EP0337580B1 - Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil - Google Patents

Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0337580B1
EP0337580B1 EP19890201257 EP89201257A EP0337580B1 EP 0337580 B1 EP0337580 B1 EP 0337580B1 EP 19890201257 EP19890201257 EP 19890201257 EP 89201257 A EP89201257 A EP 89201257A EP 0337580 B1 EP0337580 B1 EP 0337580B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
header
socket assembly
assembly
tray
circuit board
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19890201257
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0337580A1 (de
Inventor
Albert H. Wilson
Amir-Akbar Sadigh-Behzadi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Installation Products Inc
Original Assignee
Thomas and Betts Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomas and Betts Corp filed Critical Thomas and Betts Corp
Priority to DE19853587539 priority Critical patent/DE3587539T2/de
Priority to EP19890201257 priority patent/EP0337580B1/de
Publication of EP0337580A1 publication Critical patent/EP0337580A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0337580B1 publication Critical patent/EP0337580B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/665Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70Coupling devices
    • H01R12/71Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/712Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to a socket assembly for connecting an electronic component to a circuit board and more particularly to a socket assembly used in conjunction with a connector header for providing removable connection of an integrated circuit to a circuit board.
  • IC integrated circuits
  • the integrated circuits are typically supported in a connector apparatus which can be easily inserted or removed from the circuit board without disturbing the remaining components on the board.
  • the connector apparatus should also protect the integrated circuit from adverse handling conditions occasioned by replacement of components. These adverse conditions can both structurally and electrically damage the integrated circuit, rendering the component useless. Structural damage may be caused by rough or accidental mishandling of the fragile integrated circuit and electrical damage may be caused by the static electricity discharged by the handler.
  • Connector assemblies which are insertable and removable from circuit boards are known. These connectors employ a socket which accommodates the integrated circuit. The socket is inserted into a mating header which is mechanically and electrically secured to the circuit board. Typically the socket including the integrated circuit is inserted in a vertical orientation, that is the socket is brought down onto the header in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board. While this technique adequately provides for installation and removal without disturbing adjacent connections, clearance must be provided above the socket to allow for such vertical insertion and removal. Thus, when arranging plural circuit boards in parallel fashion, sufficient space must be provided between each to permit such clearance. Accordingly, the circuit boards cannot be placed in as close proximity as would be desirable for efficient use of the available space. Examples of the vertical insertion connectors are shown in U.S.
  • the connector assembly is secured to the circuit board from above.
  • the sockets of these connector assemblies include an open upper end which receives the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit remains exposed, both before and after connection to the circuit board and thus is subject to the external adverse conditions of handling.
  • US-A-4397513 discloses a means for interconnecting an electronic component comprising a housing defining therein a cartridge receiving channel, the housing having a first open face in communication with said channel to permit access to said channel and a second face having contact accessing means for providing interconnection access, and a cartridge for receipt of said electronic component, the cartridge being dimensioned for slidable insertion with said channel, the cartridge having a first extent including thereon a plurality of terminals alignable with said contact accessing means of said housing, and a second extent for receipt of said electronic component, said contacts on said first extent being engageable with said electronic component via a pc-board.
  • an electrical interconnection assembly for providing electrical connection between a integrated circuit and a planar circuit board comprising: a header having an insulative body and a plurality of electrical contacts extending therethrough, each of said electrical contacts having a first portion for securement to a generally planar printed circuit board and a second portion extending in a first direction parallel to the plane of said printed circuit board; and a socket assembly removably securable to said header by movement slidably in said first direction along a surface of said printed circuit board, said socket assembly comprising:
  • Integrated circuit 10 is a conventional dual-in-line package (DIP) element, including a semi-conductive, elongate body 14 and a plurality of spaced leads 16 extending from each longitudinal side thereof. Leads 16 are provided for interconnection of the active device contained in body 14 and circuit board 12.
  • Circuit board 12 which may be a printed circuit board or similar member, is also of conventional construction, having a planar insulative body 17 and a plurality of holes 18 patterned thereon. Holes 18 facilitate connection of the integrated circuit 10 to circuit board 12 as will be described hereinafter.
  • Header 20 includes an elongate insulative body 22 which is typically formed of a suitable plastic such as glass or mineral filled polyethylene sulfide. Header body 22 includes a pair of legs 24 and 26 extending from each longitudinal end thereof. Legs 24 and 26 serve as latches to facilitate interconnection of the header 20 as will be described hereinafter. Header 20 further includes a plurality of spaced electrical contacts 28 supported in and extending through a central portion 29 of header body 22. Contacts 28 are pin-type contacts each having a first extent 30 which extends exteriorily of body 22 between legs 24 and 26, and a second extent 32 which is disposed at a right angle to first extent 30. The contacts 28 are positioned in two rows in header 20, the contacts 28 of one row being smaller than the contacts of the other row. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3, one row of contact second extents 31 will be above the other row of contact second extents 33.
  • header 20 is mounted to circuit board 12 with contact second extents 32 extending through the holes 18 thereof.
  • the contact second extents 32 may be spot soldered or conventionally mechanically and electrically secured to circuit board 12 adjacent the holes 18.
  • the header 20 will be fixedly positioned thereon.
  • contact first extents 30 of header 20 will extend at right angles to contact second extents 32 and thus extend parallel to the plane of circuit board 12.
  • the lower row 33 of contact second extents 32 is positioned more proximately to circuit board 12 than the upper row 31.
  • Socket assembly 40 is a two-piece member comprising a housing 42 and tray 44, both members being formed of a suitable insulative plastic material such as polyester.
  • Housing 42 is a substantially rectangular member including a pair of opposed planar walls 42a and 42b and defining a central channel 46 therein.
  • Housing 42 has an open front face 48, substantially perpendicular to planar walls 42a and 42b, which provides access to channel 46.
  • Opposite front face 48 is a rear face 50 which includes a plurality of spaced apertures 52 therethrough. Apertures 52 are aligned in two rows and provide for accommodation of the two rows of contact first extents 30 of header 20 as will be described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • Tray 44 is constructed for matable slideable insertion into channel 46 of housing 42, the direction of insertion of tray 44 being along the arrow "A".
  • Tray 44 is also substantially rectangular having forward extent 54 for accommodating the integrated circuit 10 and a rear extent 56 for facilitating interconnection.
  • Forward extent 54 includes a cavity 58 which is exteriorly accessible from above, as shown in the drawings of Figs. 5 and 6. Cavity 58 receives and supports the integrated circuit 10.
  • the integrated circuit 10 is inserted in tray 44 in a direction along arrow "B"; that direction being perpendicular to the direction of insertion of tray 44 (arrow "A").
  • Rear extent 56 supports therein a plurality of electrical terminals 60, positioned for connection with integrated circuit 10.
  • Terminals 60 are elongate members each including a socket 62 at one end thereof and a tail 64 extending oppositely from socket 62.
  • the terminals 60 are arranged in two rows in tray 44 for alignment with the two rows of apertures 52 of housing 42.
  • Sockets 62 of terminals 60 are of conventional design including a pair of spring biased inwardly directed legs 62a and 62b which frictionally accommodate the pin-type first extents 30 of contacts 28 of header 20.
  • Tails 64 extend from the sockets 62 and into the cavity 58 of forward extent 54. As oriented in Figs.
  • the upper row 60a of terminals 60 include tails 64a which extend into cavity 58 and are positioned along one side thereof, that side being adjacent sockets 62.
  • the lower row 60b of terminals 60 have tails 64b which extend along the lower surface 44a of tray 44 to the opposite side of cavity 58.
  • Both of tails 64a and 64b have cantilevered end extents 65 which extend into cavity 58.
  • Cantilevered end extents 65 can be of any conventional design, including a dual beam extent as shown in Figs. 5 and 7 or an alternate single beam extent as shown in Fig. 6.
  • the integrated circuit 10 is inserted into cavity 58 along the direction of arrow "B".
  • the opposed leads 16 are placed in electrical engagement with the cantilevered end extents 65 of terminals 60, thus placing the integrated circuit 10 in electrical contact with the terminals 60.
  • the leads 16 may be vapor phase soldered or otherwise suitably secured to the cantilevered end extents 65 of terminals 60.
  • interfaces such as gold-to-gold may be employed in an enclosed connection where not feasible in exposed connections.
  • tray 44 is slidably insertable into channel 46 of housing 42 along the direction of arrow "A".
  • housing 42 includes two rows of windows 66 and 68 across each of the planar walls 42a and 42b.
  • the first row of windows 66 is adjacent open face 48 and the second row of windows 68 is more rearwardly disposed.
  • Engageable with each of windows 66 and 68 are spring extents 70 of terminals 60.
  • Each of the spring extents 70 of terminals 60 takes the form of a tang which is struck and bent away from a portion of socket 62. As the tray 44 is inserted in housing 42, the spring extent 70 of each terminal 60 will deflect inwardly to permit passage of tray 44.
  • the spring extent 70 Once the spring extent 70 is aligned with window 66, it will spring outwardly into window 66 to lock the tray 44 in position.
  • the inclined position of spring extent 70 will permit further inward progression of tray 44 but will prohibit withdrawal thereof.
  • the engagement of the spring extents 70 with windows 66 provides a pre-latched position to allow access to cavity 58 for insertion of the integrated circuit 10, yet prevents the tray 44 from falling out from the housing 42.
  • the spring extent 70 will again deflect inwardly permitting such further insertion.
  • the spring extents Upon engagement with the second row of windows 68 the spring extents will spring outwardly and engage the windows 68. This will lock the tray 44 in closed position in housing 42.
  • sockets 62 of terminals 60 will be adjacent to and aligned with apertures 52 of housing 42 (Fig. 7) and provide connection access for the contacts 28 of header 20.
  • the tray 44 is locked into the channel 46 of housing 42, with integrated circuit 10 being electrically connected to terminals 60.
  • the socket assembly 40 provides a full enclosure for integrated circuit 10, permitting handling of the socket assembly 40 without adversely effecting, either mechanically or electrically, the integrated circuit 10 housed therein.
  • the socket assembly 40 includes integrated circuit 10 loaded into tray 44 and the tray 44 inserted and locked into housing 42. Also, as above-described header 20 is secured to the circuit board 12. The socket assembly 40 is moved along one surface of circuit board 12 in a direction parallel thereto. As no vertical displacement (relative to circuit board 12) is needed for insertion, the socket assembly 40 may be inserted between two closely spaced circuit boards 12 and 13. As socket assembly 40 is inserted into header 20, the first extents 30 of contact 28 are received in sockets 62, providing electrical connection therebetween. A conventional cooperative locking mechanism on the header legs 24 and 26 and the housing 42, locks the socket assembly 40 onto the header 20.
  • polarization means In order to assure proper orientation of the socket assembly 40 with respect to header 20, polarization means is provided.
  • the polarization means takes the form of a key 75 (Fig. 3) on each of legs 24 and 26 which engages a key-way 77 on either side of housing 42 (Fig. 5). This key and key-way arrangement prevents inverted insertion of socket assembly 40.
  • a pair of opposed slots 80 are provided on opposite sides of housing 42 (Fig. 5). Slots 80 permit engagement of a insertion/removal tool (not shown) which facilitates removal of socket assembly 40.
  • the insertion/removal tool is typically a finger-type tool which can be inserted between the spaced circuit boards 12 and 13. The fingers of the tool engage slots 80 on each side of housing 42.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Eine elektrische Verbindungsanordnung zum Bewirken einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen einer integrierten Schaltung (10) und einer planaren Leiterplatte (12), bestehend aus:
       einem Kopfstück (20) aus einem isolierenden Körper und einer Vielzahl von durch diesen durchtretenden elektrischen Kontakten (28), wobei jeder der elektrischen Kontakte (28) einen zweiten Abschnitt (32) zur Befestigung an einer allgemein planaren gedruckten Leiterplatte (12) und einen in einer zu der Ebene der gedruckten Leiterplatte (12) parallelen ersten Richtung verlaufenden ersten Abschnitt (30) aufweist; und
       einer Buchsenanordnung (40), die durch eine Gleitbewegung in der ersten Richtung entlang einer Oberfläche der gedruckten Leiterplatte (12) an dem Kopfstück (20) auswechselbar befestigbar ist, wobei die Buchsenanordnung (40) aufweist:
    (a) ein Gehäuse (42), das in sich eine einen Kanal (46) aufnehmende Mulde umschließt, der von außen an einer Seite (48) zugänglich ist und ein Zugangsmittel (52) zu einem elektrischen Kontakt an einer zweiten Seite (50) zum Ausbilden eines Verbindungszuganges zu den ersten Abschnitten (30) der elektrischen Kontakte (28) des Kopfstückes (20) enthält;
    (b) eine Mulde (44) zum Abstützen einer integrierten Schaltung (10), wobei die Mulde (44) entlang der ersten Richtung gleitbar in dem Kanal (46) aufgenommen wird, die Mulde (44) einen Hohlraum (58) aufweist, der sich in einer Richtung senkrecht zu der Ebene der gedruckten Leiterplatte (12) zur auswechselbaren Aufnahme der integrierten Schaltung (10) öffnet; und
    (c) eine Vielzahl von in der Mulde (44) in elektrischer Anlage mit der integrierten Schaltung (10) abgestützten Anschlüssen (60), wobei die Anschlüsse (60) Bereiche enthalten, die mit den ersten Abschnitten (30) der Kopfstückkontakte (28) bei der verschiebbaren Befestigung der Buchsenanordnung am Kopfstück (20) elektrisch in Anlage stehen.
  2. Eine Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, weiter mit einem Polarisationsmittel (75, 77) zum Ausbilden einer zweckmäßigen Ausrichtung zwischen der Buchsenanordnung (40) und dem Kopfstück (20).
  3. Eine Anordnung nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Polarisationsmittel einen Keil (75) auf dem Kopfstück (20) und eine Keilnut (77) auf der Buchsenanordnung (40) enthält und der Keil beim Befestigen der Buchsenanordnung (40) am Kopfstück (20) in die Keilnut einschiebbar ist.
  4. Eine Anordnung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Buchsenanordnung (40) ein Anlagemittel (80) zum Ermöglichen eines Abnehmens der Buchsenanordnung (40) vom Kopfstück (20) enthält.
  5. Eine Anordnung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die zweiten Abschnitte (32) des elektrischen Kontaktes rechtwinklig von den ersten Abschnitten (30) des elektrischen Kontaktes ausgehen.
  6. Eine Anordnung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die Buchsenanordnung (40) am Kopfstück (20) zwischen zwei auseinanderliegenden parallelen Leiterplatten (12) befestigbar ist.
EP19890201257 1985-02-26 1985-02-26 Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil Expired - Lifetime EP0337580B1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19853587539 DE3587539T2 (de) 1985-02-26 1985-02-26 Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil.
EP19890201257 EP0337580B1 (de) 1985-02-26 1985-02-26 Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19890201257 EP0337580B1 (de) 1985-02-26 1985-02-26 Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85301295A Division-Into EP0192864B1 (de) 1984-02-17 1985-02-26 Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil
EP85301295.3 Division 1985-02-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0337580A1 EP0337580A1 (de) 1989-10-18
EP0337580B1 true EP0337580B1 (de) 1993-08-18

Family

ID=8202390

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19890201257 Expired - Lifetime EP0337580B1 (de) 1985-02-26 1985-02-26 Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0337580B1 (de)
DE (1) DE3587539T2 (de)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3814016A1 (de) * 1988-04-26 1989-11-09 Telefonbau & Normalzeit Gmbh Stecker mit elektrischen bauelementen

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT339988B (de) * 1973-03-23 1977-11-25 Electrovac Kontaktleiste
DE7509792U (de) * 1975-03-27 1975-07-24 Blaupunkt Werke Gmbh Mehrpolige codierte Steckverbindung
JPS5828717B2 (ja) * 1979-08-31 1983-06-17 富士通株式会社 極性付コネクタ

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0337580A1 (de) 1989-10-18
DE3587539D1 (de) 1993-09-23
DE3587539T2 (de) 1994-03-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4715820A (en) Connection system for printed circuit boards
US4846727A (en) Reference conductor for improving signal integrity in electrical connectors
US5586893A (en) IC card connector shield grounding
EP0492944B1 (de) Steckverbindersystem von hoher Dichte
EP0564955B1 (de) Randverbinder für eine Leiterplatte
US5030115A (en) Tired socket assembly with integral ground shield
US6743057B2 (en) Electrical connector tie bar
EP0778990B1 (de) Verriegelungs- und montageelement fuer einen oberflaechenmontierten elektrischen verbinder
US5688130A (en) Electrical connector assembly for pc cards
EP0347097A1 (de) Elektrisches Verbindersystem
EP0633631B1 (de) Elektrischer Randverbinder für Leiterplatten
EP0926779B1 (de) Leiterplatten-Randverbinder hoher Kontaktdichte und dessen Herstellungsverfahren
EP0499378A2 (de) Flachprofil-nockenbetätigte Simm-Buchse
EP0665612B1 (de) Umgekehrter Rückwandverbinder
KR0138832B1 (ko) 모서리 장착식 회로 기판용 전기 커넥터
EP0487866B1 (de) Elektrische Verbinderanordung zum Montieren auf gedruckter Leiterplatte
EP0365179A1 (de) Elektrisches Verbindersystem
US6449163B1 (en) Inboard retention system for processor enclosure assemblies with substrate alignment
EP0192864B1 (de) Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil
EP0337580B1 (de) Steckbuchsenanordnung für ein elektrisches Bauteil
CA1228901A (en) Socket assembly connector for an electrical component
US5145397A (en) Board to board electrical connector with height adjustment
EP0654870B1 (de) Haltevorrichtung für IC-Karteverbinder
US3926496A (en) Connector receptacle
US5795184A (en) Device for interconnecting stacked connectors and board

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 192864

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19900403

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19920825

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 192864

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3587539

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19930923

ET Fr: translation filed
ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Free format text: THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION

RAP4 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 89201257.6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19990203

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19990203

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19990203

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19990204

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19990216

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 19990218

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19990223

Year of fee payment: 15

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000227

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000229

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000229

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: THOMAS & BETTS CORP.

Effective date: 20000228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000901

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 89201257.6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20000226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001031

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20000901

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST