Array connector
First Claim
1. A process for fabricating a demateable electrical connector member suitable for being interposed between contact arrays of opposed members to effect electrical connection therebetween, the member being of the type comprising a polymeric sheet-form member having a plurality of apertures through which conductors of plated metal deposit extend, the process characterized by the steps of:
- providing a preformed polymeric sheet-form member having oppositely directed first and second sides;
providing a metal layer on the surface of the first side of the sheet-form member;
forming apertures through the sheet-form member from the second side of the sheet-form member, with the apertures extending through the polymeric member to the metal layer to expose the metal layer to the interior of the aperture;
connecting the metal layer to a suitable voltage source,depositing metal in the apertures by electroplating upon the exposed portion of the metal layer within the aperture to form a deposit that protrudes outwardly beyond the second side of the sheet-form member to form a raised electrical contact on the second side;
removing the metal layer sufficiently to expose the first side of the sheet-form member,temporarily electrically connecting the plated metal contacts at the second side to a suitable voltage source,depositing metal by electroplating such that plated metal protrudes outwardly beyond the first side to form a raised electrical contact on the first side of the sheet form member; and
,removing the temporary electrical connection.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Processes for preparing same for demateably interconnecting arrays of contact pads. The connector has a preformed sheet-form member provided with a series of apertures through each of which an electrically conductive plated metal deposit extends. An integral end of the deposits protrudes outwardly beyond a surface of the sheet-form member, forming contact surfaces for demateably engaging the pads.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A process for fabricating a demateable electrical connector member suitable for being interposed between contact arrays of opposed members to effect electrical connection therebetween, the member being of the type comprising a polymeric sheet-form member having a plurality of apertures through which conductors of plated metal deposit extend, the process characterized by the steps of:
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providing a preformed polymeric sheet-form member having oppositely directed first and second sides; providing a metal layer on the surface of the first side of the sheet-form member; forming apertures through the sheet-form member from the second side of the sheet-form member, with the apertures extending through the polymeric member to the metal layer to expose the metal layer to the interior of the aperture; connecting the metal layer to a suitable voltage source, depositing metal in the apertures by electroplating upon the exposed portion of the metal layer within the aperture to form a deposit that protrudes outwardly beyond the second side of the sheet-form member to form a raised electrical contact on the second side; removing the metal layer sufficiently to expose the first side of the sheet-form member, temporarily electrically connecting the plated metal contacts at the second side to a suitable voltage source, depositing metal by electroplating such that plated metal protrudes outwardly beyond the first side to form a raised electrical contact on the first side of the sheet form member; and
,removing the temporary electrical connection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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5. A process for fabricating a demateable electrical connector member suitable for being interposed between contact arrays of opposed members to effect electrical connection therebetween, the member being of the type comprising a polymeric sheet-form member having a plurality of apertures through which conductors of plated metal deposit extend, the process characterized by the steps of:
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providing a preformed polymeric sheet-form member having oppositely directed first and second sides; providing a layer of metal on each of the opposed first and second sides of the elastomeric sheet-form member to form a composite; forming the apertures through the thickness of the composite; depositing metal on the walls of the apertures and in electrical contact with one of the metal layers; connecting the metal layer to a suitable voltage source; electroplating metal onto the metal-coated walls to form a rim around the end of each aperture that protrudes outwardly beyond the opposed sides of the composite and removing the metal layers from the opposed sides of the sheet-form member. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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Specification