Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Holger A Petersen, Iii

Thomas Wayne Ives

Darrel W Poulter

The invention includes a plurality of first electrical pads which are supported on a first object which is configured to be supported in a first position, and a plurality of second electrical pads which are supported on a second object which is configured to be supported in a second position and adjacent to the first object. The first electrical pads are configured to electrically contact the second electrical pads while the objects are supported in the respective positions so as to electrically connect the objects together. Each of the objects is configured to be removed from the respective first and second positions by movement along parallel paths of movement in a first direction and are configured to be installed in the respective positions by movement along the paths in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. Furthermore, each object is configured to be installed into, or removed from, its respective supported position while the other object remains supported in its respective position. Either object can be installed into, or removed from, its respective position in any sequence.

Method and apparatus for electrically connecting two objects

An apparatus for electrically connecting two objects together includes a first object which has a first connective surface defined thereon, and a plurality of first electrical pads supported on the first connective surface. A second object has a second connective surface defined thereon which supports a plurality of second electrical pads configured to contact the first electrical pads. The first and second objects are configured to be electrically connected to each other by movement of the first object relative to the second object in a given direction and along a continuous path of movement which is substantially parallel to the first connective surface. The apparatus further includes an alignment member which is movably supported on the second object and which is configured to engage the second object when moved so as to substantially align the first electrical pads with the second electrical pads in order to facilitate contact there between.

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Nampa, ID, United States of America

Holger A Petersen, Iii