US5098305A — Memory metal electrical connector

Claim 1

Independent Claim 66 words

An electrical connector for use in forming an electrical connection between through-plated holes of a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies comprising a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and adapted for making electrical contact within the through-plated holes.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 66 words

An electrical connector for use in forming an electrical connection between through-plated holes of a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies comprising a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and adapted for making electrical contact within the through-plated holes.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 80 words

An electrical connector for use in forming an electrical connection between through-plated holes of a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies comprising a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal having a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and adapted for making electrical contact within the through-plated holes, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 80 words

An electrical connector for use in forming an electrical connection between through-plated holes of a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies comprising a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal having a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and adapted for making electrical contact within the through-plated holes, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 13 words

The connector according to claim 2 wherein said martensitic transformation behavior is stress-induced.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 14 words

The connector according to claim 2 wherein said martensitic transformation behavior is temperature induced.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 80 words

An electrical connector for use in forming an electrical connection between through-plated holes of a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies comprising a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal having a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and adapted for making electrical contact within the through-plated holes, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 80 words

An electrical connector for use in forming an electrical connection between through-plated holes of a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies comprising a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal having a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and adapted for making electrical contact within the through-plated holes, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 22 words

The connector according to claim 2 wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 22 words

The connector according to claim 5 wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 50 words

The connector according to claim 2 wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 50 words

The connector according to claim 5 wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 18 words

The connector according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of off-axis displacements are formed in a kinked shape.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

The connector according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of off-axis displacements are formed in a substantially sinusoidal shape.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 32 words

The connector according to claim 1 wherein said memory metal wire further comprises a substantially straight section along the longitudinal axis followed by a substantially sinusoidal shaped section along the longitudinal axis.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 33 words

The connector according to claim 12 wherein said memory metal wire further comprises alternating sections of substantially straight sections along the longitudinal axis followed by substantially sinusoidal shaped sections along the longitudinal axis.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 15 words

The connector according to claim 2 having a transformation temperature range below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 61 words

An electrical connector comprising a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies each having a through-plated hole and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and placed within said through-plate hole of each assembly.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 61 words

An electrical connector comprising a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies each having a through-plated hole and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and placed within said through-plate hole of each assembly.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 76 words

An electrical connector comprising a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies each having a through-plated hole and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and placed within said through-plated hole of each assembly, wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 76 words

An electrical connector comprising a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies each having a through-plated hole and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and placed within said through-plated hole of each assembly, wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 13 words

The connector according to claim 16 wherein said martensitic transformation behavior is stress-induced.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 14 words

The connector according to claim 16 wherein said martensitic transformation behavior is temperature induced.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 76 words

An electrical connector comprising a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies each having a through-plated hole and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and placed within said through-plated hole of each assembly, wherein said shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 76 words

An electrical connector comprising a plurality of electronic circuit assemblies each having a through-plated hole and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire and placed within said through-plated hole of each assembly, wherein said shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 23 words

The connector according to claim 16 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 23 words

The connector according to claim 19 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 51 words

The connector according to claim 16 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 51 words

The connector according to claim 19 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 18 words

The connector according to claim 15 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is formed in a kinked shape.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 18 words

The connector according to claim 15 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is formed in a sinusoidal shape.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 24 words

The connector according to claim 15 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire further comprises a substantially straight section followed by a sinusoidal shaped section.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 15 words

The connector according to claim 16 having a transformation temperature range below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 67 words

A method electrically connecting electronic circuit assemblies comprising the steps of: (a) axially aligning through-plated holes of two or more circuit boards; (b) cooling an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire below its transformation temperature range; (c) stretching the memory metal wire linearly to remove the shape; (d) inserting the memory metal wire into the through-plated holes; and (e) warming memory metal wire such that it regains its shape.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 67 words

A method electrically connecting electronic circuit assemblies comprising the steps of: (a) axially aligning through-plated holes of two or more circuit boards; (b) cooling an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire below its transformation temperature range; (c) stretching the memory metal wire linearly to remove the shape; (d) inserting the memory metal wire into the through-plated holes; and (e) warming memory metal wire such that it regains its shape.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 124 words

A method of electrically connecting two or more circuit boards comprising the steps of: (a) manufacturing the circuit boards with plated holes having hole patterns substantially matching and axially aligned; (b) positioning the circuit boards so that their planar surfaces are substantially parallel; (c) cooling a kinked shape-memory metal wire; (d) stretching the kinked shape-memory metal wire so that the wire is substantially straight; (e) inserting the memory metal wire into one of the axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; and (f) warming the memory metal wire so that the wire reforms to its kinked shape and so that the wire contacts the interior surfaces of the through-plated holes of the circuit boards and form an electrical connection between the circuit boards.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 124 words

A method of electrically connecting two or more circuit boards comprising the steps of: (a) manufacturing the circuit boards with plated holes having hole patterns substantially matching and axially aligned; (b) positioning the circuit boards so that their planar surfaces are substantially parallel; (c) cooling a kinked shape-memory metal wire; (d) stretching the kinked shape-memory metal wire so that the wire is substantially straight; (e) inserting the memory metal wire into one of the axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; and (f) warming the memory metal wire so that the wire reforms to its kinked shape and so that the wire contacts the interior surfaces of the through-plated holes of the circuit boards and form an electrical connection between the circuit boards.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 88 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire, and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 88 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire, and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 104 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire, and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a temperature-induced martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 104 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire, and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a temperature-induced martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 108 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire; and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 108 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire; and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 135 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire; and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 135 words

An interconnection apparatus comprising a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and a memory metal wire formed substantially of metal exhibiting a shape-memory effect having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire; and said memory metal wire being cooled, being mechanically stretched, being inserted, being released and being warmed within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards, wherein said memory metal wire is comprised an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said memory metal wire is formed in a kinked shape.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said memory metal wire is formed in a sinusoidal shape.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said memory metal wire further comprises a substantially straight section followed by a sinusoidal shaped section.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus according to claim 31 having a transformation temperature range below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 173 words

A method of electrically connecting an interconnection apparatus, said apparatus comprising; a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire mechanically inserted within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; said method comprising the steps of: (a) cooling the memory metal wire; (b) inserting a leader section of the memory metal wire into the axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; (c) stretching the memory metal wire so that the wire is substantially straightened and the shape is removed; (d) further inserting the memory metal wire into the axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; and (e) warming the memory metal wire so that the wire substantially regains its shape and contacts the interior surfaces of the through-plated holes and forms an electrical connection between the circuit boards.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 173 words

A method of electrically connecting an interconnection apparatus, said apparatus comprising; a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; and an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire having a generally linear shape along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of off-axis displacements formed as a continuous part of said wire mechanically inserted within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; said method comprising the steps of: (a) cooling the memory metal wire; (b) inserting a leader section of the memory metal wire into the axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; (c) stretching the memory metal wire so that the wire is substantially straightened and the shape is removed; (d) further inserting the memory metal wire into the axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; and (e) warming the memory metal wire so that the wire substantially regains its shape and contacts the interior surfaces of the through-plated holes and forms an electrical connection between the circuit boards.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a temperature-induced martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus according to claim 41 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 51 words

The apparatus according to claim 41 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is formed in a kinked shape.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is formed in a sinusoidal shape.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire further comprises a substantially straight section followed by a substantially sinusoidal shaped section.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus according to claim 41 having a transformation temperature range below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Claim 63

Independent Claim 112 words

A method of electrically connecting an interconnection apparatus between a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; said apparatus comprising: an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire mechanically inserted within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; said method comprising the steps of: (a) axially aligning the through-plated holes of the circuit boards; (b) cooling the irregularly-shaped memory metal wire below its transformation temperature range; (c) stretching the memory metal wire linearly to remove the shape; (d) inserting the memory metal wire into the through-plated holes; and (e) warming the memory metal wire such that it regains its shape.

Claim 64

Independent Claim 112 words

A method of electrically connecting an interconnection apparatus between a plurality of circuit boards having at least one through-plated hole on each circuit board and axially aligned with one another; said apparatus comprising: an irregularly-shaped memory metal wire mechanically inserted within said axially aligned through-plated holes of the circuit boards; said method comprising the steps of: (a) axially aligning the through-plated holes of the circuit boards; (b) cooling the irregularly-shaped memory metal wire below its transformation temperature range; (c) stretching the memory metal wire linearly to remove the shape; (d) inserting the memory metal wire into the through-plated holes; and (e) warming the memory metal wire such that it regains its shape.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a temperature-induced martensitic transformation behavior.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior containing at least nickel and titanium.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 51 words

The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Cu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is comprised of an alloy exhibiting a pseudoelastic behavior selected from the group consisting of Ag-Zn, Au-Cd, Au-Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Au-Zn, Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Zn-Ga, Gu-Zn-Si, Cu-Zn-Sn, Fe-Pt, In-Tl, Ni-Al, Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-X (where X is a ternary element), Ti-Co-Ni, Ti-Cu-Ni, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is formed in a kinked shape.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire is formed in a sinusoidal shape.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said irregularly-shaped memory metal wire further comprises a substantially straight section followed by a substantially sinusoidal shaped section.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus according to claim 51 having a transformation temperature range below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1995-03-24	1995-09-23	1996-03-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1999-03-24	1999-09-23	2000-03-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2003-03-24	2003-09-23	2004-03-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Memory metal electrical connector

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