Patents by Inventor Michael Gunreben

Michael Gunreben has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150232055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly in particular for airbag connection systems, including a connector housing and a secondary lock. The housing is further provided with a spring, such that the secondary lock is movable between a first and a second position and the spring forces the secondary lock into its second position when the connector housing is fully mated with a corresponding mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20150219708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors, for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is configured to be separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Bernhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 9054457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug-connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is adapted for being separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Berhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 9039438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector system comprising a plug connector and a retainer configured to be inserted into a corresponding holder. The plug connector comprises a connector housing and a latching arm assigned to the connectorhousing, whereby the plug connector is configured to be mountable with the retainer. The connector system comprises a deflection portion for causing the latching arm to deflect upon mounting of the plug connector with the retainer. The deflection portion is shaped such that the deflection provides increasing resistance against further movement of the plug connector. The connector system further comprises a release portion configured to enable a release deflection of the latching arm. The release portion is shaped so the release deflection does not provide resistance against further movement of the plug connector. Still further, the connector system comprises a latching portion configured to allow the latching arm to lock the plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Patent number: 8882543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a power transmitting arrangement adapted to house an electromagnetically shielded conducting element. The electromagnetic shielding device has essentially the form of a sleeve and further includes a weakened portion, which is adapted to be contracted for establishing an electrical connection between the device and the shielding of the conducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Michael Gunreben
  • Publication number: 20140287611
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag connector system comprising an airbag squib connector adapted to be mated with a corresponding airbag squib socket, whereby the airbag squib connector comprises a connector housing with a connection tube. The connection tube is provided with at least one reversed locking arm adapted to lock the airbag squib connector to the airbag squib socket, whereby the reversed locking arm extends from a flexible torsion element provided at an insertion sided end of the connection tube in a direction essentially opposing the insertion direction of the airbag squib connector into the socket. Thereby, the flexible torsion element is adapted to deform and thereby enable a deflection of the reversed locking arm upon insertion of the airbag squib connector into the airbag squib socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier, Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8827729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector system. The electrical connector system includes a first connector to be mated to a corresponding counter connector and it is further adapted to be connected to a signal circuit for activating an electrical power source upon switching. As a safety feature, the connector system further includes a connector position assurance (CPA) member assigned to the first connector, which is movable, whereby an end position is not reachable if the first connector is incorrectly mated to the counter connector. The CPA member is adapted to interact with the signal circuit if placed in said end position so that it activates of the electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Thomas Schwerin, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Publication number: 20140045361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector system comprising a plug connector and a retainer configured to be inserted into a corresponding holder. The plug connector comprises a connector housing and a latching arm assigned to the connectorhousing, whereby the plug connector is configured to be mountable with the retainer. The connector system comprises a deflection portion for causing the latching arm to deflect upon mounting of the plug connector with the retainer. The deflection portion is shaped such that the deflection provides increasing resistance against further movement of the plug connector. The connector system further comprises a release portion configured to enable a release deflection of the latching arm. The release portion is shaped so the release deflection does not provide resistance against further movement of the plug connector. Still further, the connector system comprises a latching portion configured to allow the latching arm to lock the plug connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20130252455
    Abstract: A connector assembly comprising a connector housing, a secondary locking member and a safety spring bar, whereby the secondary locking member and the safety spring bar are assigned to the connector housing. The secondary locking member is movable between a first and a second position, whereby the safety spring bar is adapted to lock the secondary locking member in its second position. The secondary locking member comprises a deflection surface adapted to engage the safety spring bar when the secondary locking member is moved in an insertion direction. Thereby, upon movement of the secondary locking member, the safety spring bar is deflected essentially in the insertion direction, urging the secondary locking member towards its first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Frank Odorfer
  • Publication number: 20130084741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a power transmitting arrangement adapted to house an electromagnetically shielded conducting element. The electromagnetic shielding device has essentially the form of a sleeve and further includes a weakened portion, which is adapted to be contracted for establishing an electrical connection between the device and the shielding of the conducting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FCI Automotive Holding
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Michael Gunreben
  • Publication number: 20130078835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector system. The electrical connector system includes a first connector to be mated to a corresponding counter connector and it is further adapted to be connected to a signal circuit for activating an electrical power source upon switching. As a safety feature, the connector system further includes a connector position assurance (CPA) member assigned to the first connector, which is movable, whereby an end position is not reachable if the first connector is incorrectly mated to the counter connector. The CPA member is adapted to interact with the signal circuit if placed in said end position so that it activates of the electrical power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: FCI Automotive Holding
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Thomas Schwerin, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Publication number: 20120112762
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug-connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is adapted for being separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Berhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 7458852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector with contacts having a connecting end for a cable, a housing and a lid. The housing and the lid each have a flap at the level of the connecting end of the contacts, wherein the connecting ends of the contacts can be freely accessed when said flap is in its open position in order to fasten the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Michael Gunreben
  • Publication number: 20070105442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector with contacts having a connecting end for a cable, a housing and a lid. The housing and the lid each have a flap at the level of the connecting end of the contacts, wherein the connecting ends of the contacts can be freely accessed when said flap is in its open position in order to fasten the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 7108539
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector, particularly for airbag activation systems, comprising locking tongues (2), which are oriented in the direction of plugging-in and provided for locking the plug connector (1) inside a mating connector (3), and comprising a secondary locking system (4). This secondary locking system (4) has secondary locking tongues (4a, 4b) that are joined to the plug connector (1) in a fixed manner. When locking tongues (2) engage inside the mating connector (3), said secondary locking tongues elastically spring into the space (5) between locking tongues (2) and the plug connector body (6) while engaging therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20040248454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector, particularly for airbag activation systems, comprising locking tongues (2), which are oriented in the direction of plugging-in and provided for locking the plug connector (1) inside a mating connector (3), and comprising a secondary locking system (4). This secondary locking system (4) has secondary locking tongues (4a, 4b) that are joined to the plug connector (1) in a fixed manner. When locking tongues (2) engage inside the mating connector (3), said secondary locking tongues elastically spring into the space (5) between locking tongues (2) and the plug connector body (6) while engaging therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Patent number: 6634903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug connector with a first lower housing part in which contact ends are arranged in a plug, crimp plates to the back end of which a flat conductor strip is crimped and the front end of which is connected with the contact ends, possibly with the interposition of a choke or another electronic component, a second housing part which is inserted as a cover on the first housing part and a third housing part inserted on the first housing part on the side of the cable. According to the invention, a strain relief clamp is provided, which clamps the flat conductor strip essentially in the shape of a U, on the end of the housing part on the side of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier, Bernhardt Kuhnel
  • Patent number: 6530799
    Abstract: A plug connector (1) is disclosed having a secondary locking device (8) with legs (10), which fix the locking arms (5) of the plug connector (1) in their final locked position in a socket (16). The secondary locking device (8) also has a spring arm (12) with a step (13), which is supported on a locking projection (15) formed on the housing (2) of the plug connector (1), which holds the secondary locking device (8) in a pre-locked position, where the step (13) is only lifted from the locking projection (15) during the insertion of the plug connector (1) into the socket (16). Thereafter, the secondary locking device (8) can be locked into the final locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Vincent Regnier, Michael Gunreben
  • Publication number: 20020115336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug connector with a first lower housing part in which contact ends are arranged in a plug, crimp plates to the back end of which a flat conductor strip is crimped and the front end of which is connected with the contact ends, possibly with the interposition of a choke or another electronic component, a second housing part which is inserted as a cover on the first housing part and a third housing part inserted on the first housing part on the side of the cable. According to the invention, a strain relief clamp is provided, which clamps the flat conductor strip essentially in the shape of a U, on the end of the housing part on the side of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier, Bernhardt Kuhnel
  • Publication number: 20020081888
    Abstract: A plug connector (1) is disclosed having a secondary locking device (8) with legs (10), which fix the locking arms (5) of the plug connector (1) in their final locked position in a socket (16). The secondary locking device (8) also has a spring arm (12) with a step (13), which is supported on a locking projection (15) formed on the housing (2) of the plug connector (1), which holds the secondary locking device (8) in a pre-locked position, where the step (13) is only lifted from the locking projection (15) during the insertion of the plug connector (1) into the socket (16). Thereafter, the secondary locking device (8) can be locked into the final locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Vincent Regnier, Michael Gunreben