Russell H Watt

US Patent:

61461903, Nov 14, 2000

Filed:

Jun 1, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/088151

Inventors:

Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Yves LePottier - Geneva IL
Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 2366

US Classification:

439496

Abstract:

An electrical connector assembly is provided for interconnecting a plurality of discrete electrical wires to the conductors of a flat flexible circuit. The assembly includes a first connector having a dielectric housing. A plurality of discrete conductive terminals are mounted on the housing and are adapted for termination to the electrical wires. The terminals have contact portions for engaging the conductors of the flat flexible circuit. A second connector is adapted for mating with the first connector. The second connector includes a body member for positioning the flat flexible circuit, with the conductors of the circuit positioned for engaging the conductive terminals when the connectors are mated. A yieldable backing structure is provided on the body member beneath the flexible circuit for resiliently biasing the conductors of the circuit against the terminals of the first connector.

US Patent:

62448900, Jun 12, 2001

Filed:

Mar 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/049831

Inventors:

Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Yves LePottier - Geneva IL
Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 13627

US Classification:

439357

Abstract:

A connector is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary mating connecting device. The connector includes a body member on which the flexible circuit is positioned. A latch arm projects from the body member for latching the connector to the complementary mating connecting device. A resilient web joins the latch arm to the body member for performing the functions of providing an anti-overstress structure and a spring device for the latch arm, as well as an anti-snagging feature for the connector.

US Patent:

60396008, Mar 21, 2000

Filed:

Oct 10, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/948759

Inventors:

Harry N. Etters - Plainfield IL
Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 907

US Classification:

439496

Abstract:

A male connector is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary mating connecting device. The connector includes a male body member on which the flexible circuit is positioned, with the conductors of the circuit facing away from the body member. A yieldable backing structure is disposed on the body member beneath the flexible circuit for resiliently biasing the conductors of the circuit against the conductors of the mating connecting device when the connector is mated with the device.

US Patent:

60771240, Jun 20, 2000

Filed:

Oct 10, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/948830

Inventors:

Harry N. Etters - Plainfield IL
Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01L 2400

US Classification:

439632

Abstract:

A female connector is adapted for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary mating connecting device. The connector includes a female housing having wall portions defining a cavity for receiving the flexible circuit. The wall portions are relatively movable between an open condition allowing a yieldable backing structure to be assembled on a cavity-side of at least one of the wall portions and a closed condition defining the cavity. The yieldable backing structure resiliently biases the conductors of the flexible circuit received in the cavity against the conductors of the mating connecting device when the connector is mated with the device.

US Patent:

60103590, Jan 4, 2000

Filed:

Jul 8, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/112081

Inventors:

Harry N. Etters - Plainfield IL
Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Yves LePottier - Geneva IL
Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 907

US Classification:

439496

Abstract:

A connector system for terminating a shielded flat flexible circuit includes a connector body member on which the circuit is positionable. The body member is conductive and includes at least one projection. A flat flexible circuit includes a plurality of signal conductors and at least one grounding conductor. The circuit includes a hole for receiving the projection of the body member in engagement with the grounding conductor to thereby common the grounding conductor with the conductive connector body member.

US Patent:

60864125, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Apr 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/064444

Inventors:

Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL
Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Yves LePottier - Geneva IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 907

US Classification:

439496

Abstract:

A connector (10,10A,10B) is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors (12,40) of a flat mating connecting device. The connector includes a body member (22,48,50) having an edge about which the flexible circuit is wrapped. Locating pegs (20) on the body member engage and hold the flexible circuit (14,42) about the edge. A resilient strip (30) on the body member at the edge thereof spring loads the flexible circuit to enhance engagement thereof with the locating pegs.

US Patent:

59545364, Sep 21, 1999

Filed:

Mar 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/049362

Inventors:

Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Yves LePottier - Geneva IL
Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 907

US Classification:

439493

Abstract:

A connector is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary mating connecting device. The connector includes a carrier on which the flexible circuit is positioned with the conductors of the circuit facing away from the carrier. A housing has an opening for receiving the carrier. The carrier is slidably mounted into the opening in the housing to a preliminary loading position for receiving the mating connecting device between the carrier and the housing. The carrier is pivotable from the preliminary loading position to a final connecting position whereat the conductors of the flat circuit are biased against the conductors on the mating connecting device.

US Patent:

60273631, Feb 22, 2000

Filed:

Apr 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/064448

Inventors:

Russell J. Watt - Chicago IL
Robert M. Fuerst - Maple Park IL
Yves LePottier - Geneva IL

Assignee:

Molex Incorporated - Lisle IL

International Classification:

H01R 1356

US Classification:

439456

Abstract:

A connector (10,10A) is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors (12) of a flat flexible circuit (14)to the conductors of a complementary mating connecting device. The connector includes a body member (22) on which a first length (14a) of the flexible circuit (14) is fixed. A second length (14b) of the circuit extends away from the body member. A resilient strain relief component (33) on the body member (22) is engageable with the flexible circuit (14) to locate the second length (14b) of the flexible circuit in a plane offset from the plane of the first length (14a) of the circuit. Therefore, pulling forces on the second length (14b) of the flexible circuit away from the body member biases the circuit against the resilient strain relief component (33). The body member may be a two-part housing (46) relatively movable between open and closed positions. A flexible molded-in-place (56) hinge joins the housing parts to accommodate their movement.