Patents Examined by Paula A. Austin
  • Patent number: 4750893
    Abstract: A connector for electric connection comprises an insulator housing having a plurality of flaps hingedly connected for individual opening and closing movement to a wall of the insulating housing. Each of the flaps has a terminal holding projection thereon which, in a closed position, extends through an opening formed in the wall into one of a plurality of terminal receiving chambers of the housing and holds a terminal inserted in the terminal chamber from being pulled off the housing. A companion insulator housing has a plurality of half insertion detecting projections formed therein corresponding to the flaps of the insulator housing for engaging with the flaps abutted with terminals inserted in the terminal receiving chambers to detect incomplete insertion of the terminals into the terminal receiving chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tadahiro Sueyoshi, Yoshitsugu Sawada, Tomohiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 4749372
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a dielectric housing having passageways extending therethrough in which electrical contacts are positioned. Resilient latching arms are provided by the housing, and they have latching projections engaging the contacts thereby retaining the contacts in the passageways; the resilient latching arms having locking plate slots opposite the latching projections. Locking plate means is inserted into the housing into the locking plate slots limiting projections of the resilient arms thereby maintaining the latching projections in latching engagement with the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Betsui
  • Patent number: 4749373
    Abstract: A connector assembly (10) having an all plastic retention system has a housing (16, 18) in which tines (40) extend from a surface (36) thereof axially along contact receiving passages (38, 58). Each split frustoconical tine (40) has two tine members (42, 44). A transverse rib (54) extends along a surface (36) of the housing between adjacent tine members (42, 44) of adjacent tines (40). Each tine member (42, 44) has a pair of vertical ribs (50) extending along the exterior surface thereof upward from the surface (36) of the housing and sharing a portion of its volume with the transverse rib (54). The vertical ribs (50) and transverse rib (54) promote flow of plastic into all regions of the mould during moulding and support a contact (52) upon insertion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Brekosky, Jack S. Kissoyan, Vijay Kumar
  • Patent number: 4749359
    Abstract: A telephone network interface device having differing means for access for the public utility, building owner or apartment manager, and those living in individual housing units; differing means of access provided in part by a latchpiece inserted between a first gate leading to a subscriber compartment and a second gate leading to the utility compartment. Also described is a container using the latchpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen D. White
  • Patent number: 4747793
    Abstract: A battery terminal connector provided between a battery cable and a battery post erected from the battery body, which is made of a single metal plate, is provided with two holes through which the battery post is secured when the metal plates is folded to form a metal body, and has a stud bolt for connecting the battery cable. The erected stud bolt is firmly held by two wing portions formed in the lower plate of the metal body, which wing portions are bent at a right angle to embrace the square head of the stud bolt. A flat portion between the wing portions supports the bottom face of the inverted stud bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyohito Fukuda, Takao Murakami
  • Patent number: 4747788
    Abstract: A retractable power center (100) for providing conveniently located electrical power source receptacles (170) is adapted to be mounted in a work surface (104) such as a desk top or similar article of furniture. The power center (100) is manually operable and includes a stationary upper housing (108) received within a slot (102) formed in the work surface, and a clamping arrangement (118, 128, 138) to secure the housing (108) to the work surface (104). In addition, a manually movable and slideable power carriage (150) is utilized to mount the receptacles (170). In response to manually exerted forces on the power carriage (150), the carriage can be extended upward into an open position. Relatively small bosses (180) extend laterally from lateral sides of the carriage (150) and provide a means to support the carriage (150) in its extended position, with the bosses (180) resting on the top portion of the housing (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 4746298
    Abstract: A universal connector for polarized thermocouple leads and the like wherein a single connector replaces previously required multiple connectors and necessary adaptors. The universal connector is capable of receiving both standard-sized and smaller or miniature-sized male connectors, with resultant savings in parts and manipulative labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton B. Hollander
  • Patent number: 4744143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing exposed portions of an electrical connector is disclosed. A sealing member is formed directly onto the housing of the electrical connector to seal the exposed portions of the electrical contacts therein. The sealing member engages the housing in a non-adhered relation so as to admit removal of the sealing member from the housing. The sealing member is useful to seal the electrical contact from exposure to a protective coating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Amir-Akbar Sadigh-Behzadi
  • Patent number: 4744371
    Abstract: The multi-conductor lead assembly comprises a first lead, a second lead and a connector assembly for connecting the leads together. The first lead includes a lead body having a distal end portion with a plurality of electrodes thereon, a proximal end portion with a plurality of sleeve electrodes thereon and a plurality of insulated wire conductors within the lead body and electrically connecting the electrodes on the distal end portion with the sleeve electrodes on the proximal end portion. The second lead includes a lead body with a proximal end, a proximal end portion, a distal end and a distal end portion, and a plurality of insulated wire conductors therein. Each of the one wire conductors has a proximal end and a proximal end portion extending out of the proximal end of the lead body. A sleeve connector is mounted on each wire conductor proximal end portion, and a needle is connected to the proximal ends of the wire conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Cordis Leads, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4744370
    Abstract: The multi-conductor lead assembly comprises a first lead, a second lead and a connector assembly for connecting the leads together. The first lead includes a lead body having a distal end portion with a plurality of electrodes thereon, a proximal end portion with a plurality of sleeve electrodes thereon and a plurality of insulated wire conductors within the lead body and electrically connecting the electrodes on the distal end portion with the sleeve electrodes on the proximal end portion. The second lead includes a lead body with a proximal end, a proximal end portion, a distal end and a distal end portion, and one wire conductor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Cordis Leads, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4743210
    Abstract: A pass-through terminal arrangement to be mounted on and extended through a mounting opening of a wall of a casing in a mounted position thereof includes a plurality of terminals each of which includes a terminal housing and a current bar having a projecting portion which extends out of the terminal housing and, in the mounted position, through the mounting opening into the interior of the casing. A sealing component is mounted on and surrounds a section of the projecting portion of each of the current bars. The terminal housings are connected in a row to a flange frame of a mounting flange which further includes a pass-through block rigid with the flange frame, at least partially received in the mounting opening in the mounted position, and having a plurality of pass-through openings each for sealingly accommodating at least the section of one of the current bars and the sealing component mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: C. A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schild, Horst Conrad
  • Patent number: 4743079
    Abstract: A clamping device for securing an object within an aperture of a ring member utilizing a shape memory alloy material. The shape memory alloy material contracts when heated and operates to bias pin members inwardly within a central opening of the ring to thereby secure an object such as a canister placed therein. The shape memory alloy material may be in the form of a strap or wire which is easily heated and provides for a fast clamping and release action of the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joseph T. Bloch
  • Patent number: 4740176
    Abstract: An electrical connector has male and female housing halves each of which has front and rear housing portions. The rear housing portion has an externally threaded front end, a stop shoulder at the rear extent of the threads and a hole to receive a latch pin. The front housing portion has internal threads at the rear end to engage the threads on the rear housing portion and also has an end face with a recess. The latch pin penetrates the rear housing near the stop shoulder and has a nonsymmetrical head. The latch pin can be rotated between a position in which the head protrudes beyond the stop shoulder and a position in which it does not protrude beyond the stop shoulder. When fully threaded together, the recess is aligned with the latch pin which can be rotated to its latching, protruding position to prevent unthreading of the housing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael R. Marks, Alfred L. Ehrenfels
  • Patent number: 4740169
    Abstract: A cover or protector, combined with a cleaner, is provided for use with electrical plugs or terminals when disconnected, thus inhibiting corrosion, etc. of the conductor parts and at the same time employing an abrasive instrumentality that operates to clean the conductor parts as the plug and cover are telescopically connected and disconnected. The cover comprises a base from which projects a portion adapted to telescopically and frictionally mate with a conductor terminal. The cover is formed of non-conductor material and the projecting portion is coated with or otherwise bears an abrasive substance or particles. The cover further includes a peripheral wall for surrounding the plug to further shield it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Steven C. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4740177
    Abstract: A cluster assembly having a block and connector clips disposed within passageways in the block. Locking tabs pivotally mounted in the block and integral therewith drop into the receptacles forming part of the clips to hold the clips within the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventor: Henry H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 4740180
    Abstract: A low insertion force mating electrical contact structure is provided in a male terminal including a final contact portion and a forwardly extending lead-in portion having a gradual twisted cross section relative to the final contact portion. In a preferred embodiment, the male terminal is adapted to mate with a dual contact cantilever spring arm female terminal. Opposed smooth-milled surfaces on the male terminal extending through the lead-in portion to the final contact portion engage the female contact portions and gradually cam the female contacts outwardly to provide reduced insertion forces on the male pin during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank A. Harwath, Paul L. Rishworth
  • Patent number: 4740168
    Abstract: A device for providing security and environmental protection to an individual telephone subscribed pair having an appearance at a building entrance terminal. The device prevents unauthorized removal of an R.J. 11 plug, and selectively closes the opening leading to a corresponding R.J. 11 jack. In one embodiment, a sliding door is fixed upon a mounting plate and is secured in position by a simple tumbler type lock. In another embodiment, the lock itself includes integrally formed flanges that perform the same function as the sliding plate. In still another embodiment, the plate is substituted by a small padlock hasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Porta Systems Corp.
    Inventors: William V. Carney, Robert Leary, Paul V. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 4740178
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a battery terminal and a connector pin. The battery terminal is formed of an electrically condustive material and has means enabling it to be connected electrically to the positive or negative post of a 12 V DC vehicle battery post. The terminal presents two sockets each of which is capable of receiving a connector pin. The connector pin has spigot portion composed of spaced prongs biased apart from one another, so that the spigot portion can be inserted as an interference fit into the chosen socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: VBH Investments (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Carel D. Badenhorst, Nico Van Der Riet
  • Patent number: 4740179
    Abstract: Several embodiments of self-spreading battery terminal connectors utilize restricted movement bolts. In each embodiment, the battery terminal connector bolt is freely rotatable without experiencing threaded axial movement in one side of the connector, with the opposite connector then being movable along the bolt to open or close the connector around a battery terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Clifton A. Padget
  • Patent number: 4737118
    Abstract: A connector for transmission cable has a lower housing and an upper housing securable thereto to be terminated to a prepared end portion of the cable. The conductors are laser welded in slots of the terminals. The contact sections of the terminals reside on respective resilient supports of the lower housing which act in cantilever fashion. A hood section of the upper housing extends over the plurality of contact sections to define a cavity. The connector structure is hermaphroditic in that one connector is matable with another identical connector having a reversed vertical orientation. The respective hoods cooperate to resist the forced cantilever action of the pairs of resilient supports urging each other apart, thus generating contact normal force. The hermaphroditic connectors latch when fully mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph L. Lockard