Connector Movable Between Accessible And Inaccessible Positions Patents (Class 439/131)
  • Patent number: 7425132
    Abstract: A power adaptor of the present invention has a single power cable connecting between an adaptor body and an electric device. The power cable can be conveniently retrieved or dispensed by a cable winder for easy management. The plug for plugging into a power source is directly installed on the adaptor body. The prongs of the plug is mounted on a sliding rail inside the adaptor body so that the prongs can be stuck out for plugging or completely retracted inside the adaptor body for transportation or storage. Conducting plates are provided along the sliding rail so that the prongs are always in reliable contact with the conducting plates for the conduction of electricity to the electric member inside the adaptor body. When the prongs are fully exposed or when the prongs are completely concealed, the prongs are securely locked to the adaptor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventors: Hsien-Lin Yang, Ming-Yi Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080220636
    Abstract: Charging or recharging a capacitor powers a USB key. The capacitor is connected to the USB plug. Inserting the key in a powered device charges or recharges the capacitor. Alternatively, the capacitor is connected to the USB plug and a rotatable generator electrically is connected to the capacitor. A sliding gear having teeth engages with complimentary teeth of the generator. A spring disposed at each end of the sliding gear to restrain the sliding movement of the gear. Movement of the sliding gear kinetically charges or recharges the capacitor. The USB key can include the capacitor alone or the kinetic arrangement or the combination of the capacitor and the kinetic arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David F. Champion, William R. Duffy
  • Patent number: 7422454
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Kingston Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Choon Tak Tang, Jason Chen, Kevin Tseng
  • Patent number: 7421365
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The apparatus 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager
  • Patent number: 7416423
    Abstract: A portable storage device is provided. A housing has a first opening and a second opening. A storage body has a connector and a pair of positional restriction structures. The storage body slides in the housing to make the connector extend outside the housing or hide in the housing via the first opening. A pair of actuating arms is provided in the housing and can swing. An actuating structure is partially exposed outside the housing via the second opening and pivotally connected to the pair of actuating arms. An elastic element is connected to the actuating structure and the storage body, so that the elastic element pushes the storage body and drives the actuating arms to return to the original position to block the positional restriction structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Yung Chi, Kun-Chin Chiu, Chih-Hsin Wu
  • Publication number: 20080200050
    Abstract: An expandable power and data center (300) is adapted to be mounted within a slot (304) of a work surface (302). The power and data center (300) includes a stationary housing (306) and a carriage (328). The carriage (328) includes socket areas where power receptacles (338) and data ports (340) can be inserted. A top surface (330) of the carriage (328) and a top surface (350) of a frontal cover (348) form a pressure area (360). With the carriage in a closed position (328), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area (360), causing the carriage (328) to move to an open position. A damper (368) restricts the speed at which the carriage (328) moves between the closed position and an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7410371
    Abstract: A computing device (110) has a body comprising a mechanised socket (170). The socket (170) is retractable within a volume (150) enclosed by the body of the computing device (110). Activation of a mechanism causes the socket to extend (140) beyond said volume (150) into an extended position (270), allowing user-access to said socket (170). Advantageously, during normal active usage, the socket (170) is retracted within the volume enclosed by the body of the computing device (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Avihai A. Shabtai, Nissim Cohen-Matzliah, Youry Kirpichnikov
  • Patent number: 7410373
    Abstract: Secure cable connections in a structure. Cables are routed between a fixed surface and a removable surface to connectors within a lockable enclosure. Removable surfaces include raised floors, suspended ceilings, and the like that generally comprise tiles for access to an area between the removable surface and the fixed surface. Cable connectors are coupled to distribution panels, distribution cassettes, individual jacks, and/or other connectors within the lockable enclosure, which prevent unauthorized access to the cable connections. Cables are prefabricated to desired lengths with color coding and/or keyed connectors. Distribution cassettes, panels, jacks, and/or other connectors are also prefabricated with matching colors and/or keyed connectors to minimize installation time and connection errors. Lockable enclosures include concealed enclosures behind removable surfaces, integrated enclosures within removable surfaces, wall outlets, furniture outlets, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Zephyr Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott J. Isaacks
  • Patent number: 7407392
    Abstract: A power and data station rotatably mounted in an opening in a work surface comprising, a base having sloped power and data receptacle panels, a pair of torus hinges rotatably attached to said base, a lock bolt having a lock tooth fixedly attached to said base, a lock button slidably attached to said lock bolt, a first lock strike slot in one of said torus hinges, said lock tooth adapted to engage said lock strike slot to hold said station in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Doug Mockett & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin R. Cooke, Conrad Marini
  • Patent number: 7407394
    Abstract: The present application includes embodiments of a connector in an image forming device that establishes an electrical connection with a cartridge. The connector may include an electrical contact that is able to rotate in a first direction when in contact with the cartridge during a first amount insertion of the cartridge into the image forming device. The electrical contact may be adapted to stop rotating after the cartridge is inserted the first amount. As a result, the electrical connector may slide across the surface of the cartridge during additional insertion. The sliding motion may scrape off an oxidation or contamination layer thus providing a reliable electrical contact between the connector and the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Parish, Jeffrey A. Abler, Donn Duane Bryant, Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges, David Erwin Rennick, Phill Douglas Cole, Larry Steven Foster
  • Patent number: 7407393
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a super slim compact flash (CF) light Universal Serial Bus (USB) device having a top cover, a top cover slot formed within the top cover and forming a top cover slot cavity, a sliding plug connector positioned within the cavity and flexibly movable therein, a plastic frame disposed below and around the top cover, a retractable slim USB plug connector sub-assembly on top of which and connected thereto is placed the sliding plug connector, the sub-assembly including a retractable slim USB plug connector positioned within the device to be flexibly retracted from or pulled into the device by the sliding plug connector for causing connection to a mating USB plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim C. Ni, Ming-Shiang Shen
  • Patent number: 7396234
    Abstract: An electrical outlet includes a main socket unit, and an additional socket unit movably mounted in the main socket unit. The main socket unit includes a power transmitting port, a plurality of sockets, and a first electrical connector. The sockets and the first electrical connector are electrically connected to the power transmitting port. The additional socket unit includes a plurality of sockets, and a second electrical connector electrically connected to the sockets of the additional socket unit. When the additional socket unit extends from within the main socket unit the first electrical connector of the main socket unit is electrically connected to the second electrical connector of the additional socket unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke Sun
  • Publication number: 20080160802
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive rotary device is disclosed to include a plastic frame including a USB flash drive and a USB plug connector and a rotary tube at least partially enclosing said plastic frame for deploying said USB plug connector, the USB flash drive is coupled to the USB plug connector, the rotary tube is turned to retract said USB plug connector, the USB flash drive rotary device is for deploying the USB plug connector to couple the USB flash drive to a USB port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SUPER TALENT ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Chin-Nan Ni, Nan Nan, Charles Chung Lee, David Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080160803
    Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20080132125
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy J. Corbett, Robert M. Schneider, Mark R. Thackray, Glen A. Oross, Peter On, Francois Duval, Ivan Brousseau, Serge Dubeau, Gad Shaanan
  • Patent number: 7381076
    Abstract: A thin peripheral devices for mating with electrical connectors where the thickness of the device is less than the dimensions needed for mechanical engagement with the connector, has a body including electronic circuitry and a selectively deployable plug arrangement. The plug arrangement includes a first plug portion including a plurality of electric contacts and a second plug portion. At least part of the plug arrangement is selectively displaceable relative to a remainder of the body between a non-deployed configuration wherein the entire plug arrangement lies within a thickness dimension of the body and a deployed configuration wherein the first and second plug portions together define an effective plug having thickness greater than the thickness dimension of the body for mating with the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Sandisk IL Ltd.
    Inventors: Eyal Bychkov, Yohan Cohen
  • Patent number: 7381059
    Abstract: A power supply device (10) includes a base (20) and a plug (30). The base includes a top wall (22), a recessed portion (24) defined in the top wall, and a locating portion (280) formed in the recessed portion. The plug is rotatably received in the recessed portion, and includes a protruding portion (322) received in the locating portion. When the protruding portion moves along the locating portion, the plug rotates relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Chi Wong
  • Patent number: 7381067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile travel adaptor, comprising: a cylindrical base member which is provided with a plurality of fixed shafts and a plurality of socket arrays; a dial member rotatably mounted around the base member and provided with a projection; a plurality of inner plugs each of which is movably mounted above the top end of the base member and guided by the respective fixed shafts; and an upper cover covering the inner plugs and provided with a plurality of plughole arrays therethrough; wherein the socket arrays are provided with conductive sheets electrically connected to the inner plugs and are used to receive outer plugs to be converted, each of the inner plugs has a protrusion, and the dial member could be rotated to select one of said inner plugs at a time and move the selected inner plug upward to its operation position through the respective plughole array by mean of contact between the protrusion of the selected inner plug and the projection of the dial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Hug To Honton Sze
  • Publication number: 20080119073
    Abstract: An electric plug connector for fastening to a wall, with a plug connector housing, on which, by means of a coupling sleeve, a plugged-in counter-plug connector, in the form of a plug or a jack, is securable, and with a flange plate with a central breakthrough, for receiving and for connecting the plug connector housing to a wall, the flange plate comprising through-bore holes for fastening screws. In the electric plug connector according to the invention the flange plate is implemented as one piece and detachably connected with the plug connector. An internal usable clearance of the central breakthrough of the flange plate corresponds to an outer diameter of a coupling sleeve of the plug connector and/or to an outer diameter of the plug connector housing. This embodiment permits in the radial direction of the plug connector a form-fitting connection of the flange plate with the plug connector housing without a special shape forming of the housing being required for this purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: CONINVERS Elektrotechnische Bauelemente GmbH
    Inventor: Maik THELEN
  • Patent number: 7374437
    Abstract: A connection system. The connection system includes a connection receptacle comprising a first component coupled to a chassis and a second component coupled to the first component. The first and second components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. According to the system and method disclosed herein, implementing the receptacle as two separate components allows for a compact connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Reid, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre
  • Patent number: 7364443
    Abstract: An electrical outlet device comprising a mounting plate and an electrical outlet assembly containing electrical components and a hinge assembly coupled to the electrical outlet assembly and the mounting plate and adapted to enable the electrical outlet assembly to pivot with respect to the mounting plate between a raised horizontal orientation and a lowered operative orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: Glenn M. McGinnis, John F. Coyne
  • Patent number: 7361033
    Abstract: A handheld electronic apparatus includes a main body, at least a male connector and at least a female connector. The male connector is disposed in the main body for electrically coupling to an electronic device. The female connector is disposed in the main body for electrically coupling to another electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Lien
  • Patent number: 7361032
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an improved portable memory device. In one embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a housing having a proximal opening and a distal opening. A slidable unit may be at least partially mounted in the housing. The slidable unit may comprise of a memory device slidably mounted in the housing, wherein the memory device has a data connector mounted on one end and a push button on the other end. A resilient member may be coupled to the slidable unit. Moving the slidable unit from a first position to a second position will simultaneously extend the data connector from the housing while also loading the resilient member to urge the data connector back into the housing. The portable memory device may include a latch coupled to the housing for holding the slidable unit in the second position. In the present embodiment, a user may press a release button so that the latch will allow the connector to be automatically drawn back into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: John Loftus
  • Patent number: 7361034
    Abstract: A portable storage device structure is described. A memory device has a connector and a first concave portion. An opening defined on a hollow housing to form two sections of the hollow housing with different lengths. The longer section has a second concave portion. A resilient member has one end secured to the second concave portion to suspend the opposite end. When the memory device assembles to the hollow housing, the opposite end of the resilient member engages with the first concave portion to avoid the memory device from slipping out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Asustek Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kun-Chin Chiu, Chih-Yung Chi, Chih-Hsin Wu
  • Publication number: 20080090433
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a keyed fiber optic network assembly are provided. A typical network system includes an assembly having a security feature and adapted to facilitate fiber optic communication between two mating fiber optic connectors. The security feature is uniquely keyed to disengaged when mated with a corresponding uniquely keyed connector. The security feature includes at least an inner door and a spring and is adapted to prevent optical communication and mating with a receiving connector during illegitimate connector insertion. A typical network includes a plurality of assemblies each having a uniquely keyed security feature. Each of the plurality of assemblies is color coded to match with a legitimate color coded connector to provide guidance to a network user. The connector and the security feature are uniquely keyed through unique positioning of protruding bosses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Adam Murano, Chester Rynaski
  • Publication number: 20080090434
    Abstract: A retractable extension socket includes an socket body, a fixing structure, a receiving structure, a conducting wire and a plug. The fixing structure and the receiving structure are disposed on the socket body. One end of the conducting wire is connected to the socket body. The plug is connected to the other end of the conducting wire. Thus, a retractable extension socket is formed. The retractable extension socket can be used as an extension socket. In addition, by winding the cable into the socket body and attaching the plug into the fixing structure, the retractable extension socket can be used as a single plug. Furthermore, the plug can be collected into the receiving structure in order that it can be carried around easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Yi-Ching Lin, Ming-Chou Kuo
  • Patent number: 7354286
    Abstract: An adapter for connectors to couple connectors and power supply sockets of different specifications to establish electric connection between them includes two terminal sets that are insertable into the power supply sockets. The two terminal sets are pivotally coupled on one end of the adapter in an opposite open manner, and are held in a housing trough formed on the adapter in normal conditions. When in use desired terminals can be inserted into a corresponding power supply socket of a selected specification and raised upright. The terminal sets can be retracted and extended so that the size of the adapter is smaller. Such a design also can keep the terminals from extending to prevent hurting people or articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: XYZ Science Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiu-San Lee
  • Publication number: 20080081493
    Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal including a first housing and a second housing combined with the first housing while facing the first housing. The second housing translates about an axis perpendicular to a top face of the first housing while facing the first housing, thereby sequentially opening portions of the first housing and sequentially closing already opened portions of the first housing, thereby increasing diversification in use of the portable terminal. Portions of the first housing are sequentially opened or closed, thereby allowing a user to select a position of the second housing according to a desired function such as voice communication, mail writing, or broadcasting watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hye-Jung OH
  • Publication number: 20080076280
    Abstract: A portable storage device is provided. A housing has a first opening and a second opening. A storage body has a connector and a pair of positional restriction structures. The storage body slides in the housing to make the connector extend outside the housing or hide in the housing via the first opening. A pair of actuating arms is provided in the housing and can swing. An actuating structure is partially exposed outside the housing via the second opening and pivotally connected to the pair of actuating arms. An elastic element is connected to the actuating structure and the storage body, so that the elastic element pushes the storage body and drives the actuating arms to return to the original position to block the positional restriction structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Yung Chi, Kun-Chin Chiu, Chih-Hsin Wu
  • Publication number: 20080076279
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a main body, a first power connecting part and a foldable electrical connector. The main body includes a power converting circuit therein and has a first socket at a first side thereof. The first power connecting part has an end connected to the main body. The foldable electrical connector includes a housing and at least a conductive pin. The housing includes a connecting member and a receiving portion. The connecting member is electrically connected to the first socket of the main body. The conductive pin is disposed in the receiving portion and multi-angularly rotatable with respect to the housing so as to be selectively stored in the receiving portion or protruded from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Wu, Ya-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7344385
    Abstract: A power supply device (10) includes a case (30), a circuit board (50), a plurality of conductive terminals (60), and a plurality of securing members (40). The case includes a bottom plate (32). Each terminal is embedded in the bottom plate and includes a first end portion (66) extending into the case, and a second end portion (64) extending out of the case. The first end portion includes at least one receiving portion (62) disposed on a distal end thereof. Each securing member is mounted on the circuit board and includes at least one protrusion (48) received in the corresponding receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Hsi Chen
  • Patent number: 7341463
    Abstract: An extension socket structure includes a positioning sleeve, which has a front face with an opening disposed thereon and a rear face having a plurality of positioning slots disposed thereon, and an extension socket being inserted in the positioning sleeve for a socket panel of the body of the extension socket to protrude from the opening of the positioning sleeve. Thus it allows for an insertion of a plug of an electrical appliance to the extension socket. Besides, a bottom of the positioning sleeve is coupled to a cone for fixing the extension socket to a lawn or sands to provide outdoor use. When the extension socket is not in use, a wire of the extension socket can be wound along the plurality of positioning slots of the rear face of the positioning sleeve to let the positioning sleeve to act as a collecting wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
  • Patent number: 7335036
    Abstract: A memory card reader includes a case including a first end with a compartment for coupling with a coupling opening of a USB socket. The case further includes a second end with a card receiving space. The card receiving space includes an insertion opening for receiving a memory card. An adaptor circuit board is mounted in the compartment and the card receiving space. The adaptor circuit board includes a first end with a USB interface and a second end with resilient conductive plates. The USB interface of the adaptor circuit board faces the compartment and is engaged with a coupling seat in the coupling opening of the USB socket and in contact with resilient conductive plates in the coupling seat. The resilient conductive plates of the adaptor circuit board face the card receiving space and are in contact with a read/write interface of the memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tai Twun Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Le-Yao Lin
  • Publication number: 20080045056
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus flash memory unit having an electrically conductive housing includes a spring that provides an electrically conductive, low-resistance pathway between the housing and the metal shell of the Universal Serial Bus connector so that electrostatic charge can directly discharge from the housing to the metal shell instead of discharging through electronic components within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Patricio Collantes,, Robert C. Miller, Steven T. Sprouse, Dhaval Parikh
  • Patent number: 7333320
    Abstract: A fiber distribution terminal system includes a below ground vault, and a terminal enclosure within the vault. The system also includes a lift system in the vault, the lift system including a screw drive and a track system. Rotation of the screw drive lifts the terminal enclosure from a below ground to a lifted position, and the track system guides the terminal enclosure as the enclosure is lifted. The system also includes a tool such as a cordless drill to drive the screw drive. The screw drive can include a ball screw and a ball nut. The system can include a bracket to couple the terminal enclosure to the screw drive and the track system. The track system can include two sets of tracks, a first set of tracks that is fixed in the vault, and a second set of tracks that is coupled to the first set of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Standish, Troy Land, Ajay Sharma
  • Publication number: 20080032528
    Abstract: An extension socket structure includes a positioning sleeve, which has a front face with an opening disposed thereon and a rear face having a plurality of positioning slots disposed thereon, and an extension socket being inserted in the positioning sleeve for a socket panel of the body of the extension socket to protrude from the opening of the positioning sleeve. Thus it allows for an insertion of a plug of an electrical appliance to the extension socket. Besides, a bottom of the positioning sleeve is coupled to a cone for fixing the extension socket to a lawn or sands to provide outdoor use. When the extension socket is not in use, a wire of the extension socket can be wound along the plurality of positioning slots of the rear face of the positioning sleeve to let the positioning sleeve to act as a collecting wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
  • Patent number: 7322737
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy J Corbett, Robert M. Schneider, Mark R Thackray, Glen A. Oross, Peter On, Francois Duval, Ivan Brousseau, Serge Dubeau, Gad Shaanan
  • Patent number: 7320620
    Abstract: An electrical network-powered hand-held power tool (2) includes a connection device for connecting the network cable with a power tool cabling and arranged on through-opening (23) through which a network cable (6) projects, with the connection device (14) having electrical connection elements (24) with which the network cable (6) is connectable, and securing elements (20) for securing the network cable (6), and with the electrical connection elements (24) and the securing elements (20) being at least partially displaceable out of an interior (42) of the housing (4) through a mounting opening (40) of the housing (4) upon lifting of the mounting cover (18) off the mounting opening (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Ege, Helmut Burger
  • Publication number: 20080003852
    Abstract: An electrical terminal (30) includes first (32) and second (34) contact members having outer pressure contacting end portions (32a, 34a) for pressure engaging a pair of electrical devices and enlarged inner end portions (32b, 34b). A sleeve (36) includes a through hole (44) for slidably receiving the inner end portions of the contact members. The through hole has opposite open ends (46, 48) through which the pressure contacting end portions of the contact members project for engaging the spaced electrical devices. A biasing member (38) is disposed in the through hole to resiliently bias the contact members in opposite directions. The biasing member is in a relaxed condition when the pressure contacting end portions of the contact members are out of pressure engagement with the electrical devices. Thereby, one of the contact members can be retracted substantially into the through hole to thereby reduce the distance between distal ends of the pressure contacting end portions of the contact members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Xiang Xu
  • Patent number: 7311525
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a fixed housing attached to a circuit board, a movable housing provided with a connecting hollow in which a counterpart electrical connector is inserted, conductive contacts for coupling the movable housing with the fixed housing and having a portion connected with a circuit terminal on the circuit board, and an engaging mechanism operative to put the movable housing selectively in a first state in which the movable housing is temporarily fixed to the fixed housing and takes a first posture with which an inserting direction of the counterpart electrical connector to the connecting hollow is angled to the circuit board and in a second state in which the movable housing is able to move freely to the fixed housing in a predetermined range and takes a second posture with which the inserting direction of the counterpart electrical connector to the connecting hollow is in substantially parallel with the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: I-PEX Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Koiwaya
  • Patent number: 7311533
    Abstract: A light socket structure includes a main body, a plug, a switch control element, and sockets. The plug is movably jointed with the main body. The switch control element is disposed on the main body for controlling the plug to be accommodated within or exposed out from the main body. The sockets are disposed in the main body, and each socket is electrically connected with the plug. In other words, when a user wants to use the light socket structure, he/she can control (by pressing or pulling) the switch control element to expose the plug's conductive terminals out from the main body. When the user does not want to use the light socket structure, he/she can manually push the plug's conductive terminals to return into the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mei-Ju Lin, Ming-Chou Kuo
  • Publication number: 20070287307
    Abstract: Disclosed are a portable terminal and sliding/swing-type cradling apparatus thereof The portable terminal includes a first housing, a second housing that slides along the first housing and faces the first housing, and a third housing including a display unit. The third housing is movable from a termination position after sliding along the first housing with the second housing and rotating when the display unit is inclined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang-Il Park
  • Patent number: 7307849
    Abstract: The frame of a flash memory disk has an opening, a resilient support and a pair of switches. The pair of switches is extended from the frame and is constricted at their connection portions. Two recesses are formed at inner surfaces of the pair of switches. A PCB includes a flash memory and a USB connector thereon. A carrier has a pair of resilient wing latches and a resilient end latch. The carrier accommodates the PCB and exposes the USB connector. The carrier slides within the frame to extend or to retract the USB connector through the opening. A spring is secured between the carrier and the frame. An upper housing is assembled upon the frame, wherein the upper housing includes a button contacting the resilient support. A lower housing is assembled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Power Computer & Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Lin-Ray Ho, Yu-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 7303411
    Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7300291
    Abstract: In a connector including a housing having an entrance for receiving a connection object and a contact held by the housing for connection to the connection object, a guide member is coupled to the entrance for guiding the connection object in a first direction. A guide portion is disposed near the entrance in the housing and at a first portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. By the use of a moving force of the connection object, the guide portion is adapted to guide the connection object toward a second portion that allows the connection object to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Takamitsu Wada
  • Patent number: 7295431
    Abstract: A portable disk device includes a protective housing with a containing room and a portable disk disposed inside the containing room via a movable pivot means. The portable disk can be rotated between the retraction and first positions. A torsion means is included to interact with the portable disk and the movable pivot means to store potential energy. A movable component is used to interact with interaction portions to make the portable disk able/unable to have a movement relative to the protective housing. At the retraction position, the portable disk is positioned inside the containing room and the torsion means has the potential energy to slide out the portable disk. After the interaction between the movable component and the interaction portions is released, the portable disk is slid out. Afterward, the portable disk can be placed at the second position and only has the electrical connector being placed outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Apacer Technlogy Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Lin Chuang
  • Patent number: 7287991
    Abstract: In a multi-sectional plug rotating and positioning structure, a power connector includes a casing, a plug having a pivotal axle pivotally coupled to the casing and a rotating route, a gear disposed on the pivotal axle and driven by the pivotal axle and having a plurality of gear tooth portions, a limit plate positioned in the casing, and a latch portion extended from the limit plate and corresponding to the gear tooth portions. The latch portion of the plug is coupled to the gear tooth portion to define a limit relation in the rotating route. The plug can be rotated with respect to the casing to reduce volume and facilitate carrying the product. The gear of the pivotal axle is latched to the limit plate, so that the plug gives a multi-sectional positioning effect in the rotating route to provide hand feels for rotation and positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: SPI Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Yu Li
  • Publication number: 20070243732
    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 slot (2117) and a slider (22) movably received in the slot. The slider (22) includes a locking projection (2215) holding a distal end (123) of the extension at a closed position and sliding away the distal end to expose the second interface at an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Hao Gu, Qi-Sheng Zheng, Zhi-Quan Mou, Jia-Yong He, Xiao-Hai Zhou
  • Publication number: 20070243733
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Hao Gu, Qi-Sheng Zheng, Zhi-Quan Mou, Xiao-Hai Zhou
  • Publication number: 20070238333
    Abstract: In a battery pack for an electrical device has a base body, including a mounting shell and a cover shell, and that has an electrical module, the electrical module is secured in the base body by cooperation of the mounting shell and the cover shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Heiko Roehm, Daniel Hirt