公开(公告)号：US5325081A

公开(公告)日：1994-06-28

申请号：US76545

申请日：1993-06-14

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: G01L1/22 ,  G01L5/22 ,  H01C10/16

CPC classification number: G01L1/2287 ,  G01L5/223 ,  Y10T29/49103

Abstract: A self terminating supported printed circuit strain gauge structure has a printed circuit including at least one strain gauge, interconnecting circuitry interconnecting the strain gauge to a connector circuit arrangement of a connector for connecting the circuit to a PC board. The entire circuit including the strain gauge, the interconnecting circuitry and the connector arrangement is formed on a single contiguous flexible dielectric substrate. The interconnecting circuitry and the connector elements are formed of a highly conductive material at least partially overplated onto the strain gauge printed circuit. A resilient support layer is laminated to the surface of the base substrate opposite the circuit to form a spring support structure for reinforcing and supporting the strain gauge circuit. The spring supported strain gauge printed circuit structure may have three or more strain gauges and be designed for incorporation in a joy stick strain gauge assembly for sensing the magnitude and direction of force applied to the joy stick by a user and such an assembly. The method of construction is also part of the invention, as are integrated connector features.

Abstract translation: 自终端支持的印刷电路应变计结构具有包括至少一个应变仪的印刷电路，互连电路将应变计互连到用于将电路连接到PC板的连接器的连接器电路装置。 包括应变计，互连电路和连接器装置的整个电路形成在单个邻接的柔性电介质基板上。 互连电路和连接器元件由至少部分地覆盖在应变计印刷电路上的高导电材料形成。 弹性支撑层被层压到与电路相对的基底基板的表面上以形成用于加强和支撑应变计电路的弹簧支撑结构。 弹簧支撑的应变片印刷电路结构可以具有三个或更多个应变计，并且被设计成结合在操纵杆应变仪组件中，用于感测由使用者和这种组件施加到操纵杆的力的大小和方向。 构造的方法也是本发明的一部分，以及集成的连接器特征。

公开(公告)号：US4583800A

公开(公告)日：1986-04-22

申请号：US642202

申请日：1984-08-20

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts ,  Thomas H. Stearns

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts ,  Thomas H. Stearns

IPC: H01R12/79 ,  H05K1/14 ,  H05K3/36 ,  H01R9/09

CPC classification number: H01R12/79 ,  H05K3/365

Abstract: An electrical circuit connection assembly aligns the corresponding contacts of two fine-line printed circuits. The assembly includes an alignment plate affixed to one of the circuits which has flexible legs whose ends engage in converging guide slots on the other circuit when the corresponding contacts of the two circuits are in gross registration. When the two circuits are clamped together, those legs flex outward along the slots so that they are wedged by the slot walls laterally in one direction or the other until they are centered in their slots to achieve fine registration of those circuit contacts.

Abstract translation: 电路连接组件对准两条细线印刷电路的相应触点。 该组件包括固定到一个电路上的对准板，该对准板具有柔性支脚，当两个电路的对应触点总体配准时，其端部接合在另一个电路上的会聚引导槽中。 当两个电路夹在一起时，这些腿沿着槽向外弯曲，使得它们在一个方向上横向地楔入槽壁，直到它们在其槽中居中以实现那些电路触点的精细配准。

公开(公告)号：US4402131A

公开(公告)日：1983-09-06

申请号：US318202

申请日：1981-11-04

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01H1/40 ,  H01H13/12 ,  H01H13/702 ,  H01H13/785 ,  H01H11/04

CPC classification number: H01H13/785 ,  H01H1/403 ,  H01H13/12 ,  H01H13/702 ,  H01H2201/032 ,  H01H2203/008 ,  H01H2209/004 ,  H01H2211/028 ,  H01H2225/012 ,  H01H2229/008 ,  H01H2229/014 ,  H01H2229/016 ,  Y10T29/49105 ,  Y10T29/49156

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies and methods for manufacturing same. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to pass one another over or within their associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another. The free ends of the L-shaped fingers extend in part above or below the plane of the carrier panel, and are positioned in spaced relationship to one another so that the conductors they connect are normally open, but are sufficiently close to one another so that slight deflection of the fingers from their normal orientation moves the free ends in contact with each other to thereby close the switch. Alternatively, the free ends of the L-shaped fingers are positioned in contact with one another so that slight deflection of the fingers from their normal orientation breaks their contact. The metallic conductors and integral switch contacts may be formed by photoimaging and either chemical milling or additive techniques such as plating up or solder doming, and/or mechanical milling and/or precision die stamping techniques.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了低成本的电气开关组件及其制造方法。 开关组件包括布置在介电载体面板上的预定电路路径中的弹性柔性金属导体的阵列。 在载体面板中的预定位置处设置多个孔或空腔。 开关触点包括一对大致L形的指状物，它们是柔性导体的整体延伸部分。 指状物从承载板的相对的边缘表面延伸，限定相关联的孔或空腔，以在其相关联的孔或腔内或其相关联的孔或腔内彼此通过，手指的自由端彼此相邻。 L形指状物的自由端在承载板的平面的上方或下方部分延伸，并且彼此间隔开定位，使得它们连接的导体通常是敞开的，但彼此足够接近，使得 手指从其正常方向的轻微偏转使自由端彼此接触，从而闭合开关。 或者，L形指状物的自由端定位成彼此接触，使得手指从其正常方向的轻微偏转破坏其接触。 金属导体和集成开关触点可以通过光学成像和化学研磨或添加技术（例如电镀或焊料隆起）和/或机械研磨和/或精密冲压技术形成。

公开(公告)号：US4107836A

公开(公告)日：1978-08-22

申请号：US808808

申请日：1977-06-22

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R12/51 ,  H05K3/06 ,  H05K3/28 ,  H05K3/30 ,  H05K3/32 ,  H05K3/40

CPC classification number: H05K3/326 ,  H05K2201/0397 ,  H05K2201/099 ,  H05K2201/1059 ,  H05K3/06 ,  H05K3/062 ,  H05K3/281 ,  H05K3/306 ,  H05K3/4092 ,  Y10T29/49156 ,  Y10T29/49165

Abstract: The present invention provides an apertured circuit board having self-locking terminals which partially cover at least some of the apertures. The terminals, which are integral extensions of the circuit pathways, are adhesively anchored to the circuit board at the terminal peripheries and are covered in part by a dielectric overlay. The latter also provides environmental protection and electrical insulation to the circuit conductive pathways. A particular feature and advantage of the invention resides in the provision of an integral tie-down shoulder on each terminal for capturing by the dielectric overlay. The circuit board and integral sockets may be formed by photoimaging and chemical resist techniques.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供一种具有自锁端子的有孔电路板，其部分地覆盖至少一些孔。 作为电路通路的整体延伸部分的端子在端子周围被粘结地锚定到电路板上，并被电介质覆盖部分覆盖。 后者还为电路导电通路提供环保和电绝缘。 本发明的一个特征和优点在于在每个端子上提供一个完整的绑扎肩，用于由电介质覆盖层进行捕获。 电路板和集成插座可以通过光成像和化学抗蚀剂技术形成。

公开(公告)号：US6074220A

公开(公告)日：2000-06-13

申请号：US206779

申请日：1998-12-07

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R12/77 ,  H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/88 ,  H01R12/00

CPC classification number: H01R12/774 ,  H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/88

Abstract: A high energy direct circuit stored energy connector precisely aligns and interconnects conductors of "flexible circuits" directly to mating contacts on printed circuit boards. The connector uses the flexible circuit conductors themselves to aid in alignment and eliminates the need for precise control of the outside dimensions of a flexible circuit's dielectric backplane or a precisely located alignment hole. The connector is a zero insertion force (ZIF) type, and is a high density surface mount. The connector comprises two major components: a connector housing and a circuit interconnection spring assembly. The housing is configured with a device for forming a direct flexible circuit conductor to printed circuit board mating contact interconnection. The circuit is retained in position by a multi-function spring assembly rotatably position able with respect to the housing. Rotation of the multi-function spring assembly from an open to a shut position allows the spring assembly to, among other functions,: a) work in conjunction with the housing to positively align the circuit in position, b) pull the circuit into position within the housing, c) ensure adequate force is applied to the circuit's dielectric backplane behind each of the circuit's conductors to guarantee proper electrical connection between the circuit and the printed circuit board, and d) provide a ground return from the circuit to the printed circuit board.

Abstract translation: 高能量直接电路存储能量连接器将“柔性电路”的导体直接对准并互连到印刷电路板上的配合触点。 连接器使用柔性电路导体本身来帮助对准，并且消除了对柔性电路的介电背板或精确定位的对准孔的外部尺寸的精确控制的需要。 连接器是零插入力（ZIF）型，是高密度表面安装。 连接器包括两个主要部件：连接器壳体和电路互连弹簧组件。 壳体配置有用于形成用于印刷电路板配合触点互连的直接柔性电路导体的装置。 电路通过可相对于壳体旋转定位的多功能弹簧组件保持在适当的位置。 多功能弹簧组件从开启到关闭位置的旋转允许弹簧组件除了其他功能之外：a）与外壳一起工作以使电路正确对准位置，b）将电路拉到 壳体，c）确保在每个电路的导体之后的电路的介电背板上施加足够的力，以确保电路和印刷电路板之间的适当电连接，以及d）提供从电路到印刷电路板的接地返回 。

公开(公告)号：US5819579A

公开(公告)日：1998-10-13

申请号：US622243

申请日：1996-03-25

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: B21D22/02 ,  B21D31/00 ,  H01R31/00 ,  H05K1/03 ,  H05K3/04 ,  H05K3/28 ,  H05K3/32 ,  H05K3/38 ,  H05K3/46 ,  H05K7/14 ,  H05K9/00 ,  B21D37/00

CPC classification number: H01R31/00 ,  H05K3/045 ,  H05K3/4614 ,  H05K7/1451 ,  H05K9/0039 ,  H05K1/036 ,  H05K2201/0195 ,  H05K2201/0355 ,  H05K2201/0367 ,  H05K2201/0382 ,  H05K2201/0715 ,  H05K2203/025 ,  H05K2203/063 ,  H05K3/281 ,  H05K3/328 ,  H05K3/386 ,  H05K3/4647 ,  Y10T29/49155

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing supported conductive networks which can be flexible or rigid, having densely packed circuits. The process and apparatus for making the conductive network involves forming a conductive material supported on a "dynamic pressure cushion" into a non-planar pattern defining the desired conductive circuits in relation to a fixed reference plane. The "dynamic pressure cushion" is a material having suitable viscosity and flow characteristics to flow out from under the conductive material as it is being formed and fill up any voids. To ensure that the "dynamic pressure cushion" properly flows without deforming the desired circuits, the die used to form the conductive material is provided with a material flow control grid and material expansion troughs. After forming the unwanted material is then mechanically removed in dimensional relation to the reference plane leaving the desired conductive circuits.

Abstract translation: 一种用于生产支撑导电网络的方法和装置，其可以是柔性的或刚性的，具有密集堆积的电路。 用于制造导电网络的方法和装置包括将支撑在“动态压力衬垫”上的导电材料形成为限定相对于固定参考平面的所需导电电路的非平面图案。 “动态压力缓冲垫”是具有适当的粘度和流动特性的材料，当它被形成时从导电材料下面流出并填充任何空隙。 为了确保“动态压力缓冲垫”适当地流动而不使所需的电路变形，用于形成导电材料的模具设置有材料流动控制网格和材料膨胀槽。 在形成不需要的材料之后，以与尺寸相关的方式机械地移除留下所需导电电路的参考平面。

公开(公告)号：US5526565A

公开(公告)日：1996-06-18

申请号：US245707

申请日：1994-05-18

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H05K1/09 ,  H01R12/04 ,  H01R31/00 ,  H05K1/02 ,  H05K1/03 ,  H05K3/00 ,  H05K3/04 ,  H05K3/06 ,  H05K3/20 ,  H05K3/28 ,  H05K3/32 ,  H05K3/38 ,  H05K3/46 ,  H05K7/14 ,  H05K9/00 ,  H01R43/00

CPC classification number: H05K7/1451 ,  H01R31/00 ,  H05K3/045 ,  H05K3/4614 ,  H05K9/0039 ,  H05K1/036 ,  H05K2201/0195 ,  H05K2201/0355 ,  H05K2201/0367 ,  H05K2201/0382 ,  H05K2201/0715 ,  H05K2203/025 ,  H05K2203/063 ,  H05K3/281 ,  H05K3/328 ,  H05K3/386 ,  H05K3/4647 ,  Y10T29/49083 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49156 ,  Y10T29/49217 ,  Y10T29/49222 ,  Y10T29/49906

Abstract: A conductive network, which can be flexible or rigid, can have self-aligning conductors which connect with corresponding conductors of other networks. The conductive network can be fabricated into densely packed contact clusters for use as electrical interconnectors or circuits. The contact clusters, which can be configured to substantially any shape, are the essential components of high density connector assemblies. The methods and apparatus for making the conductive network and cluster contacts are also described.

Abstract translation: 可以是柔性或刚性的导电网络可以具有与其他网络的相应导体连接的自对准导体。 导电网络可以制成密集的接触簇，用作电连接器或电路。 可以被配置为基本上任何形状的接触簇是高密度连接器组件的基本部件。 还描述了用于制造导电网络和簇触点的方法和装置。

公开(公告)号：US5306160A

公开(公告)日：1994-04-26

申请号：US37351

申请日：1993-03-26

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R12/55 ,  H01R13/15 ,  H01R9/09

CPC classification number: H01R12/714 ,  H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/737

Abstract: A connector for electrically conductive connection to electrically conductive contact pads of a circuit comprising a rigid housing; a resilient flexible circuit assembly captively housed, at least in part, in the housing and having an end portion carrying a row of conductive circuit areas on one face thereof corresponding to the row of pads; the assembly being permitted a limited desired float, so that the areas are self aligning with and are resiliently urged into electrically conductive contact with the pads when the connector is attached at a desired location to the circuit. The elements have alignment features engaging a cooperating feature of the circuit to register the areas with the pads, when the connector is attached at a desired location to the circuit, with sufficient accuracy to ensure that only the desired conductive contact between the areas and the pads is achieved.

Abstract translation: 一种用于与包括刚性壳体的电路的导电接触焊盘导电连接的连接器; 弹性柔性电路组件至少部分地容纳在所述壳体中并且具有端部，所述端部在与所述一排焊盘对应的一个面上承载一排导电电路区域; 组件被允许有限的期望浮子，使得当连接器在期望的位置附接到电路时，这些区域自动对准并且被弹性地推压成与焊盘的导电接触。 当连接器以期望的位置附接到电路时，这些元件具有接合电路的协同特征的对准特征，以便将该区域与焊盘对准，以足够的精度来确保仅在区域和焊盘之间所需的导电接触 已完成。

公开(公告)号：US4740867A

公开(公告)日：1988-04-26

申请号：US30112

申请日：1987-03-26

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts ,  Thomas H. Stearns

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts ,  Thomas H. Stearns

IPC: H01R12/79 ,  H05K1/14

CPC classification number: H01R12/79

Abstract: A connection system for connecting a flexible circuit having a row of printed contact areas to a PC board having a corresponding row of terminal posts employs a connector having a housing with a bottm wall and a pair of side walls at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. A row of post-receiving passages are present in the bottom wall which passages are arranged to receive the posts of the PC board. An edge margin of the flexible circuit is clamped between the housing side walls so that the contact areas thereon are aligned with the passages in the housing bottom wall and a set of springs positioned inside the housing flexes the circuit edge margin so that when the movable housing side wall is in its closed position, the row of contact areas overhang the passages in the housing bottom wall. Consequently when the connector housing is impaled on the printed PC board posts, the posts project into the housing and are resiliently engaged by corresponding ones of the flexible circuit conductive areas.

公开(公告)号：US4471158A

公开(公告)日：1984-09-11

申请号：US550986

申请日：1983-11-10

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H05K1/00 ,  H05K3/20 ,  H05K3/22 ,  H01B5/14

CPC classification number: H05K3/222 ,  H05K1/0287 ,  H05K1/029 ,  H05K2201/10212 ,  H05K2201/10363 ,  H05K2203/175 ,  H05K3/202

Abstract: A programmable header constructed from an integral lamina circuit arrangement comprising a plurality of electrically conductive pins in fixed spaced relationship, at least one electrically conductive highway, an electrically conductive lowway, a plurality of electrically conductive cross-links each connecting a separate one of said pins to said lowway and a plurality of electrically conductive side-links each connecting a separate one of said pins to a said highway, wherein said highway or highways lie in a plane or planes spaced from and parallel to a plane in which lies said lowway and are superimposed on but spaced from said cross-links, and wherein said pins project normal to said planes in spaced parallel relationship, said lowway and portions of said links being free from said superimposition thereby to facilitate selective removal of desired portions of said links and lowway to break electrical continuity thereof so as to program interconnection between said pins in a desired manner.

Abstract translation: 一种由整体薄片电路装置构成的可编程插头，其包括固定间隔关系的多个导电针，至少一个导电高速公路，导电低通，多个导电交叉连接件， 以及多个导电侧链，其各自将所述销中的单独一个连接到所述高速公路，其中所述高速公路或高速公路位于与所述低速路线所在的平面间隔并平行的平面中， 并且其中所述销以间隔开的平行关系突出到所述平面的正常位置，所述连接的所述低段和部分没有所述叠加，从而便于选择性地移除所述连接件的所需部分并且低于 断开其电连续性，以便编程所需引脚之间的互连 纳纳