Flex circuit with multiple trace configurations and method of manufacture
US5610642A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2202/22
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A versatile flexible interconnect circuit for use with an inkjet printer. The inventive flexible interconnect circuit comprises a unitary flexible substrate having a first end and a second end. A first plurality of contacts is arranged on the first end of the substrate in a first configuration. A first plurality of conductive traces connects the first plurality of contacts to a second plurality of contacts disposed on the second end of the substrate. A third plurality of contacts is arranged on the first end of the substrate in a second configuration. A second plurality of conductive traces connects the third plurality of contacts to a fourth plurality of contacts disposed on the second end of the substrate. In a specific embodiment, the first plurality of contacts includes plural electrical ground contacts and the first plurality of conductive traces includes a conductive trace which connects the electrical ground contacts. The inventive flex circuit allows for the use of pens with different contact configurations in a single inkjet printer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.