Abstract: A memory card adaptor which enables a small memory card to be used in a card connector for a large memory card that is larger than the small memory card. In the surface of a metal cover which cooperates with a resin base to constitute an adaptor body having a shape corresponding to an outer shape of a large memory card, steps are disposed by partly reducing the material thickness of the cover. Insulating layers the thickness of which are equal to less than the steps are formed on the surface of the thinned cover to dispose insulation areas on the side of one face of the adaptor, whereby the insulation areas are arbitrarily set on the side of the one face of the adaptor without increasing the thickness of the adaptor, and while maintaining the rigidity of the adaptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contacting unit for a card-type carrier element in electronic component groups with a housing, the contact unit including a bonding pad on one end face, a slot-like slide-in port that joins on the end face opposite the bonding pad, into which the card-type carrier element, especially a chip card in accordance with ISO 7816, can be inserted, and a printed circuit board, arranged in the housing parallel to the slide-in port and electrically connected to the bonding pad, wherein said printed circuit board is equipped on one surface with contact elements for contacting the card-type carrier element, characterized in that said unit is designed in accordance with the PCMCIA Express Card Standard.

Abstract: An express card adapted to receive and utilize a SIM card that can be electrically coupled with a computer is disclosed. The express card includes an extended portion with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a SIM card connector for coupling a SIM card with the PCB. An external antenna jack is electrically coupled with the PCB extended portion. An antenna/SIM card support structure is mounted on the PCB extended portion covering the SIM card connector. The antenna/SIM. card support structure forms a slot adapted to receive and seat a SIM card and form an electrical connection between the SIM card and the SIM card connector. A metallic flex antenna can be affixed to the antenna/SIM card support structure such that the antenna characteristics of an external antenna can be affected based on the metallization pattern and placement of the metallic flex antenna.

Abstract: A memory card connector includes an insulating housing having a base board defining longer cavities thereon. Each longer cavity has a guiding cavity having two first mounting grooves. The guiding cavity extends rearward to form a connecting cavity being wider than the guiding cavity. The bottom of the connecting cavity extends rearward at one side to form a first receiving cavity, and the other side of the connecting cavity extends rearward to form a second receiving cavity. Longer terminals received in the longer cavities have a base portion having two restraining portions protruding from two sides of the base portion. The rear end of the base portion stretches rearward to form a connecting portion wider than the base portion. One side of the connecting portion extends rearward to form a fixed portion, and the other side extends rearward to form a contacting portion spaced away from the fixed portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved card adapter structure which includes an upper cover, a lower cover and a converter terminal set. The upper cover is designed to conform to short memory card specifications, wherein an insertion slot is defined at the rear of the upper cover corresponding to the shape of a micro memory card. A port is configured in a central portion of the lower cover to accommodate a micro memory card. The converter terminal set is configured with eleven terminals, wherein an injection molded fixing mount fixedly covers each pin of the converter terminal set, and eleven pins extend outward towards a short memory card opening. Pin three and pin six are jointly configured with a large grounding area, and eight pins extend outward towards the micro memory card port. Accordingly, the adapter structure conveniently converts a micro memory card into a short memory card.

Abstract: A memory card assembly includes a memory card and a case. The memory card includes a first end with a USB interface and a second end. The case includes a compartment for removably receiving the second end of the memory card. The case further includes a coupling member extending from a wall defining the compartment. When the second end of the memory card is inserted into the compartment of the case, the coupling member and the first end of the memory card together form a coupling socket adapted for coupling with a coupling seat inside a coupling opening of a USB socket, with the USB interface located in the coupling socket and in electrical contact with contacts of the USB socket.

Abstract: A connector system for a miniaturized form factor card allows a communications system for mobile information devices having an applications processor and user interface components. A receiving frame is provided in the mobile information device for an insertable miniaturized form factor card incorporating means for RF transmission and reception and a wireless modem. A connector moiety on the card is received in a mating moiety in the receiving frame. The miniaturized form factor card also incorporates an array of solder pads for alternative permanent engagement of a mating array of solder pads on a printed circuit board in an alternative mobile information device. The applications processor and the user interface components in the mobile information device are interconnected to digital functions of the wireless modem and means for RF transmission and reception through the connector or, alternatively, the solder pad array.

Abstract: A slim card reader is disclosed. One end of a shell body has a plugging slot plugged with a memory card, and there are metal connection pins that contact the memory card. The characteristic is the second end of the shell body corresponds to a female plugging slot of the USB port, and on the surface of the end of the shell body corresponding to the female plugging slot, there are a plurality of metal flakes that contact the conducting flakes in the female plugging slot. The key point, which makes a breakthrough in the dimensions of the card reader, is that the present invention doesn't use a conventional USB plugging head design. The metal external mask of the USB plugging head is removed. The limitation caused by the large dimensions of the USB plugging head produced by the format of the metal external mask is overcome.

Abstract: A USB device in which all of the devices ICs are located on a lower surface of a PCB (i.e., opposite to the metal contacts) to minimize the device's thickness, and at least one of the ICs is positioned on a relatively narrow portion of the USB plug to minimize the device's length. A card-like carrier for protecting the USB device when not in use includes a frame-like base portion having peripheral walls surrounding a relatively wide main chamber, and an end portion that is attached to the base portion and includes end walls that define a relatively narrow slot communicating with the main chamber. The USB device plug structure is inserted through the main chamber into the slot until a front edge of the handle structure abuts the end walls, and then the device is rotated downward into the main chamber.

Abstract: The functionality provided to electronic devices by application specific removable modules is enhanced by viewing the removable modules as first-level removable modules and providing them with at least one second-level removable slot for selectively nesting second-level removable modules having particular external I/O capabilities. The functionality provided to the electronic devices by such a first-level removable module can thus be provided in part by the application specific circuitry within the removable module and further in part by the type of external I/O of the second-level removable module.

Abstract: A memory card reader includes a case including a first end with a compartment for coupling with a coupling opening of a USB socket. The case further includes a second end with a card receiving space. The card receiving space includes an insertion opening for receiving a memory card. An adaptor circuit board is mounted in the compartment and the card receiving space. The adaptor circuit board includes a first end with a USB interface and a second end with resilient conductive plates. The USB interface of the adaptor circuit board faces the compartment and is engaged with a coupling seat in the coupling opening of the USB socket and in contact with resilient conductive plates in the coupling seat. The resilient conductive plates of the adaptor circuit board face the card receiving space and are in contact with a read/write interface of the memory card.

Abstract: A memory card includes: a main body of the memory card in which a notched section is formed; a semiconductor memory; and a write/nonwrite setting element for setting the write/nonwrite state of data in the semiconductor memory, the write/nonwrite setting element being slidably fitted in the notched section, wherein the main body of the memory card includes an upper main body and a lower main body; at least one of the upper main body and the lower main body has an elastic guide formed within the notched section; the write/nonwrite setting element slides along the elastic guide so as to set the write/nonwrite state of the data in the semiconductor memory; and the elastic guide has an engagement portion for engagedly stopping the write/nonwrite setting element so as to select the position of the write/nonwrite setting element with respect to the elastic guide.

Abstract: A memory card connector includes an insulating housing, an ejector, a plurality of first electric terminals, a plurality of second electric terminals, a detected apparatus and a cover. The insulating housing includes a base, a left wall, a right wall and a front wall. All the walls define an upper space and a down space. A glide notch is formed in the right wall. The first electric terminals and the second electric terminals are located in the insulating housing. The ejector is located in the glide notch. The memory card connector can accept a memory card. The detected apparatus determines the correctness of the way that inserting the memory card into the memory card connector.

Abstract: A multi-memory media adapter comprised of a first planar element having an upper surface and a lower surface, a second planar element having an upper surface and a lower surface, and formed from a single material. The two planar elements form at least one port, each port capable of receiving one or more types of a memory media card. The adapter has at least one set of contact pins protruding from the lower surface of the first planar element or the upper surface of the second planar element such that the at least one set of contact pins are disposed within the port. The at least one set of contact pins are capable of contacting the contacts of a memory media card inserted into the port. For one embodiment a controller chip is embedded within the single material forming the multi-memory media adapter.

Abstract: A PC card is provided which can be used to add multiple capabilities to an information processing apparatus in cooperation with a conventional card only by the use of a single card slot. The PC card 1 comprises a card main body 10 which is provided with a connection plug 11 for connecting with the information processing apparatus 20 and a card connector 12 through which an additional card 30 can be connected, and which is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 to add multiple capabilities to the information processing apparatus; a pair of parallel rail members 13 serving to guide the additional card 30 for insertion; and a bridge member 14 connected between said pair of parallel rail members in order not to block the insertion path.

Abstract: A protective cover for a dual inline memory module (DIMM) circuit card includes a pair of cover members for substantially containing the DIMM circuit card. The cover members are secured to opposite sides of the DIMM circuit card. The pair of cover members defines a socket-receiving channel between respective printed-circuit-board (PCB) mating faces of the cover members. The cover members includes a plurality of positioning features engaging the DIMM circuit card for positioning a portion of the DIMM circuit card within the socket-receiving channel.

Abstract: A USB device in which all of the devices ICs are located on a lower surface of a PCB (i.e., opposite to the metal contacts) to minimize the device's thickness, and at least one of the ICs is positioned on a relatively narrow portion of the USB plug to minimize the device's length. A card-like carrier for protecting the USB device when not in use includes a frame-like base portion having peripheral walls surrounding a relatively wide main chamber, and an end portion that is attached to the base portion and includes end walls that define a relatively narrow slot communicating with the main chamber. The USB device plug structure is inserted through the main chamber into the slot until a front edge of the handle structure abuts the end walls, and then the device is rotated downward into the main chamber.

Abstract: A multi-slave interface card reader includes a card reader body having a USB signal interface plug and a 3C memory card interface receptacle installed on one side of the body being vertical to the USB signal interface plug for placing a memory card, e.g. Mini-SD, RS-MMC, Micro-SD, or Micro-MMC. Since the card reader body has the memory card installed therein, it is possible to place the card reader body in devices like cameras, MP3's, mobile phones . . . and so forth, to act as a memory. The USB signal interface plug can be directly connected to a computer host, or the card reader body can be connected to another card reader for transferring the data stored in the memory card to the computer through the card reader. Such a device of single body with multiple interfaces allows users to employ across various platforms, meanwhile also provides cost down benefits for manufacturers.

Abstract: An extended memory card capable of coupling to a reduced size memory card and having an electrical connection to a card reader is disclosed. The extended memory card comprises a first flash memory and a first client controller, where the card reader accesses to the first flash memory by controlling the operation of the first client controller. The reduced size memory card further comprises a second flash memory and a second client controller, where a host controller accesses to the second flash memory by controlling the operation of the second client controller. The extended memory card coupled to the reduced size memory card has the same size as an MMC card. The reduced size memory card has the same size as the RS-MMC card.

Abstract: In a connector for use in an electronic card having a circuit board and a case containing the circuit board, a housing holds a ground connection terminal and a contact. The ground connection terminal has a press-fit portion press-fitted to and held by the housing, a contacting portion connected to the press-fit portion and adapted to be contacted with the case, and a terminal portion connected to the press-fit portion and adapted to be connected to the circuit board. The housing has a guide portion for guiding the contacting portion when the press-fit portion is press-fitted to the housing. The contacting portion is connected to the case with elastic displacement inside the guide portion.

Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) card connector includes a housing member, an ejection mechanism, and a plurality of braking pieces. The housing member includes an accommodation portion for selectively accommodating an IC card. When the ejection mechanism ejects the IC card from the accommodation portion, an end of at least one of the plurality of braking pieces contacts a movable part of the ejection mechanism. After contacting the movable part of the ejection mechanism, the end of the at least one braking piece retreats. Thus, the braking piece decelerates the ejection speed of the IC card and avoids the undesirable jumping-out of the IC card. Embodiments consistent with the invention may also include an improper insertion piece provided in the housing member.

Abstract: A card adapter structure includes an upper cover, a lower cover and a set of converter terminals. The upper cover designed to conform to short memory card (Mini SD) specifications, has an insertion slot defined at the rear of upper cover corresponding to a micro memory card (Micro SD). A plurality of grooves are defined on a bottom surface of the upper cover. A port is configured in a central portion of the lower cover to accommodate a micro memory card (Micro SD). Moreover, protruding pieces corresponding to the grooves of the upper cover are located on the lower cover forming a solid structural configuration. The converter terminals are fixed by embedding molding means and extend outward to contact cards. The structural configuration enables converting a micro memory card into a short memory card to facilitate inserting into a digital product provided with a short memory card circuit port.

Abstract: A satellite signal receiver used with blue tooth transmission and electronic maps comprises a box having one end extended with a shaft; two ends of the shaft having two connecting ends, respectively; a Blue tooth satellite receiver installed in the box; a lower cover having two connecting ends at one side thereof; an upper cover assembled with the lower cover so as to form an inserting card; one side of the upper cover being formed as a cambered concave edge; when the upper cover is assembled to the lower cover; the cambered concave edge is formed as an opening for receiving an SD card; and a terminal retainer received in the space between the upper cover and the lower cover; two ends of the terminal retainer being extended with respective power wires which are extended to the lower cover so as to supply power to the SD card.

Abstract: A Mini SD card adapter including an upper plastic shell, a lower plastic shell, a metallic shell, a terminal set and a write protect tab, whereby the Mini SD card adapter enables converting a relatively small sized Mini SD card into a larger sized SD card for use by a user, and is characterized in that the terminal set is fixed within corresponding terminal holes defined in the upper plastic shell using a direct insertion method. In addition, an appropriately positioned bend of a fourth terminal of the terminal set serves a grounded portion that provides for direct electrical grounding with the metallic shell. Accordingly, the upper plastic shell and lower plastic shell, the metallic shell and the write protect tab can be rapidly and conveniently assembled to form a finished product, thereby achieving objective of increasing yield of the finished product.

Abstract: A flash memory encryption device that enables different types of flash memory cards to be conveniently inserted into or removed from, which comprising: a housing, having an upper housing and a lower cover that can be mutually engaged together for forming a room, wherein the housing further comprises a opening; a printed circuit board, disposed in the room; a first connector, disposed on the printed circuit board and exposed outward the opening for providing at least one memory card being inserted or removed; a controller, disposed on the printed circuit board and coupled to the first connector for receiving data from the first connector and executing encryption or decryption operation then output; and a second connector, disposed on the printed circuit board and coupled to the controller for connecting the flash memory encryption device to a host computer.

Abstract: A terminal includes a base portion having a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board and an extended portion extending from one end portion of the mounting portion toward the mounting surface side of the circuit board, and a terminal portion made of a conductive material and formed to extend from an front surface of the extended portion which is flush with one end face of the mounting portion through a mounting side surface of the mounting portion. The terminal is mounted on the circuit board such that the mounting side surface of the terminal is abutted on a mounting surface of the circuit board, and the extended portion is projected toward a surface side of the circuit board which is located away from its mounting surface, so as to configure a portable device.

Abstract: A card holder has a generally flat and rectangular plastic base fixed to a support, e.g. a printed-circuit board of a card reader, and formed centered on an axis with a pair of pivot pins. A generally rectangular and flat metal cover forming a slot dimensioned to hold the card is unitarily formed with a pair of U-shaped journals each fitting partially around a respective one of the pins and forming therewith a hinge. Thus the cover can pivot between an open position with the cover and the card in the slot partially raised from the base and a closed position with the cover and the card in the slot closely juxtaposed with the base.

Abstract: The productivity of an IC card is to be improved. In a memory card of the type in which a memory body having a wiring substrate and a semiconductor chip mounted on a main surface of the wiring substrate is held so as to be sandwiched in between a first case and a second case, a planar outline of the memory body is smaller than half of a planar outline of the memory card. The memory body is disposed so as to be positioned closer to a first end side as one short side of the memory card with respect to a midline between the first end side and a second end side as an opposite short side of the memory card positioned on the side opposite to the first end side. The other area than the memory body-disposed area in the first and the second case is used as another functional area.

Abstract: A dual-slot card connector includes a flat base having a first insertion slot and a second insertion slots partly overlapping and communicating with each other for receiving different cards, and a pair of the receiving grooves and a pair of the first retaining portions; a movable plate mounted to the overlap of the first and second insertion slots and movably mounted in the receiving grooves and having a main body, a pair of receiving portions mounted to bilateral sides of the main body, a pair of second retaining portions in connection with the first retaining portions, and a plurality of terminal tunnels formed on the main body; a pair of springy strips mounted on the base and contacting against the movable plate; a cover shell covered on the base; and a plurality of contact terminals mounted on the base and partly received in the terminal tunnels.

Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) card connector includes a housing member, an ejection mechanism, and a plurality of braking pieces. The housing member includes an accommodation portion for selectively accommodating an IC card. When the ejection mechanism ejects the IC card from the accommodation portion, an end of at least one of the plurality of braking pieces contacts a movable part of the ejection mechanism. After contacting the movable part of the ejection mechanism, the end of the at least one braking piece retreats. Thus, the braking piece decelerates the ejection speed of the IC card and avoids the undesirable jumping-out of the IC card. Embodiments consistent with the invention may also include an improper insertion piece provided in the housing member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assembly structure of an electrical card, wherein the conventional plastic frame and connector are integrated into a connector frame; the connector frame is engaged with upper and lower shells via press-fitting front press-fit platelets of the upper shell and press-fit hooks of the lower shell; a back cover has two extension arms protruding from its two lateral sides, and the other ends of the upper and lower shells are press-fit to the back cover and wrap those two extension arms; and the upper shell and the lower shell are wrapped by each other and press-fit together. Thereby, the upper and lower shells, the connector frame and the back cover are assembled into an electrical card structure. The present invention has a rigid joint mechanism to assemble an electrical card having superior engagement and can be easily disassembled for fixing the circuit inside the electrical card.

Abstract: An IC card connector in which in the insertion space for one IC card, the insertion space for the other IC card is secured, and contact parts are disposed near the insertion slot. In the insertion slot for one IC card, the insertion space for the other IC card is disposed, which is narrower in width and one end of the height direction is located in the insertion slot for the one IC card, while at least a part of the insertion space is shared with the insertion space for the one IC card. A plate is disposed to partition the shared part of the insertion space for the one IC card to make the shared part as the insertion space for the other IC card. This plate has a mechanism that, when the one card is inserted while the other card is not, the plate is moved away from the insertion space for the one IC card and makes room therefor.

Abstract: A multi-memory media adapter comprised of a first planar element having an upper surface and a lower surface, a second planar element having an upper surface and a lower surface, and formed from a single material. The two planar elements form at least one port, each port capable of receiving one or more types of a memory media card. The adapter has at least one set of contact pins protruding from the lower surface of the first planar element or the upper surface of the second planar element such that the at least one set of contact pins are disposed within the port. The at least one set of contact pins are capable of contacting the contacts of a memory media card inserted into the port. For one embodiment a controller chip is embedded within the single material forming the multi-memory media adapter.

Abstract: A circuit module (1) comprises a base plate (2) with a pivot slot (27), into which a retaining tab (26) of a cover (25) engages. The pivot joint formed by the pivot slot (27) and retaining tab (26) between base plate (2) and cover (25) makes simply assembly of the circuit module (1) possible.

Abstract: A slide-out electronic card connector includes a seat body and a slide cavity being defined between two opposite sides of the seat body. Multiple terminals are inlaid in the seat body. A cartridge snugly slidably disposed in the slide cavity of the seat body. An electronic card can be stably received in an electronic card receiving cavity of the cartridge and electrically connected with the terminals in the seat body when the cartridge with the electronic card is slid into the seat body. When the cartridge is slid into the seat body, a resilient latch arm is correspondingly latched in a fixing latch dent for preventing the cartridge from slipping out of the seat body. When a user outward draws the cartridge, the resilient latch arm is unlatched from the fixing latch dent, permitting the cartridge to be drawn out of the seat body and totally separated therefrom.

Abstract: A memory card is disclosed which has a card body (2) having a concavity (9) formed at the forward end thereof in the inserting direction and in which terminals (5) are disposed and projections (10) are formed between the terminals (5) to prevent the terminals (5) from being touched or accessed from outside. A receptacle for the memory card is also disclosed. The memory card has a simple structure designed to positively protect the terminals and easily let out dust or the like from inside, thereby permitting to assure a positive connection with the receptacle.

Abstract: A memory card casing is composed of a top cover having multiple through holes defined in a peripheral edge of the top cover, and a bottom cover, wherein the bottom cover has multiple longitudinal ridges formed on a peripheral edge of the bottom cover, a first rib formed on the bottom cover to connect to one end of each of the longitudinal ridges and a second rib formed on the bottom cover to connect to the other end of each of the longitudinal ridges so that after a printed circuit board is inserted into a receiving space between the bottom cover and the top cover, contacts on the printed circuit board are exposed via the through holes of the top cover and fully supported by the longitudinal ridges.

Abstract: A simulated Mini SD memory card converter comprises an upper cover, a conducting member and a lower cover. The upper cover and the lower cover are engaged to form a combined structure resembling a Mini SD memory card, which structure has a main opening at a front end thereof and an insertion space therein for housing a Trans Flash memory card. A plurality of conducting terminals is enclosed in the lower cover. The rear end of said lower cover is further provided with a second opening corresponding to a terminal of the conducting member, whereby a front terminal of each of the conducting terminals is connected to the conducting member, and the conducting member further includes wirings to the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention primarily comprises a terminal assembly frame and its associated terminal installed at an adequate position inside a casing. The casing consists of an upper and a lower casing, and a plurality of terminal holes are located at the central part of the terminal assembly frame, such that the terminal can directly pass through and be fixed into the terminal holes. Then the terminal assembly frame can be latched and fixed at an adequate position between the upper and lower casing. Accordingly, the conventional necessary engineering of welding a circuit board can be avoided, with the easiness of assembly and maintenance, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost, and improving signal transmission due to direct connection.

Abstract: A PC card assembly including a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and an associated two-piece housing made up of a frame-like body and a top cover. The PCBA includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a connector that is attached to one end of the PCB. The frame-like body includes parallel side rails and an end rail formed with a step-like mounting structure that includes a peripheral shelf for supporting at least two edges of the PCB, and several alignment protrusions that extend from inside portions of the side rails onto the shelf that engage with alignment notches formed in the PCB during the assembly process. Depressions are formed in top and bottom walls for receiving ICs mounted on the PCB. The frame-like body defines an optional longitudinal slot for slidably receiving the PCB. A top cover is either ultrasonically welded or snap-coupled onto the frame-like body.

Abstract: A storage device includes a housing case, a terminal connector, a circuit substrate and a base. The terminal connector, the circuit substrate, and the base are inserted, in this order, inside the housing case. The terminal connector has at least a contact terminal for circuit connection on the circuit substrate for data transmission when the terminal connector is connected to the circuit substrate. The base is engaged to the circuit substrate at the end, and tightly engaged inside the housing case. The base is not only used to steadily engage the terminal connector and the circuit substrate inside the housing case, but also to elevate the circuit substrate so that the circuit is not directly in contact with the housing case to cause short-circuit.

Abstract: A card connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals received in the insulative housing, a guiding and restraining device, a shell and a driven shaft, wherein the guiding and restraining device includes a leading slot, a slider having a first and a second slot, a restraining groove, a guiding rod and a resilient element. In the process of the electronic card that is inserted and positioned in the card connector, the slider is sliding along the leading slot of the resembling zone, meanwhile, the guiding rod is sliding along the first and the second slot and is fixed at the restraining groove; thereby the driven shaft is pushed outwardly and contact the shell; as long as the driven shaft contacts an inspection circuit, thereby enabling the card connector communicate data.

Abstract: The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or handhelds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion modules (100) having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory (120), and optional I/O (140), in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion modules, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion module. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a main housing having a header interface end configured to mate with a header assembly. The main housing has a board reception end that retains a plurality of electrical contacts arranged in at least two parallel rows. At least two rows of the electrical contacts are configured to contact one surface of a circuit card while at least one row of electrical contacts is configured to contact an opposite surface of the circuit card. The receptacle assembly may also include at least one ground shield that at least partially covers the main housing.

Abstract: A locking projection (6) which is formed into a channel-like shape is enabled to enter a channel-like recess (130) positioned in one side end portion which is outside a region where terminals (120) of a card (100) that is inserted in a normal posture are formed. A locking portion (65) of the locking projection (6) is formed as an inclined face, whereby the locking projection (6) is prevented from being raised, even when the card (100) is pressed against the locking projection. The locking portion (65) is positioned posterior in the card insertion direction to the positions where contacts (4) are placed.

Abstract: There are provided for an improved card connector contacting structure featuring its compactness and simplicity in construction, higher reliability of contacting action and higher impact resistance. The contacting structure is designed as a card connector comprising a plurality of contact terminals which are arranged in parallel with one another; among the plurality of contact terminals, at least two are the terminals for connecting with the power source; at least two are the terminals for grounding; at least one is for detecting whether the IC card has been loaded securely into the card connector; among the plurality of contact terminals, one of the terminals for grounding comes into contact first with the corresponding external contact of the IC card, among the plurality of contact terminals, the terminal for detecting the card coming into contact last with the corresponding external contact of the IC card.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric connector housing confining a card receiving groove and having a front open side, and top and bottom walls. A terminal connecting board is mounted on a rear side of the housing, and is formed with circuit traces that interconnect electrically and respectively conductive vias and solder pads. First conductive terminals are mounted on one of the top wall and an inner surface of the bottom wall. Each first conductive terminal has a first coupling end portion extending in and connected electrically to a corresponding conductive via, and a first contacting end portion projecting into the card receiving groove. Second conductive terminals are mounted on an outer surface of the bottom wall. Each second conductive terminal has a second coupling end portion extending through the rear side of the housing, and a second contacting end portion projecting into the card receiving groove.

Abstract: A memory card connector includes a housing (12) mounting a plurality of terminals (18) having contact portions for engaging contacts on one side of a memory card. A cover (14) is mounted on the housing (12) and defines a card-receiving cavity (16) therebetween for receiving the card in a given, normal orientation. A displacement portion (22) of the housing displaces the memory card toward the cover if the memory card is inserted into the cavity in an abnormal orientation. A stop (44) on the cover engages an edge of the memory card to prevent the card from reaching the contact portions of the terminals if the memory card is inserted into the cavity in the abnormal orientation.

Abstract: The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or hand-helds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion cards having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory, and optional I/O, in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion cards, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion card. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

Abstract: A card connector (1, 1′) includes an insulative housing (2, 2′) defining a card receiving space (23, 23′), a number of contacts (3, 3′) retained in the housing, a metal shell (4, 4′) shielding the contacts, and an elastic locking piece (8, 8′). The elastic locking piece includes a locking portion (83, 83′) and a protruding portion (82, 82′). The metal shell defines a guide hole (41, 41′) for guiding the displacement of the protruding portion. When the elastic locking piece is biased by an inserted card (10) having a notch (18) before the locking portion engages with the notch during an earlier card insertion operation, the protruding portion is displaced in a first direction. When the locking portion engages with the notch during a later card insertion operation, the protruding portion moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.