Patent ID: 6066389
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: B60R,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
A connector tow for providing external electrical access to an electrical device embedded within a composite structure, the connector tow comprising:a plurality of tubes comprised of a conductive material, wherein each of said tubes extends longitudinally from a first end to an opposed second end, and wherein each of the tubes defines an opening extending longitudinally therethrough; andfirst and second insulating film layers adhered to opposite sides of said plurality of conductive tubes between the respective first and second ends of said plurality of tubes such that the relative positions of said plurality of conductive tubes are fixed and such that said plurality of tubes are electrically isolated from the conductive composite structure,wherein the first end of each conductive tube is capable of electrically contacting a respective electrical lead of the embedded electrical device, and wherein the second end of each tube is capable of opening through a surface of the composite structure to thereby define an externally accessible electrical port for receiving a corresponding connector such that electrical contact is capable of being established via the respective electrical lead with the embedded electrical device.