A P Products Incorporated

Ohio Associated Enterprises, Inc.

Kenneth W Braund

John T Venaleck

John N Tengler

Robert J Gabor

John L Webster

Rod Schwartz

An interconnection device in the form of a programmable integrated crosspoint switch includes a matrix of first and second pluralities of electrically conductive paths, e.g. an M line by N line matrix, and selectively permanently and affirmatively programmable switch elements for completing passive conductive circuit paths between one or more of the conductive paths of such first and second pluralities thereof. The programmable integrated crosspoint switch invention may be utilized in various hierarchical levels of interconnection. Each switch element is an irreversible semiconductor switching element, for example of high resistivity polycrystalline material, that initially is a high impedance and, thus, effectively presents an open circuit-like condition, and each may be programmed by applying an appropriate electrical input thereto exceeding a given threshold level, whereupon the element permanently takes on a low impedance characteristic and effectively becomes a closed or short circuit between a respective pair of conductive paths without the need for transistor driving, logic or other circuits for useful operation. Thus, the semiconductor elements provide selectable interconnection at each crosspoint by application of programming voltage between the proper M line and N line of the matrix. The invention also relates to a method for rerouting electrical signals for various purposes.

Programmable integrated crosspoint switch

The printed circuit board system and method are characterized by the use of at least one integrated circuit path bridging device, preferably a programmable integrated crosspoint switch, mounted to a printed circuit board for enabling electrical interconnection or circuit paths to cross over other electrical interconnection or circuit paths whereby a single plane or surface interconnection system can be given multi-plane interconnection potential or a multi-plane interconnection system can be given increased interconnection potential, while avoiding or minimizing drawbacks associated with multi-plane circuit interconnection systems such as need for plated through holes and relatively high cost.

Printed circuit board system and method

A breadboard assembly to facilitate connecting electrical circuits comprises a breadboard member including a housing, plural electrical contacts in the housing, openings, in at least one surface of the housing for permitting access for connection to respective contacts by a member inserted therein, and a tray for adjustably holding at least one member in operative position therein. The breadboard member may be a terminal strip including in its housing contacts for electrically connecting plural members inserted to engagement therewith, a distribution strip including in its housing one or more contact sets for distributing power to members inserted into engagement therewith, a discrete strip having in its housing contacts arranged in a pattern to accept relatively large size electric or electronic components, a display strip having in its housing an arrangement of contacts for facilitating connections of seven segment alphanumeric displays or the like, a light emitting diode strip having in its housing a contact arrangement that facilitates connections for light emitting diodes, and possibly other types of strips. Means are provided to connect plural trays side-by-side and end-to-end.

Breadboard system

A molded cable termination assembly for terminating a woven cable, which has a fabric-like woven insulation about the conductors thereof, includes in one embodiment a pair of clamping pads tightly clamped against the woven cable during injection molding of a housing base directly to the cable to prevent wicking of the molding material along the cable exteriorly of the mold. In another embodiment, a lip seal arrangement securely grips the woven cable in response to the pressure exerted during the injection molding process to prevent such undesirable wicking. The latter embodiment also is effective to provide strain relief holding of the cable in the molded housing base and, therefore, enables molding a cable termination direction to non-bondable, non-wettable or like cables.

Molded cable termination assembly with insert

A socket-type electrical connector adaptable for use with connector pins having different size and spacing parameters and with different size electrical cables includes a housing in which a replaceable contact sub-assembly and replaceable strain relief element are located. The contact sub-assembly includes an interstitial contact carrier support member on which are positioned a plurality of bow contacts in opposed parallel rows. The strain relief mechanism includes a pair of aligned opposed cavities, one in each of a pair of opposed housing parts, such cavities opening toward one another and the insert element in the form of a T-shape cross-section elongated member is positioned in one of the cavities for establishing a tortuous path for the electrical cable upon entry into the housing, whereby the electrical cable is at least frictionally retained in the housing by the strain relief mechanism.

Adjustable electrical connector with replaceable contact sub-assembly

An electrical connector includes a plurality of trapped bow contacts soldered at respective tail portions to termination pads on a printed circuit board and adapted to deform upon engagement with inserted connector pins to provide large surface area electrical connections with such pins without applying any stress to the solder joints at the printed circuit board. The contacts are carried on an interstitial member adapted for location within a housing structure, and such member and contacts may be removed and replaced by a similar different size member and/or contacts for electrical connection with connector pins of a different corresponding size and/or spacing.

Trapped bow contact and connector using the same

A connector for supporting a printed circuit board in electrical and mechanical connection to the wrapping posts or pins of a wire wrap panel without interference to wrapped wire connections at the pins includes a housing, electrical contacts arranged in opposed pairs within the housing for movement between cocked position for receiving the pins and locked position for locking engagement biting into the pins, and means for retaining the printed circuit board in the housing. The contacts are moved to locked position by inserting the leading edge of the printed circuit board into engagement therewith, and each contact provides a connection between an electrical circuit on the printed circuit board and a respective pin.

Growing community of inventors

Willoughby, OH, United States of America

Kenneth W Braund