Rotary Movement Patents (Class 439/13)
  • Patent number: 7881678
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) device for communicating on a wireless network. The device includes an antenna coupled to an RF circuit. The device further includes a body housing the RF circuit and the antenna. The device yet further includes a support member extending from the body. The support member is configured to be coupled to an object. The support member is prevented from moving laterally and vertically relative to the object when coupled to the object. The support member and body are configured to allow the body and the antenna to rotate about an axis when the support member is prevented from moving laterally and vertically relative to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas Menden, Timothy Gamroth, Jerel Scott Jamieson
  • Publication number: 20110021040
    Abstract: Some embodiments can concern an apparatus configured to provide electrical power received from at least a first electrical outlet or a second electrical outlet. The apparatus can include: (a) a housing; (b) at least two electrical outlets at the housing; (c) an electrical coupler at least partially enclosed by the housing and electrically coupled to the at least two third electrical outlets; (d) a first prong adapter configured to removably couple to the electrical coupler and the first electrical outlet; (e) a second prong adapter configured to removably couple to the electrical coupler and the second electrical outlet. The first prong adapter can be configured to receive a first electrical power with a first voltage from the first electrical outlet when the first prong adapter is coupled to the first electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Garb, John F. Wadsworth, Kenneth Mori
  • Patent number: 7867020
    Abstract: A fixture includes a base seat, a resist mechanism, a drive mechanism and an adjust mechanism. The resist mechanism is fixed to the base seat and includes a connector. The drive mechanism is fixed to the base seat. The adjust mechanism is fixed to the base seat and includes a connecting board. The connecting board has a power module attached thereto. The adjust mechanism can adjust the power module relative to the connector. The drive mechanism can drive the connector to move towards the power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Chia-En Lee
  • Publication number: 20100330816
    Abstract: One embodiment of an adapter for an electrical plug may include a bottom connector, a top connector and an electrical connection mechanism. The bottom connector may include a plurality of male connectors capable of being inserted in a wall socket. The top connector may be rotatably coupled to the bottom connector. The top connector may be capable of rotating in a plane parallel to a plane of the wall socket. The top connector may include a plurality of female connectors for receiving the electrical plug. The plurality of female connectors may be electrically coupled to the plurality of male connectors, and may be disposed perpendicular to the plurality of male connectors. The electrical connection mechanism may be configured to electrically coupling the plurality of male connectors and the plurality of female connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ngoon Goon
  • Patent number: 7859166
    Abstract: A carbon brush that suppresses a wear amount of a carbon commutator and has less swelling is provided. The carbon brush has a part connected to a lead and is one that slides in contact with a carbon commutator that is used in a fuel pump. The bulk density of the carbon brush is 1.85 g/cm3 or less, and the shore hardness of the carbon brush is 40 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Totankako Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Namikoshi, Fumihiro Hozumi, Shinichi Suzuki, Takahiro Sakoda
  • Patent number: 7854615
    Abstract: A rotational connector for connecting a welding power cable to a welding torch may include an enclosure, an end cap, a torch stud, a cable stud, and a biasing member. The enclosure may have an internal surface. The end cap may have an end cap biasing surface. The end cap operably connects to the enclosure. The torch stud may include a flange that has a contact surface and a biasing surface. The cable stud may include a flange that has a contact surface and a retention surface. The cable stud retention surface may have a shape corresponding to the enclosure internal surface. The biasing member may be disposed between the end cap biasing surface and the torch stud biasing surface urging the torch stud contact surface into engagement with the cable stud contact surface and urging the cable stud retention surface into engagement with the enclosure internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L Kachline, Franklin S Mayse
  • Patent number: 7835775
    Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Sawayama, Satoshi Mizuno, Yonosuke Amano, Tamaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7824186
    Abstract: A USB connector for connecting with a USB female comprises a rotating shaft assembly which is capable of rotating, metal legs, a connecting line, and a substrate, wherein one end of the metal legs connects with one end of the connecting line, the metal legs are formed on a surface of the substrate, the connecting line is fixed to the surface of the substrate, and said rotating shaft assembly includes a rotating shaft and a rotating shaft sleeve, the rotating shaft sleeve is fixed on the surface of the substrate, and the rotating shaft is disposed in the rotating shaft sleeve and is capable of rotating relative to the rotating shaft sleeve. According to the USB connector and the USB device, the metal legs are formed on the surface of the substrate to ensure the connecting strength of the metal legs and reduce the thickness of the USB device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Menglong Zhao, Bin Zhang
  • Patent number: 7819665
    Abstract: A rotating electric connection socket assembly includes a rotatable housing assembly having a plurality of non-conductive cylindrical housings nested about a longitudinal axis. Separate rotatable electrical contacts housed within the rotatable housing assembly provide electrical connectivity between a three prong plug on one rotatable housing assembly end and a three prong receptacle on the other rotatable housing assembly end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: John Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 7815437
    Abstract: A spotlight for illumination in film, studio, event or theatre environments, with an electrical terminal for connecting the spotlight to a supply line for supplying electricity to the spotlight, is provided. The electrical terminal is rotatably mounted on the spotlight and can be matched in terms of its alignment, so as to connect the spotlight to the supply line. The position of the electrical terminal can be matched in dependence on the arrangement of the spotlight, in order to supply the electric supply line to the spotlight from different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventors: Klaus Stegmaier, Michael Jonischkeit, Christian Friedinger, Stefan Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7797020
    Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Sawayama, Satoshi Mizuno, Yonosuke Amano, Tamaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100210119
    Abstract: A power connects at an information handling system housing through a rotational connector that allows the power cable to align with plural axes relative to the housing. For example, force applied to the cable causes the rotational connector to rotate from a rear surface of the housing to a side surface or bottom surface of the housing. Excessive force results in a breakaway mechanism releasing the rotational connector from the housing so that the connector and internal power subsystem components avoid damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: John Bauer, Mark Schwager
  • Patent number: 7766659
    Abstract: A series unit comprises an input terminal and an output terminal each composed of a tubular receptacle having a center conductor and an external conductor provided concentrically with the center conductor, a television terminal, and a unit case for supporting the input terminal, the output terminal, and the television terminal. The external conductors of the terminals are electrically interconnected through the unit case. The center conductors are electrically interconnected in the space defined inside the unit case. The orientation of the connection end portion of the unit case is perpendicular to the connection/disconnection end portion to/from which the terminal of the cable is connected/disconnected. The input terminal and the output terminal are constituted as movable terminals rotatable at the connection end portions of the unit case. The planes defined by the center axes of the connection/disconnection end portions by the rotation of the movable terminals are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Masprodenkoh Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Otsu, Hozumi Takeda, Tsuneyuki Inayoshi, Akira Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7753682
    Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for a reorientable electrical outlet. In one embodiment, a system includes a housing configured to be coupled to an electrical power source, the housing having a first rotation stop, and an electrical plug receptacle, mountable within the housing, the insert having a second rotation stop, the first and second rotation stops configured to cooperate with each other to limit rotation of the insert within the aperture at a number of degrees, wherein the plug receptacle is configured to receive an electrical plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: 360 Electrical, LLC
    Inventor: Kimberly R. Gerard
  • Patent number: 7748985
    Abstract: A connecting device arranged between a steering wheel and a pitman module of a motor vehicle encompasses a stator part and a rotor part accommodated therein for enclosing a flexible line comprising several individual electrical conductors, is taken up with its two wide sides via a U-shaped turning section with several windings onto the axially aligned inner wall of the rotor part and spaced apart, and conversely said line is taken up with several additional windings onto the likewise axially aligned outer wall of the stator part, and is held with its two narrow sides between the radially aligned base which in the area of the inner wall is a component of the rotor part and in the area of the outer wall is a component of the stator part, and the radially aligned cover wall of the rotor part. The base and/or the cover wall are designed so that between the inner wall and the outer wall said walls only form sections of a supporting surface for the narrow sides of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sven Kuerschner, Lutz Schneider
  • Patent number: 7740484
    Abstract: A rotatable receptacle includes a rotary member, a power cord and a fixing stand. The rotary member is fixed by the fixing stand. The fixing stand is electrically connected to the rotary member and the power cord. The rotary member includes multiple conductor terminals, which are arranged at different rotating tracks. The fixing stand includes multiple conductor slices. The conductor slices have respective ring-shape contact regions of different size. When the rotary member is rotated with respect to the fixing stand, the conductor terminals of the rotary member are continuously electrically with corresponding ring-shape contact regions of the fixing stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Te Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100151698
    Abstract: An electronic storage device for connecting with a host system in accordance with the present invention includes a cover having a body section and a protection section bending from one end of the body section, and a main body having an electrical connector with an interface and defining a receiving space. The body section forms a positioning section of polygonal shape at the other end of the cover. The main body includes at least one cooperating portion disposed in the receiving space and having a flat cooperating surface. The body section of the cover covers the main body with the protection section covering the interface of the electrical connector to protect the interface. The positioning section is received in the receiving space of the main body and the main body is capable of rotating relative to the cover with the at least one cooperating portion rotating along the polygonal edge of the positioning section and being compressed by the positioning section to produce deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: A-DATA TECHNOLOGY (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei-Jen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20100151699
    Abstract: An electric connector apparatus is disclosed. The electric connector apparatus, may include: a housing, which may be secured to an electronic product; a first inner terminal and a second inner terminal, which may be secured to the housing, and which may be electrically connected to an internal device of the electronic product; a rotation member, which may be coupled to the housing such that the rotation member is 3-dimensionally rotatable; and a first outer terminal and a second outer terminal, which may be secured to the rotation member and electrically connected to an external power source, while maintaining contact with the first inner terminal and the second inner terminal, respectively. The electric connector apparatus can rotate 3-dimensionally in accordance with the movement of the cable while maintaining electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Ok-Nam Cho
  • Patent number: 7726972
    Abstract: A liquid metal rotary connector for a vehicle steering mechanism utilizes a conductive alloy comprising Gallium, Indium, Tin and Zinc to electrically couple stationary and rotary terminals of the connector. The alloy is a liquid at ambient temperatures, and has a melting point of ?36° C., though testing has shown that it operates satisfactorily at temperatures as low as ?40° C. In a preferred arrangement, the rotary connector provides a two-wire connection through which power is supplied from the steering column to the steering wheel, and electronic modules located in the steering column and the steering wheel support bi-directional data communication through voltage and current modulation of the supplied power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Brandenburg, Shing Yeh, Mark W. Gose
  • Publication number: 20100116078
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical connecting device of a joint unit. The electrical connecting device includes a first conductor provided at one side of the electrical connecting device and a second conductor provided at the other side of the electrical connecting device. The first and second conductors make contact with each other. Therefore, the joint unit is electrically connected at all times so that the joint unit is used as a module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Won Kuk Kim
  • Patent number: 7711429
    Abstract: Methods, lead retention assemblies and systems may provide a secure connection of electrical leads to an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator. The method may include: providing a lead retention assembly including a support member, a first side clamp and a second side clamp, a first port and a second port each defining a respective receptacle in conjunction with the support, and a fastener configured to urge both the first and second side clamps toward the support upon actuation of the fastener; providing at least two electrical lead bodies each including a respective proximal end portion; inserting the respective proximal end portions into the respective receptacles to be in electrical communication with a respective electrical contact in the respective receptacles; and actuating the fastener to thereby clamp the proximal end portions of the respective electrical lead bodies within the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Wisit Lim
  • Patent number: 7684670
    Abstract: A wire accommodating apparatus includes a cylindrical portion around which a wire connected to a signal transmission part is wound; a number of wire holding portions which incline externally from the bottom of the cylindrical portion and are disposed pivotably; and a fixed portion formed in the cylindrical portion so as to project downward, passing through an attachment hole of a to-be-mounted member, and fixed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Tsutsumi, Manabu Wakao, Kouichi Kuramitsu
  • Patent number: 7665996
    Abstract: A rotating power connector for an electric welding torch unicable includes a generally cylindrical outer housing having a longitudinal axis. A connector pin is fixedly, axially disposed within the outer housing and extends from one end thereof. A rotating stud is rotatably, axially disposed within the outer housing and extends from another end thereof. The connector pin and the rotating stud have ends in contact within the outer housing. A secondary electrical contact ring also is disposed within the outer housing. The secondary electrical contact ring includes at least one contact portion contacting the rotating stud. At least one biasing member is disposed between the rotating stud and the contact ring. The biasing member urges the rotating stud into engagement with the connector pin and urges the contact ring into engagement with the rotating stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7665997
    Abstract: A rotatable electric plug has a bottom case, a rotatable brace, a plug head, a limit cover and a top cover. The rotatable brace is rotatably mounted in the bottom case and has a top surface and two connectors being mounted on the top surface of the rotatable brace. The plug head is detachably mounted on the bottom case and is connected with the rotatable brace. Two pins of the plug head is electronically connected to the connectors respectively. The limit cover is mounted in the bottom case to position the rotatable brace. The top cover is mounted on the bottom case to hold the rotatable brace and the limit cover inside the bottom case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: GME Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Tang Lin
  • Publication number: 20100015819
    Abstract: A power supply connection apparatus (10) including a housing (11) having at least one first contact member (12) in communication with a power supply, at least one rotary member (13) mounted for rotation relative to said housing, the rotary member including at least one second contact member (14), the rotary member operably movable between a first condition to align the respective contact members and a second condition in which the contact members are not aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Vittorio Antonio Tedeschi
  • Patent number: 7637744
    Abstract: A rotary contact-connection assembly for electric cables contains an electrically non-conducting support crossed by a borehole. A first bearing is configured in the borehole and a second bearing is configured radially outside the borehole around the support. The bearings are configured axially relative to each other and to the borehole. Both bearings are radially continuously electrically conducting. An electrically conducting plug is pluggable into an axial bearing passage aperture of the first bearing. A first electrical conductor of a first cable is fixable to an outer race of the first bearing. A second electrical conductor of the first cable is connectable to a hookup muff situated within the second bearing. A first electrical conductor of a second cable is passable through the borehole of the support and is connectable to the plug. A second electrical conductor of the second cable is connectable to an outer race of the second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Singer
  • Publication number: 20090298302
    Abstract: A full-rotational conductor assembly includes a pair of coaxial electrically conductive members having complementary tracks, relatively rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of electrically conductive coupler halves located between and engaging the tracks enable electrical connection between the tracks of the conductive members. A cage is connected to each of the coupler halves and substantially located between the complimentary tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: DIAMOND-ROLTRAN, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Howard
  • Publication number: 20090291570
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing electrical power comprises a housing, at least two electrical outlets, a rotation coupler at the housing and coupled to the at least two electrical outlets, and a prong adapter rotatable relative to the rotation coupler when secured thereto. The rotation coupler comprises a central contact, a first contact set, and a second contact set. The prong adapter comprises a first prong to couple with the first contact set, a second prong to couple with the second contact set, and a third prong to couple with the central contact. The first contact set comprises two or more first contact flanges to couple with the first prong at a rear of the prong adapter. The second contact set comprises two or more second contact flanges to couple with the second prong at the rear of the prong adapter. Other examples herein described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7622844
    Abstract: An electrical brush having at least one conductive element and at least one conditioning material coated on the at least one conductive element wherein the conditioning material has a composition and thickness on the conductive element such that, as deposited on a moving contact surface in the course of brush operation, the conditioning material can have an average film thickness S<˜1 ?m so that current can be conducted by means of electron tunneling through a film thickness of the deposited conditioning material of Si?12 nm thickness over a fractional area fC, greater than 0.01 of a foot print of the conductive element in a current conductive area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hipercon, LLC
    Inventor: Doris Kuhlmann-Wilsdorf
  • Publication number: 20090246976
    Abstract: Rotary electrical connector comprising a ring-shaped outside terminal having a circular inner circumference portion, a ring-shaped inside terminal having a circular outer circumference portion, which is concentric with the inner circumference portion of the ring-shaped outside terminal; and a rotatable ring-shaped connection terminal electrically connecting the outside terminal with the inside terminal; wherein the connection terminal elastically deforms along a radial direction thereof, an outer circumference portion of the connection terminal abuting the inner circumference portion of the outside terminal and the outer circumference portion of the inside terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Toshihiro Niitsu, Shigeyuki Hoshikawa, Kimiyasu Makino
  • Publication number: 20090239391
    Abstract: A rotary contact-connection assembly for electric cables contains an electrically non-conducting support crossed by a borehole. A first bearing is configured in the borehole and a second bearing is configured radially outside the borehole around the support. The bearings are configured axially relative to each other and to the borehole. Both bearings are radially continuously electrically conducting. An electrically conducting plug is pluggable into an axial bearing passage aperture of the first bearing. A first electrical conductor of a first cable is fixable to an outer race of the first bearing. A second electrical conductor of the first cable is connectable to a hookup muff situated within the second bearing. A first electrical conductor of a second cable is passable through the borehole of the support and is connectable to the plug. A second electrical conductor of the second cable is connectable to an outer race of the second bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Stefan Singer
  • Publication number: 20090225486
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrical connector comprises a housing, at least two electrical outlets accessible through the housing, a rotation coupler at least partially enclosed by the housing and coupled to the at least two electrical outlets, and a prong adapter coupled to the rotation coupler. The rotation coupler comprises a line contact, a neutral contact, and a ground contact. The prong adapter comprises a prong set with at least two of a line prong configured to couple with the line contact, a neutral prong configured to couple with the neutral contact, and a ground prong configured to couple with the ground contact. The rotation coupler is configured to allow a rotational movement of the housing relative to the prong adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7577461
    Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Sawayama, Satoshi Mizuno, Yonosuke Amano, Tamaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090197429
    Abstract: A rotating two blade plug adapter includes a housing including a top and bottom coupled to freely rotate about a rotary cap disposed between the housing top and bottom. Right and left electrical spades extend from the rotary cap and a receptacle integral to the periphery of the housing accepts a two blade plug that may be oriented at a wall receptacle by rotating the adapter housing and receptacle to a desired orientation. Internal flanges define grooves in which rotary electrical contacts are maintained through rotation of the housing and integral receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas E. Devlin, George Favaloro
  • Publication number: 20090181554
    Abstract: Electrically conductive bearing retainers create an electrical path between the static and dynamic sides of a rotating joint to block EMI radiation from entering or leaving a system. Concentric annular inner and outer bearing retainers with an array of conductive contact members therebetween are installed in contact with the inner and outer races of a dynamic bearing interface. Each contact member includes a base and tips. The outer bearing retainer ring has a recess for mounting a contact member and a notch for positioning the contact member tips to make contact with the inner bearing retainer ring. The inner bearing retainer ring includes a conductive contact surface. The contact member tips contact the conductive contact surface to create a dynamic shield between an inner bearing race and an outer bearing race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Patricia D. Chin, Daniel P. Brown, James D. Strayer
  • Patent number: 7559767
    Abstract: A drum-style slip-ring module (100) is used in a contact-type communication system. The module utilizes PCB construction to construct a plurality of stacked electrically-conductive rings (102) and a plurality of dielectric layers (104) electrically isolating the conductive rings. Each of the dielectric layers includes a centrally-located aperture (107). The module also includes a cylindrical ground plane (108) positioned in the centrally-located aperture. The module is configured to provide electrical connection to each of the rings at an exterior surface of the module. Each group of feed line vias can be designed as impedance-controlled transmission lines with connections to each ring group. The construction described in this invention can create slip-ring transmission line structures with bandwidth from DC to 5 GHz or higher, allowing the slip-ring to be used to transfer multi-gigabit digital data streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Donnie S. Coleman, Jack T. Galyean
  • Patent number: 7544063
    Abstract: A rotating display device enables a user to view, in a variety of viewing orientations, a value of an electrical apparatus to which the rotating display device is electrically and mechanically connected. The rotating display device includes a housing having a first half and a second half, a display for displaying the value, a rotating member disposed within the second half, a retention member slideably received into the rotating member, and a wiring harness secured to the rotating member by the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Paul Puskar, William Michael Randal, Thomas Alan Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7537457
    Abstract: An electrical hose swivel connector may be used to connect a vacuum hose to a hair clipping device. The hair clipping device may need power, which may be delivered from a power source and through a power cord. The power cord may be in electrical communication with this electrical hose swivel connector to deliver power to the hair clipping device. This electrical hose swivel connector can allow for easier use of the hair clipping device, which may be used with the vacuum hose without causing tangling, twisting, or knotting in the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Irwin Rashkover
  • Publication number: 20090098743
    Abstract: In one example, an electrical device comprises an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises a housing comprising an interior perimeter, and a rotating section located at least partially within the interior perimeter of the housing. The rotating section comprises a section wall, a front face coupled to a first end of the section wall, a conductor set, and a prong set. The conductor set comprises a first conductor at least partially circumscribing a perimeter of the section wall at a first distance from the front face, and a second conductor at least partially circumscribing a perimeter of the section wall at a second distance from the front face. The prong set comprises a first prong protruding through the front face and coupled to the first conductor, and a second prong protruding through the front face and coupled to the second conductor. The rotating section, including the conductor set and the prong set, is rotatable relative to the interior perimeter of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7500854
    Abstract: The Improved electrical power distribution apparatus is an invention that because of its unique rotatable live female electrical connection type outlets, is able to accommodate the simultaneous insertion of male type electrical connection plugs of a wide variety and shape. The accommodation of such simultaneous insertion of such male type electrical connection plugs provides for the simultaneous powering of a wide variety of appliances wherein such appliances would not otherwise be able to be simultaneously powered by conventional power distribution apparatuses due to the inability of such male type electrical connection plugs of irregular size and shape to be simultaneously inserted into conventional non-rotatable female electrical connection type outlets of conventional power distribution apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: M. Peter Gottstein
  • Patent number: 7486178
    Abstract: Electrical connection system between a wheel and a bearing-hub assembly, the wheel being mounted on an outer flange of the bearing-hub assembly, and the bearing-hub assembly comprising a rotationally fixed outer ring attached to the vehicle's suspension and an inner ring provided with a centering collar, an open frontal cavity defined in the said centering collar and an axial cavity opening into the said cavity; the connection system having a first connection cable attached to the inner ring and extending inside the axial cavity and the frontal cavity, a second connection cable integrated with the wheel, and a connection element associated with the said centering collar to provide electrical contact that can be selectively disconnected between the first cable and the second cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., SKF Industrie SpA
    Inventors: Christophe Criaud, Sébastien Drap, Salima Fahas, Bruno Giai, Alexander Molenaar, Rafaële Montagnoni, Simona Pilone
  • Publication number: 20090023304
    Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for a reorientable electrical outlet. In one embodiment, a system includes a housing configured to be coupled to an electrical power source, the housing having a first rotation stop, and an electrical plug receptacle, mountable within the housing, the insert having a second rotation stop, the first and second rotation stops configured to cooperate with each other to limit rotation of the insert within the aperture at a number of degrees, wherein the plug receptacle is configured to receive an electrical plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: 360 ELECTRICAL, LLC
    Inventor: Kimberly R. Gerard
  • Publication number: 20080309514
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a swivel for use in a drilling operation comprises a body with a central bore adapted for threaded connection to a tool string component. At least one electrically conductive medium is rotationally supported within the bore and adapted to rotate with respect to an electrically conductive receiver that is rotationally fixed to and disposed within the body. The electrically conductive medium and the receiver are in electrical communication through an electrically conductive arm that is rotationally fixed to the electrically conductive medium and at least partially disposed within an electrically conductive fluid disposed within a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a rigid shape that is partially filled by the conductive fluid. A least one rotary seal is disposed intermediate the reservoir and the electrically conductive medium. The rigid shape of the reservoir is adapted to prevent the conductive fluid from accumulating around the rotary seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathon Marshall
  • Publication number: 20080286986
    Abstract: An electrical hose swivel connector may be used to connect a vacuum hose to a hair clipping device. The hair clipping device may need power, which may be delivered from a power source and through a power cord. The power cord may be in electrical communication with this electrical hose swivel connector to deliver power to the hair clipping device. This electrical hose swivel connector can allow for easier use of the hair clipping device, which may be used with the vacuum hose without causing tangling, twisting, or knotting in the power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Irwin Rashkover
  • Publication number: 20080280459
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device that provides a convenient, safe, attractive method for holding, reaching and managing a plurality of electrical appliances by avoiding the cords getting entangled with each other in a work station. The device comprises a central hub, a plurality of flanges extending outwardly from the central hub and a plurality of electrical receptacles disposed on the central hub. Each flange has a first fastener disposed at an end of the flange and a second fastener disposed on the body of the flange, the first and second fasteners are capable of holding the electrical appliance and looping the electrical cord thereof such that an electrical plug of the electrical appliance is received into the electrical receptacle providing power to the electrical appliance. The device is capable of rotary motion thereby providing access to each electrical appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Richard E. Bova
  • Patent number: 7435090
    Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed for conducting an electrical signal from a source, such as a video output device, to a destination, such as a video display device. The electrical connector includes a cable that has an outer sheath and contains at least one electrical conductor. An L-shaped plug is included that has a conduit therethrough for conveying each electrical conductor therethrough. A connector housing rotationally captures a proximal end of the plug and includes a jack electrically connected to at least one of the electrical conductors. The plug is preferably limited to rotation of approximately 270 degrees with respect to the connector housing, and includes a discernable detent every 90 degrees. As such, the cable may be rotated to any suitable position to facilitate the installation of the connector into the destination, but only through a limited arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Tavis D Schriefer, Edward A Stanfield
  • Patent number: 7436091
    Abstract: A method and system of limiting arcing of a rotating member. The method and system including provisioning an electrically conducting device to couple the electrical potential associated with the housing and rotating member so as to limiting arcing therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Darvin Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080194119
    Abstract: A connector hub apparatus is provided that can rotate along two different axes in two different planes with respect to an upstream connector plug, so that the hub can be easily positioned in a variety of configurations to avoid clearance problems when connected to a compatible connector port of an external device. Such a hub can be easily positioned in a variety of configurations to avoid clearance and connector orientation problems with adjacent ports and connectors when the upstream port of the hub is connected to the downstream port connector of another device. In one embodiment, the user may reduce the physical size of the hub apparatus, while it remains electrically operational, by folding the rotating elements into a compact shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: KENNETH MORI
  • Publication number: 20080188093
    Abstract: A rotating power connector for an electric welding torch unicable includes a generally cylindrical outer housing having a longitudinal axis. A connector pin is fixedly, axially disposed within the outer housing and extends from one end thereof. A rotating stud is rotatably, axially disposed within the outer housing and extends from another end thereof. The connector pin and the rotating stud have ends in contact within the outer housing. A secondary electrical contact ring also is disposed within the outer housing. The secondary electrical contact ring includes at least one contact portion contacting the rotating stud. At least one biasing member is disposed between the rotating stud and the contact ring. The biasing member urges the rotating stud into engagement with the connector pin and urges the contact ring into engagement with the rotating stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20080085613
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical connector which includes an insulative body and a plurality of terminals. In addition, the insulative body has at least a receiving hole for the insertion of an electrical device, and each receiving hole has a plurality of terminals. Moreover, the plurality of terminals has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion perpendicular to one another; the horizontal portion has a contact portion, and the bottom of the vertical portion has a conductive portion. Furthermore, the insulative body has a fixing portion protruding from an end opposite to the receiving hole, and the fixing portion has a positioning structure for locating the vertical portion of the terminal, and the electrical connector has a base for mate with the positioning structure to fix the terminals in the positioning structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ted Ju