US Patent 11688978 Surface-mountable thermocouple connector with reverse polarity protection

A connector to easily and correctly join an electrical component to a printed circuit board is provided. The connector comprises a generally C-shaped electrically conductive element that provides for connection alternatively to the positive and negative terminals of a device depending on the orientation of the connector. As a result of the shapes of the ends of the connector, a device can only be plugged in one way. The connector can be made from a single sheet of electrically conductive material bent generally into a “C” shape, with specific tabs and cuts made therein. The connector includes a tab that allows for quick and automated connection to a printed circuit board, and an element to prevent connectors from interlocking while in a loose and unconnected state as, during manufacturing, plating, or storage, allowing them to be added to a board using automated procedures for quick, accurate and low cost construction.