US4216522A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interchangeable module for integrated circuits
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1977-06-06
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Granted: 1980-08-05
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Expires: 1997-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A module containing an integrated circuit is disclosed. The module may be repetitively installed in a receptacle located in some electronic apparatus, such as an electronic calculator or video game, with low risk of damage to the integrated circuit or to the receptacle. The module is essentially "box" shaped and is provided with keys and slots for assuring proper orientation within the receptacle. The integrated circuit device is preferably attached via its leads to a substrate located in a chamber located within the module. Contacts are affixed to the substrate and coupled to the leads. These contacts are accessible from the exterior of the module through at least one aperture provided from the exterior to the chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary A. Slagel
- 👤 Peter L. Bonfield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:17
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F15/00; G06F15/02; G06F15/0216; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/18; G06F1/183; H; H05; H05K; H05K5/00; H05K5/02; H05K5/0256; H05K7/00; H05K7/02; H05K7/10; H05K7/1053; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/929
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An interchangeable modular integrated circuit system for an electronic calculator device or the like comprising: (a) a module having a body with an integrated circuit disposed in a chamber within said body and a first plurality of contacts disposed in said chamber, said contacts being accessable from the exterior of said module via at least one aperture in said body and coupled in an electrically conductive path to said integrated circuit; (b) a receptacle located in said device for receiving said module, said receptacle including a second plurality of contacts adapted to engage said first plurality of contacts through said at least one aperture when said module is installed in said receptacle, said receptacle including guide means for facilitating the insertion of said module therein; and (c) said module having a pair of slots extending partially along the length of two edges thereof, each of said slot engaging a respective guide means and said receptacle for locating said module in said receptacle, the non-slotted portions of said edges providing spacer means for preventing contact between said first and second plurality of electrical contacts until said module is properly located within said receptacle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An interchangeable modular integrated circuit system for an electronic calculator device or the like comprising: (a) a module having a body with an integrated circuit disposed in a chamber within said body and a first plurality of contacts disposed in said chamber, said contacts being accessable from the exterior of said module via at least one aperture in said body and coupled in an electrically conductive path to said integrated circuit; (b) a receptacle located in said device for receiving said module, said receptacle including a second plurality of contacts adapted to engage said first plurality of contacts through said at least one aperture when said module is installed in said receptacle, said receptacle including guide means for facilitating the insertion of said module therein; and (c) said module having a pair of slots extending partially along the length of two edges thereof, each of said slot engaging a respective guide means and said receptacle for locating said module in said receptacle, the non-slotted portions of said edges providing spacer means for preventing contact between said first and second plurality of electrical contacts until said module is properly located within said receptacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
113 words
A module enclosing an integrated circuit, said module comprising: (a) at least one body piece forming an essentially polyhedral body for said module and providing a chamber therein for said integrated circuit; (b) a plurality of electrical contacts essentially defining a plane and exposed to the exterior of said module through at least one aperture therein, said plurality of electrical contacts being coupled to said integrated circuit; and (c) means defining a pair of slots extending partially along the length of the polyhedral body of said module, the non-slotted portions of said edges providing spacer means for preventing contact with said electrical contacts while said module is being moved laterally across a surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
113 words
A module enclosing an integrated circuit, said module comprising: (a) at least one body piece forming an essentially polyhedral body for said module and providing a chamber therein for said integrated circuit; (b) a plurality of electrical contacts essentially defining a plane and exposed to the exterior of said module through at least one aperture therein, said plurality of electrical contacts being coupled to said integrated circuit; and (c) means defining a pair of slots extending partially along the length of the polyhedral body of said module, the non-slotted portions of said edges providing spacer means for preventing contact with said electrical contacts while said module is being moved laterally across a surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The module according to claim 2, wherein said integrated circuit is packaged in an insulative package with leads extending therefrom and wherein said leads are coupled to said second plurality of electrical contacts by means of conductors affixed to said substrate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The module according to claim 3, wherein said integrated circuit package is affixed to said substrate on the side opposite from said second plurality of electrical contacts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The module according to claim 3, further including means defining a notch located in said at least one body piece essentially perpendicular to the major plane of said substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The module according to claim 5, wherein the cross section of said means defining a notch is essentially a rectangle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
The module according to claim 2 further including an elongated wedge-shaped rib member extending along a major surface of said module opposite to said at least one aperture for permitting biasing pressure to be exerted on said module in a direction parallel to said major surface and in a direction perpendicular to said major surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-05 | 1984-02-04 | 1984-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-05 | 1988-02-04 | 1988-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-05 | 1992-02-04 | 1992-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |