Middleburg Corporation

Other

Precision Interconnect, Inc.

Roy W Fox, Jr

Scott S Corbett, Iii

David F Miller

Laurence A Daane

A connector system for interconnecting single or multiple pairs of flex circuits. A single pair of clamping bodies interconnects the respective ones of multiple pairs of electrical conductors in the form of conductor traces carried on respective pairs of flexible substrates, by pressing the flex circuits together between slender fluid-filled flexible bladders held in channels defined in the confronting sides of the clamping bodies. Alignment pins keep the flex circuits and clamping bodies aligned properly with each other, and alignment portions of the flex circuits correspond in thickness to that of the electrically interconnecting portions, to keep the flex circuits and clamping bodies parallel with each other. The clamping bodies are urged toward one another by clamping screws.

Hydrostatic connector for flex circuits

Apparatus and method for connecting two electrical conductors (102,104) by means of a bladder (110) having a substantially constant volume of confined fluid interacting between a backing member (106) and one of the conductors (104). The bladder forms a compliant membrane surface (108) that transmits fluid pressure nearly hydrostatically from one conductor (104), to the other (102) such that the intimate contact of the surfaces (116) between the conductors provides an improved electrical connection, especially for small scale multi-conductors. A two-step, cam actuated connector (250,300) is disclosed which provides a low pressure wiping action between the conductors before the conductors are locked together, preferably by pressurization of the bladder (218,308).

Cam actuated electrical connector

First and second connector members extend in one direction, for example, horizontally, and include pairs of left and right hand non-conducting tenons projecting transversely from each member in another direction, e.g., vertically. Each pair of tenons forms a channel for receiving a tenon of the other member when the connection is made. Each left hand tenon carries a conductor strip which includes a resilient contact surface within the channel formed by the tenon pair, and each right hand tenon carries a right hand conductor strip including a resilient contact surface outside the channel formed by the tenon pair. Each left hand resilient contact surface is adapted to mate with a right hand resilient contact surface when the members are engaged, thereby effectuating two electrical connections between the engaged pair of tenons. Each conductor strip extends, e.g., vertically, a distance greater than the extent of the tenons in the second direction and has a second resilient conducting surface for mating with an equipment terminal or other lead outside the channel, such as a surface mount plate. Each conductor strip is preferably in the form of a vertically extending, unitary member having the conductor surface at one end, a hook at the other end for engaging an exterior ridge on a tenon, and a locking projection intermediate the strip ends for engaging a notched opening in the tenon. The conductor surface is cantilevered laterally from the conductor strip and has a stop member associated therewith the limit the flexure of the conductor surface during interaction with the contact pads of the board or plate to which the connector is mounted.

Surface mount stacking connector

Apparatus and method for connecting two electrical conductors (102,104) by means of a fluid bladder (110) interacting between a backing member (106) and one of the conductors (104). The bladder forms a compliant membrane surface (108) that transmits fluid pressure nearly hydrostatically from one conductor (104), to the other (102) such that the intimate contact of the surfaces (116) between the conductors provides an improved electrical connection, especially for small scale multi-conductors.

Fluidly actuated electrical connector

A pierce-type connector for ribbon cable has a base and a mating cover joined together to clamp a multi-conductor flat flexible cable. The cover and the base have appropriately aligned cavities for accomodating contact elements. The contact elements are inserted through the top of the cover after the cable is clamped. The elements have insulation piercing slots so that each element may slice through the conductor insulation to electrically engage a conductor wire and are shaped so as to hold the base and cover in engagement after contact is achieved with the conductor wires. This construction facilitates manufacture and circuit continuity checks.

Growing community of inventors

Williston, VT, United States of America

Roy W Fox, Jr