US Patent 7690925 Terminal assembly with pin-retaining socket

Socket terminal assemblies and intercoupling components are configured to electrically connect a contacting area of an integrated circuit with a corresponding connection region of a substrate. The socket terminal assembly includes a socket shell, a pin, and a resilient member. The socket shell includes a portion defining an interior cavity and a protrusion extending inwardly relative to the portion, the protrusion defining an opening into the cavity within the socket shell. The pin includes a first portion having a first outer dimension and defining an interior cavity within the pin, and a second portion having a second outer dimension that is smaller than the first outer dimension. The first pin portion is received within the cavity of the socket shell with the second pin portion extending through the opening and out of the socket shell. In addition, the resilient member is interposed between the socket shell and the pin.