The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 12, 1998
Filed:
Apr. 26, 1996
David A Johnson, Wayzata, MN (US);
Eric V Kline, Stillwater, MN (US);
Donald L Fulcher, Fridley, MN (US);
JohnsTech International Corporation, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
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.