Housing for a thin active probe
US7163424B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/504
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A housing for a thin active probe has two identical molded housing-halves that when assembled form a cavity that encloses the chassis upon which is carried the active circuitry of the probe. The parts exhibit complementary self-symmetry about a longitudinal axis, such that when one is rotated about that axis it performs the mating functions needed to interlock with another part representing its un-rotated self. Interlocking is accomplished by circular tabs and sockets that interfere and prevent the parts from separating once the tabs are in the sockets. The circular tabs are joined to the balance of the housing-half that carries them by a narrow neck and can be sprung over the other housing-half to return to their natural position and fit into a circular socket in that other housing-half. A tapered edge or ramp portion on the underside of each circular tab allows it to automatically spring out of the way as the two parts are moved toward each other in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the parts. Each circular socket contains a stop that prevent its tab from completely passing through the socket. Each housing-half has a straight tab between its circular…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.