Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Electrical device making
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-03-27
Hall, Carl E. (Department: 3729)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Electrical device making
C029S602100, C029S618000, C336S192000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205647
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the art of electronic devices, and more particularly to a new and improved terminal structure for surface mountable electronic devices and a method of making the same.
A principal area of use of the present invention is in surface mountable electronic devices, although the principles of the invention can be variously applied. Surface mountable electronic devices have electrodes or terminals, rather than wire leads, and are mounted directly on the circuit paths of a circuit card, board or substrate thereby avoiding the need for lead-receiving apertures in the cord or board. It would be highly desirable to provide a terminal structure for surface mountable electronic devices wherein a portion of the terminal forms the surface mount lead and another portion of the same terminal is used for connection to the electrical lead of the device. It also would be highly desirable to provide a surface mountable electronic device having flexibility in location of electrodes or terminals and having the capability of including multiple terminals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a new and improved terminal structure for surface mounted electronic devices and a method of making the same.
It is a more particular object of this invention to provide such a terminal structure wherein a portion thereof forms a surface mount lead and another portion thereof is used for electrical connection to an electrical lead of the electronic device.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a terminal structure which can be placed at selected locations on the device of which it is a part.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a terminal structure which is readily mountable in multiples thereof on the device of which it is a part.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a terminal structure which is a relatively simple and convenient and economical to manufacture and install and which also is effective and reliable in operation.
The present invention provides a surface mountable electronic device comprising a body incorporating an electronic device and having a substantially planar mounting surface and another surface extending from the mounting surface, at least one electrical lead extending from the device, and a terminal of conductive material having a first portion fixedly received in the body and extending through the other surface, a second portion extending from the first portion and electrically connected to the lead and a third portion extending along the mounting surface for providing electrical connection to a circuit. Preferably, a recess is provided in the other surface of the body for receiving the first portion of the terminal. The recess in the body is elongated to allow positioning of the terminal at selected locations along the recess and to accommodate at least another terminal having a first portion fixedly received in the recess in spaced relation to the first-named terminal, a second portion extending from the first portion for electrical connection to the lead and a third portion extending along the mounting surface for providing electrical connection to a circuit. In preferred form the terminal comprises a thin flat strip and a substantially U-shaped formation at one end of strip wherein one leg of the U-shaped formation extends along a portion of the strip inwardly from the one end and the other leg is spaced from the strip. The one leg and the end of the strip are received in the body, such as in the recess, and the other leg extends along the mounting surface. A body of material can be provided between one leg and the end of the strip for strengthening the terminal structure. The strip and the U-shaped formation preferably are integral.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5446958 (1995-09-01), Hoang
American Precision Industries Inc.
Hall Carl E.
Hodgson, Russ, Andrew, Woods & Goodyear LLP
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