Including Repositionable Contact Patents (Class 439/174)
  • Patent number: 11881665
    Abstract: Provided is a charger, comprising a charger body, a plug and a tooth ring; the charger body is provided with a receiving cavity for receiving the plug, and the tooth ring is arranged in the charger body; the plug comprises a connecting part, a positioning part and a pin, an upper surface of the connecting part exposes the receiving cavity, and the pin is installed on the upper surface, one end of the positioning part is connected to a lower surface of the connecting part, and another end of the positioning part extends into a central through hole of the tooth ring, which is provided with a clamping tooth, the positioning part is provided with a plurality of clamping grooves, and when the plug in the receiving cavity is rotated, the clamping tooth is clamped into one of the clamping grooves to limit the rotation angle of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dongguan Aohai Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiugen Guo, Chaohua Zhou, Dehu Xiao, Leibo Ran, Jixiang Peng, Longbiao Hu
  • Patent number: 11489302
    Abstract: A telescopic mechanism of an European plug of a power converter with a grounding pin, including a shell, a push handle arranged on the shell, a plug bush arranged in the shell and movably connected with the push handle, a pin assembly arranged in the shell, a fixed rack arranged on the shell and extending into the plug bush, a movable rack connected with the pin assembly, and a gear arranged on the plug bush and meshed with the fixed rack and the movable rack respectively. The pin assembly includes two pins; two ground conductors are arranged on the plug bush, the two pins and the two ground conductors are combined to form a hybrid grounding plug, and an additional contact sleeve is provided on the hybrid grounding plug for a grounding pin of a French plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: Guangli Zeng, Chengbing Wang, Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 11285832
    Abstract: A cooling system for a power connector of a charging inlet assembly includes a cooling adapter coupled to a housing of the charging inlet assembly including an adapter body forming a cavity. The cooling adapter includes supply and return ports adjacent a cable exit. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger positioned in the cavity of the cooling adapter including a heat exchanger body configured to receive the power cable and/or the terminal. The heat exchanger body is thermally coupled to the power cable or the terminal to dissipate heat therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Clara Marguerite Rhodes, Aaron James de Chazal, Nathan Philip Myer, Jeremy Christin Patterson, Kevin John Peterson, David Bruce Sarraf
  • Patent number: 10166879
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery discharge preventing system for a hybrid vehicle including a high voltage battery that drives a motor of the vehicle, a low voltage battery that supplies power to a black box, a first voltage sensor that measures a voltage level of the low voltage battery, a converter that charges the low voltage battery using the high voltage battery, a first relay that selectively regulates a current path between the high voltage battery and the converter, and a control unit that controls the first relay according to a measurement value of the first voltage sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Young Ok Lee
  • Patent number: 9676408
    Abstract: Reduction in costs and size of an electric driving device is achieved and reliability of electrical connection thereof is enhanced. The device comprises: an electric motor; a controller that is disposed coaxially with the axis of the electric motor rotation shaft and takes control of driving the electric motor; a motor terminal whose end extends from the electric motor toward the controller; and an output terminal whose end extends from the controller toward the electric motor; wherein a portion of the motor terminal including the end thereof and that of the output terminal including the end thereof each are formed to extend in parallel to an axial direction of the electric motor, and overlappingly connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Katsuhiko Ohmae
  • Patent number: 8933332
    Abstract: An arrangement structure for a charging port cover includes a charging port (15) having a normal charging inlet (21) in a charging port opening portion (17), a lid (7) that covers the charging port opening portion (17) and is openable and closable on a vehicle body, and a charging port cover (35) attached to the lid (7) in an opened state to cover open sections between the charging port opening portion (17) and the lid (7). The charging port cover (35) is attached to the lid (7) via a lid-side striker (29) serving as an engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Yamamaru, Daisuke Takashima
  • Publication number: 20140273570
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of telecommunication jacks, and more specifically, to network jacks adapted for operating with more than one type of a plug. In an embodiment, the present invention is a communication connector that includes a housing configured to receive a communication plug, a printed circuit board connected to the housing, and a rocker switch pivotally connected to the housing, the rocker switch configured for actuating the printed circuit board. In a variation of this embodiment, the communication connector could be used in a communication system having communication equipment therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Robert E. Fransen, Shaun P. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 8465310
    Abstract: A power cord for use with an electric dryer and outlet to electrically connect the dryer to an electrical receptacle of the outlet having a plurality of prong-receiving openings that are configured in either a first opening pattern or a second opening pattern. In the preferred embodiment, the power cord comprises a plug having a first side with a plurality of first plug prongs extending outwardly therefrom and a second side with a plurality of second plug prongs extending outwardly therefrom. The first plug prongs are in a first prong pattern that corresponds with the first opening pattern and the second plug prongs are in a second prong pattern that corresponds with the second opening pattern. The user utilizes the appropriate side of the plug to electrically connect the dryer to the receptacle. A switch on the plug allows the user select which side is electrically activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Ferdinand Walls, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8415920
    Abstract: A charger has its one side provided with terminals. The charger is provided with a connector. The terminals and the connector are electrically connected with a charging circuit within the charger. The charger has a panel connecting piece for connecting to a socket panel. The present invention further provides a combination of a charger and a socket panel. The charger is combined with the socket panel, so that the user can use the charger easily. The problem that the user may not find the charger is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 8215973
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to conductive connector attachments for use in electrically connecting printed circuit boards to absorbent products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Specifically, various configurations and methods of securely attaching conventional conductive hook and loop attachments to printed circuit boards are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
  • Patent number: 8212386
    Abstract: A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 8067868
    Abstract: In a stator structure 1 of an outer rotor generator, a pressing portion 33 provided on a first portion 31 of a connecting terminal 30 is configured to protrude inward in the radial direction of an annular coupler 20 when the connecting terminal 30 is attached to the coupler 20. The coupler 20 is formed with a circular cylindrical guide protrusion 23, and an outlet of a stator winding 5 having wound on a salient pole 10b is configured to be guided by the guide protrusion 23, bent inward in the radial direction and reach the pressing portion 33. After fusing processing, the first portion 31 on which the pressing portion 33 is provided is bent at a right angle toward a side opposed to a side with which the stator winding 5 is connected, and then a distal end thereof is locked at a lock portion 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Shinkawa
  • Patent number: 7985083
    Abstract: A system for engaging devices having connectable electrical connectors includes a first device and a second device. The first device has a first electrical connector exposed at a first surface that is contoured to define one or more recesses, each of which has a lip. The second device has a second electrical connector exposed at a second surface that is contoured to define one or more gripping elements, each of which fits into one of the recesses to grip one of the lips when the first and second electrical connectors are connected together. The first device also has a movable element that can be positioned such that when the one or more gripping elements are in the one or more recesses and gripping the one or more lips, the movable element blocks the gripping elements from being moved out of the recesses or away from the lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Phihong USA Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Hopwood, Chang Chun Feng
  • Patent number: 7946869
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to conductive connector attachments for use in electrically connecting printed circuit boards to absorbent products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Specifically, various configurations and methods of securely attaching conventional conductive hook and loop attachments to printed circuit boards are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
  • Publication number: 20110097914
    Abstract: A electrical plug connector includes a rotary assembly, an electrical plug assembly having a live prong assembly, a neutral prong assembly, and a ground prong assembly and capable of rotating with respect to a first predetermined axis, and a linkage portion between the rotary assembly and the electrical plug assembly for linking the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong assembly. The linkage portion is configured to enable the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong to rotate with respect to a first predetermined axis simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Jung-Hui Hsu, Ming-Chou Kuo, Mei-Ju Lin
  • Publication number: 20110097915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-way sliding plug (11), comprising a housing (13) and at least two plug contacts (40,50) of differing standards, which can be slid into the housing (13) into a passive position and out of the housing into an active position. Said plug contacts (40,50) each have a slide (47,57) with an operating head (15) and electrically conducting pins (41,43,45;51,53,55). The individual plug contacts (40,50) have three electrically conducting pins (41,43,45;51,53,55) on a common slider. At least two of said slides (47,57) are in a C-shape and arranged in opposition with the ends of the C-shape between the ends of the C-shape of the other slider (47,57).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Walter Ruffner
  • Publication number: 20110097911
    Abstract: An electrical plug includes a base having an accommodating portion, a first hinge member rotatably disposed in the accommodating portion and having a recess, a first prong having one end connected to the first hinge member, a second prong having one end connected to the first hinge member. And the recess is disposed between the first prong and the second prong, a second hinge member is rotatably disposed in the accommodating portion, and a third prong has one end connected to the second hinge member. The first prong and the second prong are rotated by the first hinge member to be selectively received in the accommodating portion, and when the first prong and the second prong are received in the accommodating portion, the third prong is selectively rotated to be received in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-LUNG LEE, JUNG-HUI HSU, MING-CHOU KUO, MEI-JU LIN
  • Patent number: 7850470
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to conductive connector attachments for use in electrically connecting printed circuit boards to absorbent products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Specifically, various configurations and methods of securely attaching conventional conductive hook and loop attachments to printed circuit boards are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
  • Patent number: 7762837
    Abstract: A male connector, including: a body having a proximal end and a distal end; and an elastomeric member disposed around an outer surface of the distal end of the body, wherein the distal end of the body is configured to be received into a female connector interface in a medical device, and wherein the proximal end of the body is configured to receive an electronic block connector therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Medconx, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold B. Kent, James J. Levante, Thor Roff, Joseph R. Layton, Aaron T. Fine
  • Publication number: 20100041261
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of a foldable electrical connector-housing system includes: providing a first end panel having an outer first end panel side with first end panel contacts that substantially span from one edge of the outer first end panel side to an opposite edge of the outer first end panel side; providing a second end panel having an outer second end panel side, the second end panel and the first end panel with the outer second end panel side facing away from the outer first end panel side and the first end panel contacts exposed in a folded configuration; mounting an electronic component between the outer first end panel side and the outer second end panel side; and connecting a conductor to the first end panel contacts and the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Simon B. Johnson, Lev M. Bolotin
  • Patent number: 7642671
    Abstract: A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventor: Robert Mahaffey
  • Publication number: 20090284221
    Abstract: A plug structure with angle-adjusting function includes a main body, an adjusting mechanism, a plurality of inserting elements and a power cord. The adjusting mechanism has a push button and a plurality of rotary elements. The push button is movably disposed in the main body, the rotary elements are rotatably received in the main body, the push button has a guiding groove, each rotary element has at least two axle portions, and the axle portions of the rotary element are received in the guiding groove. The inserting elements are respectively fixed on the rotary elements, and each inserting element has a front side exposed outside the main body. The power cord electrically connects to the inserting elements. Therefore, the two inserting elements can be selectably inserted into two types of socket by matching the push button of the adjusting mechanism and the special design of the rotary elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin LIAO
  • Patent number: 7507114
    Abstract: A male connector includes a body and an elastomeric member. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The elastomeric member is disposed around an outer surface of the distal end of the body. The distal end of the body is configured to be received into a female connector interface in a device. The proximal end of the body is configured to couple with an electronic block connector selected from a plurality of electronic block connectors, each of which has a different pin arrangement but a common coupling interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Medconx, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold B. Kent, James J. Levante, Thor Roff, Joseph R. Layton, Aaron T. Fine
  • Publication number: 20090061668
    Abstract: An electrical connector and a method of use of the electrical connector during installation of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The ONT includes a power supply unit having a pass-through grounding plug. The pass-through grounding plug includes an electrically-conductive grounding prong that is operable to engage a ground conductor of an electrical component. For installation purposes, for example, using existing home wiring, the grounding prong may be retractable, removable and foldable into a body of the plug. When installing the ONT, one would determine whether a power source to which a power supply unit of the ONT is to be connected is within a predetermined distance from an installation location of the ONT. Further, one would determine whether the power source includes a ground conductor. In instances where there is not a ground conductor, the grounding prong may be removed, folded, or retracted into the body of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce Douglas Powell, Anthony P. Noto
  • 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: 7265517
    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: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: George Baldwin Bumiller
  • Patent number: 7204704
    Abstract: A wire harness includes an insulating member that contains a conductor therein, the conductor extending along one direction, and the insulating member having a front face and a back face that is opposed to the front face and a plurality of hook-shaped members and a plurality of loop-shaped members that are provided on at least one of the first face and the back face of the insulating member. The hook-shaped members are engageable to loop shaped members of a mating wire harness to be laminated to the wire harness. The loop-shaped members are engageable to hook shaped members of the mating wire harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masataka Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7001192
    Abstract: An improved structure of a connector is disclosed. The connector comprises a terminal base having a plurality of connection terminals mounted thereon and a main frame, wherein the main frame is of U shape and slide tracks are mounted on vertical sidewalls thereof, and the terminal base is of L shape and the connection terminals and trenches are mounted respectively on the front end and sidewalls of the rear end of the terminal base. The terminal base is mounted upside down on the main frame to position the trenches of the terminal base within the slide tracks of the main frame. The push buttons are embedded in the trenches of the terminal base from the outside of the main frame such that the terminal base can slide within the main frame. As a result, the formed connector has a reduced size and forms a female socket and a male plug by slide of the push button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Yeh
  • Patent number: 6960727
    Abstract: An AC adapter has a deformable cover located on an outer surface of the housing and defines an interior cavity between the inner surface of the cover and the housing surface for manual retraction and housing of the electrical cable when the electrical apparatus is not in use. The electrical cable may be manually retracted and wound around an internal tower for storage or may be manually withdrawn for connection to the electrical device with which the adapter is used. Alternately, the cover is flipped up to manually retract the electrical cable after which the cover is flipped down to house the retracted electrical cable when the apparatus is not in use. The cover may be flipped up to manually pay off a desired length of the electrical cable as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Hering
  • Patent number: 6939150
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electrical plug connector including a plurality of prongs capable of being coupled to an electrical power source and an outer body having at least one recess. A gearing mechanism is configured to cause retraction of the plurality of prongs. The plurality of prongs is rotatably mounted to the gearing mechanism. At least a portion of each of the plurality of prongs is contained within the at least one recess when the plurality of prongs is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 6935878
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a link assembly for connectors, which comprises a main body, a live terminal, a neutral terminal, a ground terminal, and a push rod. The live terminal and the neutral terminal are bent directly under two wire sockets of the main body and turned round and extended out from the wire sockets to form a two-terminal connector, or pressed by the push rod to move a support member downward from a positioning channel at one end of a guide channel of the main body to push against the inner wall of the wire socket to move forward to another end of the positioning channel. The support member is latched by a resilient member, such that the ground terminal is extended out from the ground wire hole and the live and neutral terminals are turned round and extended out from the wire socket to drive the latch member and press on a blocking member to constitute a 3-termainal connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hui Hsu, Chia-Cheng Wei
  • Patent number: 6917255
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a connection system for coupling an unbalanced transmission line to a balanced transmission line. The connection system includes a connector having a housing and a cover, an unbalanced line adapter, a transformer positioned within the housing having windings coupled to the unbalanced line adapter and connector contacts coupled to the windings. An outlet has a plurality of outlet contacts arranged in pairs, each pair of outlet contacts coupled to a balanced line. The outlet receives the connector to couple the connector contacts with the outlet contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: Bernd Mathias, Kevin J. Coster
  • Patent number: 6780034
    Abstract: A coalescent type power supply conversion plug is capable of connecting to different power supply plug sockets. The plug includes a first adapter having two round bar-shaped plug terminals so that a pitch width of plug terminals is adjustable. A pin for earth hole for B type, C type and SE type is foldably provided in the center portion of the plug terminals, and a plug-in port connectable to the sockets of all the types is provided in the rear end surface. Another pin for flat plate-shaped hole for BF type and a pin for round bar shaped earth hole for B3 type is foldably provided in a second adapter. Flat plate-shaped plug terminals and a pin for earth hole are provided in the plug terminals. A plug-in port connectable to the sockets of all kinds is provided in the rear end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Shiroshita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Shiroshita, Hiroyuki Hiraide
  • Patent number: 6739891
    Abstract: A structure for connection harnesses in a vehicle comprises a cockpit module including a component which is assembled in an instrument panel, a first connector which is connected with an end of a harness disposed in a passenger compartment and which is attached to said component of the cockpit module, a second connector which is connected with an end of a harness disposed in an engine room and which is connectable with said first connector, and a dash panel which divides said passenger compartment and engine room and which includes a connector through-hole in which said first connector or second connector is inserted. The first connector is arranged to face said connector through-hole when said cockpit module is attached in a front part of said passenger compartment. The second connector is insertable in said first connector from the side of said engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Nozomi Itoh
  • Publication number: 20040097114
    Abstract: A coalescent type power supply conversion plug is capable of connecting to different power supply plug sockets. The plug includes a first adapter having two round bar-shaped plug terminals so that a pitch width of plug terminals is adjustable. A pin for earth hole for B type, C type and SE type is foldably provided in the center portion of the plug terminals, and a plug-in port connectable to the sockets of all the types is provided in the rear end surface. Another pin for flat plate-shaped hole for BF type and a pin for round bar shaped earth hole for B3 type is foldably provided in a second adapter. Flat plate-shaped plug terminals and a pin for earth hole are provided in the plug terminals. A plug-in port connectable to the sockets of all kinds is provided in the rear end surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Tohru Shiroshita, Hiroyuki Hiraide
  • Patent number: 6623294
    Abstract: An electrical adapter having a manually retractable cable assembly where the electrical contacts of the retractable cable assembly are disposed along an axis of rotation to minimize the friction between the cable and contacts therein when the cable is extended and retracted. The electrical adapter includes a housing; an electrical plug assembly including an interchangeable module coupled to an adapter module, the interchangeable module having a plurality of prongs for receiving a first voltage when mated with an electrical receptacle, and a converter electrically coupled to the assembly for converting the first voltage into a second voltage; and a retractable cable assembly supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: Man Keung Tse, John M. Groves, Wing Ling Cheng, Neal G. Stewart, Steven Lee Willing
  • Publication number: 20030176092
    Abstract: A structure for connection harnesses in a vehicle comprises a cockpit module including a component which is assembled in an instrument panel, a first connector which is connected with an end of a harness disposed in a passenger compartment and which is attached to said component of the cockpit module, a second connector which is connected with an end of a harness disposed in an engine room and which is connectable with said first connector, and a dash panel which divides said passenger compartment and engine room and which includes a connector through-hole in which said first connector or second connector is inserted. The first connector is arranged to face said connector through-hole when said cockpit module is attached in a front part of said passenger compartment. The second connector is insertable in said first connector from the side of said engine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nozomi Itoh
  • Patent number: 6454578
    Abstract: A foldable transformer comprises an insulative enclosure (2) and a plug (16) rotatably attached to the enclosure. The enclosure includes a storage cavity (4), a pair of pin holes (14), and a pair of parallel slots (12). An arcuate engaging block (8) is formed on a bridge (10) between the slots. The plug includes a transverse rod (18), a pair of rotary pins (22), and a pair of fixed pins (24) fixed in the pin holes. A groove (20) defined in the rod engagingly accommodates the engaging block. The rotary pins are manually rotated outwardly from the cavity. The engaging block is released from the groove by the rod prosing against the engaging block and thereby elastically deforming the bridge. The rotary pins are rotated out to an unfolded position in which another groove (21) defined in the rod engagingly accommodates the engaging block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huan Ming Yao
  • Patent number: 6398566
    Abstract: A foldable electric plug connector is provided. The foldable electric plug connector includes an enclosure member having a concave storage confinement disposed thereon for storing a pair of external connection plugs, wherein the concave storage confinement includes an engaging opening formed on the lower portion thereof and two inserting openings formed on two opposite sides of the lower portion, a rotatable transverse rod, an engaging member extending outwardly from the enclosure member through the engaging opening for engaging with the rotatable transverse rod, an immobile connection member including a pair of internal connection pins respectively inserted into the inserting openings, and a foldable connection member including the pair of external connection plugs respectively pivotally connected to the internal connection pins, wherein the rotatable transverse rod is disposed between the two connecting points of the pair of internal connection pins and the pair of external connection plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chen-Chun Chen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6364716
    Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an adaptor with a rotary plug. The adaptor with a rotary plug includes a rotary plug having prongs, an adaptor housing holding the rotary plug, and electric adaptation parts being inserted into the adaptor housing. The adaptor further include a rotating means for rotating the rotary plug at 45° or 90° in each of right and left directions, and a restricting means for fixing the rotary plug at a position where the rotary plug is desirably rotated by means of the rotating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Jeong-in Seo
  • Patent number: 6299466
    Abstract: A clockspring for powering a heated steering wheel having a resettable fuse connected in series between the heating element and a power source for the heating element. When a predetermined current limit is exceeded the resettable fuse trips and breaks the circuit providing power to the heating element. After the resettable fuse cools, the resettable fuse automatically reestablished the connection between the heating element and the power source for the heating element. The resettable fuse can be easily and economically implemented into a conventional clockspring, thus enabling a conventional clockspring to provide electrical connections for high current devices, such as a steering wheel heating element. Moreover, the present invention provides a reliable and cost effective safety device for preventing damage to the clockspring and the vehicle, and serious injury to a driver or a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Bolen, Dennis D. Kaufman, Brent E. Henderson, Bruce E. Reid
  • Patent number: 6273734
    Abstract: An AC adapter (electronic device) comprises a coil spring (elastic member), an engagement member, and an AC plug in which a guide groove is formed in a holding portion thereof. One end portion of the coil spring is fixed in the holding portion, and the other end portion of the coil spring is fixed in a case. One end portion of the engagement member is engaged with the guide groove of the holding portion. The engagement place of the one end portion of the engagement member and the fixation place of the one end portion of the coil spring sandwich a central axis of a rotary shaft and are symmetric with respect to the central axis. The other end portion of the engagement member is engaged with a hole portion formed in the case. The guide groove engaged with the one end portion of the engagement member is shaped like a heart so as to rotate the AC plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Ikeda, Hidetoshi Hamai
  • Patent number: 6270364
    Abstract: A portable electrical adapter is composed of a convertible plug and a transformer. The plug has a front part and a block. Two first blades are received in the front part and two sockets are defined at a bottom of the block. Two conductive strips are received in the block and each has a resilient member fixed on a distal end. Two caps are respectively pushed by the resilient members. The transformer has a notch defined therein and two second blades pivotally mounted in the notch. When the second blades are pivoted up, they can be respectively inserted in the sockets of the plug. The second blades each have an aperture defined at a first end thereof. When the second blades inserted in the sockets, the caps are respectively positioned in the apertures to electrically connect the first blades to the second blades and to stably mount the plug on the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Tongt-Huei Wang
  • Patent number: 6261109
    Abstract: A fastener for all-purpose power supplies sockets includes a socket and at least one plug engageable with the socket. The socket has a latch cavity in a lateral wall. The plug has a moveable fastening member that has a first button engaging with a latch bar. The latch bar has a latch head engageable with the latch cavity and a latch tail engageable with a spring strip. The latch head may engage with the latch cavity automatically when the plug is inserted in the socket to form a secure engagement and coupling. Upon moving the first button sideward, the latch head will be disengaged with the latch cavity to enable the plug to move away from the socket easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Liu, Chia-Fu Liu
  • Patent number: 6089886
    Abstract: An electrical plug assembly includes a secondary plug assembly which releasably mates with a rotatable default plug assembly. The default plug assembly is moveable between a storage position and a deployed position and includes a plurality of default prongs of a first physical configuration. A casing associated with the default plug assembly includes a recess for receiving the default plug assembly in the storage position. The distinct secondary plug assembly includes a main body and a plurality of secondary prongs of a second physical configuration extending from the front of the main body. The secondary plug assembly attaches to the default prongs to assume a mated position, such as by sliding the secondary plug assembly rearwardly over the default prongs. A suitable latch and catch arrangement is used to releasably secure the secondary plug assembly to the default plug assembly. Preferably, the only connection between the secondary plug assembly and the casing is via the default plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ericsson, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason D. Mareno
  • Patent number: 6062880
    Abstract: A pivotable electrical plug assembly includes a pair of elongated blades, such as rod shaped European style blades. A detent mechanism is formed with electrically conductive resilient members for releasably retaining rear portions of the elongated blades, for example, European rod shaped blades. The plug assembly is pivotally mounted to an appliance housing, such as a consumer electronic appliance or device, with the resilient members being mounted in fixed position relative to the appliance housing. The resilient members are adapted to extend into the appliance housing to engage the blades without requiring any modifications to the standard blade design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: International Components Corporation
    Inventor: Voyteck T. Skuza
  • Patent number: 6030260
    Abstract: A connecting terminal for a stator which is fitted and fixed in a fitting bore provided in a bobbin included in the stator, includes an external-conductor connecting terminal section fitted and fixed in the fitting bore with one end connected to an external conductor protruding from the fitting bore, a flat plate-shaped connecting plate section connected at one end at right angles to the other end of the external-conductor connecting terminal section and extending outwards in a radial direction of the stator, and a coil connecting terminal section which extends away from the bobbin and which is connected at right angles to the other end of the connecting plate section, so that the coil connecting terminal section can be folded to a position superposed onto the connecting plate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignees: Sawafuji Electric Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Kikuchi, Masaharu Moriuchi, Tatsuya Mori, Shigeyoshi Kubota, Tsutomu Hirano, Motohiro Shimizu, Yasuhiro Shinkawa
  • Patent number: 5975932
    Abstract: The language wheel has an interchangeable "wheel" with the same words of two languages in corresponding positions on the wheel. Two cursors are coupled together so the when one is manually moved to indicate a particular word, the other indicates the corresponding word. The two cursors are mounted on a pivoted bar which rotates above the language wheel and the cursors move radially in and out on the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Lee DeYoung
  • Patent number: 5681182
    Abstract: An assembly for forming a solderless insulation displacement wiring connection of electrical wires, includes a modular contact mount. At least two insulation displacement contacts are located within the contact mount. Each displacement contact has an insulation displacer region formed on an end thereof. An arrangement is provided for gripping both an incoming wire and an extending wire inserted into the assembly. The arrangement is movable to press a selected wire into the respective insulation displacer region when the assembly means is pressed downward toward the contact mount, to form a disconnectable through-connection of the incoming and outgoing wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Reichle + De-Massari AG
    Inventor: Hans Reichle