Computer docking stations and devices slidably inserted therein
US5402316A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R12/87
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A docking station (10) slidably receives a device (12) to provide make, break or tap functions, respectively, in a circuit interface. The circuit interface includes a pair of connector housings (17, 18) provided with flexible (or compressible) electrical connectors (19, 20), respectively. A camming member (28, 29; 31, 32; 44) separates the connector housings (17, 18) as the device (12) is slidably inserted into the docking station (10), thereby assuring a substantially zero insertion force on the circuit interface. Preferably, the circuit interface is between the flexible electrical connectors (19, 20), a printed circuit board (13), and a flexible etched circuit (15). The flexible etched circuit (15) is provided with a stiffener (24) resiliently biased by springs (27).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.