Johnstech International Corporation

Donald L Fulcher

David A Johnson

John E Nelson

Eric V Kline

Martin L Cavegn

William S Clark

Chad Van Hove

An insert for use within integrated circuit (IC) chip carriers to provide universality across device types and applications at a low design and fabrication cost. The present invention functions as a generic carrier floor and/or adaptor insert which enables reception of both quad-flat-pack (QFP) and thin-quad-flat-pack (TQFP) ICs within frames of a variety of existing carriers, or alternatively, may allow both QFP and TQFP ICs to utilize a single IC carrier frame, a feature which currently prevailing embodiments would require two unique IC carriers.

I.C. carrier insert

A connector for electrically interconnecting a lead of a device to a terminal spaced at a distance from the lead. The apparatus may include a contact engagable by the lead and further engagable by the spaced terminal. An elastomeric element is provided to bias the contact in an original position. As the contact is engaged by the lead, the elastomeric element may deform to permit movement of the contact. It is contemplated that the elastomeric element may be shaped, relative to the contact, to provide at least one spatial relief region between the elastomeric element and the contact. Further, it is contemplated that the elastomeric element may have one or more cavities formed therein to provide at least one spatial relief region. Finally, it is contemplated that the contact housing may be designed to provide at least one spatial relief region adjacent the elastomeric element. Accordingly, as a force is applied to the contact via a lead or the like, the elastomeric element may become deformed, causing a portion of the deformed elastomeric element to extend at least partially into the at least one spatial relief region. It has been found that by providing even a modest spatial relief region adjacent the elastomeric element, the lifetime of the elastomeric element may be substantially increased.

Electrical interconnect contact system

Growing community of inventors

Fridley, MN, United States of America

Donald L Fulcher