Programmable input-output electrical connector
AssigneeMolex Incorporated
InventorsPhilip J. Dambach, Jerry A. Long, Stephen A. Sampson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electrical terminal is interposed between first and second opposing conductive surfaces. The terminal includes an intermediate support portion and first and second spring contact portions projecting from the intermediate support portion for respectively engaging the first and second opposing conductive surfaces. Complementary interengaging latches are provided between at least one of the first and second spring contact portions and the intermediate portion for holding the one spring contact portion out of engagement with the respective conductive surface. The electrical terminal is disclosed mounted within a connector housing by a floating mount to afford limited movement of the terminal relative to the connector housing.
Claims14
An electrical terminal for interposition between first and second opposing conductive surfaces, including an intermediate support portion and first and second spring contact portions projecting from the intermediate support portion for respectively engaging the first and second opposing conductive surfaces, wherein the improvement comprises complementary interengaging latch means between at least one of the first and second spring contact portions and the intermediate portion for holding the one spring contact portion out of engagement with the respective conductive surface.
An electrical connector including a housing having a plurality of through passages, a plurality of electrical terminals mounted in the passages for interposition between first and second opposing conductive surfaces, each terminal including an intermediate support portion and first and second spring contact portions projecting from the intermediate support portion for respectively engaging the first and second opposing conductive surfaces, wherein the improvement comprises each terminal having complementary interengaging latch means between at least one of the first and second spring contact portions and the intermediate portion for holding the one spring contact portion out of engagement with the respective conductive surface, whereby the connector can be programmed by latching a selective one or more of the spring contact portions of the terminals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.