Coupling Part Patents (Class 439/170)
  • Patent number: 6857890
    Abstract: A connector (1) with a contact carrier (2) which has several receiving areas (9) for contact partners and a contact carrier sleeve (5) which can be moved over the contact carrier (2) and fixed there and which has a catch device (6) for locking the connector (1) to a mating connector. The invention providing that the contact carrier (2) and the contact carrier sleeve (5) are made symmetrical to each other such that the contact carrier sleeve (5) can be moved both into a first position and also into at least one second position over the contact carrier (2) and can be fixed in the selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hirschmann Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmer Kammerer, Thomas Bürk
  • Patent number: 6773282
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward a Multi-Occupancy Dwelling (MOD) telephone jack for use where different telephone connections could be reconfigured without the need for a telephone technician. In the description herein, the term “jack” is used to describe a receptacle, whereas in the industry, a combination of a receptacle and a plug is sometimes called a jack. The MOD jack is similar to the regulation jack (RJ), or it could be a different connection point. The MOD jack has a plurality of selectable connecting points. The MOD jack includes a rotary dial. The rotary dial is connected to at least one connection point on a first plate and further a plurality of connection points on a second plate. The first plate is connected to a plurality of connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Verizon Services Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Alvey
  • Patent number: 6669495
    Abstract: An electrical adaptor apparatus is provided for use with an electrical device. The apparatus includes a case defining a socket. The socket has a plurality of first electrical contacts. The apparatus also includes a plurality of adaptor plugs. Each adaptor plug has a plurality of recessed second electrical contacts configured to communicate with a corresponding one of the first electrical contacts. Each adaptor plug is configured to mate with the socket. Each adaptor plug is further configured to mate with a style of electrical wall socket. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism operative to lock the adaptor plug into the socket. The apparatus includes a detent button that is operative to release the locking mechanism, thereby to release the adaptor plug from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Robert P Philips, Daniel Fischer, Steven Fyke
  • Publication number: 20030232530
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing power to electronic devices such as cellular telephones and accessories thereof. A power converter module, which may be either an AC or DC module and which delivers accessory usable power, mates with an accessory module through a pair of mating connectors. By supplying a standard interface between converter and accessory modules, a system of interchangeable modules can be used to produce accessories without duplication of what would otherwise be redundant components. The invention thus provides flexibility and reduces the cost and clutter of prior art systems and methods for powering cell phone accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Fidel P. Vista, Ceferino Agonoy Sanchez, Steven Lee Willing
  • Publication number: 20030211767
    Abstract: A universal adapter for use with a rechargeable handheld communication device includes a power module. An AC rectifier is operable to convert an AC power signal into a rectified AC power signal. A DC transformer is operable to receive the AC rectified power signal and output a DC transformed power signal. A top switch feedback circuit is coupled to the DC transformer and is operable to regulate the DC transformed power signal. A DC to DC switching converter is coupled to the DC transformer and is operable to convert the DC transformed power signal to a converted DC power signal. A feedback control circuit is coupled to the DC to DC converter and operable to regulate the converted DC signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robert P. Philips, Daniel Fischer, Steven Fyke
  • Patent number: 6396726
    Abstract: A switchable power supply includes a moveable electrical plug holding member that has a first position, which places an electrical plug pair in position for use with a first voltage standard, and a second position, which places the electrical plug pair in position for use with a second voltage standard. A switch is in a first state when the moveable electrical plug holding member is in the first position and is in a second state when the moveable electrical plug holding member is in the second position. When the switch is in the first state, a voltage modifier circuit generates a first output voltage and when the switch is in the second state, the voltage modifier circuit generates a second output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal Austin, Robert Cauffield
  • Publication number: 20020055288
    Abstract: An electrical adaptor apparatus is provided for use with an electrical device. The apparatus includes a case defining a socket. The socket has a plurality of first electrical contacts. The apparatus also includes a plurality of adaptor plugs. Each adaptor plug has a plurality of recessed second electrical contacts configured to communicate with a corresponding one of the first electrical contacts. Each adaptor plug is configured to mate with the socket. Each adaptor plug is further configured to mate with a style of electrical wall socket. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism operative to lock the adaptor plug into the socket. The apparatus includes a detent button that is operative to release the locking mechanism, thereby to release the adaptor plug from the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Robert P. Philips, Daniel Fischer, Steven Fyke
  • Patent number: 6347949
    Abstract: An adaptor is provided for effectively converting an opening in the chassis or box of a router (or similar device) from an opening which accommodate a power entry component for a first power type to accommodate a power entry component for a second power type. In one aspect, an adaptor fits in a panel opening which is sized and shaped to receive an IEC-compliant AC power entry component. The adaptor has a window or opening which accommodates, e.g. a four-wire DC power entry component. In one aspect, an adaptor couples to screw holes, such as on either side of an RPS coupler and also receives a standard ground wire log, preferably forming a conductive path from the lug to the screw holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Edwards, Earl Devenport, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20020009931
    Abstract: A connector system comprises at least three different connectors each having a common width and a different depth. Each connector is made up of a block and two housing parts. The housing parts are selected from a group of parts of different depths such that the smallest connector can be made from two identical parts of the smallest depth, the largest can be made from two identical parts of the largest depth and intermediate sizes can be made from combinations of parts of different depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: Smiths Group PLC
    Inventor: Donald Richard Lacoy
  • Patent number: 6270366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an plug-in type electric interconnecting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: LG Cable and Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung Soo Jeon, Geol Hun Cho, Young Pyo Hong, Seong Joon Lee, Chang Ho Jung
  • Patent number: 6247962
    Abstract: An adapter plate for an electrical connection between a battery charger and battery pack. The adapter plate includes a partially conductive strip. The pattern of conductive material on the strip is such as to establish a circuit between underlying electrical contact pins on either the charger or battery pack so as to render the charger compatible with and capable of charging the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Anton/Bauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex DeSorbo
  • Patent number: 6200145
    Abstract: For an electrical plug connector for printed circuit boards, in particular rear-wall plug connectors with a frame-shaped insulating body in which pin-shaped contact elements are disposed in columns and rows, the insulating body being constructed for receiving multi-row spring strips, it is proposed that an adapter, in which a 3-row spring strip can be inserted, be latched into the insulating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Harting KGaA
    Inventors: Dietmar Harting, Günter Pape, Karin Förster
  • Patent number: 6139343
    Abstract: A selectable compatibility plug has a substantially hollow housing member and a plurality of contact members extending from a cable connection end to a connector end. A movable circuit member is contained in the housing for translational movement, the circuit members having circuit components on a surface thereof that is in contact with the contact members. Actuator means for moving the circuit member from a first position to a second position is mounted to the circuit member and adapted to be actuated when the plug is inserted in a low performance jack to cause the contact members to contact certain ones of the circuit elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime Ray Arnett
  • Patent number: 6109943
    Abstract: A selectable compatibility electrical connector plug has a substantially hollow housing member and a plurality of contact members extending from a cable connection end to a connector end. A circuit member having circuit components thereon is affixed within the housing with the circuit components being spaced from the contact members or leads. In open embodiment, actuator members contact the leads and project above the exterior surface of the housing. When the plug is inserted into a low performance jack, the actuator members force the leads against the circuit components to produce crosstalk and transmission loss characteristics of a low performance plug. When the plug is removed from the jack, the resilience of the leads forces the actuators up into a neutral position. The actuators may be buttons, toggles, or, in one embodiment, bowed portions of the leads which project above the surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime Ray Arnett
  • Patent number: 6057610
    Abstract: An adapter plug system connectable to AC and DC sources for powering an electrically powered device. The system includes an adapter power cord for translating AC or DC voltages into a predefined DC voltage and a DC adapter. The adapter power cord also includes an adapter circuit in a case that translates a received voltage into a voltage acceptable for an attached electrically powered device. The adapter power cord includes a switch for automatically or manually setting the adapter circuit to translate AC or DC voltages. The system also includes a DC adapter that inserts into a vehicle lighter outlet for supplying a DC voltage to plug prong receiving ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: SelfCHARGE Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Nierescher
  • Patent number: 5941718
    Abstract: A ground power connector has a removable contact insulation cover and replaceable individual contact components. The connector body is integrally molded at one end to a ground power cable. The other end of the connector body is provided with integral fixed contacts to which a removable contact insulation cover section may be threadably secured. Replaceable contact components are threadably secured to the fixed contacts and covered by the insulation cover. A replaceable sealed switch assembly may also be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Robert G. Didier
  • Patent number: 5898130
    Abstract: A cover for a surface mounted electrical box in which are placed one of a selected group of receptacles each having different electrical plug blade contact arrangements, sizes and shapes. The partial cover has a cut-out and receives therein a selectable modular insert which contains apertures which correspond to the plug prong contacts of the receptacle. The modular insert locks in the cut-out and fits flush with the remainder of the partial cover. Thus, the cover is assembled to match the receptacle within the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hakki M. Tansi, Joseph G. Spanedda
  • Patent number: 5648712
    Abstract: An integrated power supply and battery charger with interchangeable and collapsible plug capacity and interchangeable power input modules includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and including collapsible prongs, allowing the user to accommodate myriad combinations of power source configurations, electrical devices and rechargeable batteries therefore and to power and charge same in a safe and convenient manner. A cradle accommodates a battery to be charged. Releasable locking mechanisms are included to both engage the interchangeable electrical plug and battery and to lock the collapsible prong in the extended position. The locking mechanisms can be released by a user to allow the plug or battery to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Asian Micro Sources, Inc.
    Inventor: Stan S. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5577923
    Abstract: A 125 V/250 V safety electric socket device, including a socket body having a set of L pole contact metal plates and a set of N pole contact metal plates respectively connected to 125 V and 250 V power sources, a non-fuse circuit breaker contact metal rod, L-shaped rails defining a crossed sliding way; a cover panel covered on the socket body, having a rectangular center opening, two guide slots respectively extended from the center opening leftward and downwards, and a circuit breaker slot, which receives the non-fuse circuit breaker contact metal rod; a slide moved in the crossed sliding way and marked with a 125 V directional arrow and a 250 V directional arrow, and having two sets of bottom contacts for connection to 125 V and 250 V power sources respectively; a first plug panel and a second plug panel respectively detachably connected to the slide at right angles; wherein when the slide is moved in the direction of the 250 V directional arrow, one set of bottom contacts of the slide are respectively elec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Chiu-Shan Lee
  • Patent number: 5564937
    Abstract: A light bulb socket assembly adapts a primary light bulb socket housing to accept a light bulb of a smaller size. The assembly includes a primary housing including desired electrical contacts and a bulb insert for mounting within the primary housing wherein the insert threadingly accepts a base portion of a light bulb and enables contact between the bulb and the electrical contacts. A connecting member is also included which releasably mounts the bulb insert to the primary housing and prevents removal of the bulb insert in the event the bulb is over-tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Herzog
  • Patent number: 5513998
    Abstract: A plug assembly includes a main plug member having a pair of main plugs, a pair of elongated cylindrical apertures and a pair of elongated rectangular apertures, and a plug adapter member having a pair of cylindrically shaped terminals and a pair of elongated cylindrical first apertures disposed on one side wall and a pair of rectangular shaped terminals and a pair of elongated cylindrical second apertures disposed on other side wall thereof, the cylindrical shaped terminals and rectangular shaped terminals connecting to the first and second apertures, respectively, whereby the plug assembly enables the selective use of either one terminals or other terminals depending upon high voltage or low voltage usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Jungshin Kim
  • Patent number: 5337464
    Abstract: Using a relatively simple four piece conversion kit consisting of a replacement control bracket, and vertically enlarged top housing portion, drive bay and expansion card cage replacement structures, a relatively small frame personal desktop computer is converted to a larger frame computer having upgraded expansion card and drive installation capacities. The upgrading process is effected simply by removing the existing top housing portion, drive bay, expansion card cage and control panel bracket, installing the replacement drive bay, expansion card cage and control panel bracket on the existing bottom side portion of the computer, and then operatively connecting the vertically enlarged top housing portion to the existing housing base wall. Other than the four components of the conversion kit, all of the components in the original computer are reused in the resulting upgraded computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventor: Karl M. Steffes
  • Patent number: 5163833
    Abstract: A peripheral adapter board and circuit which is capable for operation with two different personal computer bus architectures is disclosed. The preferred peripheral function for the board and circuit is a terminal emulator, which allows a personal computer into which the board is plugged to function as a terminal for a mainframe or minicomputer. Edge connectors or contacts are provided on opposite side edges of the board; each one of the edge connectors is compatible with a different computer bus. The adapter board may be flipped over to plug into either computer bus. A removable, repositionable connector board assembly is provided at one end of the board, for mounting communications connectors in a position accessible from the back panel of a host personal computer. The connector board may be repositioned to maintain the orientation of the communications connectors with respect to the personal computer back panel when the adapter board is flipped over to plug into a different computer bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Digital Communications Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek S. Olsen, Richard D. Cavaness, Gail R. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5125846
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for electrically coupling a plurality of conductors of different configuration with an electronic component. A plurality of insulation displacement terminals and a plurality of surface terminating terminals are provided for use with the connector assembly. A common housing mounts the electronic component and has channels for locating a plurality of discrete insulated conductor wires and a surface area for interfacing with a substrate having a plurality of surface conductors thereon. The housing includes a plurality of first receptacles for selectively receiving the insulation displacement terminals for termination to the insulated conductor wires and electrically coupling the wires to the electronic component, and a plurality of second receptacles for, alternatively, receiving the surface terminating terminals in termination with the conductors on the substrate and electrically coupling the conductors to the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sampson, Jerry A. Long
  • Patent number: 5092798
    Abstract: An electrical bushing for connection with an electrical apparatus is disclosed. The electrical bushing includes a bushing well which defines an internal cavity, and an electrical conductor having a first end for electrical connection with the electrical apparatus and having a second end extending within the internal cavity. A replaceable stud is electrically connected to the second end of the electrical conductor, and the bushing well further includes a guide flange. The guide flange extends within the internal cavity around the second end of the electrical conductor such that it is spaced from the second end, and guides the stud into connection with the second end of the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Muench
  • Patent number: 4911649
    Abstract: A plug-in electrical converter device is set forth wherein a removable face containing one of a plurality of various 220 volt connector plugs is selectively securable to a housing containing a plurality of 110 volt outlets with the housing containing a slide connector electrically engageable with a respective strip. Each of the strips accepts one phase of the 220 volt connector plug with a central resilient slide to provide the neutral conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Daniel F. Helmich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4804336
    Abstract: A double density plug and socket electrical connector employing the same form factor as existing 50 pin subminiature "D" connectors. Adapted for use on printed circuit boards the connector can compatibly interconnect 50 pin or 100 pin electrical connectors. The double fifty plug-socket connector can carry a multiple byte wide SCSI bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Magnetic Peripherals Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Robert A. Lidholm
  • Patent number: 4740167
    Abstract: The present invention is a power distribution unit for electrification of modular wall panels such as used in office buildings and the like. More particularly the invention includes a central junction box, that houses six buss bars three power, one neutral and two ground bars, and two duplex receptacles, pluggable into the sides of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Wayne L. Millhimes, Daniel J. Murren, Wilmer L. Sheesley