Patents Represented by Attorney Robert M. Rodrick
  • Patent number: 4973260
    Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting printed circuit boards with signal and grounding contacts has a housing including a base defining signal contact seating passages therethrough, a sidewall adjacent the base and including successive first and second sidewall portions of respective different thickness, the second sidewall portions defining with the base a plurality of channels each for the receipt of a grounding contact member, the base including a portion in spaced facing relation to each of the second sidewall portions. The base and each base portion have adjacent surface portions with mutually different attitudes preselected to match the respective different attitudes of sections of a grounding contact member to be inserted in each of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. Madore, Gregory Fishbein
  • Patent number: 4968266
    Abstract: The surface mount connector comprises male and female interconnectable housings. The male housing includes a plurality of male contacts that are connected to a plurality of wires and the female housing accommodates a plurality of female contacts for receiving and holding the male contacts in assembly. The female contacts each further include a resilient lead for surface mount connection to a conductive electrode disposed on a printed circuit board surface. The female housing further includes a connection portion that in a preferred form, includes slots formed in flanges extending outwardly from the female housing, the slots in the flanges being adapted to receive and resiliently hold the printed circuit board therein while the leads of the female contacts are attached to the conductive electrodes on the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4953940
    Abstract: An optical fiber termination device is described which includes first and second housings supported for relative movement therebetween. The first housing supports an optical fiber cable and is insertable into a second housing which supports a cutting device for severing the cable and providing a termination end face. The composite structure is then insertable into a termination housing to provide optical connection with a further optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Carmen Lanzetta, Jr., Michael Kieli, Guenter Schindler, Russell H. Williams
  • Patent number: 4948378
    Abstract: A board is provided with a plurality of spaced conductors, covered by a waterproof film on one surface thereof, with a window through the film exposing selected portions of the conductors. A connector housing supports a plurality of electrical contacts that are brought into electrical management with the conductors through the window. A compressible ring surrounds the housing contacts and the window and is sandwiched between the board and the housing. A spring-biased holding member, latched to the housing, urges the board resiliently toward the housing, causing the electrical engagement between the board conductors and the housing contacts and also compressing the ring around the window to provide a waterproof seal around the electrical junctures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Haruo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 4945229
    Abstract: A fiber optic receiver of the type having a sensor, a pre-amplifier and a post-amplifier, includes a first printed circuit board with connection of the post-amplifier therewith and having a matable connector thereon for obtaining power for operation of the post-amplfier. A second printed circuit board is supported by the first printed circuit in intersecting geometric relation to the first printed circuit board and is electrically connected therewith for obtaining power for operation of the pre-amplifier. The pre-amplifier and the sensor are mounted on the second printed circuit board and are electrically interconnected thereon. The receiver further includes a channel for detecting the presence of the carrier of energy incident on the sensor incorporation a differential peak detector circuit. A transmitter may be incorporated to provide a fiber optic transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: C. David Daly, Ben Khoshnood
  • Patent number: 4932179
    Abstract: An abandonment plug assembly for limiting heat and fire passage through an opening formed through a floor, comprises a cover for disposition atop the floor and configured to extend beyond the opening and engage the floor, first and second cup members dependant from the cover and mutually displaceable toward one another to force a substance disposed therebetween into contiguity with the sidewall bounding the opening, an actuator for effecting the displacement of the first and second cup members and intumescent discs depending from the second cup member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Charles W. Sosinski
  • Patent number: 4930200
    Abstract: An improved method of making an electrical filter connector includes the steps of providing a substrate with a plurality of metallized openings therethrough for electrical individual attachment to electrical contacts of the connector. The substrate is further provided with a metallized strip on a surface thereof spaced from the metallized openings. A plurality of capacitors are attached to the substrate. First conductive capacitor terminations are individually electrically attached to respective portions of the metallized openings and second conductive capacitor terminations are electrically attached in common to the metallized strip. A curable dielectric material is applied onto the dielectric body of each capacitor between each of the conductive terminations thereof. Each of the electrical contacts of the connector is electrically attached to a respective one of the metallized openings of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Brush, Jr., Robert M. Scharf, Campbell Davie, Arthur A. Lutsky, Frank S. Siano
  • Patent number: 4922058
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a pair of electrical conductors is disclosed. The connector includes a connector body defining a connection nest which accommodates a pair of conductors having either similar transverse cross-sectional shapes or conductors having different transverse cross-sectional shapes. The connector body includes a conductor receiving channel in the bottom wall thereof and a channel plug which is frangibly connected to the bottom wall. The plug may be moved into position within the channel to accommodate the pair of conductors having similar transverse cross-sectional shape or may be removed from the connector to accommodate a pair of conductors having different transverse cross-sectional shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Julio Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 4915652
    Abstract: An electrical connector attachable to a printed circuit board is disclosed. The connector includes an insulative housing and mounting ears which permit attachment of the connector to the printed circuit board. The connector further includes shielding means for shielding the connector from electromagnetic and radio frequency interferences. The shielding means includes first and second planar metallic shields having shield extending portion which overlie the mounting ears of the housing. Fastening devices used to secure the connector to the printed circuit board may also be employed to secure the shields to the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Scott D. Madara
  • Patent number: 4912840
    Abstract: Measurement apparatus for use in connection with a connector assembly apparatus, for accurately positioning a connector on a cable relative to a previously mounted connector, the apparatus comprising a slotted plate mounted perpendicularly with respect to a base member and being adapted for displacement relative to a connector assembly station, the slot being sized to receive the cable but having a depth less than that of the mounted connector so that the cable can pass freely through the slot until the cable is positioned to abut the slotted plate. A cable having a connector prepositioned at one end thereof is positioned within the slotted plates and drawn therethrough so that the connector is urged against the plate to lock the cable in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Howard R. Pearce
  • Patent number: 4891020
    Abstract: A low profile, metal shell insulation displacement contact (IDC) connector comprises an elongate insulative housing having two spaced longitudinally extending sidewalls and two transversely extending longitudinally spaced end walls. Within the interior of the housing sidewalls, there are a plurality of pockets formed therein for securing a metal shell to the housing. The metal shell is preferably made in two-part construction wherein a lower portion defining a continuous D-shaped configuration is attached by deformable tabs to an upper portion and the upper portion comprises a plurality of deformably prongs that are adapted to be received in the pockets of the housing and deformed therein for securing the composite metal shell thereto. A cover is latchably secured to the end walls of the housing and a strain relief is provided for sandwiching a flat multiconductor ribbon cable between the strain relief and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4875876
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting overlapped conductors is disclosed. The connector is similar to connectors of the clam shell type haivng a pair of compressibly-movable hingedly-connected ends which accommodate the conductors therebetween. The ends of the connectors are positioned in spaced mutually parallel relationship. The conductors are supported therebetween. A hinge connecting the two ends is collapsibly-deformable to maintain the relative parallel positions of the ends throughout compression of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Francis A. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 4868953
    Abstract: A self-locking bundling tie for engagement about electrical cables, pipes or the like is disclosed. The tie includes a head and a strap attachable to the head. The head comprises a housing and a planar locking insert slidably received in the housing cavity. The insert is movable between two locking position in the housing. In a first position, the insert has an opening for receipt of an end of the strap therethrough. Upon movement of the insert interiorly of the housing cavity to a second locked position, the insert opening with a portion of the strap end therethrough is moved interiorly of the housing and the strap end is deformed into a reverse bend to thereby lock the strap in the bundling tie head. The strap end may be severed at the housing. The insert includes an extending portion which extends beyond the end of the housing to protect the user from the sharp severed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Fortsch
  • Patent number: 4841631
    Abstract: Cable supporting apparatus for assembly machines for terminating electrical cable with connectors includes a base and cable support means mounted on the base for supporting a length of cable. The support means is movable relative to the base from a cable loading position, in which position the support means is spaced from the machine connector applicator, to a working position, in which the support means presents a cable to the applicator for termination with a connector. The support means includes a plurality of cable support elements selectively positionable thereon. In addition, a sensor is provided for sensing when the support means is in the cable loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Selby
  • Patent number: 4827608
    Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a two-part connector with an interposed cable, which apparatus comprises a pair of relatively movable press elements, storage structure for containing a plurality of connectors, structure for moving a connector from the magazine to an operative position between the respective press elements, structure for actuating at least one of the press elements to achieve crimping of the connector and an interposed cable, when the connector is in the operative position, and control apparatus for selectively causing indexing of the storage structure, movement of a connector into the operating position and crimping movement of the press elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Howard R. Pearce
  • Patent number: 4826559
    Abstract: The tapping or splicing apparatus for electrically connecting cables of the type having plural insulated conductors and drain wires comprises a base having an upper surface and a lower, substantially flat surface for juxtaposition with a floor surface. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are supported on the base upper surface, each contact being configured to receive and electrically connect insulated conductors from at least two electrical cables. A detachable cover is secured to the base, the cover having an extent covering the contacts and including an upper surface that tapers downwardly toward the cover periphery. At the cover periphery there are plurality of cutouts extending through the upper surface of the cover, each cutout configured to accommodate a cable therein in a manner to present a gradual taper of the apparatus beneath carpets in an undercarpet wiring system to minimize its height effect in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Noorily
  • Patent number: 4820193
    Abstract: Electrical connector which provides visual recognition of the correct termination of plural discrete conductors is disclosed. The connector includes a base which supports plural electrical contacts therein. A conductor support assembly supports individually plural discrete conductors in a one-to-one correspondence with the contacts. The conductor support assembly includes thereon color indicative markings which correspond to the color-coded insulation of the conductors. A cover is supportable over the base which encloses the conductor support assembly to enclose the connection assembly. The cover includes plural apertures therethrough which align with the color indicative markings of the conductor support assembly to permit external visual access to the markings so that a comparison may be made between the markings and the color coding of the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Noorily
  • Patent number: 4820188
    Abstract: An electrical connector for insulation displacment connection to conductors of a flat multiconductor cable includes an elongate insulative housing defining a cavity therein for latchably receiving a pair of insert subassemblies. During manufacture, each subassembly comprises a plurality of insulation displacement contacts having two, spaced tines defining therebetween a conductor receiving slot. Each contact is joined between adjacent tines by a carrier web to thereby form a joined array of contacts. An elongate insulative insert supports the contacts in each subassembly. Each insert has an upper surface defining a cable support surface from which the IDC ends project. A plurality of grooves extends into the insert upper surface, each groove being in substantial registry with a carrier web joining the tines. The grooves each have a bottom surface spaced from the carrier web. Such construction permits use of a suitable severing tool to remove the carrier webs in a ready manner with minimal wear on the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: William H. Collier, Matthew J. Fadule, James S. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4815809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting an optical fiber in a ferrule assembly is disclosed. The ferrule assembly includes an elongate ferrule body having a fiber insertion end, a fiber egressing end and an elongate bore therebetween. A fiber capillary is supported in the bore of the body having a precision aperture therethrough which accommodates the optical fiber. The capillary includes a first end extent which extends beyond the egressing end of the ferrule body so that the optical fiber and the capillary may be polished to form a uniform flat end surface extending beyond the ferrule end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Robert M. Rodrick
    Inventor: Tadeusz Szostak
  • Patent number: D302542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Francis O'Loughlin