Abstract: A USB plug comprises a shell, a stationary port, upper and lower sliders and a levering device. The shell has an opening formed at a front end thereof and two pairs of terminal pins connected at a rear end thereof. The stationary port extending horizontally is fixed at a middle of the rear end of the shell, each side of the port being provided with two pairs of contacts in electrically connection with the terminal pins. The upper and lower sliders respectively have first sides thereof facing towards each other and second sides thereof being slidable along upper and lower sidewalls of the shell, each one slider having two metal contacts provided on the first side thereof corresponding to the contacts of the stationary port. The levering device is operatively provided between the upper and lower sliders in order to alternately shift the upper and lower sliders by means of an external intrusion force exerted on one of the upper and lower sliders.

Abstract: An electronic device having a car power plug is adapted for insertion into a car cigarette lighter socket to obtain power therefrom. The electronic device includes a housing, a first input terminal disposed in the housing, a second input terminal disposed in the housing, a first insert plate, and a conducting member. The first insert plate is disposed on the housing, and includes an insulating body dimensioned with reference to the lighter socket, and a conducting portion provided on one side of the insulating body. The conducting portion is connected electrically to the second input terminal, and is adapted to contact an inner wall surface of the lighter socket. The conducting member is provided at a front end of the first insert plate and is connected electrically to the first input terminal. The conducting member is adapted to abut against a bottom end of the lighter socket.

Abstract: An expandable power and data center (300) is mounted to a work surface (332), and includes a front face surface (302). Extending outwardly from an aperture (338) within the face (302) are power receptacles (310) and data ports (312). A housing (322) extends rearwardly of the front face (302) and includes a bracket mount (340). The bracket mount (340) is formed by the rear portion (330) of the housing (322) having a central portion (348) intermediate a set of L-slots (342). The L-slots (342) releasably engage various configurations of mounting brackets (350, 390) for use in mounting the power and data center (300) to various types of surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible input/output (I/O) connection system comprises an electronic device having a housing with at least one I/O window for receiving a connection to an external device, and a hub disposed in the housing and having a plurality of I/O connectors, the hub movable within the housing to position a select one of the plurality of I/O connectors in the I/O window.

Abstract: A portable memory device supporting a plurality of interfaces includes a body, a first connector disposed on an end of the body, a slider adjacent to the body so as to slide back and forth between a first position exposing the first connector and a second position covering the first connector, a second connector disposed on an end of the slider to connect the portable memory device to another electronic device via an interface different from an interface that the first connector supports, and a memory disposed inside the body and connected to the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cable, connector and keying system that support conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals on a first end and a second connector associated with the cable and system is operative in at least two mechanical positions. Based upon the selected mechanical position, the cable is configured to allow certain functions and/or prohibit certain functions. For example, when the connector is in a first position, it may desirable to connect an accessory device to the mobile telephone through the cable. However, when the connector is in a second position, it may be desirable to prevent the user from connecting the accessory device to the mobile telephone because, for example, when the cable is operating in the configured mode damage may occur to the accessory device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a memory card that includes two or more connectors that conform to different connector standards. In one embodiment, the first connector conforms to a device communication connector (DCC) standard to facilitate direct coupling of the memory card to a portable device such as a voice recorder, a digital video camcorder, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a video game, a digital television, a photo printer, or the like. The second connector may comprise a host computer connector (HCC) for direct coupling to a computing device without an adapter or reader.

Abstract: A flash memory device (8) includes a memory module (2), a screw (3), a gear (4) and a case (1). The memory module (2) has a plug (22) formed at one end thereof. The screw (3) has a first end (30) and a second end (31) opposite to the first end (30). The first end (30) is mounted on the memory module (2). The gear (4) is positioned on the screw (3) and is rotatable relative to the screw (3). The case (1) includes a receiving cavity for receiving the memory module (2), and a first inner case (10) with a first rack (1002) engaging with one side of the gear (4). The first rack (1002) extends along a length direction of the case (1). The memory module (2) has a second rack (2011) engaging with another side of the gear (4). The second rack (2011) extends along the length direction too. The screw (3) is located between the first rack (1002) and the second rack (2011).

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) modem device includes a body member and a flip member. The flip member includes an antenna element and is rotatably coupled to the body member for movement about a hinge axis between a closed position and an open position. A USB connector is movably mounted in the body member for movement between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body member. A linkage mechanism in the body member couples the flip member and the USB connector so that movement of the flip member between the open position and the closed position moves the USB connector between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a first member, a second member and an account identifier. The first member defines a window. The second member is substantially enclosed within the first member and depicts a first image and a second image. The second member is selectively movable relative to the first member between a first position, in which the first image is viewable through the window, and a second position, in which the second image is viewable through the window. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record and is machine readable. The account identifier is at least one of connected to and substantially enclosed within the first member. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a memory, a housing, an electrical connector and an account identifier. The housing encloses the memory. The electrical connector is securely electrically coupled with the memory and is configured to be selectively received by a socket of a computing device such that the computing device can access the memory via the electrical connector. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, the account identifier being machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the account or record using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A docking station is provided which includes a housing having a receptacle bay and an electrical connector disposed within the receptacle bay. The receptacle bay of the docking station may be configured to receive a plurality of types and/or sizes of portable media players or storage devices therein. The electrical connector may be configured to transmit digital signals from and/or to the portable media player or storage device. The docking station may also include a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the electrical connector relative to the receptacle bay. A user interface may be provided for controlling the digital signals. Additionally, the docking station may also include an audio output port, a video output port, a USB port, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the docking station may also include a speaker assembly and/or a video assembly to receive digital signals from the portable media player or storage device.

Abstract: Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention includes a portable flash memory drive with a simplified mechanism, based upon the resilient properties of the material used to create the parts, for reliable extension and retraction of the device's interface plug. The portable flash memory drive is comprised of a metal housing (or case), a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, PCB support, PCB assembly end cap, an upper, and lower housing, and in some embodiments a fingerprint sensor and/or key ring assembly. The press/push switch mechanism is located on either the side of the portable flash memory device, or the top; and relies upon the resilient properties of the material used to create the metal housing or end cap, to create a smooth, locking mechanism for the extension or retraction of the interface (i.e., USB or firewire) plug.

Abstract: A method for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The method is implemented via an apparatus that enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a casing, a plug, a fixing plate, a circuit board and a first retaining part. The casing has a support member and multiple perforations. The plug has a rotating shaft and multiple pins. The pins are mounted on the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is pivotally supported on the support member such that the pins are rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft. The pins are substantially perpendicular to the casing when the pins are rotated to a first position. The pins are received in the perforations when the pins are rotated to a second position. The fixing plate is disposed on the support member. The circuit board includes multiple contact elements corresponding to the pins. The first retaining part is engaged with or sustained against an engaging part of the rotating shaft, thereby positioning the pins of the plug in the first position.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a casing, a plug, a retaining element and a resilient element. The casing has multiple support members and multiple receiving parts. The plug has a rotating shaft and multiple pins. The rotating shaft includes a ratchet tenon and is pivotally supported on the support members. The pins are substantially perpendicular to the casing when the pins are rotated to the first position. The pins are received in the receiving parts of the casing when the pins are rotated to the second position. The retaining element includes a ratchet part. The resilient element is contacted with or sustained against the retaining element for providing a restoring force on the retaining element. The ratchet part is engaged with the ratchet tenon of the rotating shaft due to the restoring force, so that the pins are automatically fixed in either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer comprises a chassis and a connection system. The connection system has a plurality of different connector receptacles. The connection system is configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a housing having a receptacle for at least one semiconductor die, a terminal carried by the housing and operably coupled to the at least one semiconductor die, an attached cover, and operation indicators. In one position, the cover encompasses and protects the terminal, and in another, the terminal is exposed for use. The operation indicators are positioned on the device housing so as to be visible to the user regardless of the orientation of the electronic device when installed in the port of a compatible electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a casing, a plug, a fixing plate, a circuit board and a first retaining part. The casing has a support member and multiple perforations. The plug has a rotating shaft and multiple pins. The pins are mounted on the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is pivotally supported on the support member such that the pins are rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft. The pins are substantially perpendicular to the casing when the pins are rotated to a first position. The pins are received in the perforations when the pins are rotated to a second position. The fixing plate is disposed on the support member. The circuit board includes multiple contact elements corresponding to the pins. The first retaining part is engaged with or sustained against an engaging part of the rotating shaft, thereby positioning the pins of the plug in the first position.

Abstract: A plugtype power supply unit includes an enclosure, a plug portion secured thereto, and a low-voltage cord extending from said enclosure. Each cross-sectional configuration of said enclosure with said plug portion corresponds to and does not exceed the cross-sectional configuration of a plug face of an American type plug according to the NEMA 1-15P standard. A switch mode power supply circuit mounted on a PCB is built into said enclosure, said switch mode power supply circuit includes a transformer for power converting and a capacitor for regulating an input voltage, a central axis of said capacitor is disposed parallel to the direction of said PCB.

Abstract: A structure for permitting connectors to be passed through a support from back to front is herein disclosed. The structure includes a channel formed in the support from a rear surface to a front surface. A connector passed through the channel may be coupled to a terminal disposed on the front surface of the support.

Abstract: The invention provides an input/output port (I/O port) switch structure of an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a motherboard, and an opening is installed on a predetermined position of the electronic device. The switch structure is installed on the motherboard of the electronic device and a corresponding opening is installed on a side of the electronic device. The I/O port switch structure comprises a base and an operation unit, wherein the base is electrically connected to the motherboard and is used for installing a plurality of I/O ports with different functions. The operation portion is connected to the base to let the base perform a rotating motion at a predetermined angle, and the user can therefore switch and use the required I/O port by operating switch elements.

Abstract: An electrical device with a retractable plug has a body and a plug-moving assembly. The body has a chamber, a partition and a plug. The partition is formed in the chamber, separates the chamber into a plug chamber and an electronics chamber. The plug chamber has a longitudinal sidewall, a slot and an opening. The longitudinal sidewall is disposed parallelly with the partition and has an inner surface. The slot is formed through the longitudinal sidewall. The opening is formed through the end wall. The plug-moving assembly is mounted in the plug chamber and connects to the plug to selectively retract the plug into the plug chamber. Therefore, the plug of the electrical device may be selectively retracted to prevent prong damage, improve safety and aesthetics of design.

Abstract: A memory card (100) includes a main body portion (1) and a rotatable portion (2) connected by a pair of hinges (3) to rotate around an axis extending across a width of the memory card. A conductive member (12) includes a base (121) retained in the main body portion (1) to form a SD card interface and an extension (122) extending beyond the main body portion to form a USB plug interface. The rotatable portion has a pair of slots (2117), a pair of coiled springs (24) and a slider (22) movably received in the slots. The slider (22) includes a locking projection (2215) mating with a distal end (123) of the extension at a closed position and abutting against the distal end to expose the second interface at an opened position.

Abstract: A movable terminal connecting mechanism of an electrical appliance includes a support part, a carrier part and a first terminal block. The support part is fixed within a frame body of the electrical appliance and includes at least one first retaining structure. The carrier part includes at least one second retaining structure corresponding to the first retaining structure. The carrier part is moved with respect to the support part when the second retaining structure is moved with respect to the first retaining structure. The first terminal block is fixed on the carrier part to be coupled with an external cable. The first terminal block is either partially exposed outside the entrance of the frame body to implement a wiring task of wiring the first terminal block with the external cable, or stored in a receptacle of the frame body.

Abstract: A rotatable plug includes a plug body, a rotatable base and at least two conductive terminals. One end of the plug body has an accommodating space. The plug body is provided with a penetrating hole to make the plug body to form a hollow annular body. The rotatable base is rotatably provided in the accommodating space of the plug body. The two conductive terminals are provided on the rotatable base. The two conductive terminals rotate together with the rotatable base to the outside of the plug body or are accommodated in the plug body. Via this arrangement, the conductive terminals can be avoided from getting inclined or suffering damage by the impact or compression during transportation. Further, it is convenient for the user to put his/her finger in the hollow annular body to pull out the plug.

Abstract: Non-volatile data memory cards, flash drives and other memory devices are customized by manufacturing core memory units all the same and then covering them by outer skins which may be made to have different appearances and/or tactile characteristics. The skins are slid over the core memory units by hand from one end. End users of such memory devices may then select how they will look and feel by separately purchasing covers. Sellers of such memory devices may more easily control how their products look and feel.

Abstract: The present invention is an accessory jack for use in an interior panel of an automobile, having a rotating assembly, including two or more sides. An accessory jack is operably associated with the rotating assembly and a pivot point. In a first embodiment, the pivot point is located in the center of the rotating assembly equidistant from the two or more sides, along a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment, the pivot point is located where one of the two or more sides connects to another of the two or more sides, along a substantially vertical axis. The rotating assembly rotates about the pivot point, exposing the accessory jack, making the accessory jack available for use.

Abstract: A new rotary receptacle assembly comprises a frame assembly and a drum assembly journaled to the frame assembly so that the drum assembly may rotate relative to the frame assembly. Mounted to the drum assembly is at least one receptacle. A motor assembly may be mounted to one of the frame assembly and the drum assembly for imparting rotary motion to the drum assembly relative to the frame assembly. A clutch assembly disposed on the frame assembly or the drum assembly is coupled to motor assembly. A sensor assembly is mounted on the drum assembly and operably coupled to the motor assembly via a rotation control circuit for preventing the motor assembly from operating when an object is detected by the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a multiple-connector apparatus. The multiple-connector apparatus can be retracted into the computer system.

Abstract: A rotatable plug with a fixable converter includes a lower case having two through holes formed therein, two plug receiving slots opened in one end and two openings formed between the plug receiving slots; a plug having a longer end to be inserted into the through holes in the lower case, wherein the longer end of the plug is received in the plug receiving slots in the lower case when the plug is rotated to a hidden position; a locking member placed on the lower case and having two hook locks formed on the lower surface thereof; a fixing member having two clamping fixtures formed on the lower surface thereof to clamp the plug; and a converter having two hooks formed on the upper surface thereof, wherein the hooks pass through the openings in the lower case and then are locked by the hook locks of the locking member.

Abstract: Non-volatile data memory cards, flash drives and other memory devices are customized by manufacturing core memory units all the same and then covering them by outer skins which may be made to have different appearances and/or tactile characteristics. The skins are slid over the core memory units by hand from one end. End users of such memory devices may then select how they will look and feel by separately purchasing covers. Sellers of such memory devices may more easily control how their products look and feel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a memory card including a first connector that conforms to a first connection standard and a second connector that conforms to a second connection standard. The connectors are provided on a movable member disposed within a housing of the memory card. The movable member may be moved between a first position, in which the first connector is exposed, and a second position, in which the second connector is exposed.

Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. A positioning device on the middle carrier has a portion that protrudes outside the casing and operates like a button. The location of the positioning device where the button is located has two key attributes. First, there is a protrusion that acts as a lock with the casing. Second, the area below the button is not rigid and so it gives way when pressure is applied to the button. The top and bottom casings provide a casing structure which includes two detents. One detent is for locking the device with the connector in the extended position, and one detent for locking the device with the connector retracted in the in position. This allows for just one press of the extended portion of the positioning device to unlock it from its present position. When the device reaches its new position it will automatically lock.

Abstract: A low-profile Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) assembly includes a modular USB core component that is mounted into a swivel casing. The modular USB core component includes a PCBA in which all passive components and unpackaged IC chips are attached to a single side of a PCB opposite to the metal contacts. The IC chips (e.g., USB controller, flash memory) are attached to the PCB by wire bonding or other chip-on-board (COB) technique. The passive components are attached by conventional surface mount technology (SMT) techniques. The swivel casing includes a holder that is pivotably mounted into an external housing by way of a pivot pin. The pivot pin is either a separate structure that is inserted into holes formed in the holder and housing, or is integrally formed on the holder.

Abstract: A thumb drive has an elongated housing enclosing a coupled memory and male USB connector constrained on a translation mechanism in the direction of the long dimension of the housing, with an opening at a first end of the housing through which the male USB connector may extend and retract, a cover hinged at a second end opposite the first end of the housing, the cover shaped to fold over the housing when closed and having an extension that covers the opening for the connector at the first end of the housing, and a mechanism coupling the cover and the USB connector such that the cover being rotated from the closed position extends the USB connector from the opening, the connector fully extended with the hinged cover fully rotated open.

Abstract: A thumb drive has an elongated housing enclosing a coupled memory and male USB connector constrained on a translation mechanism in the direction of the long dimension of the housing, with an opening at a first end of the housing through which the male USB connector may extend and retract, a cover hinged at a second end opposite the first end of the housing, the cover shaped to fold over the housing when closed and having an extension that covers the opening for the connector at the first end of the housing, and a mechanism coupling the cover and the USB connector such that the cover being rotated from the closed position extends the USB connector from the opening, the connector fully extended with the hinged cover fully rotated open.

Abstract: An electronic device including a movable hatch with an integrated connector system that moves between an open and closed position. The connector system includes one or more connector receptacles that are hidden within the electronic device when the hatch with integrated connector system is in the closed position. The connector receptacles are exposed for use when the hatch with integrated connector system is in the open position.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed. The data storage device includes a continuous band, and a memory device assembly disposes within the continuous band. The continuous band defines an internal housing recess formed by opposing sides extending between first and second major surfaces, and an access window formed in one of the first and second major surfaces and communicating with the internal housing recess. In this regard, the memory device assembly is disposed in the internal housing recess, and a flexing of the continuous band exposes a data/power port of the memory device assembly through the access window.

Abstract: A connection system for a mobile device. The connection system configured to couple a cable that is external to the mobile device to an internal portion of the mobile device through a plug of the cable. The connection system includes a collapsible port, in which the collapsible port is configured to receive a plug of a cable only when the collapsible port is in an open position, and the collapsible port cannot receive a plug of a cable when the collapsible port is in a partially closed or closed position.

Abstract: A USB memory device includes a circuit board, a connector, and a one-piece housing. The circuit board includes opposed major faces having a plurality of electrical contacts and a memory chip disposed on one of the major faces. The USB connector is coupled to a first end of the circuit board. The one-piece housing is over-molded over the circuit board and a portion of the connector, such that an interior of the one-piece housing contacts an entirety of the opposed major faces including the plurality of electrical contacts and the memory chip.

Abstract: A power adaptor equipped with multi-plug and multi-outlet comprises more than one different specification plug and more than one different specification outlet. The respective plugs can be pushed out of a body of the adapter via a rotary pillar. The rotary pillar is disposed in the center of an area defined by the different specification plugs and is rotatable relative to the respective plugs. The surface of the rotary pillar has helical grooves, each plug a flange toward a corresponding groove in the rotary pillar, and the flange can slide into and along the corresponding helical groove.

Abstract: An electronic connecting device includes a plate defining an opening therein, a connector for being movable along the opening, a controller for shifting the connector to different height positions.

Abstract: A rotating mechanism is disclosed, which includes a first component formed with a first opening and a first retention portion disposed on one edge of the first opening; a second component formed with a second opening to correspond to and stack up with the first opening to form an action hole, a second retention portion disposed on one edge of the second opening corresponding to the first opening; and a fastening member having a connecting portion and an elastic hooking portion, wherein the connecting portion couples to one edge of the action hole and the elastic hooking portion penetrates through the action hole to hook onto the other edge of the action hole, thereby rotating the second component to couple to the first component. The invention further provides an improved USB hub having the rotating mechanism that includes first and second rotating bodies each having connecting ports disposed thereon for coupling to the first and second components respectively.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an enclosure, a male member, a female member, and an operating member. The enclosure defines an opening in an end thereof. The female member is slidably mounted in the enclosure, and includes a housing defining a plurality of through holes. The male member is fixed in the enclosure, and includes a plurality of pins passing through the through holes of the housing respectively. The operating member is connectable to the female member to be controlled to make the housing of the female member move out of the opening of the enclosure to allow the electrical connector to act as a female type connector; or to make the housing to be retracted in the enclosure, such that the pins extend out of the through holes of the housing to allow the electrical connector to act as a male type connector.

Abstract: A charger unit for an electronic device that includes a housing, a plurality of charging contacts provided on the housing, and a recess provided in the housing, preferably on a rear face thereof. A plug having a plurality of prongs may be selectively attached to and detached from the housing for electrically connecting the charger unit to a source of charging current. When attached to the housing, one or more of the prongs of the plug are electrically connected to a respective one of the charging contacts. In addition, a plurality of storage sockets are provided in the housing within the recess. Each of the storage sockets are adapted to receive and hold therein a respective one of the prongs of the plug to enable the plug to be safely and securely stored when not in use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a batter contact assembly having a compact profile for efficient use of space and reliable battery connections. In one embodiment, the assembly is of unitary construction with hinges and engagement mechanism to facilitate installation of the assembly into a device requiring battery power.

Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. There are guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position. There is also a metal spring clip coupled to the middle carrier for contacting a connector of a device coupled to the drive to provide for improved EMI and ESD protection.

Abstract: A portable storage device box includes a cover, a hard disk in the cover, a transfer module and a control circuit in the cover. The cover comprises an upper cover, a base portion and a cutout. The transfer module comprises a spool, a telescopic plug, a control button and a clockwork device towed by the cable. The control circuit connects the hard disk to the transfer module. The plug comprises an electric connector and a cable connecting the electric connector and winded on the spool. When the electric connector is drawn out the clockwork device would be towed by the cable and be fixed by pressing the control button once, and if the control button is pressed once again, the clockwork device would be released to restore with drawing the plug back.