Abstract: A contact assembly of an alternator including an interior chamber, which houses a first end of a rotor shaft having an axis of rotation, first and second bearing assemblies coaxially aligned with the rotor shaft and electrically isolated from one another; and at least one spring member coaxially positioned with respect to the rotor shaft within the chamber. The spring member(s) exerts resistive forces into at least one of the first and second bearing assemblies and support structures within the interior chamber in order to compressively sandwich the first and second bearing assemblies within the interior chamber. The contact assembly may also include capacitors electrically connected to the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A slip plate assembly (40) for supplying electrical current under rotational and translational force applications, includes a housing (39) and at least one draw unit (70). While subjected to rotational and translational forces, each draw unit (70) disposed within the housing (39) supplies electric current from a power source (not shown) to a receiving system (90). Each draw unit (70) includes a first electroplate (71), a second electroplate (72), and a plurality of rolling members (76) positioned within a gap (85) formed between the first and second electroplates (71, 72). In traversing this gap (85), each rolling member of the plurality of rolling members (76) contacts the first and second electroplates (71, 72) to create an electrical circuit path therebetween. Each draw unit (70) further includes a support spacer (78) and a resilient element (77).

Abstract: A test fixture with an isolation plate grounds all of the solder balls of a ball grid array (BGA) of a chip scale package, except for a selected subset of the solder balls, to perform electrical characterization of the package. The isolation plate includes a recess ground into the plate, and a hole in the recess that permits access to the selected subset of solder balls. The recess provides clearance for a fixed compliant probe to land on the solder balls to be tested through the hole, and a probe contact surface for a ground portion of the probe to securely land.

Abstract: A swivel adaptor for connection to an inlet pipe leading to a storage tank includes two swivel adaptor members, one of which is rotatably mounted on the other. A plurality of electrically conductive ball bearings are positioned in the channel formed by the swivel adaptor members. The ball bearings facilitate rotation, prevent separation of the swivel adaptor members and provide an electrical interconnection between the swivel adaptor members.

Abstract: An alternator adapted for use with a motor vehicle includes rotor assembly and a stator assembly, which may be like the rotor and state assemblies of brush-type alternators, and also a contact assembly that includes two relatively low-friction, electrically conductive, ball bearing assemblies that are adapted to conduct the DC exciting current for the alternator and that are electrically isolated from each other. Each ball bearing assemblies include inner and outer races that are electrically connected to each other by a plurality of bearing balls and by electrically conductive grease which is packed about the balls. The inner race of each ball bearing is rotatably secured to the rotary shaft of the rotor assembly and is connected to electrical leads which, in turn, are connected with the rotor assembly. The outer race of each ball bearing is fixed relative to the rotary shaft and is connected with a storage battery.

Abstract: An electrical signal coupling device and more particularly, a rotary signal coupler suitable for use in transmitting electrical signals between transducers mounted on a shaft and wiring which is fixed relative to the structure in which the shaft is rotatably mounted. The coupling device includes a first part mounted on a rotary shaft and a second part mounted on the shaft in juxtaposition to the first part. The first and second parts include respective first and second conductors for electrically coupling the parts. The coupling device also includes means for maintaining a predetermined and substantially constant annular gap between the first and second parts and means, disposed on the second part, for preventing rotation of the second part as the first part rotates with the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grounding contact for transferring currents between fixed vehicle parts of a rail vehicle, such as an electric, diesel-electric or diesel-hydraulic locomotive or traction and traveling vehicle, and its rotating axis, including at least one contact element, such as carbon brushes (14), acted upon by pressure in the direction of the wheel axis, which lies or lie on a contact surface (10) originating indirectly or directly from the wheel axis, consisting in particular of carbon material or containing this, whereby the at least one contact element is acted upon by pressure through a flat element (30) in the direction of the contact surface. In order to ensure that the contact elements lie to a sufficient extent on the contact surface through simple construction methods and light construction with respect to weight, it is suggested that the flat element be an elastic layer (30) of elastomer material arranged in a mounting (20).

Abstract: A coupling system suitable for use with a transmission cable is described. The system includes a rotary electrical coupling operably connected to a cable reel assembly having a main body and a reel rotatably mounted to the main body for winding the transmission cable. The rotary electrical coupling provides for the transmission of electrical signals and power between the cable on the reel and a vessel. The rotary electrical coupling includes a rolling electrical contact bearing.

Abstract: What is described here is a device consisting of a first and a second part which parts are mobile relative to each other by a rotational or translational movement, as well as roll bodies in an axial, vertical or oblique direction between the two parts. The invention is based on the problem of ensuring a low-interference signal transmission immune to interference as well as a long service life of the transmission system. In particular, excessively great asymmetries are to be avoided.

Abstract: A steering column interconnector having a first plate with a center hole for the steering column and a first plurality of conductive rings, a second plate having a center hole for the steering column and a second plurality of conductive rings, a third plate having a center hole for the steering column and a plurality of apertures for rotatably positioning conductive rollers, and a plurality of conductive rollers, each conductive roller being rotatably positioned within an aperture of the third plate.

Abstract: An electrical pittingproof rolling bearing having an insulating film is provided which is not creep-deformed under a bearing load even if used for a long time at high temperature and in which the bearing interference is stable with time under such severe use conditions. An insulating film formed on the surface of a bearing ring comprises a resin having a compression permanent strain of 2% or less under heating/pressurizing conditions in which a pressure of 20 MPa is applied for 24 hours at 120° C. Also, the insulating film is formed from a resin composition containing 30-80 vol % of a polyphenylene sulfide resin and 5-65 vol % of a polyamide-imide resin, and 5-50 vol % of insulating inorganic materials. Preferably, the insulating film is formed to cover at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring and the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring, and the side faces of at least one of the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: An electrical signal coupling device and more particularly, a rotary signal coupler suitable for use in transmitting electrical signals between transducers mounted on a shaft and wiring which is fixed relative to the structure in which the shaft is rotatably mounted. The coupling device includes a first part mounted on a rotary shaft and a second part mounted on the shaft in juxtaposition to the first part. The first and second parts include respective first and second conductors for electrically coupling the parts. The coupling device also includes means for maintaining a predetermined and substantially constant annular gap between the first and second parts and means, disposed on the second part, for preventing rotation of the second part as the first part rotates with the shaft.

Abstract: A smart card interface that allows data to be transferred between a smart card and an external data device. The smart card interface receives a smart card having at least one card electrical contact, and comprises at least one roller that rotates when the smart card interface receives the smart card.

Abstract: The problems identified above are in large part addressed by an docking assembly including an electronic device, a base piece, and a rotating piece. The base piece is electrically connected to at least one peripheral device. The rotating piece is intermediate between the electronic device and the base piece. The rotating piece enables rotational movement of the electronic device with respect to the base piece while maintaining electrical contact between one or more signal carriers of the electronic device and corresponding signal carriers of one or more peripheral devices. The assembly may include a set of conductive bearings at an upper surface of the base piece. In this embodiment, each conductive bearing is in electrical contact with a corresponding signal carrier in the base piece. The rotating piece may include an annular conductive element at a lower surface of the rotating piece. The conductive element is in contact with a corresponding bearing element.

Abstract: A swiveling electrical connector is described. A male assembly has three conductors electrically isolated from each other. A first one of the three conductors in the male assembly includes a cylindrical surface. A female assembly has three conductors electrically isolated from each other and a receptacle for receiving the male assembly. A first one of the three conductors in the female assembly has a clip assembly extending therefrom for contacting the cylindrical surface of the first conductor in the male assembly. A locking mechanism is coupled to the female assembly for locking the male and female assemblies together when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly thereby providing electrical contact between the male assembly conductors and the female assembly conductors.

Abstract: The present invention is an articulate electric connector that is mounted on the handle of a mobile electric apparatus that has first and second terminal of electric connection. The invention has a universal joint that is formed by a spherical body contained within an articulation cavity. Included is an assembly support that has walls that define the articulation cavity and an inlet mouth that allows communication from the exterior with the articulation cavity. The entrance of the cable in the spherical body has conductors, which are connected to two respective mobile contacts that are fixed to the spherical body. Within the cavity are two fixed contacts that communicate with the mobile contacts. The movement of the spherical body is limited by the collisions of the inlet nozzle with the borders of the inlet mouth.

Abstract: A lamp unit having an electromechanical ball including first and second electrically-conductive hemispheres separated by an insulator region, the ball being pop-fit insertable and removable anywhere along a guide track apparatus providing first and second oppositely-disposed conductor strips, the lamp unit being rotatable with respect to the conductor strips to provide on-off switching. The lamp unit-track combination provides the multiple capabilities of aiming and on-off switching, as well as lamp insertion and removal, while eliminating conventional fixturing.

Abstract: An improvement of the structure of a telephone connector is disclosed. The connector is formed by engaging a rotary head with a fixing plug. The fixing plug is installed with a plurality of round disks with conductive rings of different radii and each conductive ring contacts with the contact terminal in the plug body. A plurality of through holes are installed within the rotary head. Each through hole is installed with a metal rolling ball, or a body formed by a metal roller ball, an engaging piece and a spring so to contact with the contact terminal within rotary head. Thereby, when the connector is assembled in the telephone receiver or the receptacle receiver so that the telephone cable causes the rotary head to rotate, by the low resisting friction of the rolling ball, not only the rotary head can rotate actively and smoothly with respect to the fixing plug so that the telephone cable will not be intricate, but also the conductive rings will not be destroyed or vibrate.

Abstract: Planetary connectors for coupling signals and power between stationary and moving structures. The planetary connector comprises a pressure plate that abuts a conformal pad that in turn contacts a first printed wiring board having a plurality of concentric conductive rings that face the interior of the connector. A second printed wiring board, which may be backed by a second pressure plate, is disposed at an end of the connector distal from the first printed wiring board that has a plurality of concentric conductive rings 18a that face the interior of the connector. A ball bearing retainer that retains a plurality of metal ball bearings is disposed between the flexible printed wiring boards, such that the ball bearings make electrical contact with the conductive rings of the rigid printed wiring boards. A shaft extends through all components.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector for connection with first and second electrical power cord segments includes a male connector member and a female connector member. The male connector member comprises at least one conductor for connection with respective electric wires in the first power cord segment. The female connector member comprises at least one bearing assembly for connection with respective electric wires of the second power cord segment and sized for engagement with the respective at least one conductor. The bearing assembly is formed of an electrically conductive material to establish electrical communication between the first and second power cord segments.

Abstract: A brushless slip ring includes a housing, a plurality of annular spaces disposed in the housing and spaced apart along a common longitudinal axis, and a cageless assembly of electrically conductive spherical balls freely rotatably disposed in each of the spaces. Each of the spaces is formed between radially inner and outer electrically conductive surfaces of a rotor and stator, respectively, and a pair of axially spaced retainer rings. The spherical balls conduct electrical current between the outer and inner surfaces. The balls are rigid and harder than the inner and outer surfaces and are arranged in an annular row. The balls occupy substantially the entire circumference of the space and are freely circumferentially movable relative to one another within the space for making contact with one another.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing assembly is used to ground the shaft of an electric motor to reduce unwanted currents in the motor bearings. An auxiliary bearing is either initially mounted onto the housing of the motor or retrofitted to attach the motor, so that the shaft of the motor is in electrical and mechanical contact with the center bore of the auxiliary bearing. An electrically conductive grease is then applied via the auxiliary bearing to the shaft of the bearing that is joined to the rotor shaft. A low resistance path to ground is thereby created for the dissipation of the unwanted shaft voltages and consequently prevents harm to the machine.

Abstract: A spring-loaded ball contact device having a housing, a spring disposed in the housing, a moveable plunger disposed in the housing that contacts the spring, a freely moveable ball contact disposed at an end of the plunger, and a lubricant stored within the housing for lubricating the ball contact. A rotary connector using the spring-loaded ball contact devices has first and second printed wiring boards that rotate relative to each other that are electrically interconnected using a plurality of spring-loaded ball contact devices disposed on the first printed wiring board. The spring-loaded ball contact devices are used to transfer electrical signals or power to conductive contacts formed on the second printed wiring board.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rolling electrical contact assembly which is very similar to an anti-friction bearing. The contact has an inner and outer race made of a conductive material. A set of conductive rollers roll around in the space between the races. A cage (insulating) keeps the rollers in proper spaced relationship. The outer race is stationary and is composed of segments having V-shaped spaces between the segments and is connected to an electrical cable, and the inner race which rotates on a shaft is connected by a cable carried by the shaft to a suitable current destination. The segments of the outer race are spring loaded to improve the contact conductivity between the rollers and the inner and outer races.

Abstract: A rotary connector that transfers electrical power and signals using conductive metallic balls confined by a nonmetallic spacer and conductive conduits that are formed on two opposed metal-backed printed wiring boards. The rotary connector transfers electrical signals and power from a stationary printed wiring board to a moving printed wiring board by way of the conductive balls disposed in some or all openings of the conductive conduits. Nonconductive balls may be used in some of the openings. The use of a relatively large number of balls disposed in the openings of the nonmetallic spacer mechanically balance the connector. The connector is sealed and its interior contains nonconductive lubricant to lubricate the balls and conduits.

Abstract: A swiveling electrical connector is described which includes a male assembly and a female assembly having a receptacle for receiving the male assembly. A locking mechanism coupled to the female assembly locks the male and female assemblies together when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly thereby providing electrical contact between conductors in the male assembly and corresponding conductors in the female assembly. The locking mechanism is operable to facilitate a quick release of the male assembly from the female assembly. The male and female assemblies rotate relative to each other when locked together.

Abstract: A brush adapted to effect contact between an elastic metallic support and an electrical track which presents insulating parts and conducting parts. Said brush takes a form similar to that of a tip of a ball-point pen, with a metallic contact ball which is crimped in a metallic receiving shaft.

Abstract: A rotary connector employing rolling conductive members. Two or more electrically isolated assemblies comprising pairs of primed wiring boards or flexprint circuits are disposed in a housing. The printed wiring boards have conductors disposed on adjacent surfaces. The conductors are electrically connected using the rolling conductive members. An insulating spacer is disposed between the metallic conductors of each of the printed wiring boards that hold them in place. The assemblies are disposed adjacent each other, and a shaft is secured to selected printed wiring boards. The shaft is rotatably secured to the housing using a rotary bearing, and the other printed wiring boards are secured to the housing. The printed wiring boards have electrical wires soldered thereto that permits the flow of electrical signals through the rotary connector, and which may be routed to electrical connectors or sensors.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting to conducting circuit traces on a card, includes contact wheels rotatably mounted on resilient cantilever arms. The wheels project into a card receiving slot of the connector such that when the card is inserted therein, the wheel contacts are resiliently biased out of the slot to press against a surface of the card, whereby further insertion thereof causes the contact wheels to roll over the surface of the card thereby avoiding rubbing of the contact surfaces whilst nevertheless maintaining suitable contact pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a controlled resistance electrical path from one moving element of an electrical device to second or subsequent element. An electrically conductive media is introduced between the rotating and static element of an electrical device. The media, e.g. conductive grease, may be introduced into the bearings of the device. Alternatively, a housing may be disposed upon one of the elements. Into this housing is introduced a quantity of electrically conductive media and a contact element. The contact element is integral with, or is preloaded against, one end of the shaft of the second element, thereby forming an electrical path from the shaft, through the media to the housing and thence to the first element of the device. The contact element may be seen therefore to be floating in contact with the conductive media, thereby forming a controlled-resistance rotary electrical connector.

Abstract: An interconnector electrically unites a rotatable air bag with a stationary air bag sensor. The interconnector has a hub rotatably associated with a housing to define a radial space including one or more complementary first and second electrically conductive rings. The rings are united with one or more connectors to complete the electrical pathway from the sensor to the air bag.

Abstract: A sliding contact comprises a stationary contact member having an opening extending therethrough and a movable contact member, at least a portion of which is disposed within the opening. Conductive bearing means are disposed within the opening between the stationary contact member and the movable contact member for supporting the movable contact member within the opening and for maintaining an electrical connection between the movable contact member and the stationary contact member. Preferably, the conductive bearing means comprises a plurality of conductive ball bearings.

Abstract: A sensor rotating apparatus for allowing a sensor to have a sensing angle of 360 degrees includes a drive motor, first and second reduction gear assemblies for reducing the rotational power of the motor, a sensor turntable for rotating a sensor using the reduced rotational power of the motor, a hub for rotatably supporting the sensor turntable, a rotating shaft for rotating at the same time of rotation of the sensor turntable and transmitting a sensing signal of the sensor to a control circuit unit, a bearing assembly for supporting rotation of the rotating shaft and being electrically connected to input terminals of the rotating shaft, and a support member for preventing the bearing assembly from undesirable separation from the rotating shaft due to the rotational force of the shaft.

Abstract: A structure is provided capable of electrically connecting a terminal member to a rotatable member, which is rotatably supported by a fixed member in an electrophotographic imaging device. In the structure, a first member secured to the rotatable member and rotated therewith and a second member secured to the fixed member are provided. The first and second members are conductive and electrically connected with each other. Further, the terminal member is engaged with the second member so that the terminal member is electrically connected to the rotatable member via the first and second members.

Abstract: A connector for interfacing a circuit resident on a printed circuit board having rows of externally accessible contact pads on a face of the board with a circuit resident on a portable card having rows of externally accessible contact pads on a face of the card has independently biased ball bearing contacts which assure positive, self-cleaning, self-sealing, self-adjusting electrical contact between the circuits.A flat base has rows of apertures therethrough spaced for alignment with the pads of the board when the base is laminarly juxtaposed on the face of the board. Sinks connect the apertures in rows and the conductive ball bearings are retained in each of the apertures by annular shoulders on the apertures. Strips of elastomer formed of layers of conductive and dielectric materials are snugly seated in each sink with the layers transverse to the rows. The strips bias the ball bearings against the shoulders when the base is laminarly juxtaposed on the face of the board.

Abstract: An electrical contact apparatus having a first set of roller contacts and a second set of plate contacts separately positioned on surfaces that move relative to one another. The roller contacts have conductive rollers that are electrically coupled to a terminal. The plate contacts have flat conductive surfaces that are coupled to opposing terminals. As the roller contacts are moved past the plate contacts, the conductive rollers abut against, and roll along, the flat conductive surfaces of the plate contacts; thus completing the desired circuit.

Abstract: The rolling bearing with rotating electrical contacts comprises inner (7, 8) and outer (2) races gripping around the rolling elements (5, 6) and is equipped with means permitting the passage of an electrical current between two mechanical components, of which one is rotationally moveable in relation to the other. For this purpose at least one conductive cartridge (21) of generally annular form is mounted substantially in a frontal radial plane of the bearing, the said cartridge comprising two conductive armatures (22, 23), one being able to rotate in relation to the other, each armature being integral with one of the races of the rolling mechanism and at least one conductive element (29) pressed against one of the armatures (22) by at least one conductive elastic element (27) in contact with the other armature (23).

Abstract: A speaker mounting system includes a standard or pole with conductor lines therein for the purpose of conducting signals from an audio source, one or more towers in surrounding relation to the standard having commutator rings electrically connected to the audio signal conductor lines, each collar being adjustable to different selected positions on the standard, and a globular or annular speaker housing is disposed on each collar in surrounding relation to the standard with a speaker in each housing which is connected to the commutator ring of that collar and the speaker housing being free to move with the collar along the length of the standard. The necessary electrical connection is maintained between each speaker and commutator ring not withstanding rotation or lengthwise movement of each speaker housing and, if desired, light fixtures can be provided in each housing and energized by separate electrical conductors on the support member.

Abstract: An earphone cord take-up device is provided and consists of a hollow casing worn on a belt in which an earphone cord that is electrically connected within the casing to a jack cord can be extended therefrom when needed. Within the casing are stop rests for the earphones when the earphones are in the retracted positon.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed concentric contact portions of each cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the twisting of electrical cables is constructed with bearing assemblies for conducting electrical current from a fixed cable end to a rotatable cable end. The apparatus employs a housing and fixed and rotatable cable clamping devices attached thereto. The housing and clamping devices cooperate to transmit tensile loads on the cable through the rigid apparatus housing thereby preventing wear and damage to the moving electrical contacts. An idler bearing is employed to minimize torsional strains on the cable conductors by permitting cable to rapidly change position within the apparatus.

Abstract: In a bus bar connector, a ball bearing (20) having an inner wheel (21), an outer wheel (22) and plural balls (23) is provided between a guide rod (7) and a guide hole (3b) of the bus bar (3). When the center of gravity of the bus bar (3) is moved by electromagnetic force due to accidental overcurrent, a torque generated by friction force acting between the guide rod (7) and the inner wheel (22) rotates only the inner wheel (22) and is not conveyed to the bus bar (3).

Abstract: A tool having a rotating hollow electrode is provided power through a rotary electrical connection in the form of ball bearings and conductive lubricant, with a fixed hollow power supply fitting mounted in and insulated from a housing structure journaled in the bearings. Gas for welding is supplied through the hollow fitting and electrode which are in fluid communication.