Jennifer T Mcdowell

US Patent:

6508673, Jan 21, 2003

Filed:

Apr 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/826297

Inventors:

Jennifer Lyn McDowell - Suwanee GA 30024

International Classification:

H01R 2400

US Classification:

439630, 439188, 439489, 439326, 235441

Abstract:

The present invention provides a reduced cost smart card connector for connecting a contact pad of an IC card to a printed circuit board. The connector of the present invention requires only a single housing component and a plurality of signal contacts positioned therein for effective contact with and retention of a smart card. The contacts are insertably accommodated in the housing from a back portion thereof such that a deflectable spring-like portion of each contact is positioned in a cantilever type configuration in a card insertion slot defined by a peripheral housing wall. The spring-like portions are provided as resilient contacts protruding normally from a tail portion thereof, establishing wiping engagement with one or more contact pads on the card. The contacts are placed sufficiently within the insertion slot plane so as to accommodate sliding engagement of a; plurality of correspondingly configured contact pads and to further ensure wiping engagement with the contact pads so as to clear the contact pads of dirt and debris. . In addition, the contacts are positioned in two separate planes facing in a common direction, effecting wiping of the contact pads in a space-saving configuration.

US Patent:

6582245, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Jun 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/892589

Inventors:

Jennifer Lyn McDowell - Suwanee GA

Assignee:

Thomas Betts International, Inc. - Sparks NV

International Classification:

H01R 1364

US Classification:

439377, 4395415, 439374

Abstract:

A lead-in accessory for a stacked smart card reader comprises a generally rectangular insulative housing having a front surface, a back surface and sidewalls therebetween. The housing defines, in a particular configuration, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel card insertion ingresses extending through the front surface and the back surface of the housing. A pair of opposing snap tabs project from the back surface of the housing for removable attachment of the accessory to the smart reader. The smart reader typically comprises a connector housing having at least two spaced card receiving slots for receipt therein of smart cards. Upon attachment of the accessory to the smart card reader, the pair of ingresses are substantially aligned with the receiving slots in the reader connector to thereby effectively extend outwardly the card receiving face of the smart reader.

US Patent:

20010031581, Oct 18, 2001

Filed:

Apr 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/827963

Inventors:

Jennifer McDowell - Suwanee GA, US
Ronald McDowell - Suwanee GA, US
Douglas Meister - Loganville GA, US

Assignee:

Thomas & Betts International, Inc.

International Classification:

H01R024/00

US Classification:

439/630000

Abstract:

The present invention provides an electrical connector for connecting a contact pad of an IC card to a printed circuit board. In particular, a smart card connector is provided which elevates the connector above the PCB for placement of additional components therebeneath. The connector includes a housing having a top component and a bottom component affixed thereto wherein the top and bottom components together define a card insertion ingress at a front portion of the connector. The ingress is sized and shaped to accommodate linear sliding insertion of a smart card therein along a card insertion plane defined between the top and bottom portions. The top portion of the connector supports a plurality of electrical contacts therein wherein each contact includes an inner extent having a spring-like undulation at a freely deflectable extent positioned in the card insertion plane. Upon card insertion, a contact pad on the card engages the freely deflectable extent such that the undulation moves upward into a corresponding indentation defined along a bottom surface of the top portion of he connector. Upon retraction of the card, the undulation resiliently returns to its original position in the card insertion plane. Each contact further includes an outer extent that protrudes normally from the top portion of the connector for termination to the PCB. The contacts are desirably distributed in even and aligned rows that enable placement of all contacts in the top portion of the connector.