US Patent 7345247 Circuit board threadplate

A circuit board threadplate for connection of a component to a circuit board is provided wherein such threadplate may be mechanically mounted to a circuit board without the use of manual labor. Specifically, the threadplate is compatible with present Surface Mount Technology robotic placement machines. Such circuit board threadplate includes a hollow substantially cylindrical member forming an extruded neck having an elongated section and a substantially flat surface at a first end of the elongated section and a flange extending from a second end of the elongated section. The flange provides a substantially flat surface suitable for soldering onto a surface of a circuit board. Additionally, the threadplate includes a cylindrical cavity positioned inside the substantially cylindrical member, extending in a direction aligned with the substantially cylindrical member. The cylindrical cavity may have a thread pattern suitable for receiving a screw-type fastener. Finally, the threadplate includes an opening providing access to the cylindrical cavity.