Including Arc Suppressing Or Extinguishing Means Patents (Class 439/181)
  • Patent number: 8491322
    Abstract: For connecting devices, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) connecting portion includes a conductor connected to a first EMI shield. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) contact portion electrically connects to a second EMI shield through a high-impedance element. The ESD contact portion electrically connects the EMI connecting portion to the second EMI shield through the high-impedance element as the ESD contact portion initially contacts the EMI connecting portion during hot docking. The ESD contact portion subsequently moves in response to the initial contact to contact a low-impedance element electrically connected to the second EMI shield and connect the EMI connecting portion to the second EMI shield through the low-impedance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 8491321
    Abstract: An objective is to produce the plug-in-connector for DC-wiring with safety by preventing degradation of contact points by shortening of period when arc is caused due to detaching and attaching the plug. An electrical outlet comprises an inversion-spring electrically connected to the plug's blade inserted from the insertion-hole. Both the ends of the inversion-spring are fixed to the inversion-spring's body, whereby the inversion-spring's intermediate-portion is moved between the contact position of making an elastically contact with the blade and the non-contact position of making a space having a predetermined distance or more for cutting the arc. The blade pushes the intermediate-portion to move it to the non-contact position by twisting the plug having a contact condition between the intermediate-portion and the blade. The intermediate-portion is inverted to have an elastic contact to the blade by pushing the push button to move the intermediate-portion, with non-contact position, by the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8469731
    Abstract: A connector includes a first connection element (2) provided with a portion of greater diameter (9) upstream to a portion of smaller diameter (10) and a second connection element (3) provided with a female contact element (14, 16) including a local narrowing of diameter (20), the narrowing being upstream to a contact piece (14) housed at the bottom of a cavity. During the connection between the two connection elements, the portion of greater diameter of the male contact element comes into contact with the local narrowing of diameter of the female contact element in the corresponding cavity, before the portion of smaller diameter of the male contact element comes into contact with the contact piece housed at the bottom of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Souriau
    Inventors: Daniel Gloaguen, Pascal Ribeau
  • Patent number: 8460022
    Abstract: A cold-shrink article having a chamber with an enlarged interior section to prevent the collapse of an end of a support core placed in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nga K. Nguyen, William L. Taylor, Carl J. Wentzel, Robert J. Schubert
  • Patent number: 8454376
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a housing body that includes a cable receiving end having a first bore extending therethrough and at least one equipment end projecting perpendicular to the cable receiving end. The at least one equipment end includes a second bore extending therethrough that communicates with the first bore in the cable receiving end. A sacrificial bar is configured to be received within the cable receiving end and includes a first end for coupling to an end of a prepared electrical power cable and a second end configured to project into the second bore and conductively couple with an electrical device received within the at least one equipment end. The housing body and sacrificial bar are configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical connector is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 8449310
    Abstract: A high voltage link apparatus may include a link assembly that includes an insulated bushing portion; a first feed thru junction bushing portion; and a second feed thru junction bushing portion. The insulated bushing portion is electrically isolated from the first feed thru junction bushing portion and the second feed thru junction bushing portion. The first feed thru junction bushing portion is conductively coupled to the second feed thru junction bushing portion. First, second, and third bushing interfaces are provided for conductively coupling to first, second, and third power cables, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third bushing interfaces include link receiving portions configured to receive the link assembly therein. The link assembly is installable in the first, second, and third bushing interfaces in first and second, reversible orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 8435058
    Abstract: A coupling system is provided. The system comprises a first hydraulic line element that is electrically conductive at least inside, a second hydraulic line element, an electrically conductive intermediate element that projects by a first end thereof at least partially into the first hydraulic line element, a releasable fastening element configured to couple the electrically conductive intermediate element to the second hydraulic line element, and a conducting device coupled to a predetermined electric potential and connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electrically conductive intermediate element. In this way, the two hydraulic lines can be coupled in a releasable manner and dissipate electric charge that may build up in, for example, a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Franke
  • Patent number: 8408925
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end, a first connector end, and a visible open port. A contact assembly may extend axially within the connector body from the conductor receiving end to the first connector end. A conductive insert may be inserted into the visible open port. At least a portion of the contact assembly is visible through the visible open port prior to insertion of the conductive insert or following removal of the conductive insert. The portion of the contact assembly visible through the visible open port includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion separated by a gap. A portion of the conductive insert is received in the gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion to allow current to flow from the second contact portion to the first contact portion upon insertion of the conductive insert into the visible open port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Kieran P. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8398442
    Abstract: A male terminal comprises an electrical contact portion and an insulating member made of insulating material. The electrical contact portion is inserted into and connected to a female terminal. The insulating member includes a to-be-received portion accommodated in the electrical contact portion and a to-be-exposed portion. The electrical contact portion includes a bottom wall upon which the to-be-received portion is disposed, and a top wall. The to-be-received portion is positioned between the bottom wall and the top wall having a securing engagement portion brought into engagement with the to-be-received portion. The male terminal is made by placing the to-be-received portion upon the bottom wall while the bottom wall, the top wall, and the securing engagement portion are flush with each other, bending them such that the to-be-received portion resides between the top wall and the bottom wall, and bringing the securing engagement portion into engagement with the to-be-received portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Sakai Yagi, Nobuaki Yoshioka, Ikuo Morita
  • Patent number: 8382505
    Abstract: The present invention provides an arc-preventing apparatus for separate cord-type hair dryer to prevent from being damaged by an arc which is occurred when a male connector formed at one end of a separate-type power source cord is disconnected to a female connector installed in a main body of the hair dryer under a load condition. The arc-preventing apparatus is installed in a power contact unit of the hair dryer, and the male and the female connector are fixed or released by an on/off switch of the hair dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: INP. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung Jin Park
  • Patent number: 8353713
    Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 8319101
    Abstract: A polymer bushing includes a conductor bar, a conductor insertion hole at a lower end, a rigid insulator around the outer circumference of the conductor bar and having a receiving port for a cable termination, a polymer covering around the outer circumference of the insulator and a number of shades 4a formed separately along the longer dimension at the outer circumference. A large diameter part is provided above the conductor insertion hole which is in the vicinity of the lower end part of the insulator. A cylindrical shielding metal fitting is concentrically embedded together with the conductor bar in the large diameter part. An electric-field stress-control layer is provided at the interface between the large diameter part and the polymer covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SWCC Showa Cable Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Adachi, Nobuyuki Sema, Hitoshi Shintate, Miyuki Ogishima, Junichi Shinagawa
  • Publication number: 20120295459
    Abstract: For connecting devices, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) connecting portion includes a conductor connected to a first EMI shield. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) contact portion electrically connects to a second EMI shield through a high-impedance element. The ESD contact portion electrically connects the EMI connecting portion to the second EMI shield through the high-impedance element as the ESD contact portion initially contacts the EMI connecting portion during hot docking. The ESD contact portion subsequently moves in response to the initial contact to contact a low-impedance element electrically connected to the second EMI shield and connect the EMI connecting portion to the second EMI shield through the low-impedance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 8282406
    Abstract: An electrical connector having electrostatic discharge protection comprises a body and an electrostatic discharge dissipative element. The body defines a socket having electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with electrical contacts along a bottom surface of a component module when the component module is inserted in the socket. The electrostatic discharge dissipative element is configured to make contact with the electrical contacts along the bottom surface of the component module before the electrical contacts along the bottom surface of the component module make contact with the electrical contacts of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David A Pipho, David W Kuehl, Patrick R Conway
  • Patent number: 8246367
    Abstract: A connecting structure reduces noise effects on an electronic device when hot docking the electronic device to mitigate against malfunctions. When a first electronic device having a first EMI shield is docked with a second electronic device having a second EMI shield, an ESD contact portion, which is connected to the second EMI shield and has higher in impedance than an EMI connecting portion, comes in contact with the first EMI shield earlier than the EMI connecting portion. Electrostatic charge carried on the first EMI shield moves slowly to the second EMI shield due to the high impedance of the ESD contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 8226425
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses supporting an electrical connection in a manner that eliminates or reduces a danger of electrical sparking are disclosed. A sparkless electrical connector has a conductor, configured to provide flow of electricity between an electrical source and a load, and a resistive element, operatively coupled to the conductor, to resist flow of electricity during a state of partial connection with the electrical source or the load. The resistive element may be not in contact with a terminal of the source or load during a state of full connection. The resistive element may be a coating of an anodized material on a pin of the conductor. The coating provides a resistance sufficient to prevent sparking during connection of the conductor and at least one of the electrical source and the load. Techniques disclosed herein benefit users and manufacturers in the areas of safety, cost, simplicity, and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Shen-Yuan Chien, Meng-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 8221144
    Abstract: A high voltage connector, such as one that carries current at a voltage of at least one kilovolts, is constructed to minimize partial discharge (a small amount of current flow) out of locations where a cable conductor has been crimped to the rear of a contact, which resulted in sharp points or edges. A shroud is mounted around the connector, which includes a cylindrical shroud sleeve lying around the crimped region of the contact, with the rear end of the shroud sleeve having rounded edges or abutting a rear shroud element, and with the front end of the shroud preferably being of hemispheric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Williams, Christopher Hankins
  • Patent number: 8192212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for unmating an electrical connector assembly wherein the movement for unmating the first and second connectors is temporarily blocked after interlocking contacts are disconnected and before the power contacts are disconnected. The invention also relates to a connector system and a connector assembly offering such functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: FCI Automotive Holding
    Inventors: Claude Casses, Patrice Cappe, Stephane Trancart, Thomas Pabst, Rainer Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8149594
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shield structure of an electronics housing includes a terminal having a protrusion for external connection; a substrate having the terminal disposed thereon and electrically connected to the terminal; a housing made of resin, enclosing the substrate and having an opening at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the terminal on a front surface side where the protrusion of the terminal is located; and an electromagnetic shield disposed so as to surround the substrate inside the housing, having an opening at the position corresponding to the protrusion of the terminal, and electromagnetically shielding the substrate. The electromagnetic shield has a bent portion formed on the front surface side for filling a gap between the terminal and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yosuke Nishihata
  • Publication number: 20120071014
    Abstract: An exemplary plug-in high-voltage bushing connects an electrical conductor to a metal-encapsulated component, which is filled with insulating agent, of a high-voltage installation. The bushing is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis and has a centrally routed electrical conductor, a field control device and an insulator surrounds the electrical conductor. The bushing also includes a tapering section that dielectrically strengthens a joint after insertion of the bushing into a plug part, which forms a seal for the insulating agent. The joint is arranged between an insulating sleeve of the plug part and the tapering section of the insulator. The bushing has capacitor plates, which are electrically isolated from one another by an insulating film, are integrated into the insulator, and pass through the mounting flange into the tapering section of the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Ansgar DAIS, Jens Rocks, Oliver Ilic
  • Patent number: 8137119
    Abstract: A connector interface may include an arrangement of contacts in a first connector, and a corresponding, complementary arrangement of contacts in a second connector mating with the contacts of the first connector. The contacts may be signal contacts or ground contacts. When the connectors are mated, a ground may be established between the connectors by the mating of the ground contacts from the respective connectors. The ground contacts in the first connector may be shaped to bridge together an array of ground contacts in the second connector when the connectors are mated. Such bridging tends to establish a continuous ground along the array of ground contacts, creating a more robust ground than in an otherwise identical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology LLC
    Inventor: Stuart C. Stoner
  • Patent number: 8128423
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end, a connector end, a linking assembly connecting the conductor receiving end to the connector end, and a visible open port positioned in the connector body for viewing at least a portion of the linking assembly. The linking assembly may include a rearward conductive end conductively coupled to the conductor receiving end, a flexible conductor conductively coupled to the connector end, and a linking pin coupled to the flexible conductor and movable between a first position and a second position. The first position maintains the conductor receiving end electrically isolated from the connector end, and the second position conductively couples the conductor receiving end to the connector end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, James Cole
  • Publication number: 20110281448
    Abstract: A connector includes a first connection element (2) provided with a portion of greater diameter (9) upstream to a portion of smaller diameter (10) and a second connection element (3) provided with a female contact element (14, 16) including a local narrowing of diameter (20), the narrowing being upstream to a contact piece (14) housed at the bottom of a cavity. During the connection between the two connection elements, the portion of greater diameter of the male contact element comes into contact with the local narrowing of diameter of the female contact element in the corresponding cavity, before the portion of smaller diameter of the male contact element comes into contact with the contact piece housed at the bottom of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SOURIAU
    Inventors: Daniel GLOAGUEN, Pascal RIBEAU
  • Patent number: 8043102
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector sheath (1) adapted to be used in a cable connector assembly, comprising a T-shaped main insulation bushing (102), an inner semiconductive shield layer (105) disposed in the T-shaped main insulation bushing and integrally formed with the T-shaped main insulation bushing; and an outer semi-conductive shield layer (101) disposed on an outer surface of the T-shaped main insulation bushing and integrally formed with the T-shaped main insulation bushing. The T-shaped main insulation bushing is generally made of an elastic insulation material having a dielectric constant value in the range from about 5 to about 15. The present invention also discloses a cable connector assembly having a connector sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Huo Ying Lu, Qi Su
  • Publication number: 20110256746
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end and first and second connector ends formed substantially perpendicularly to an axial direction of the conductor receiving end. The connector body includes a first axial bore that communicates with each of a second axial bore and a third axial bore in the first and second connector ends, respectively. The electrical connector assembly may include a conductor spade assembly received in the first axial bore, wherein the conductor spade assembly includes a spade portion extending between the second axial bore and the third axial bore. A removeable contact may be received within the second axial bore to conductively engage the spade portion of the conductor spade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, James Cole, Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 8038457
    Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
  • Publication number: 20110230073
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes at least one motion sensor for detecting movement of a blade of an electrical plug in the receptacle, an extraction detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for generating a signal in response to movement of the blade at a predetermined rate, a position detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for determining the position of the blade in the receptacle, a switch operatively connected to the extraction detector and the position detector for de-energizing the receptacle when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate and wherein the extraction detector and switch are operative to de-energize the receptacle in less than six milliseconds when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: UNITRON, LP
    Inventors: ANDREW FORD, JERRY SHIRES
  • Patent number: 7972155
    Abstract: A hotstick operable electrical connector for use in a power distribution system that includes a housing, a well and first and second frustoconical members extending from a surface of the housing. Each frustoconical member has a distal end and an axial bore that extends from the distal end into the housing. The well includes a wall, a base with an aperture and a tapered cavity that extends into the housing from the surface opposite the frustoconical members. The well is adapted to receive a male end of an insert device, such as a feed-thru insert or bushing insert. The aperture provides communication between the cavity and the axial bore of one of the frustoconical members. An electrical contact assembly extends through the aperture between the cavity and the axial bore. The integrally formed well provides a means for direct connection with an insert device without the use of an adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Siebens
  • Patent number: 7963782
    Abstract: Separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors that engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. An indicator integral or coupled to one of the connectors can indicate whether the first and second connectors are in the pushed-in-position. A window in the other connector includes an opening, channel, and/or translucent or semi-translucent material through which the indicator may be seen. The window and/or one or more vents in a tubular member of one of the connectors can include a channel that provides an air path for ingress of air between the connectors, to thereby remove or reduce a vacuum or partial vacuum between the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7950939
    Abstract: Medium voltage separable insulated connector system for power distribution systems and configured to make and break energized connections at rated voltage but in the absence of load current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, John Mitchell Makal, Frank John Muench
  • Patent number: 7950940
    Abstract: Separating connector assemblies of a separable connector system. The separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors configured to engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. One of the connectors can include a nose end having an undercut segment configured to not engage an interior surface of the other connector when the connectors are engaged. Limiting the surface area of the nose end that interfaces with the interior surface of the other connector reduces surface adhesion and a pressure drop when separating the connectors, making separation easier to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7946871
    Abstract: An electrical connector in accordance with the present invention includes an insulative housing defining a mating direction and at least one contact-receiving passage extending along a mating direction, at least one conductive contact received in the at least one contact-receiving passage for electrically connecting with a conductive contact of a complementary connector, and a protection element. The at least one conductive contact includes a retention section interferentially received in the at least one contact-receiving passage, and a mating section extending from the retention section for electrically connecting with corresponding conductive contact of the complementary connector, and a mounting section extending from the retention section. The mating section forms a tip end at a free end thereof. The protection element is integrally formed with the tip end of the mating section of the at least one conductive contact and wraps the tip end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Alltop Electronics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wang-I Yu, Hung-Chi Tai, Yung-Chih Hung
  • Patent number: 7946870
    Abstract: Separable insulated connector systems for power distribution systems wherein the interfaces of the mating connectors are modified to reduce mating and separation force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Publication number: 20110092088
    Abstract: A deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter assembly may include a deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing having a first end and a second end, and an annular shoulder portion located between the first end and the second end. The first end may include a loadbreak interface for connecting to a loadbreak device and the second end may include a deadbreak interface for connecting to a deadbreak bushing. Bailing means may be provided for securing the deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing to a housing in which the deadbreak bushing is installed via a securing force applied to the shoulder portion of the deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Publication number: 20110081793
    Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 7905735
    Abstract: Separating connector assemblies of a separable connector system. The separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors configured to engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. One of the connectors can include a nose end having an undercut segment configured to not engage an interior surface of the other connector when the connectors are engaged. Limiting the surface area of the nose end that interfaces with the interior surface of the other connector reduces surface adhesion and a pressure drop when separating the connectors, making separation easier to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7905734
    Abstract: A connecting structure reduces noise effects on an electronic device when hot docking the electronic device to mitigate against malfunctions. When a first electronic device having a first EMI shield is docked with a second electronic device having a second EMI shield, an ESD contact portion, which is connected to the second EMI shield and has higher in impedance than an EMI connecting portion, comes in contact with the first EMI shield earlier than the EMI connecting portion. Electrostatic charge carried on the first EMI shield moves slowly to the second EMI shield due to the high impedance of the ESD contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 7901228
    Abstract: A fuse test and ground device includes an insulated housing with a bore that extends from the front of the housing towards the rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed partially within the bore. A current interrupter, such as a fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a testing ground lead. An eye, having it's surface insulated by the housing, can be attached to the housing and provide a connection point for manipulation of the device. A grounding bore extends from a second aperture into the housing and provides an electrical connection to the contact. A grounding plug can be connected to ground on one end and inserted into the grounding bore to create a permanent ground for the device. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Steven Guy Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7901227
    Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7891999
    Abstract: A fuse test and ground device includes an insulated housing with a bore that extends from the front of the housing towards the rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed partially within the bore. A current interrupter, such as a fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a testing ground lead. An eye, having it's surface insulated by the housing, can be attached to the housing and provide a connection point for manipulation of the device. A grounding bore extends from a second aperture into the housing and provides an electrical connection to the contact. A grounding plug can be connected to ground on one end and inserted into the grounding bore to create a permanent ground for the device. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Steven Guy Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7884495
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used in hot swap of AC or DC line replaceable modules (40A). The apparatus according to one embodiment comprises a pin assembly (183), the pin assembly (183) being connectable to a module (40A) and connectable to a backplane (104), the pin assembly (183) resistively reducing a current associated with the module (40A) during disconnection of the module (40A) from the backplane (104), and presenting a high resistance to the module (40A) during connection of the module (40A) to the backplane (104), and a low resistance to the module (40A) at completion of the connection of the module (40A) to the backplane (104); and a hot swap detector (134) connectable to the pin assembly (183), the hot swap detector (134) detecting the disconnection of the module (40A) from the backplane (104), and detecting the connection of the module (40A) to the backplane (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Hassan Ali Kojori
  • Publication number: 20110028012
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses supporting an electrical connection in a manner that eliminates or reduces a danger of electrical sparking are disclosed. A sparkless electrical connector has a conductor, configured to provide flow of electricity between an electrical source and a load, and a resistive element, operatively coupled to the conductor, to resist flow of electricity during a state of partial connection with the electrical source or the load. The resistive element may be not in contact with a terminal of the source or load during a state of full connection. The resistive element may be a coating of an anodized material on a pin of the conductor. The coating provides a resistance sufficient to prevent sparking during connection of the conductor and at least one of the electrical source and the load. Techniques disclosed herein benefit users and manufacturers in the areas of safety, cost, simplicity, and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Shen-Yuan Chien, Meng-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 7878827
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of electrical contacts and an IC (Integral Circuit). The insulative housing has a body and a contact insert received in the body. The electrical contacts are secured to the contact insert and each has a mating end, a solder end projecting out of the insulative housing and a connecting end located therebetween. The IC is bonded to contact insert for electrical connecting with the connecting ends of the electrical contacts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhong-Hua Yao, Jia-Yong He, Qi-Sheng Zheng, Xiao-Min An
  • Patent number: 7874854
    Abstract: Communications patching devices are provided that include a mounting frame and a first jack that is mounted to the mounting frame. The first jack has a plurality of input terminals, a plurality of output terminals and a printed circuit board that includes a plurality of conductive paths that each electrically connect a respective one of the input terminals to a respective one of the output terminals. The printed circuit board further includes a plurality of electronic static discharge circuits, each of which circuit provides a path for discharging static charges to ground. Related methods and RJ-45 jacks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Terry Cobb
  • Patent number: 7862354
    Abstract: Separable loadbreak connectors include an interference element spaced about the contact tube that is configured to engage a portion of a connector piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Publication number: 20100323542
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector including a first housing having a contact and a second connector configured for connection with the first connector, wherein the second connector includes a second housing having a conductor. The first connector is configured for connection to the second connector in at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first connector is connected to the second connector, and the conductor of the second connector is not in electrical contact with the contact in the first connector. In the second position, the first connector is connected to the second connector, and the conductor of the second connector is in electrical contact with the contact in the first connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Yves Boucher, Guy J. A. Duval, Daniel Lalancette
  • Patent number: 7854620
    Abstract: A separable connector shield housing includes a layer of conductive material disposed at least partially around a layer of non-conductive material. The layers are molded together. For example, the conductive material can be overmolded around the non-conductive material, or the non-conductive material can be insert molded within the conductive material. The molding results in an easy to manufacture, single-component shield housing with reduced potential for air gaps and electrical discharge. The shield housing defines a channel within which at least a portion of a contact tube may be received. A contact element is disposed within the contact tube. The conductive material substantially surrounds the contact element. The non-conductive material can extend along an entire length of the contact tube and other components, or it may only extend partially along the contact tube. The non-conductive material can include an integral nose piece disposed along a nose end of the contact tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7811100
    Abstract: A connector interface may include an arrangement of contacts in a first connector, and a corresponding, complementary arrangement of contacts in a second connector mating with the contacts of the first connector. The contacts may be signal contacts or ground contacts. When the connectors are mated, a ground may be established between the connectors by the mating of the ground contacts from the respective connectors. The ground contacts in the first connector may be shaped to bridge together an array of ground contacts in the second connector when the connectors are mated. Such bridging tends to establish a continuous ground along the array of ground contacts, creating a more robust ground than in an otherwise identical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart Craig Stoner
  • Patent number: 7811109
    Abstract: Separable loadbreak connectors include an interference element spaced about the contact tube that is configured to engage a portion of a connector piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7803003
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting to an electrical apparatus within a high power circuit includes an electrical contact and an enclosure. The electrical contact is configured to connect to a bushing of an electrical apparatus within a high power circuit. The electrical contact extends along a first direction from a coupling region. The enclosure extends from the coupling region in a second direction that is nonparallel to the first direction. The enclosure includes two or more electrical devices, with each electrical device being connected to the electrical contact within the coupling region and providing a current path from the electrical apparatus to at least one external coupling device within the high power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes