US3881799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Resilient multi-micro point metallic junction
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-09-11
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Granted: 1975-05-06
•
Expires: 1992-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A dynamic interface contact device is disclosed herein having a sheet of electrically conductive material carrying a multiplicity of micro-contact junctions arranged in rows and columns projecting from opposite surfaces of the sheet. The sheet is formed with a predetermined pattern of slots disposed about each of the micro-contact junctions constituting a spring matrix permitting the micro-contact junctions to deflect under load to provide a multiple point contact between opposing substantially parallel surfaces of a pair of conductors.
Inventors
- 👤 George H Elliott
- 👤 Leonard F Roman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:37
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/26; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/927; Y10S439/931
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
An electrical contact disposed between opposing irregular surfaces for making electrical connection therebetween, the combination comprising: a pliable sheet of electrically conductive metallic material; a plurality of raised contact means outwardly projecting from opposite sides of said pliable sheet; means formed in said pliable sheet associated with each of said raised contact means to permit separate and individual deflection of said raised contact means in response to engagement with the opposing irregular surfaces; said last mentioned deflection means constructed to permit outward movement of said contact means substantially normal to said sheet and in parallel direction with respect to each other; and said deflection means comprise a pair of U-shaped slots formed about each of said contact means so as to define a bridge on opposite sides of each contact means solely and flexibly interconnecting said contact means with said pliable sheet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
An electrical contact disposed between opposing irregular surfaces for making electrical connection therebetween, the combination comprising: a pliable sheet of electrically conductive metallic material; a plurality of raised contact means outwardly projecting from opposite sides of said pliable sheet; means formed in said pliable sheet associated with each of said raised contact means to permit separate and individual deflection of said raised contact means in response to engagement with the opposing irregular surfaces; said last mentioned deflection means constructed to permit outward movement of said contact means substantially normal to said sheet and in parallel direction with respect to each other; and said deflection means comprise a pair of U-shaped slots formed about each of said contact means so as to define a bridge on opposite sides of each contact means solely and flexibly interconnecting said contact means with said pliable sheet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of contact means are arranged in parallel rows and columns on said sheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said contact means are carried on both sides of said sheet and project outwardly from the opposite sides of said sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said contact means are alternately carried on opposite sides of said sheet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said contact means are micro-metallic contact junctions substantially conical in cross-section and terminating in a flat surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said micro-metallic contact means are raised from said sheet to a height within the range of 0.003 to 0.005 inches and said terminating flat surface is approximately 0.002 inches across.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said slots are approximately 0.0005 to 0.001 inches in width and said sheet is approximately 0.0005 to 0.005 inches in thickness.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said raised contact means comprise micro-metallic contact junctions arranged in alternate outwardly projecting relationship with respect to the opposite sides of said pliable sheet and wherein said contact junctions are Arranged in an orderly and predetermined pattern on opposite sides of said pliable sheet in spaced-apart relationship with respect to said contact junctions on the same side of said pliable sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
102 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said contact means are arranged in rows and columns on opposite sides of said pliable sheet and wherein said contact means carried on a first side of said pliable sheet are offset and out of alignment with said contact means carried on a second side of said pliable sheet and wherein said deflection means comprises a slotted arrangement formed in said pliable sheet substantially surrounding each of said contact means whereby the electrical contact substantially conforms to the opposing irregular surfaces in response to engagement of said contact means with the opposing irregular surfaces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said contact means are carried on opposite sides of said pliable sheet in an offset arrangement.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |