Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – With provision to conduct electricity from panel circuit to...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-13
2001-10-30
Sircus, Brian (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
With provision to conduct electricity from panel circuit to...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309223
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a terminal assembly for a flexible circuit strip, and specifically relates to improvements in mechanical integrity for the terminal assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flexible circuit strips are well known in the art as a means of providing multiple, parallel-extending electrical conductors. Each conductor has a small cross-sectional area, and a flexible strip of substrate material supports the plurality of conductors. Typically, each conductor of a flexible circuit strip is an electrically conductive carbon ink trace printed upon the substrate.
Often, in order to connect a flexible circuit strip to its proper connection location, contact pins are crimped to a terminal end of the flexible circuit strip. Each terminal contact pin is to be electrically connected to one of the conductors of the flexible circuit strip. The terminal contact pins are typically terminated into wire leads or soldered into a rigid circuit board.
For flexible circuit strips, as with all electrical devices, mechanical integrity is an issue that must be considered such that proper electrical operation is accomplished and maintained. Specifically, with regard to flexible circuit strips, a loss of mechanical integrity may cause intermittent or total loss of electrical connection. When a finished product that contains a terminated flexible circuit strip is moved, disruption such as vibration may occur that may impose upon the mechanical integrity of the flexible circuit strip and the associated connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a terminal assembly for a flexible circuit strip that has a flexible conductor extending along the strip. A terminus portion of the strip has a registration opening. The rigid electrical contact has a portion pierced into the flexible conductor and a portion extending away from the terminus portion of the strip. A carrier has a registration projection extending through the registration opening. The carrier also has a guide portion that is engaged with the portion of the contact that extends away from the terminus portion of the strip to hold the contact at an orientation relative to the terminus portion of the strip.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4735582 (1988-04-01), Fusselman et al.
patent: 4987516 (1991-01-01), Belanger, Jr. et al.
patent: 5160269 (1992-11-01), Fox, Jr. et al.
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patent: 5306162 (1994-04-01), Armendariz
patent: 5529502 (1996-06-01), Peltier et al.
patent: 5865642 (1999-02-01), Rugg
patent: 6083032 (2000-12-01), Daoud
patent: 6165009 (2000-12-01), Anbo et al.
Duverne J. F.
Sircus Brian
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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