Including Repositionable Contact Patents (Class 439/171)
  • Patent number: 11817657
    Abstract: A direct mate orthogonal connector for a high density of high speed signals. The connector may include right angle leadframe assemblies with signal conductive elements and ground shields held by a leadframe housing. High frequency performance may be achieved with members on the leadframe that transfer force between a connector housing, holding the leadframe assemblies, and a portion of the leadframe housing holding the signal conductive elements and the shields near their mounting ends. Core members may be inserted into the housing and mating ends of the conductive elements of ground shields may be adjacent the core members, enabling electrical and mechanical performance of the mating interface to be defined by the core members. The core members may incorporate insulative and lossy features that may be complex to form as part of the connector housing but may be readily formed as part of a separate core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: FCI USA LLC
    Inventors: Jason John Ellison, Douglas M. Johnescu, Gregory A. Hull, Mark E. Lauermann, Scott Martin, Jan De Geest, Scott Carbaugh, Steven E. Minich, Mark R. Gray, Charles Copper, William Tanis
  • Patent number: 11516929
    Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed. The power adapter includes housing parts that carries electronic components. To secure the housing parts together, one housing part includes snaps and another housing part includes protrusions and rails. During assembly, the protrusions slide under the snap, causing the snap to deflect in one direction, while the rails slide over the snap, which keeps the snap partially flat but also causes the snap to deflect in another direction. The engagement (during assembly) of the rails and the protrusions to opposing surfaces of the snap cause bi-directional deflection/bending of the snap. When each protrusion is positioned into an opening of the snap, the snap returns to a flat, non-deflected state, and the housing parts are secured together by the snap, protrusions, and rails. The rails support the snaps by limiting or preventing additional deflection of the snap, which subsequently promotes the housing remaining together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Peter A. Dvorak, Jeremy M. Dahl, Michael A. Foote, Brian K. Thorne, Cesar Lozano Villarreal
  • Patent number: 11411359
    Abstract: An intelligent power adaptor includes a housing, a circuit board, a holder and a detachable intelligent current adaptor. The housing has an internal space and an insertion through hole. The circuit board is disposed within the internal space. The circuit board includes a plurality of first connecting terminals. The holder is coupled to the circuit board. Also, the holder is disposed above the circuit board and within the internal space. In addition, the holder includes an opening for encompassing the plurality of first connecting terminals. The detachable intelligent current adaptor is detachably coupled to the holder via the opening and externally coupled to the housing via the insertion through hole. The detachable intelligent current adaptor includes a plurality of second connecting terminals that are detachably docked with and electrically coupled to the plurality of first connecting terminals in one-by-one correspondence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Tang, Zhongyuan Liang
  • Patent number: 10673160
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a circuit board assembly that may include a circuit board that may include an aperture. The circuit board assembly may include a reverse header. The reverse header may include a base and a plurality of pins connected to the base. A portion of each of the plurality of pins may be disposed at least partially in the aperture. The circuit board may be configured an insulated metal substrate circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ralf Baier, Claus Brendel, Udo Angermueller, Andy Mantey
  • Patent number: 10601194
    Abstract: A travel power adapter system is provided. The travel power adapter system includes a base unit and a plurality of adapter assemblies. The base unit provides an integral prong configuration associated with an intrinsic electrical plug standard. Each adapter assembly a prong configuration associated with a different extrinsic electrical plug standard. The base unit provides a base recess that the integral prong configuration can pivot into. Each adapter assembly provides coupling sleeves dimensioned to slidably receive the plurality of prongs while nesting in the base recess, whereby an operative association between the integral electrical plug standard of integral prong configuration and the extrinsic electrical plug standard of the adapter assembly, enabling the base unit to be electrically connect to a receptacle associated with the extrinsic electrical plug standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Min-Hung Chien
  • Patent number: 10470644
    Abstract: A plug as an optical connector is configured to connect mechanically and optically with a receptacle, wherein part of an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal is disposed internally. The plug includes a tubular plug-side first outer wall into which the optical fiber is inserted, configured to cover an optical signal-emitting end of the optical fiber. An end side of the plug-side first outer wall to be connected to the receptacle is sealed by a plug-side cover member translucent to an optical signal. In the optical connector intrusion of liquid and foreign substances can be suppressed, and reliability of optical communication can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hagihara, Kei Tomatsu, Kenji Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10164368
    Abstract: An adapter including an accommodating element, a driving element having a driving unit, and multiple electrical connectors is provided. The accommodating element has a first space and multiple second spaces. The driving element is sleeved to the accommodating element along an actuating axis. The driving unit has a first electrical connecting portion. In a storage state, the driving unit is stored in the first space, and the electrical connectors are stored in the second space. In an operating state, the first electrical connecting portion of the driving unit is coupled to one of these electrical connecters. Then, the driving unit can enter the second space where the electrical connector stays originally, and at least part of the electrical connector is pushed out of the accommodating element. A using method of the adapter is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: CYBER POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chuan-Han Hsiao
  • Patent number: 9891115
    Abstract: A sensor structure includes a fixing assembly and a sensing assembly. The fixing assembly includes a connection member. The sensing assembly includes a sleeve, an engaging member, a microchip, and a fastening member. The engaging member is received in the sleeve and is detachably engaged with the connection member. The microchip is coupled to the engaging member and is received in the sleeve. The fastening member latches the sleeve and is detachably fit around the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zong-Yuan Sun
  • Patent number: 9886071
    Abstract: A memory storage device having a rewritable non-volatile memory module, a first connection interface unit, a second connection interface unit, a power management circuit and a memory control circuit unit is provided. When an external power supply device is electrically connected to the second connection interface unit, the power management circuit receives a second power supply voltage from the external power supply device via the second connection interface unit, supplies an operation voltage to the rewritable non-volatile memory module and the memory control circuit unit and supplies the second power supply voltage to a host device. When the external power supply device is electrically disconnected with the second connection interface unit, the power management circuit receives a first power supply voltage from the host device via the first connection interface unit and supplies the operation voltage to the memory control circuit unit and the rewritable non-volatile memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: PHISON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Zeh-Yang Chew, Shou-Chih Lee, Po-Chun Hsieh, Yun-Chieh Chen, I-Chung Tsai
  • Patent number: 8979563
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric contact module, particularly electric test module, for an electric unit, preferably an electric distribution unit such as an electric voltage or power distribution unit or an installation of an electrical substation of an urban electrical power system, having a casing having first electrical contact means electrically connectable by/to a first electric unit, and a slider having second electrical contact means electrically connectable by/to a second electric unit. The slider may be provided in a plurality of positions in relation to the casing. Locking recesses 132 and locking protrusions 232 may be used to set the positions of the slider. Furthermore, an electric contact box is disclosed having one or a plurality of electric contact modules according to the invention, wherein the electric contact box preferably comprises two, three or five electric contact modules or an integer multiple thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH, Tyco Electronics Svenska Holdings AB
    Inventors: Markus Ofenloch, Peter Kraemer, Joergen Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8944845
    Abstract: An exemplary plug assembly includes an accepting assembly and a power plug which is detachably inserted into the accepting assembly. The power plug includes a base body and an inserting assembly. The base body includes at least two blades with a specification adapted to a socket providing external AC power. The base body includes two conductive pads electrically connected to the blades. The inserting assembly includes a plug cover and two conductive connecting blades fixed to an inserting portion of the plug cover, the plug cover being detachably mounted to the base body. The accepting assembly includes a charger cover and two conductive pins fixed to an accepting portion of the charger cover. Each conductive connecting blade comprises a first conductive contact portion electrically connected to the conductive pad and a second conductive contact portion electrically connected to the conductive pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Wei Yu, Che-Yu Chou, Qun Huang, Tai-Shan Zhu, Tao Jiang, Wen-Chih Lan, Zhi-Jun Shi, Jun-Liang Zhang, Ji-Bing Guo, Hua-Yong Wang, Hai-Qian Ge, Zhou Chen
  • Patent number: 8939781
    Abstract: A method and structures are provided for implementing a reconfigurable power connector for multiple wiring configurations. The reconfigurable power connector optionally is configured to connect to either a 4-wire delta (?) or a 5-wire wye (Y). The reconfigurable power connector includes a fifth pin that is moveable between a retracted position in the 4-wire delta (?) configuration and an extended position in the 5-wire wye (Y) configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: David B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8896150
    Abstract: The multi-socket power adapter includes a main housing unit and an extension unit mounted inside the main housing unit. The main housing unit includes a recess for the extension unit. A ribbon cable wound on a spool is housed inside the extension unit. The ribbon cable protrudes through the extension unit into the main housing unit to establish an electrical connection, which allows the extension unit to be used as a conventional extension cord. The extension unit includes a plurality of power plug sockets and a power switch for each plug socket so that power to each socket can be controlled. The main housing unit also includes a power switch and a power consumption monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Ali A. A. J. Shammoh
  • Patent number: 8734168
    Abstract: A safety plug adapter comprises a cover, a base plate, a conductive terminal block, a first sliding assembly, a second sliding assembly, two first conductive pins, two second conductive pins, two auxiliary elements, a ground portion, a grounding terminal block, and an attachable conductive pin, wherein the cover defines a first group of slots on a top surface thereof and a second group of slots on a side surface; the first group of slots includes a live slot, a neutral slot, and a ground slot; the second group of slots includes a live slot and a neutral slot. With the plug adapter, the first group of slots or the second group of slots can be inserted by a plug of an electrical device, whereas the first conductive pins or the second conducive pins can insert into a socket, to achieve an electrical connection between the electrical device and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: XYZ Science Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiu-San Lee, Su-Chen Shen, Yi-Hsun Lee
  • Patent number: 8686683
    Abstract: A charge clip having a main body and plug received through an aperture therein includes a cradle for holding a personal electronic instrument (PEI) thereon. The plug is inserted into a wall outlet and the main body is selectively rotationally moveable with respect to the plug so that the main body is maintained in a vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the wall outlet. The plug includes at least one rib that is selectively engageable with at least one notch formed in the aperture, preventing rotational movement of the main body with respect to the plug. The plug further includes an AC/DC conversion circuit that converts standard AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for charging the PEI. The charge clip further includes at least one USB port in electrical communication with the AC/DC conversion circuit that receives a USB plug in electrical communication with the PEI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Dale Caskey, David Anthony Benedetti
  • Patent number: 8678841
    Abstract: An electric connector includes an insulating socket, a plurality of first socket terminals, a plurality of second socket terminals, a plurality of third socket terminals, a plurality of fourth socket terminals, a plurality of fifth socket terminals, and a mechanical moving member. The mechanical moving member is disposed between a first position and a second position of an insulating base. When the mechanical moving member is positioned at the first position, part of the third socket terminals are connected to the fifth socket terminals, the second socket terminals and the third socket terminals transmit a second signal meeting a second standard. When the mechanical moving member is positioned at the second position, part of the third socket terminals are connected to the fourth socket terminals, the first socket terminals and part of the third socket terminals transmit a third signal meeting a third standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Connection Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Shun Wang, Chia-Ho Chang, Yuan-Bin Tang
  • Patent number: 8657613
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical charger including a base unit and an adaptor unit. The base unit is configured for being coupled to an electronic device. The adaptor unit is configured for being coupled to a power supply. The base unit includes an electrical connector plug. The external surfaces of the base unit and the adaptor unit include co-operating external geometries that provide a visual indication whether the electrical connector plug is disposed, relative to the adaptor unit, in the electrically coupled state or in an electrically uncoupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Kasra Youssefi-Shams, Felipe Oliveira Simoes, Leonardo Aldana
  • Patent number: 8579656
    Abstract: A power supply includes a plug including a base having an accommodating space. Two conductors are provided in the accommodating space. A positioning cover connects a body and further covers the accommodating space. The positioning cover is provided with guiding slots, and a braking ring is arranged between the conductors and the positioning cover. The interior edge of the braking ring is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves, and the plug can rotate on the body. Conductive connecting terminals slide in the guiding slots and are positioned in the positioning groove to be in contact with the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin Chu Huang
  • Publication number: 20130040479
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an adjustable power plug, which includes an insulating base, a pair of first pins, and a second pin. The insulating base has a main portion and a central portion movably engaged thereto. The main portion and the central portion are linearly movable with respect to each other. The first pins are disposed on the main portion, while the second pin is disposed on the central portion. When the main portion and the central portion are displaced with respect to each other, the second pin remains parallel to the first pins. The first and second pins may be arranged in an operating state or a non-operating state. The instant disclosure also discusses an electronic device having the adjustable power plug and a holder for accommodating the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-HUI HSU
  • Patent number: 8342862
    Abstract: A power connector comprises a slidably positionable earth pin. The earth pin is able to be positioned in a travel, or small form factor and in an operational form factor. The housing of the connector comprises a member having a slot that defines a sliding path for the earth pin. The member also has two sets of grooves for receiving a set of spring loaded protrusions on the earth pin. The protrusions come to rest in one of the sets of grooves thereby defining a small form factor and an operational form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Roland Konersmann, Andreas Kniesel
  • Patent number: 8267705
    Abstract: An electronic device with a detachable plug capable of changing plugging direction is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a main body and a plug. The main body has a plug-receiving portion, and the plug-receiving portion comprises at least two conducting pieces. The plug has a plug body and at least two conductive terminals. The plug body comprises four trenches disposed at a bottom thereof and arranged as a square. Each of the conductive terminals comprises a plugging portion, a connection portion and an extension portion, wherein the plugging portion is protruded out of a surface of the plug body, and the connection portion and the extension portion are embedded in the plug body and are corresponding to two adjacent trenches, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Huang
  • Publication number: 20120004655
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprises a first elongated connector in parallel alignment with a second elongated connector and an adjustment mechanism operable to control movement of the first elongated connector relative to the second elongated connector while maintaining parallel alignment between the elongated connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Harrison Jay Kim, Sergey Marker, David C. Leingang
  • Patent number: 8070503
    Abstract: A novel charging interface for rechargeable devices is disclosed herein. The present charging interface has a male plug, formed from circuit board material, which electrically and slidably interconnects with a female socket in at least two orientations. The female socket has electrically conductive biasing means which retain the male plug within the female socket. The charging interface provides electrical contact between the master circuit board of a rechargeable device and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Mak
  • Patent number: 8052441
    Abstract: A system can include a receiver to receive a plug module. The plug module can include multiple apertures located substantially the same distance from an axis of rotation of the plug module. A connector can extend from the receiver to connect to a contact in one of the multiple apertures of the plug module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark David Senatori, Kevin L. Massaro, Glenn A. Wong
  • Patent number: 7983064
    Abstract: A power adapter includes an insulation casing. A plug module has at least one plug pin which defines a plug end protruding out of the insulation casing and an inserting end opposite to the plug end received in the insulation casing. The insulation casing receives a printed circuit board, at least one connecting member and conductive member therein. The conductive member is fixed on the printed circuit board and defines a receiving space. The connecting member has a contact portion received in the receiving space of the conductive member for electrical connection therebetween and a retaining portion connecting with the inserting end of the plug module. The assembly structure of the power adapter is simplification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Zhang, Yong-Jun Liao, Guo-Qiang Tang
  • Publication number: 20110171842
    Abstract: A system can include a receiver to receive a plug module. The plug module can include multiple apertures located substantially the same distance from an axis of rotation of the plug module. A connector can extend from the receiver to connect to a contact in one of the multiple apertures of the plug module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Mark David Senatori, Kevin L. Massaro, Glenn A. Wong
  • Publication number: 20110143565
    Abstract: A push-in wire connector having at least two resilient members for generating a wire contacting force with one of the two resilient members exerting a greater contact force than the other to permit forming electrical connections to different size or types of wires by axially inserting wires into a sealant and into electrical contact engagement in the push-in wire connector to form a waterproof electrical connection in the presence of the sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: L. Herbert King, JR., William Hiner
  • Patent number: 7950938
    Abstract: A universal plug adapter is provided plugs of different specifications to be selectively extracted and positioned to meet and connect an external wall socket. The plug thus supplies power to a railed recess, in which railed recess a rail-positioned socket having different specifications is installed and electrically connected, so as to form the universal plug adapter. Therein, the rail-positioned socket has sockets of different specifications for plugs of different specifications to insert. Additionally, the rail-positioned socket rail-positioned socket may be tailed with a functional electric device, such as a nightlight, an alarm, a wireless router, a USB socket or sockets of different specifications, for easy and convenient use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: TZT Industry (M) SDN, BHD.
    Inventor: Ling Fong Teoh
  • Patent number: 7922511
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly that includes an adjustment collar and a body having an interior volume. The collar defines a passage that is in communication with the interior volume of the body when the collar is engaged with the body. The collar can be rotated relative to the body and can also be fixed to the body with a locking member. The adjustment collar has a helical thread that engages an electrical connector. Wiring extending through the body can be conductively engaged with the electrical connector. The engagement between the collar and the body allows the rotational position of the electrical connector relative to the body to be easily adjusted and then fixed in place by rotation and the subsequent fixation of the adjustment collar. A cooperating electrical connector can be detachably engaged with the electrical connector. A coupling member can be used to secure the cooperating electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Excellon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Wesley Schweitzer, John Richard Taller
  • Patent number: 7819704
    Abstract: A connector plug comprises a shell defining at least two threaded holes. At least two conducting poles are set in an interior of the shell and corresponding to the at least two threaded holes. Each conducting pole comprises a pin extended from the interior of one of the at least two threaded holes. One cable is electronically connected to the pin, and one fixing portion is disposed on the cable and adjacent to the pin, and is received into the threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Guang Su
  • Patent number: 7806727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (10), in particular, for telecommunications and data-systems-technology connections, comprising a housing in which a connector jack (20) is disposed around which a mating face is disposed, wherein the housing has a front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e) and a rear section (42), wherein the mating face (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) is disposed on the front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e), while the connector jack (20) is disposed in the rear section (42) or in the front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e), and wherein the front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e) is disposed on the rear section (42) in a detachably connectable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: MC Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Dold, Werner Rösch
  • Patent number: 7794251
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body, a plug and a fixing member. The main body includes a plug-receiving portion and a plurality of conductive portions. The plug-receiving portion is defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a bottom surface. The first sidewall is opposed to the second sidewall. The bottom surface is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. An inclined angle between the bottom surface and at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is smaller than 90 degrees. The plug includes a plurality of conductive terminals, a first slant corresponding to the first sidewall, and a second slant corresponding to the second sidewall. The fixing member is used for facilitating fixing the plug in the plug-receiving portion of the main body such that the conductive terminals of the plug are electrically connected to the conductive portions of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Wen, Chun-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7780463
    Abstract: A flash memory device having a housing for enclosing a flash memory drive, a host chip for selectively operating the flash memory drive in a host mode or a slave mode, and a control chip for controlling the operations of the flash memory device. The flash memory device further includes a universal connector mounted in the housing and configured for electrical connection to enable the connection of the flash memory device to at least one peripheral device. The flash memory device also preferably including a display screen and interface control for user operations of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Publication number: 20100120278
    Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-angular power adapter particularly used for electrically charging a small electric appliance and having a multi-angular function. The multi-angular power adapter includes a casing, a circuit section, an output power cord, and a connector section connected to an external power supply, characterized in that the connector section includes a fixed base, a movable connector base corresponding to the fixed base, and a limit section for restricting the movements of the movable connector base. The fixed base installed on the casing includes at least two fixed contact points electrically connected to the circuit section, and the movable connector base operates in coordination with the fixed base to change an angle in a plane, and the movable connector base includes two movable contact points respectively in contact with the two fixed contact point and electrically connected with the two insert pins of the movable connector base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Chun-Lian Yang
  • Patent number: 7628621
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electric device with a rotatable and receivable plug. The electric device includes an upper case and a lower case. The lower case has two through holes, two plug receiving slots and two receptacles formed therein, and is engaged with the upper case. The electric device further includes a plug having a first end and a second end. The first end is inserted into the through holes of the lower case. Moreover, the first end of the plug is received in the plug receiving slots of the lower case and the second end of the plug is received in the receptacles of the lower case when the plug is rotated to a hidden position. The electric device further includes a fixing member having two slots formed therein to be inserted by the second end of the plug and two clamping fixtures formed on the lower surface thereof to clamp the plug, and a circuit board attached onto the lower case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
  • Patent number: 7581970
    Abstract: A cable, connector and keying system that support conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals on a first end and a second connector associated with the cable and system is operative in at least two mechanical positions. Based upon the selected mechanical position, the cable is configured to allow certain functions and/or prohibit certain functions. For example, when the connector is in a first position, it may desirable to connect an accessory device to the mobile telephone through the cable. However, when the connector is in a second position, it may be desirable to prevent the user from connecting the accessory device to the mobile telephone because, for example, when the cable is operating in the configured mode damage may occur to the accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Hakan M. Englund
  • Patent number: 7563115
    Abstract: A plug-in power supply wherein the mains plug unit is exchangeable in the form of a conversion plug system. The plug-in power supply includes a housing having a voltage transformer module for converting a mains voltage into the required low voltage, and an exchangeable mains plug unit with at least two mains plug pins. The plug-in power supply includes an exchangeable mains plug unit, and the housing includes at least two spring contacts which are electrically connected to the voltage transformer module. The mains plug unit includes at least two contact pins which cooperate with the spring contacts so as to establish an electric contact with the mains plug pins, and each contact pin is arranged in a separate recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Friwo Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Kay van gen Hassend, Ulrich Bernsmann, Manfred Wegmann, Michael Bothe, Yonggui Wu
  • Patent number: 7556515
    Abstract: In a connector including a conductive member adapted to be connected to a connection object, the conductive member includes a movable contacting portion to be contacted with the connection object and a position control portion integrally formed with the contacting portion and serving to control a position of the contacting portion. The contact may includes a main body integrally formed with the contacting portion and an elastic portion coupling the position control portion to the main body so that the position control portion is displaceable with respect to the main body. The main body may be integrally formed with the position control portion. The elastic portion may couple the contacting portion to the main body so that the contacting portion is displaceable with respect to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Rintaro Kato, Nobukazu Kato, Akira Kimura, Masakazu Kuroiwa
  • Publication number: 20090088011
    Abstract: A cable connector module includes a cable having a first end and a second end, a first plug connector assembled on the first end of the cable, and a second plug connector assembled on the second end of the cable. The second plug connector forms a second mating portion and a second connecting portion. The second mating portion and the second connecting portion offset 90° relative to each other in a horizontal plane, whereby a first mating socket connector and a second mating socket connector are arranged in low profile on a main board. This structure meets trend of miniature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Yen-Chung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7488215
    Abstract: A multi-position connector is disclosed that allows a personal audio device to be operably secured to a variety of different personal audio sets. In a disclosed embodiment, the connector is slidably secured to a frame, thereby allowing the connector's position relative to the frame to be adjusted as needed so as to properly engage mating connectors on a particular personal audio set. A resistive detent is preferably provided at key locations along the frame so as to hold the connector at a predetermined position relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Donald Mayette, Robert Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20080293274
    Abstract: A flash memory device having a housing for enclosing a flash memory drive, a host chip for selectively operating the flash memory drive in a host mode or a slave mode, and a control chip for controlling the operations of the flash memory device. The flash memory device further includes a universal connector mounted in the housing and configured for electrical connection to enable the connection of the flash memory device to at least one peripheral device. The flash memory device also preferably including a display screen and interface control for user operations of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Patent number: 7445479
    Abstract: An electronic connecting device includes a plate defining an opening therein, a connector for being movable along the opening, a controller for shifting the connector to different height positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd,
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Fan, Wei-Kuo Sung, Jung-Hsiang Lee, Chang-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 7439709
    Abstract: A charger unit for an electronic device that includes a housing, a plurality of charging contacts provided on the housing, and a recess provided in the housing, preferably on a rear face thereof. A plug having a plurality of prongs may be selectively attached to and detached from the housing for electrically connecting the charger unit to a source of charging current. When attached to the housing, one or more of the prongs of the plug are electrically connected to a respective one of the charging contacts. In addition, a plurality of storage sockets are provided in the housing within the recess. Each of the storage sockets are adapted to receive and hold therein a respective one of the prongs of the plug to enable the plug to be safely and securely stored when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: George Baldwin Bumiller
  • Patent number: 7419393
    Abstract: A universal computer cable kit includes a universal cable having quick connector portions on opposing ends thereof, a plurality of interchangeable connectors for attachment to the quick connector portions, a container for storing the interchangeable connectors, and a blister pack for packaging and displaying the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Patent number: 7393224
    Abstract: A flash memory device includes a flash memory drive with a quick connector in a housing. The quick connector is adapted to engage a cooperating quick connector of a selected one of a plurality of different interchangeable connectors. The interchangeable connectors each have standard connector for connection with computers and other devices that are compatible with the flash memory. A universal computer cable kit includes a universal cable having quick connectors on opposing ends thereof, a plurality of the interchangeable connectors, the flash memory device, a container for storing the interchangeable connectors and the flash memory device, and a blister pack for packaging and displaying the kit. The flash memory device can function as a host and has a control and display for selective transfer of files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Publication number: 20080146060
    Abstract: In a connector including a conductive member adapted to be connected to a connection object, the conductive member includes a movable contacting portion to be contacted with the connection object and a position control portion integrally formed with the contacting portion and serving to control a position of the contacting portion. The contact may includes a main body integrally formed with the contacting portion and an elastic portion coupling the position control portion to the main body so that the position control portion is displaceable with respect to the main body. The main body may be integrally formed with the position control portion. The elastic portion may couple the contacting portion to the main body so that the contacting portion is displaceable with respect to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Rintaro Kato, Nobukazu Kato, Akira Kimura, Masakazu Kuroiwa
  • Publication number: 20080119076
    Abstract: Systems of reversible USB type-A connectors which can be functionally mated with standard USB type-A connectors in each of two coupling orientations can also be reversibly mated with each other. Each plug and each receptacle includes at least one displaceable element which assumes: (a) a neutral configuration prior to coupling with the standard USB receptacle, (b) a first displaced configuration when coupled with the standard USB receptacle in a first coupling orientation, and (c) a second displaced configuration when coupled with the standard USB receptacle in a second coupling orientation. The reversible plug and the reversible receptacle are adapted for functionally mating with each other in each of two relative coupling orientations such that the displaceable element of a pre-selected one of the connectors assumes the corresponding first displaced configuration independent of the relative coupling orientation between the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: SanDisk IL Ltd.
    Inventor: Mordechai Teicher
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080064244
    Abstract: Described is a plug adapter with reconfigurable prong orientation comprising a housing and an electrical plug assembly supported by the housing. The electrical plug assembly includes an adapter module, a plurality of prongs for receiving a first voltage when mated with an electrical receptacle, a converter electrically coupled to the assembly for converting the first voltage into a second voltage, and a cable electrically coupled at one end to the converter and at the other end to an electrical plug for outputting the second voltage. The prongs are pivotally mounted at a connection point on the adapter module while providing for continuous electrical contact between the prongs and the adapter module. This allows a user to effect custom placement of the adapter in the presence of obstacles or when available space is limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Bryan Holland
  • Patent number: RE44072
    Abstract: A flash memory device includes a flash memory drive with a quick connector in a housing. The quick connector is adapted to engage a cooperating quick connector of a selected one of a plurality of different interchangeable connectors. The interchangeable connectors each have standard connector for connection with computers and other devices that are compatible with the flash memory. A universal computer cable kit includes a universal cable having quick connectors on opposing ends thereof, a plurality of the interchangeable connectors, the flash memory device, a container for storing the interchangeable connectors and the flash memory device, and a blister pack for packaging and displaying the kit. The flash memory device can function as a host and has a control and display for selective transfer of files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Henry Milan