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:
Jun. 27, 2000
Filed:
May. 08, 1998
Andrew M Terry, Cambridge, MA (US);
Edward Steketee, Ft. Collins, CO (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A single action card engagement mechanism having a connector block facing locking blocks. The connector block and locking blocks are spaced apart to receive a circuit card. The connector block provides pogo pins in register with card pins on the card. Spring mechanisms tend to push the pogo pins towards the card. At the other end, each locking block has a profile facing the connector block. The profile includes a recess in which the edge of the card is received and retained when the card is located in final position between the connector and locking blocks. In operation, the card pin edge of the card is presented to the connector block. Advantageously aligned using guide pins located on the card received into corresponding guide holes in the connector block, the card pins are moved up to touch the contact heads on the pogo pins. The opposing edge of the card, now resting near the top of the locking block, is now slid along the profile. As the edge of the card slides along the profile, translated motion at the connector block end causes the card pins to depress the pogo pins against their spring mechanisms in a substantially straight line. Eventually, at the locking end, the sliding edge of the card traverses the profile and 'clicks' in to the recess. The spring mechanisms of the pogo pins now fulfil the dual function of encouraging good electrical contact at the points of contact between the pogo pins and the card pins, as well as retaining the locking block edge of the card in the recess.