US4472765A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Circuit structure
Assignee: TRANSPATH Ltd
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Filing: 1982-06-07
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Granted: 1984-09-18
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Expires: 2002-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A three-dimensional circuit structure suited for a routing type electronic switcher matrix, for analog or digital signals, in which internal wire interconnections are not required. Plural parallel-disposed zero-insertion-force connectors are orthogonally related on opposite sides of mother-boards that divide tiers in the structure. Selected conductive pins of the connectors are electrically connected to make necessary interconnections. Printed circuit cards are inserted in the zero-insertion-force connectors for carrying a large plurality of solid-state, or equivalent, cross points, and are inter-connected by the selected conductive pins.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter F. Hughes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:28
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/14; H05K7/1438; H05K7/1439; H05K7/1445
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A three-dimensional circuit structure, comprising; (a) plural planar, spaced, stacked mother-boards, (b) first plural, spaced, parallel-related zero-insertion-force elongated connectors upon one surface of each mother-board, (c) second plural, spaced, parallel-related zero-insertion-force elongated connectors upon the opposite surface of each mother-board orthogonally related to those on said one surface, (d) electrically conductive pins selectively extending through each said mother-board between said first and second connectors that electrically connect said connectors, and (e) circuit-carrying cards inserted in each said elongated connector and disposed perpendicularly to the mother-board, whereby a circuit upon a said card inserted in a said first elongated connector is electrically connected to a circuit upon a said card inserted in a said second elongated connector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A three-dimensional circuit structure, comprising; (a) plural planar, spaced, stacked mother-boards, (b) first plural, spaced, parallel-related zero-insertion-force elongated connectors upon one surface of each mother-board, (c) second plural, spaced, parallel-related zero-insertion-force elongated connectors upon the opposite surface of each mother-board orthogonally related to those on said one surface, (d) electrically conductive pins selectively extending through each said mother-board between said first and second connectors that electrically connect said connectors, and (e) circuit-carrying cards inserted in each said elongated connector and disposed perpendicularly to the mother-board, whereby a circuit upon a said card inserted in a said first elongated connector is electrically connected to a circuit upon a said card inserted in a said second elongated connector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) the structure is repeated to a total of three tiers of circuit cards.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) each said circuit-carrying card carries a plurality of matrix cross-point circuits forming a routing type switcher assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) alternate tiers have the same number of circuit cards, and (b) intervening tiers have a larger number of circuit cards.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The structure of claim 4, in which; (a) each circuit card in an alternate tier has the same number of cross-points, and (b) each circuit card in an intervening tier has a fewer number of cross-points.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure of claim 3, in which; (a) each said cross-point circuit is a unidirectional solid-state device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure of claim 3, in which; (a) each said cross-point circuit is a bidirectional device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) conductive pins of at least one zero-insertion-force connector, and (b) conductive pins of a zero-insertion-force connector that crosses said one zero-insertion-force connector orthogonally, mutually electrically contact a conductive area (40) upon a said mother-board.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 8, in which; (a) holes allowing said pins to extend through said mother-board are plated through to be electrically conducting and are electrically connected, selectively, to a said conductive area (40).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 8, in which; (a) plural conductive pins extending through said mother-board that are out of electrical contact with said conductive area (40) are connected together electrically and to an electrical ground.
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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) | 1987-09-18 | 1988-03-19 | 1988-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-18 | 1992-03-19 | 1992-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-18 | 1996-03-19 | 1996-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |