Movable Or Removable Ground Prong Patents (Class 439/103)
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Patent number: 11699870Abstract: A power tool, which includes a receiving device having at least one receiving element and a power supply unit connectable to the power tool, for example a rechargeable battery, which includes a connecting device, the connecting device having at least one contact element, the receiving device being designed to receive and hold the connecting device, so that the at least one receiving element and the at least one contact element are connectable to each other for establishing an electrical connection. A damping element is provided on at least one contact element, whereby the at least one contact element is movable in a first direction and a second direction as well as relative to the particular receiving element, so that it is possible to counteract a relative movement between the contact element and the particular receiving element when the contact element and the receiving element are connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Meixner, Johannes Stempfhuber
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Patent number: 11398708Abstract: The present disclosure provides a converter, including a housing and a three-pole plug pin assembly. The three-pole plug pin assembly includes a toggle button assembly, and the toggle button assembly is configured to be able to move between a first position and a second position. When the toggle button assembly is at the first position, the toggle button assembly is capable of driving an L-pole plug pin, an N-pole plug pin and an earth-pole plug pin to extend out of the housing. When the toggle button assembly is at the second position, the earth-pole plug pin is capable of being received in the housing under an action of a first elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: GONGNIU GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhen Li, Fuyu Li, Han Cheng, Jinbiao Jiang
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Patent number: 11289842Abstract: A power tool, which includes a receiving device having at least one receiving element and a power supply unit connectable to the power tool, for example a rechargeable battery, which includes a connecting device, the connecting device having at least one contact element, the receiving device being designed to receive and hold the connecting device, so that the at least one receiving element and the at least one contact element are connectable to each other for establishing an electrical connection. A damping element is provided on at least one contact element, whereby the at least one contact element is movable in a first direction and a second direction as well as relative to the particular receiving element, so that it is possible to counteract a relative movement between the contact element and the particular receiving element when the contact element and the receiving element are connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Meixner, Johannes Stempfhuber
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Patent number: 10673186Abstract: An electrical cord having improved safety features comprises a plug having a body portion surrounding respective ends of first, second, and third electrical wires. A live receptacle is in electrical communication with the end of the first electrical wire. A neutral receptacle is in electrical communication with the end of the second electrical wire. A ground receptacle is in electrical communication with the end of the third electrical wire. The body portion surrounds and maintains the live, neutral, and ground receptacles in spaced apart orientation corresponding to blades on an electrical plug. Multiple indicator lights are provided to indicate various states of the plug in which electricity is supplied to the plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Solid Ground Cords, LLCInventors: Lester Richard Gilliland, Davis W. Ratcliff
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Patent number: 10297959Abstract: An electrical cord having improved safety features comprises a plug having a body portion surrounding respective ends of first, second, and third electrical wires. A live receptacle is in electrical communication with the end of the first electrical wire. A neutral receptacle is in electrical communication with the end of the second electrical wire. A ground receptacle is in electrical communication with the end of the third electrical wire. The body portion surrounds and maintains the live, neutral, and ground receptacles in spaced apart orientation corresponding to blades on an electrical plug. An indicator is provided to indicate a state of the plug in which electricity is supplied to the plug in a proper polarity.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Solid Ground Cords, LLCInventor: Lester Richard Gilliland
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Patent number: 10154603Abstract: Present embodiments include an automation control system that includes an input/output device module with a device bus therein. The input/output module also includes a first bus contact on a first side of the input/output device module and communicatively coupled with a first end of the device bus, and a second bus contact on a second side of the input/output device module and communicatively coupled with a second end of the device bus. The second side generally faces an opposite direction from the first side and the input/output device module is configured to be coupled with additional input/output device modules positioned on the first and second sides of the input/output device module via the first and second bus contacts.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nathan J. Molnar, David S. Wehrle, Douglas R. Bodmann, Robert J. Hager, Joseph G. Vazach, Robert J. Kretschmann, Gregg M. Sichner, Douglas A. Lostoski
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Patent number: 9716352Abstract: An electrical cord having improved safety features comprises a plug having a first body portion surrounding respective first ends of first, second, and third electrical wires. A live blade is in electrical communication with the first end of the first electrical wire. A neutral blade is in electrical communication with the first end of the second electrical wire. A ground pin receptacle is in electrical communication with the first end of the third electrical wire. A removable ground pin is configured to be removably secured within the ground pin receptacle to place the ground pin receptacle and third electrical wire in electrical communication with the ground pin. The first body portion surrounds and maintains the live blade, neutral blade, and ground pin receptacle in spaced apart orientation corresponding to sockets on an electrical outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Solid Ground Cords, LLCInventor: Lester Richard Gilliland
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Patent number: 9331441Abstract: An electrical power adapter has first and second prongs that are retractable and deployable. When the prongs are in the deployed position the adapter may be mated with a receptacle and when in the retracted position the adapter has a reduced physical size. A linkage couples the first prong to the second prongs such that the first and second prongs retract and deploy simultaneously. An actuation mechanism causes the prongs to have a first detent in the deployed position and a second detent in the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Mathieu P. Roy, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Vikas K. Sinha, Daniel Coster
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Patent number: 9184547Abstract: Provided is a plug conversion adapter which can easily open a shutter even in the case of a BF type AC power plug socket and can also be used in other types of AC power plug sockets. The interval between a pair of electrode pins can be controlled by operating a pair of first movable members, and thus the plug conversion adapter can be used in a larger number of types of AC power plug sockets. The interval between the pair of first movable members is restricted by a second movable member at a maximum, and thus a shutter can also be easily opened even in the case of an AC power plug socket that has a structure in which the shutter is opened by pushing both corners of the pair of electrode pin insertion openings.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: SHIROSHITA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Shiroshita, Hiroyuki Hiraide
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Patent number: 9106039Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
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Patent number: 8936490Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an adjustable power plug, which includes an insulating base, a pair of first pins, and a second pin. The insulating base has a main portion and a central portion movably engaged thereto. The main portion and the central portion are linearly movable with respect to each other. The first pins are disposed on the main portion, while the second pin is disposed on the central portion. When the main portion and the central portion are displaced with respect to each other, the second pin remains parallel to the first pins. The first and second pins may be arranged in an operating state or a non-operating state. The instant disclosure also discusses an electronic device having the adjustable power plug and a holder for accommodating the plug.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Hui Hsu
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Publication number: 20140141633Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting to ground and first and second signal lines includes a ground contact, a first signal contact, a second signal contact, and a switch connected to the first signal contact and the ground contact. The switch is biased “on” until after the first signal contact is connected to the first signal line, the ground contact is connected to the ground, and the second signal contact is connected to the second signal line. The switch, during connection of the connector to ground and first and second signal lines, is thereby automatically triggered to “off” during connection of the connector. If the first and second signal lines are differential signals, the switch, instead, electrically connects and disconnects the first signal contact to the second signal contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Howard H. Roberts, JR., James Allen Andrews, Chris D. Eckhoff, Randal A. Lee
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Patent number: 8342862Abstract: A power connector comprises a slidably positionable earth pin. The earth pin is able to be positioned in a travel, or small form factor and in an operational form factor. The housing of the connector comprises a member having a slot that defines a sliding path for the earth pin. The member also has two sets of grooves for receiving a set of spring loaded protrusions on the earth pin. The protrusions come to rest in one of the sets of grooves thereby defining a small form factor and an operational form factor.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Roland Konersmann, Andreas Kniesel
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Patent number: 8317527Abstract: An electrical plug with a user-replaceable prong, which includes a body and current-carrying prongs, at least one of which is removable. The removable prong includes a weakened portion positioned outside of the body when the removable prong is seated in the body of the plug. The weakened portion is designed to be the point at which the prong is most likely to break and is located so that the removable prong will be easy to remove from the body even after breaking.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Al Vitale
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Publication number: 20120122327Abstract: A power connector comprises a slidably positionable earth pin. The earth pin is able to be positioned in a travel, or small form factor and in an operational form factor. The housing of the connector comprises a member having a slot that defines a sliding path for the earth pin. The member also has two sets of grooves for receiving a set of spring loaded protrusions on the earth pin. The protrusions come to rest in one of the sets of grooves thereby defining a small form factor and an operational form factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLCInventors: Roland Konersmann, Andreas Kniesel
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Patent number: 7824195Abstract: A dual-mode electrical plug includes an insulating body formed with a channel and an elongate guiding aperture; a pair of conductive components disposed on the insulating body; a ground prong including a hollow prong body disposed in the channel and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and the prong body defining a wire containing space, the ground prong further including an operating part disposed on an outer surface of the prong body, the operating part extending through and being movable in the elongate guiding aperture so as to drive movement of the prong body; and a ground wire extending into the wire containing space and including a connecting end for connecting electrically to an inner surface of the prong body.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventors: Liang Yu, Chia-Ching Lee
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Publication number: 20100099282Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a dielectric housing having an interface being configured to receive a mating end portion of a mating connector. A plurality of receptacles is held by the housing. Each of the receptacles includes a ground shield and a center contact. Each center contact is configured to engage a corresponding electrical contact of the mating connector. An electrically conductive shell surrounds at least a portion of the housing. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) contact is held by the housing. The ESD contact includes a shell contact member and a plurality of ground contact members. The shell contact member is electrically connected to the shell. Each ground contact member is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the ground shields of the receptacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: John Joseph Consoli, Robert Neil Mulfinger, Richard Flof Hamner
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Publication number: 20090310324Abstract: An aircraft circuit breaker includes a housing and a conductive member coupled thereto. The conductive member has a first conductive portion structured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to a conductive panel and a plurality of second conductive portions with a plurality of openings therethrough. An electronic circuit cooperates with an operating mechanism to trip open separable contacts. The circuit includes printed circuit boards having a plurality of conductive pads defining a ground. Each conductive pad has an opening therethrough. Each of a plurality of threaded conductive fasteners includes a conductive end portion, a conductive shaft disposed from the conductive end portion, and a plurality of conductive threads disposed on the conductive shaft. A number of the conductive threads electrically and mechanically engage a corresponding second conductive portion at a corresponding one of the openings. The conductive end portion electrically engages a corresponding one of the conductive pads.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: Patrick W. Mills, Richard G. Benshoff, James M. McCormick
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Patent number: 7537169Abstract: A flash memory mass storage drive stores user files in a convenient credit card sized drive. Embodiments function as both a credit card and a mass storage drive. Communication may be through a host interface connector such as a USB connector, a magnetic interface, a smart card interface, and/or a near field communication interface. In certain embodiments the drive comprises a portion that is sufficiently thin to be swiped through a standard credit card, ATM, or point of sale device. The USB connector of the drive can easily be plugged into even a crowded receptacle of a host computing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: SanDisk CorporationInventors: Carlos Gonzalez, Edwin J. Cuellar, Joel Jacobs, Robert C. Miller, Ronald LaPedis
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Patent number: 7413790Abstract: An adhesive attachment is provided for securely mounting an attachment component such as a threaded stud or the like on the surface of a selected substrate, wherein the adhesive attachment provides an electrically conductive ground path for grounding the attachment component and/or a selected structure mounted thereto to the substrate. In one preferred form, the attachment component is a threaded element such as a stud or nut. Upon mounting of the attachment component on the substrate and subsequent connection of the threaded element to a mating threaded member, e.g., of the selected structure to be mounted onto the attachment component, a conductive ground pin is pressed into electrical contact with the substrate for grounding the attachment component and/or the selected structure mounted thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Physical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Hutter, III
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Patent number: 7160124Abstract: An electrical plug is disclosed with a slidable earth pin that can be manually positioned in a stored position in a plug body of the electrical plug when the electrical plug is not in use. The slidable earth pin is movable in the channel and retained by an interlocking mechanism between the earth pin and the channel on the plug body. The earth pin has a pair of protruding fingers that snap into a first set of grooves in the channel of the plug body in a first position, and that snap into a second set of grooves in the channel of the plug body in a second or stored position. When the earth pin is in its stored position, the physical dimension of the plug is significantly more compact than conventional three pin plugs.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Astec International LimitedInventor: Gurmeet S. Bhutani
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Patent number: 7121849Abstract: A customizably configurable electrical connector for electrically connecting a plurality of electrically conducting members through at least one electrically conducting ground plate. The ground plate is defined by a plurality of substantially parallel elongated, bendable fingers. Each finger is spaced from every other finger in the ground plate and may be independently bent toward the electrically conducting members to make electrical contact therewith. Preferably, the electrical connector includes a pair of ground plates oriented substantially in parallel, such that the fingers of each ground plate may be bent inwardly towards the opposite ground plate to both electrically and mechanically secure an electrically conducting member therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Samtec, Inc.Inventors: Brian Vicich, Edward Messer
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Patent number: 7114979Abstract: A conductive sheet in a socket comprises a conductive sheet body having a conductive terminal on the rear end and two parallel conductive pins on the front end with an inserting slot formed therebetween. One of the conductive pins is provided with a recess, ring or projection. When the conductive sheet of the plug is inserted to the inserting slot of the conductive sheet in the socket, the recess, ring or projection provided on one conductive pin in the conductive sheet body corresponds to the hole of the conductive sheet of the socket, such the hole of the conductive sheet is uncovered. A latching means within the socket can enter the hole of the conductive sheet through the recess, ring or projection to lock the conductive sheet of the plug. In this way, the plug cannot be drawn from the socket.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
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Patent number: 7052298Abstract: A compact traveling-use power adapter structure comprises primarily a casing and several adjustable adapting plugs. The adjustable adapting plugs are installed on two sides at the bottom of the lower casing, and rotate toward a common grounding terminator in the center of the adjustable adapting plugs, thereby achieving the object of storage or opening for use. The two adjustable adapting plugs contain adjustable contact terminators, respectively. In using the aforementioned structure, a power plug of an electronic product is directly inserted into the power adapter, after rotating and opening the adjustable adapting plugs at the bottom of the casing, and adjusting the position or angle of their contact terminators, thereby improving the practicability and convenience.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 7040931Abstract: An adapter for connecting a welding-type power source to various different input voltage signals is disclosed. The adapter comprises a body with a receptacle at one end which is connectable to a power cord of a welding-type power source and a plug at another end which is connectable with a number of different electrical outlet configurations. The body of the adapter is shaped to allow both the plug and a grounding prong of a connected power cord to engage the same outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Achtner, Jeffery J Gadamus
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Patent number: 6419504Abstract: A power cord connector engages a power outlet of the two wire or three wire types. The connector (plug) has a pair of spaced apart prongs in side by side parallel alignment and a grounding pin which is slidingly mounted within a recess in the connector body so as to be positionable between an extended position in parallel, spaced apart alignment with the prongs, and a retracted position fully enclosed within the recess. A biasing spring is positioned within the recess for urging the grounding pin into the extended position. A locking device includes a finger actuatable slide engaged with a tongue spring enabling the tongue to be moved into a locking position inhibiting retraction of the grounding pin.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: Richard Bryant Nelson
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Patent number: 6287131Abstract: A plug includes a housing having a compartment, a base mounted in the housing, two blades securely attached to the base, and a grounding prong that is electrically connected to an external grounding wire. The base includes an inner side facing the compartment of the housing and an outer side facing away from the compartment of the housing. A receiving member extends from the inner side of the base and locates in the compartment. The grounding prong includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the grounding prong is securely, releasably engaged with the base with the second end of the grounding prong extended out of the housing for use with a socket with a ground slot. The grounding prong is removably received in a receptacle of the receiving member when used with a socket without a ground slot.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: C. C. Deng
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Patent number: 6247941Abstract: A combination electric connector includes a socket unit and a plug unit, the socket unit having a set of plug blade receiving holes extended through a front side thereof for receiving the metal blades of an electric plug, two grounding prong receiving portions disposed at two opposite lateral sides thereof for receiving the grounding prong or grounding wire of an electric plug, a substantially U-shaped grounding metal plate installed in the grounding prong receiving portions and extended over a rear side thereof, two metal contact plates respectively mounted in the plug blade receiving holes and extended out of the rear side, the plug unit having a plurality of hooks and coupling flanges respectively fastened to the rear side of the socket unit, and a set of metal rod members respectively disposed in contact with the metal contact plates for connection to an electric socket.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventors: Chiu-Shan Lee, Shen Su-Chen Li
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Patent number: 6215671Abstract: A circuit board assembly is provided for electrically coupling together two or more circuit boards, with one circuit board oriented at an acute angle relative to the other circuit board. The assembly includes a first circuit board having a first edge and a plurality of connecting holes disposed therethrough adjacent the first edge. Each of the holes is electrically isolated from the others and each is electrically connected to electronic circuitry printed on the first circuit board. The assembly further includes a second circuit board having a first edge and a plurality of connecting holes disposed therethrough adjacent the first edge. Each of the holes of the second board is electrically isolated from the others and is electrically connected to electronic circuitry printed on the second circuit board. The assembly also includes a conductive support plate having a plurality of connecting legs extending therefrom along a first edge thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Garmin CorporationInventor: Robert M. Kalis
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Patent number: 6053750Abstract: A plug bridge for an electric appliance plug for connection of electric appliances to an outlet of an alternating current network, wherein the appliance plug is formed as a unit by the plug bridge joined to the end part of the appliance cord and enclosed by injection-molding, which unit consists of a form-stable insulating element for receiving and fixing the current conductor contact pins where the contact pins are integrated in insulating element apertures matching their cross section. The contact pins protrude relative to the plug bridge and the appliance plug sufficiently far for insertion in an electric outlet and are suited for connection, on lugs disposed inside the appliance plug contour and protruding relative to plug bridge plane, to the respective leads of the electric cord. The insulating element includes transverse to the plane of the contact pins a receiving aperture for insertion of an insert element supporting a ground prong.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Taller GmbHInventor: Thomas Waible
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Patent number: 5791921Abstract: A universal adapter includes: a casing combinable with a front cover and a rear cover having a pair of outlet sockets formed in the rear cover to output power, a first plug having a pair of rectangular-shaped pins slidably held in an upper chamber in the casing and operatively pushed or pulled by a pair of first seesaw buttons pivotally secured on two opposite sides of the first plug for a convenient extending or retraction of the first plug, whereby upon extending of the first plug, a rectangular-shaped pin of "grounding pin" will be simultaneously biased for its forward extending to form triple rectangular-shaped pins for connecting municipal power such as in England or Africa to be output through the pair of outlet sockets in the rear cover; a second plug having a pair of flat blades slidably held in a lower chamber in the casing and operatively pushed or pulled by a pair of second seesaw buttons for a convenient extension or retraction for connecting municipal power to the two outlet sockets; and a thirdType: GrantFiled: January 9, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: Anthony Lee
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Patent number: 5674083Abstract: An electrical connector (10) having an array of contacts (14) in housing (12), and including a conductive member (50) affixed to the housing to be nonengagingly adjacent the contacts and define spark gaps (80) therebetween such as at protrusions (58) along body section (52) of the conductive member (50). Board-mounting sections (56) extend from the conductive member and be received into mounting holes (36) of a circuit element (30) to establish a chassis ground connection, thereby establishing a continuing ESD arrangement for protection of circuits and components of an electronic apparatus when connected to another apparatus at an input/output port, and even when unmated.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Robert Neil Whiteman, Jr., Scott Stuart Smith
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Patent number: 5647766Abstract: A filtered electrical connector, comprising a plurality of removable contacts, a housing having first contact receiving passages therein into which the contacts are removably secured, and an outer metal shell in which the housing is secured. The connector including a capacitor array having a plurality of tube capacitors secured together. Each of the tube capacitors have a second contact receiving passage with a signal electrode therein. A resilient member to provide a releasable electrical connection from the contact to the signal electrode is disposed in the second passage. A continuous ground electrode is isolated from the signal electrode and completely surrounds the second passage. The ground electrode being electrically connected to the shell. The contacts are removable by releasing the retaining clip and sliding the contact out of the resilient member.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventor: Hung Thai Nguyen
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Patent number: 5641292Abstract: A dual-use electric plug including a base having vertical receiving chamber and a horizontal side hole, two blades fixedly and perpendicularly fastened to the front side of base for connection to the black wire and the white wire, a grounding prong supported on a spring inside the vertical receiving chamber and moved between the working position outside the vertical receiving chamber for connection to the grounding wire, and the non-working position inside the vertical receiving chamber, and a spring-supported press bar to hold the grounding prong in the working position, wherein the grounding prong can be moved back inside the vertical receiving chamber and retained in the non-working position by depressing the press bar and then releasing it.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventor: Jenn-Wang Fann
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Patent number: 5622509Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a 3-prong grounded electrical connector which has a flexible and resilient grounding prong. The resilient grounding prong helps to maintain the connector in mating engagement with an electrical receptacle when the connector is laterally disturbed.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Inventors: Ralph D. Smythe, Tony T. Brechtl
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Patent number: 5306164Abstract: A separable electrical connector with a housing formed of electrically insulating material includes an external grounding terminal anchor positioned in a grounding strip groove on the surface of the housing. The groove, in the form of an open-sided recess, receives and positions a suitably dimensioned grounding strip of electrically conductive material. The strip is coupled to the anchor by a screw fastener which engages mating screw threads formed in the anchor. One or more display surfaces surrounded by upstanding protective wall surfaces are formed on the exterior surface of the housing for the display of identifying indicia, and the base surf ace of the external grounding strip groove may be used as a display surface, if desired, in the absence of a grounding strip. The grounding terminal anchor may be made of electrically conductive material so that an anchored conductive grounding strip will be coupled to the housing both electrically and mechanically.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1993Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, David R. Jacobs, William E. McKinley, Janice E. Angrave
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Patent number: 4954091Abstract: A convertible ground safety plug is provided and consists of a grounding prong carried in an insulated housing. The ground prong can be moved between an active position projecting outwardly from the housing and an inactive position not projecting outwardly from the housing, so that the plug can be utilized for a three slot receptacle and a two slot receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1989Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Inventors: Steven C. Marble, Gary D. Marble
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Patent number: 4878852Abstract: A ground pin construction for an electrical device having a housing and prongs for insertion into an electrical socket, the housing including a boss having a bore therein for guiding the ground pin between extended and retracted positions, a flexible member attached to the ground pin and movable by a button which protrudes through the housing, cam surfaces on the housing which cause the elongated flexible member to ride over them as the ground pin is being moved to an extended position, and interengaging shoulders between the flexible member and the housing for retaining the ground pin in an extended position after the flexible member rides over the cam structure, the flexible member being deflectable by depressing on the button so that the flexible member can be disengaged from the shoulder on the housing and the ground pin can be moved to a retracted position by pushing on the button.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1988Date of Patent: November 7, 1989Assignee: Polytronics, Inc.Inventors: Jack E. Bertsch, Harold P. Kopp