Connector Movable Between Accessible And Inaccessible Positions Patents (Class 439/131)
  • Patent number: 11942743
    Abstract: The present invention may comprise: a body including a first plate facing a first direction, a second plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and at least one printed circuit board; and at least one receptacle disposed at the body to be connected to an external connector, wherein the receptacle comprises: a receptacle body which is connected onto the printed circuit board; a receptacle shell to which the external connector is connected and which is slidable in the receptacle body in a third direction vertically facing each of the first and second directions; a guide device which guides the sliding movement of the receptacle shell; a molded member which is coupled to the receptacle shell and configures a connection position of the external connector; and a connection structure which electrically connects the receptacle shell and the receptacle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byungmin Lee
  • Patent number: 11903156
    Abstract: A brush port assembly includes a bezel frame and a brush component. The bezel frame is comprised of an elongate body having first and second ends, a top surface, and an underside. The elongate body is formed as a generally enclosed shape that frames an opening, whereby the first and second ends are arranged in an end-to-end relationship with a gap therebetween. The brush component has a spine member from which a plurality of bristles extend. The spine member is secured to the underside of the elongate body such that the bristles substantially entirely cover the opening. The bezel frame is installable, without the aid of tools, along an exposed edge of a brush port opening in a surface of an electronic equipment enclosure. Additionally, the bezel frame is installable around a cable that passes through the brush port opening by maneuvering the cable through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston Ellis Hennrich, Jared Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 11889638
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a fixing frame, a first display device, and a second display device. The first display device is disposed on the fixing frame, and includes a first upper electrical connector. The second display device is disposed on the fixing frame, wherein the second display device includes a first lower electrical connector and a first lower receiving part. When the first upper electrical connector of the first display device is electrically connected to the first lower electrical connector of the second display device, the first upper electrical connector is disposed in the first lower receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: INNOLUX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chi-Liang Chang
  • Patent number: 11862910
    Abstract: A plug structure and an electronic device are provided. The plug structure includes a plug body and a plug. The plug body has an accommodating groove configured to accommodate the plug. The plug includes a rotating shaft and a plurality of pins. The rotating shaft is slidably arranged in the accommodating groove and is rotatable to at least a first position and a second position. When the rotating shaft is rotated to the first position, the plurality of pins is accommodated in the accommodating groove. When the rotating shaft is rotated from the first position to the second position, the plurality of pins protrudes out of the plug body from the accommodating groove. The plug structure and the electronic device are small in size and can be easily stored and carried around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Hongzhen Cai
  • Patent number: 11805614
    Abstract: An electrical arrangement (1), comprising a housing (2) having a housing opening (20), an electrical component (3) within the housing (20), a power supply connection (4), a contact protection cover (5), and a circuit breaker (6) which can be inserted into the housing (2), wherein, in the inserted state, the circuit breaker (6) connects the electrical component (3) to the power supply connection (4) and, in the withdrawn state, the circuit breaker (6) disconnects the connection, wherein the contact protection cover (5) can be fastened to the housing (2) in a locking position in which the contact protection cover (5) covers the housing opening (20), and wherein, in the inserted state, the circuit breaker (6) locks the contact protection cover (5) in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Yu Yan, Wei Zhu, Changhai Zhang, Rui Zhao
  • Patent number: 11787321
    Abstract: The vehicle seat includes a seat back 2 having a support surface 11, a recessed portion 28 that is provided on a back surface 12 of the seat back 2 opposite to the support surface 11 and formed to be recessed from the back surface 12 toward the inside of the seat back 2, and a socket 7 provided inside the recessed portion 28, to which an external device is connected, and which is provided on a surface inclined to face upward with respect to the back surface 12 of the seat back 2. The back surface 12 of the seat back 2 is provided with a socket housing 6 that is attached to a skin 13 of the seat back 2 and is formed to be recessed toward the inside of the seat back 2. A space inside the socket housing 6 is the recessed portion 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tohru Inagaki, Takumi Sato
  • Patent number: 11757288
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a switching system for a fixture includes a first switch unit with a first switch actuator and a first power cord with an integrally formed power connector at its distal end. The first switch unit has an electrical receptacle configured to receive a corresponding power connector of a cord electrically connected to the fixture. The electrical receptacle is electrically coupled to the first power cord through the first switch actuator to provide switching actuation to the fixture. The switching system may include a second switch unit that includes a second switch actuator and a second power cord with an integrally formed power connector at its distal end. The first and second switch units are connectable to provide a three-way switching electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: THE WIREMOLD COMPANY
    Inventor: James W. Forte
  • Patent number: 11688985
    Abstract: A modular electrical interconnect system for coupling electrical components of an electric vehicle. The interconnects include connectors configured to be coupled to one another to form a bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventor: Mark N. Bays
  • Patent number: 11670951
    Abstract: A mobile device charger includes a power converter circuit support structure, a power converter circuit, a first and second battery connectors, and an enclosure. The power converter circuit is disposed on the power converter circuit support structure. In one example, the power converter circuit support structure is a PCB (printed circuit board) and the battery connectors are battery clips. The PCB slides in and out of the enclosure providing quick access to electrical components of the charger. When a battery is inserted between the battery clips, the power converter generates an output charging supply usable to charge a mobile device. The PCB extends in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the battery thereby providing space for high-output power components without sacrificing form factor. The power converter circuit generates an output charging supply of at least two and four-fifths watts per cubic inch (2.8 W/in3) of the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Swaranjit Gill
  • Patent number: 11627677
    Abstract: A brush port assembly includes a bezel frame and a brush component. The bezel frame is comprised of an elongate body having first and second ends, a top surface, and an underside. The elongate body is formed as a generally enclosed shape that frames an opening, whereby the first and second ends are arranged in an end-to-end relationship with a gap therebetween. The brush component has a spine member from which a plurality of bristles extend. The spine member is secured to the underside of the elongate body such that the bristles substantially entirely cover the opening. The bezel frame is installable, without the aid of tools, along an exposed edge of a brush port opening in a surface of an electronic equipment enclosure. Additionally, the bezel frame is installable around a cable that passes through the brush port opening by maneuvering the cable through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston Ellis Hennrich, Jared Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 11622458
    Abstract: A brush port assembly includes a bezel frame and a brush component. The bezel frame is comprised of an elongate body having first and second ends, a top surface, and an underside. The elongate body is formed as a generally enclosed shape that frames an opening, whereby the first and second ends are arranged in an end-to-end relationship with a gap therebetween. The brush component has a spine member from which a plurality of bristles extend. The spine member is secured to the underside of the elongate body such that the bristles substantially entirely cover the opening. The bezel frame is installable, without the aid of tools, along an exposed edge of a brush port opening in a surface of an electronic equipment enclosure. Additionally, the bezel frame is installable around a cable that passes through the brush port opening by maneuvering the cable through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston Ellis Hennrich, Jared Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 11600998
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobile device charger. A mobile device charger, comprising a housing having a connector to a mobile device; an inner cavity configured to house one or more extensions, wherein the one or more power connectors are at least: a male USB connector, a male outlet plug connector, or a male cigarette lighter connector. The housing can comprise a cover, wherein the cover is configured to conceal the inner cavity of the housing. The mobile device charger is configured to have a retracted position and an extended configuration for the power connectors. The mobile device charger further comprising an extender fixture to secure the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Anthony Walker
  • Patent number: 11575226
    Abstract: The present application provides a pass-through plug, including: a first housing, comprising a plurality of sockets; a second housing, configured to be connected with the first housing; and a tamper resistant assembly, trapped between the first housing and the second housing and configured to selectively block the plurality of sockets when the plurality of sockets are not simultaneously operated. The provided pass-through plug can reduce the potential risk of people accidentally inserting conductive objects into the socket holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TXS INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Staci Mininger, Timothy Wayne Terleski, Meridith Martin
  • Patent number: 11515658
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electric shock-proof plug that comprises an insulating sleeve, a plug body, and a reset member. The plug body is movably disposed in the insulating sleeve. An inner wall of the insulating sleeve comprises a guiding groove, and an outer wall of the plug body comprises a sliding member movably coupled to the guiding groove. The sliding member moves in the guiding groove to drive the plug body to move between a high position and a low position. When the plug body moves to the low position, a connector of the plug body is exposed out of the insulating sleeve, and the reset member generates an elastic resetting force. When the plug body moves to the high position, the connector is retracted back into the insulating sleeve. A user will be prevented from getting an electric shock when unplugging the electric shock-proof plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Xiamen Longstar Lighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xilong Li
  • Patent number: 11444421
    Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed with retractable prongs to engage an outlet and obtain power therefrom, when extended, and be partially or entirely within the housing of the power adapter when retracted. To ensure safe operation, a channel is provided within the power adapter to accommodate the prongs when retracted and to accommodate the prongs travel as they pivot between extended and retracted. The channel is width-limited and/or has a length to make it impossible or, at least, exceptionally difficult for a human finger to come into contact with the prongs while the prongs are extended and sufficiently engaged with an outlet to obtain power therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Flex Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Wei Liang, Yungsung Chen, Jungchih Hsu
  • Patent number: 11404815
    Abstract: A scaled connector has a sealed plug and a sealed receptacle, each including a housing, support, bladder assembly, tagger assembly, and contacts coupled to the equipment. The bladder assembly includes an expandable bladder, and a seal plate earned by the expandable bladder between an expanded position about an opening in the housing and a contracted position a distance from the opening. The trigger assembly includes rod(s) extendable through the bladder and the seal plate. When the housing of the sealed receptacle is matingly connected to the housing of the sealed plug, the trigger assemblies extends through the seal plates and into triggered engagement with each oilier, a passageway through the seal plates are open, and the contacts of the sealed plug extend through the passageways and into engagement with the contact of the sealed receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Ormond Energy Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Srikanth Ramasubramanian
  • Patent number: 11394835
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for securing a portable storage device connected to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of a mufti-function device. The method includes determining if the portable storage device is unattended at the multi-function device for a pre-defined time. Based on the determination, a retraction assembly is activated to secure the portable storage device inside the multi-function device. Once the retraction assembly is activated, the retraction process starts where the portable storage device is retracted to a first position within the multi-function device. Then, the portable storage device is moved from the first position to a second position within the multi-function device. Thereafter, the portable storage device is detached, in the second position, from the USB port to a container of the retraction assembly to secure the portable storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivasarao Bindana, Dara N Lubin, Prasanth Kalaiselvan
  • Patent number: 11392531
    Abstract: Example of systems with rotatable port units are described. In an example, a system includes a control unit, a first port unit with a first set of ports coupled to the control unit, and a second port unit with a second set of ports coupled to the control unit. The second port unit is mounted on the first port unit and is rotatable with respect to the first port unit. The control unit is to enable a sub-set of ports from the second set of ports and the first set of ports based on a rotational position of the second port unit with respect to the first port unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ming-Fong Chou, Chang-Cheng Hsieh, Heng-Chang Hsu
  • Patent number: 11361858
    Abstract: A charging device for a physiological signal transmitter is disclosed. The charging device includes a transmitter placing seat, and a controlling module controlling an operation between the charging device and the physiological signal transmitter in a safe state. When the physiological signal transmitter is at the predetermined position, the locking portion unlocks the operating portion to perform one of driving the second electrical connecting port to move from the first position to the second position to electrically connect to the first electrical connecting port and driving the second electrical connecting port to move from the second position to the first position to electrically disconnect to the first electrical connecting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: BIONIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chieh-Hsing Chen, Chun-Mu Huang, Tung-Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 11350532
    Abstract: A portable data storage device that has a main housing, a data storage module mounted in the main housing, a first protective swivel, and a second protective swivel. The data storage module has a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first protective swivel is U-shaped and has two ends pivotally connected to the main housing. The second protective swivel is U-shaped and has two ends pivotally connected to the first protective swivel. The first protective swivel and the second protective swivel are not removed from the main housing before using the portable data storage device, thus preventing from being loss. The first protective swivel and the second protective swivel cover the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector respectively and protect the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Vinpower Inc.
    Inventors: Calvinson Chang, Stanley Chu, Chihhan Chou
  • Patent number: 11283224
    Abstract: An adapter mechanism includes an electrical adapter and an attachment device. The electrical adapter includes an adapter housing and a pair of conductive prongs. The adapter housing includes a first complementary connector, and the pair of conductive prongs is configured to be inserted into an electrical outlet. The attachment device includes a fixation aperture and a second complementary connector. The attachment device is configured to move relative to the adapter housing between a retracted position and an extended position. When the attachment device is in the retracted position, the second complementary connector is uncoupled from the first complementary connector. When the attachment device is in the extended position, the fixation aperture is extended out from the adapter housing and the second complementary connector is coupled to the first complementary connector to secure the attachment device in place at the adapter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Yao Wang, Yongjun Chen, Bin Shi
  • Patent number: 11231093
    Abstract: A gear train side latching mechanism may include a bracket having one or more guiding features, a handle mechanically coupled to the bracket via the one or more guiding features such that the handle is linearly movable with respect to the bracket, a rack mechanically coupled to the handle comprising a first plurality of gear teeth and configured to move linearly relative to the bracket in a fixed relation to the handle, a driving gear rotatably coupled to the bracket and comprising a compound circular spur gear having a second plurality of gear teeth on an outer diameter of the driving gear and a third plurality of gear teeth on an inner diameter of the driving gear, wherein the second plurality of gear teeth are mechanically coupled to the first plurality of gear teeth, and an actuator gear rotatably coupled to the bracket and comprising a fourth plurality of gear teeth mechanically coupled to the third plurality of gear teeth and further comprising one or more features configured to engage with a correspond
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Harris Di, Qingqiang Guo, Chen Zhao
  • Patent number: 11223171
    Abstract: A multifunctional plug, including a main body and a pin piece. The main body is provided with a holding slot for holding the pin piece. The pin piece includes a pin and a rotating shaft. The pin can rotate out of the holding slot with the rotating shaft as the rotating center, and the pin can extend into the slot of other plug and is conductive connection with the plug piece assembly of the other plug. The main body is provided with a first clamping portion, and further includes the first conductive spring piece fixed in the main body. A power adapter, including a multifunctional plug, other plug and a housing. The multifunctional plug is fixed on the housing, and the other plug is detachable and clamped on the multifunctional plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Deyong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11216026
    Abstract: A mainboard for a display panel has at least one socket for receiving a cable. The socket is rotatable between first and second orientations. This enables the socket to be oriented to face sideways if the display panel is mounted on a wall and to face rearwards if the display panel is not mounted on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI VE TICARET A.S.
    Inventors: Berkin Aksoy, Ferhat Özmen, Onur Akdemir
  • Patent number: 11211748
    Abstract: A network port connector ejection system includes a computing device connector that is connected to a network port connector. A retention device in the network port connector ejection system is configured to engage the network port connector to secure the network port connector to the computing device connector. A retention device release subsystem in the network port connector ejection system is coupled to the retention device and is configured to be actuated to release the retention device from engagement with the network port connector. A network port connector ejection subsystem in the network port connector ejection system is configured to engage the network port connector, while the retention device release subsystem is actuated to release the retention device from engagement with the network port connector, to disconnect the network port connector from the computing device connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Andrew Breedy
  • Patent number: 11196417
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10), with an at least partly electrically conductive control unit (12) which on an actuating surface (14) includes at least one capacitive actuating area (26), and a printed circuit board (20) associated to the control unit (12), which is spaced from the actuating surface (14) and comprises at least one electrode (34). The capacitive actuating area (26) comprises at least one sensor surface (24) provided on the actuating surface (14), which via at least one electrically conductive portion (28) of the control unit (12) and a press connection element (32) is electrically and directly connected with the at least one electrode (34) on the printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) and the control unit (12) are pressed against each other, wherein the press connection element (32) is mechanically connected with the electrode (34) and/or the electrically conductive portion (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Viktor Beliuzhenko, Leandro Conde
  • Patent number: 11121568
    Abstract: A selectable charging cable which may have a switch configured to permissively control the transmission of an electrical current between two internet connected, or electronically powered, devices. The switch may be connected to a connection member. The connection member may traverse into a retraction cavity inside of a casing and be optionally connected to a power prong, a data prong, or both. The power prong and the data prong may each have connector pins divided between them. The connector pins for the data prong may be used exclusively for data and the connector pins for the power prong may be used exclusively for power. The switch, being reversibly configurable between a retracted position and an unretracted position, may result in either the data prong, the power prong, or both prongs being incapable of connecting with an internet connected device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick Kealy, Rodney Houriani
  • Patent number: 11038311
    Abstract: A multi-functional charger includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a receiving cavity, a PCB, a two-phase mother plug, and a child plug. The receiving cavity is defined between the upper housing and the lower housing. An opening is defined in a side of the upper housing and the lower housing. The PCB is located in the receiving cavity. The multi-functional charger can use conducting member to couple to the PCB, the circuit may be more stability and more safety. It is easy to be assembled, and a various type of child plugs can be coupled to the mother plug. It is also easy to use with good user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN YONGMINSHANGDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Deyong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10992093
    Abstract: A universal adapter structure comprises a housing, a socket unit, a first plug unit and a second plug unit. The first and the second plug units have a rocking base, two plug terminals and a driving member, respectively. The rocking base is pivotally disposed on the housing, the two plug terminals are fixed on the rocking base, and the driving member is movably disposed on the housing. By pressing the driving member, the rocking base can be pivoted, thereby driving an outer end of the plug terminal to pivot toward a direction away from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: YANG JI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yueh-Ying Lee, Yueh-Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 10978842
    Abstract: A customizable power supply, including an AC adapter to convert an AC current to a DC current, an AC cord section, including an AC cord, an AC connector disposed on a first end of the AC cord to removably connect to a first end of the AC adapter, and a plug-receiving inlet disposed on a second end of the AC cord, and at least one plug removably connected to the plug-receiving inlet to connect to an electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Naimisha Mummidi
  • Patent number: 10886681
    Abstract: A power distribution system includes a track having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The track defines a channel extending along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of power cables is positioned within the channel. A electrical hub is movably coupled to the second end of the track. The electrical hub is electrically connected to the plurality of power cables and includes a power receptacle. The electrical hub is movable relative to the second end of the track to change a position of the power receptacle relative to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: Brian David Alexander, Peter James Keyzer, Jeffrey Dennis Roetman, Raymond Hugh Riner, Gordon Frank Chapman
  • Patent number: 10880626
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a connector device is connected to an electronic device. The connector device includes a signal processor, a switch, and a movable member. The signal processor processes a signal inputted from the electronic device or a signal outputted to the electronic device. The switch is ON when power supplied from the electronic device is used as a power supply for operating the signal processor. The movable member moves to a first position when the switch is ON and moves to a second position when the switch is OFF. The connector device is connectable to a power-supply-support electronic device and is not connectable to a power-supply-non-support electronic device when the movable member is at the first position. The connector device is connectable to the power-supply-support and power-supply-non-support electronic devices when the movable member is at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Nobuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10862238
    Abstract: An electrical plug or power adapter is described which includes a housing and a plurality of retractable prongs forming at least one retractable prong set. The prongs of each prong set are rotatable simultaneously between a retracted position in which the prongs are positioned within the housing and a deployed position in which the prongs extend out of the housing to be inserted into an electrical outlet. The electrical plug or adapter includes at least one gear-based driving mechanism coupled to a corresponding retractable prong set for driving the simultaneous rotation of the prongs of the prong set. The gear-based driving mechanism includes a driver accessible from the housing for actuation of the corresponding gear-based driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Cable Gear Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Faruq Syed Hasan
  • Patent number: 10811830
    Abstract: In a low-height connector combination, a duplex electrical connection socket includes: an insulation base having a tongue, and a metal housing formed with a connection slot. Heights of spaces of the connection surfaces are smaller than a large space of a standard socket having a minimum height and greater than a small space of the standard socket. A duplex electrical connection plug includes an insulation base, a metal housing and a fitting portion having two contact interface substrates and a fitting space. Heights of the contact interface substrates are smaller than a contact interface substrate of a standard plug having a minimum height and greater than the small space. The fitting portion can be bidirectionally inserted into the connection slot. Each of two fitting gaps of the fitting portion between the contact interface substrates and the connection surfaces of the tongue is smaller than 0.15 mm to form tight fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Chou Hsien Tsai
  • Patent number: 10797453
    Abstract: A multi-specification plug adapter, the multi-specification plug adapter comprises a first outer casing and a second outer casing assembled with each other. The second outer casing is provided with one or more than one socket hole; one or more than one slideable plug is located in the first outer casing. The plug is provided with a push button. The push button is located outside the first outer casing. The first plug pins or the second plug pins of the plug can be extended out of the first outer casing by pushing the push button. One set of or more than one set of corresponding shaft and shaft hole is located between the second outer casing and the first outer casing, the first outer casing can rotate against the second outer casing on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: DongGuan AHOKU Techland Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Tsai Wang, Jeng Je Pan, Chi Chiu
  • Patent number: 10790628
    Abstract: A power adapter has a solenoid actuated retaining latch controlled by an electronic circuit that detects the presence or absence of AC mains voltage. When the assembled AC-DC adapter and plug assembly are removed from the wall, the latch detects removal and unlocks the plug assembly for easy removal without undue force required by the user. The circuit is designed for minimal power consumption, and the solenoid only consumes power when it is engaging or disengaging the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Landwehr, James Lee, Craig Crawford, Andrew Bell, Samuel Duell
  • Patent number: 10770854
    Abstract: Methods of assembly are provided for an AC plug supporting foldable prongs. The AC plug includes: a cover including slots and prongs. In an extended position, the prongs are insertable in AC outlet receptacles and each prong contacts a spring mounted terminal that is coupled to a power circuit. In a retracted position, each prong is recessed in a slot of the cover and does not contact a spring mounted terminal. In the extended position, the coupling between each prong and the power circuit does not utilize wires. A first end of each spring mounted terminal is positioned on a contact pad of a printed circuit board (PCB) that connects the AC plug to the power circuit. A cap is fastened to the cover and secures the spring mounted terminals to the respective contact pads and secures the PCB and spring mounted terminal to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss, Priyank Jatin Gajiwala
  • Patent number: 10734823
    Abstract: A power supply device includes a first conversion module and a second conversion module. The first conversion module is adapted to convert a first alternating current into a first direct current and includes a first body, a first input portion having a first alternating current input terminal, a first output portion having a first output terminal, and a first coupling portion having a first coupling terminal. The first coupling terminal and the first output terminal are connected. The second conversion module is adapted to convert a second alternating current into a second direct current and includes a second body, a second input portion having a second alternating current input terminal, a second coupling portion having a second coupling terminal, a third coupling portion having a third coupling terminal, and a second output portion having a second output terminal. The second output terminal and the second coupling terminal are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Fu Chou
  • Patent number: 10707613
    Abstract: A foldable power plug assembly may include a lever-based mechanism for retracting the metal pins of the assembly such that they do not extend beyond a top surface of a base portion of the assembly and for subsequently extracting the pins from the base portion. When a force is applied to a first pin in a folding direction while the assembly is in a deployed state, the lever-based mechanism may be configured to retract both the first and second pins toward their respective fully retracted positions. When a force is applied to the first pin in an unfolding direction while the assembly is in a retracted state, the mechanism may be configured to unfold both the first and second pins toward their respective fully deployed positions. and extend them to their fully deployed positions. The lever-based mechanism may be simple and intuitive to operate using a single hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Hang Du, Tiong Chee Benedict Tay, Yu Weng Alvin Sitoh, Toshiyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10700484
    Abstract: An AC (Alternating Current) plug for providing power via a power circuit is assembled by: selecting a cover that includes prongs and structures on an inner side; positioning a PCB (printed circuit board) that includes contact pads connecting the PCB to the power circuit on structures of the inner side of the cover; positioning the spring mounted terminals on structures on the inner side of the cover such that a first end of each spring mounted terminal is positioned on a contact pad of the PCB; positioning a cap on the spring mounted terminals, the PCB and the cover, such that assembly holes of the cap, the PCB and the cover are aligned; and fastening the cap to the cover, such that the first end of each spring mounted terminal is secured against a respective contact pad and each spring mounted terminal is loaded and exerts a force against a prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss, Priyank Jatin Gajiwala
  • Patent number: 10665995
    Abstract: Described herein is a use-limiting connector for limiting use of an electrical tool. The use-limiting connector comprises a plurality of electrical circuits each having an electrical resistance different than any other of the plurality of electrical circuits. Each electrical circuit of at least two of the plurality of electrical circuits corresponds with a different use of a plurality of uses of the use-limiting connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: ATL TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Bailey Strong, Guan Hua Yang, John Carl Holloway
  • Patent number: 10653018
    Abstract: An independently powered interactive device holder is provided. In various embodiments, the holder may comprise a multi-prong bracket configured to securely hold an interactive device. In various embodiments, the holder may also comprise a power supply that is simultaneously connected to an AC plug (which in various embodiments may be foldable between a deployed position and a stowed position) and a tethered power cable and device plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: 360 Electrical, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brandon Eshelman, Cameron Bigler, Adam Boushley
  • Patent number: 10651587
    Abstract: An automatic ejection mechanism of a connecting device includes an outer shell defining an accommodating space and including a rear cover covering a rear end of the accommodating space, a connector slidably received within the accommodating space, a fastening assembly located between the connector and the rear cover, and a resilient member located between the connector and the rear cover. The resilient member drives the connector to slide toward an opening of a front end of the accommodating space. The connector is received within the accommodating space by being fastened to the connector. The connector is ejected out of the opening of the front end by releasing the fastener from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ze-Min Wu, Zhan-Sheng Lu, Yu-Chun Sun
  • Patent number: 10553998
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a transmission medium; a first duplex electrical connection plug comprising: an insulation base; a metal housing; and a fitting portion provided with two contact interface substrates and a fitting space, wherein the two contact interface substrates are provided with two contact interfaces each being electrically connected to the transmission medium and provided with two rows of vertically elastically movable contacts arranged in a front-low and rear-high manner, and the two contact interface substrates are smaller than a contact interface substrate of a standard electrical connection plug having a minimum height specification specified by USB Association, and greater than a small space of a standard electrical connection socket having a minimum height specification specified by USB Association; and a duplex electrical connection structure provided with a connection portion having upper and lower connection surfaces provided with contact interfaces electrically connected to the t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Chou Hsien Tsai
  • Patent number: 10535965
    Abstract: An AC (Alternating Current) plug for providing power via a power circuit is assembled by: selecting a cover that includes prongs and structures on an inner side; positioning a PCB (printed circuit board) that includes contact pads connecting the PCB to the power circuit on structures of the inner side of the cover; positioning the spring mounted terminals on structures on the inner side of the cover such that a first end of each spring mounted terminal is positioned on a contact pad of the PCB; positioning a cap on the spring mounted terminals, the PCB and the cover, such that assembly holes of the cap, the PCB and the cover are aligned; and fastening the cap to the cover, such that the first end of each spring mounted terminal is secured against a respective contact pad and each spring mounted terminal is loaded and exerts a force against a prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss, Priyank Jatin Gajiwala
  • Patent number: 10476222
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plug-integrated adaptor that improves usability of a power strip by reducing interference with adjacent plugs when the adaptor is used in the power strip. A plug-integrated adaptor includes a case body having an open side and a printed circuit board therein, a case base provided to cover the open side of the case body and including a first side extending in a first direction and a second side having a length shorter than a length of the first side, a plug having a pair of pins arranged in a second direction and a plug case protruding from the case base and extending in the second direction, and a connecting member coupled to the pin of the plug and connecting the plug to the printed circuit board. The plug case extending in the second direction is inclined at an angle with a range of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to the case base extending in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-Jun You, Young Soo Kim, Gil Yong Chang
  • Patent number: 10445532
    Abstract: A USB media storage device includes a housing and USB flash drive mounted in the housing. A faceplate is mounted to the housing to indicate the content stored on the USB flash drive. The media stored on the USB flash drive is copy protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10401385
    Abstract: A method of testing an integrated circuit of a device is described. Air is allowed through a fluid line to modify a size of a volume defined between the first and second components of an actuator to move a contactor support structure relative to the apparatus and urge terminals on the contactor support structure against contacts on the device. Air is automatically released from the fluid line through a pressure relief valve when a pressure of the air in the fluid line reaches a predetermined value. The holder is moved relative to the apparatus frame to disengage the terminals from the contacts while maintaining the first and second components of the actuator in a substantially stationary relationship with one another. A connecting arrangement is provided including first and second connecting pieces with complementary interengaging formations that restricts movement of the contactor substrate relative to the distribution board substrate in a tangential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Scott E. Lindsey, Junjye Yeh, Jovan Jovanovic, Seang P. Malathong
  • Patent number: 10404010
    Abstract: A modular approach to an electrical power and/or signal passing utility module is presented. A universal receptacle is fixedly disposed in bores in both of first and second signal connector blocks. A threaded socket member and a nonconductive guide bushing are installed, as needed, in receptacles in the first block, and a threaded pin member is installed in corresponding receptacles in the second block. The nonconductive guide bushing insulates the sockets, and guides pin posts into the socket as the two blocks abut. A compliant member such as an o-ring provides compliance of the socket and pin assemblies in the signal connector blocks, making the assemblies self-aligning. The socket and pin assemblies are field-replaceable by use of a simple tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ATI INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: William G. Berrocal, Paul Luczka
  • Patent number: 10312704
    Abstract: A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniele De Iuliis, Andrew Bert Hodge, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Stanley Carl Ng, Eric W. Anderson, Anthony M. Fadell