patent number: 5685746Abstract: A female terminal for receiving a plate-shaped male terminal includes a terminal body consisting of a wire connection portion and an electrical connection portion to connect with the the male terminal. The electrical connection portion has a pair of opposing elastic plates for elastically pinching the male terminal therebetween. The female terminal further includes a protective member for covering the electrical connection portion. The protective member has an opening defined at a front portion thereof and slits formed on sidewalls of the protective member. When connecting the inclined male terminal with the female terminal, the leading end of the male terminal is initially introduced into the protective member through either one of the slits. By pivotal movement of the male terminal thereafter, the male terminal can be connected to the female terminal so as to be in alignment therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Toshiro Maejima
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Patent number: 5683274Abstract: A contact spring includes a base spring including a spring arm base having two ends, two parallel side walls with ends, a connection part extending integrally away from the side walls at one end of the spring arm base, and spring arms extending integrally away from the side walls at the other end of the spring arm base. An overspring is retained on the spring arm base and has a bottom wall spanning the side walls of the spring arm base, and side walls peripherally adjoining the bottom wall, being parallel to the side walls of the spring arm base and extending around the ends of the side walls of the spring arm base. The base spring, in the vicinity of the spring arm base, and the overspring each having a top with at least one shaped tab joined to one of the side walls. One of the shaped tabs is retained by snapping under or underlapping another of the shaped tabs, forming a clamping device for securing the overspring and the base spring against mutual slippage.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Straeb, Hans-Jost Heimueller
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Patent number: 5676570Abstract: The method and system of the present invention provide an improved "F" port interface connector is provided having increased ampacity and greater reliability. The "F" port interface connector includes a generally cylindrical port having an insulative dielectric sleeve mounted therein. An electrically conductive spring contact is mounted within the dielectric sleeve. The spring contact includes two elongate elastically bendable conductive leaves which are mounted in a slightly mutually skewed relationship and each leaf includes a medial mating surface and a cam surface at one end.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Richard J. Scherer
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Patent number: 5662503Abstract: The present invention teaches a multi-wire locking system incorporating a novel and unique ground contact which is formed in a unitary manner in a single piece or element from a single piece of metal stock, without the need for machining or assembly. The subject ground contact is utilized within and the present invention contemplates a receptacle or connector assembly which performs in a superior manner when compared to the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Cosmo Castaldo
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Patent number: 5662504Abstract: An improved elongated side terminal adapter is of the type for use with a jumper cable clamp. The terminal adapter includes a clamp connecting portion mateably engageable with the jumper cable clamp and a terminal connecting portion having laterally opposing terminal gripping plates disposed substantially in a common plane and cooperating to define an opening therebetween. The gripping plates are laterally resiliently deflectable to facilitate sliding the side terminal adapter onto a side terminal of a battery. A number of terminal engaging prongs bent out of the plane in a first direction and a number of terminal engaging prongs bent out of the plane in a second direction opposite to the first direction are disposed along the opening and are cooperatively arranged to define at least one terminal-receiving slot to facilitate clipping onto the battery side terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bert Krivec
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Patent number: 5655935Abstract: A receptacle contact 100 having a pair of contact arms 112 and lances 114 formed by a U-shaped slot made in the contact arms. At the front ends of the lances 114, latching members 126 are located. At one end of the base plate 113 of the receptacle contact, a conductor-connecting member 104 is provided. When the receptacle contact is placed in the contact cavity 3 of a housing 2 of connector 1, the lances 114 fit into grooves 32, and the latching members 126 engage with a protrusion 42 in the housing 2 thereby latching the contact 100 in the housing 2.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventor: Yohji Yoshimura
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Patent number: 5645459Abstract: An electrical connector with a housing and electrical contacts. The contacts each have contact leaves with a general "M" shape. Front ends of the leaves are stationarily entrapped in a pocket of the housing. Rear ends of the leaves are stationarily connected to the housing by means of a middle section of each contact being fixed to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Burndy CorporationInventor: Paul E. Fitting