Liquid Retainer Patents (Class 439/199)
  • Patent number: 11767159
    Abstract: A powder container (10) comprising a pressure vessel (12) for containing a quantity of powder (14) and a quantity of pressurised gas (32), an outlet through which, in use, the powder (14) can flow out of the pressure vessel (12), and an outlet valve (24) for selectively opening and closing the outlet, wherein the container (10) further comprises a data sensing and/or logging means (56, 58, 60, 62, 64) adapted to monitor and/or log various parameters of the powder (14) and/or the pressurised gas (32) and further comprising a control unit (54) adapted record and log the sensor readings either continuously, or at intervals, the control unit (54) comprising a communications module adapted to relay sensor readings, or log files, to a remote monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: LPW TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Philip Carroll, Ben Ferrar, Robert Deffley
  • Patent number: 11506202
    Abstract: A pump body assembly, a compressor and an air conditioner. The pump body assembly includes: an upper flange. The upper flange includes a disc portion and a neck portion extending upward from the disc portion, an outer peripheral surface of the disc portion is connected with a housing of the compressor, a height a1 of the disc portion and a distance b1 between an upper end surface of the neck portion and a lower end surface of the disc portion satisfy: 0.3?a1/b1?0.4, and the height a1 of the disc portion and a diameter d1 of the disc portion satisfy: 0.1?a1/d1?0.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Gree Green Refrigeration Technology Center CO., LTD. of Zhuhai
    Inventors: Yuanbin Zhai, Ouxiang Yang, Peizhen Que, Yanjun Hu, Liu Xiang
  • Patent number: 11239645
    Abstract: Provided is a cable hang-off arrangement configured for mounting at the level of an elevated platform of an offshore facility and includes a pipe configured to accommodate a number of protective tubes, wherein a protective tube is configured to accommodate a transmission cable of the offshore facility; a tube end flange arranged around an end portion of each protective tube; and a hang-off terminator configured for mounting at an end of the pipe, which hang-off terminator includes an end-plate with a number of apertures for the transmission cables, and a flange connection interface for connecting to the tube end flanges. An offshore facility, and a method of securing a transmission cable arrangement at the level of an elevated platform of an offshore facility are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Johnny Soerensen
  • Patent number: 10819064
    Abstract: A gas resistant pothead system and method for electric submersible motors. A gas resistant pothead system includes a lead foil wrapped motor lead cable (MLE) extending through a pothead, a sleeve of an insulator block inside the pothead, the sleeve including gold plating and lead-foil wrapping over the gold plating, and a lead-to-gold seal formed between the gold plating of the sleeve and the lead foil wrapping over the gold plating. A method of creating a seal to gas around a power cable connection to a downhole electric submersible motor includes wrapping lead foil around a MLE extending through a pothead, continuing the lead foil wrapping around a gold-plated sleeve of an insulating block inside the pothead, mechanically reinforcing the lead foil with an encapsulant, and bonding the lead foil to the gold plating of the insulating block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Frey, Terry L. Glasscock, Gregory Austin Davis
  • Patent number: 10420240
    Abstract: A pressure compensated subsea arrangement for housing of electric components. The arrangement includes a pressure compensated housing. The pressure compensated housing is filled with a dielectric liquid. The arrangement includes at least one electric component. The at least one electric component is provided inside the pressure compensated housing. The dielectric liquid is a hydrocarbon dielectric liquid including isoparaffin. There is also provided a method of manufacturing such an arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Santanu Singha, Tor Laneryd, Thomas Gradinger, Heinz Lendenmann
  • Patent number: 9899816
    Abstract: A pressure compensator for compensating volume variations of a medium. The pressure compensator has a first compensator part and a second compensator part. The first compensator part encloses a first volume and the second compensator part encloses a second volume. The first and second volumes are in flow communication. The first compensator part includes a first bellows portion and the second compensator part includes a second bellows portion. A moveable element, to which the first bellows portion and the second bellows portion are mechanically coupled such that movement of the moveably element along a predetermined axis results in the compression of one of the bellows portions and in the expansion of the other of the bellows portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christopher Burrow, Richard Lewin, Christopher Plant, Antonella Simpson, Daniel Walton
  • Patent number: 9843129
    Abstract: A flushing arrangement for flushing a surface of a wet-mateable connector for subsea use is provided. The flushing arrangement has a cartridge adapted to form a chamber around the surface to be flushed prior to flushing. The cartridge has a sealing portion adapted to be sealed against a part of the connector. An inlet port for receiving a fluid from a fluid source and an outlet port for discharging a fluid are provided. Plural flow channels are formed in the cartridge, the plural flow channels comprising flow channels providing a fluid connection between the inlet port and the chamber for enabling a flow of fluid into the chamber and flow channels providing a fluid connection between the chamber and the outlet port for enabling a flow of medium out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christopher Burrow, Christopher Plant
  • Patent number: 9270051
    Abstract: A wet mate electrical connector includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector can include a female connector body defining a central passage. The central passage can include a plurality of female contacts. The male connector can include a male connector body defining a central passage. A male pin can project from the central passage of the male connector body. The male pin can include a plurality of male contacts and be insertible into the central passage of the female connector. The male connector can also include a sleeve slidably displaceable over the male pin between a first position in which the sleeve covers the plurality of male contacts in a protected condition, and a second position in which the sleeve is retracted and exposes the plurality of male contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Matt Christiansen, Greg Marshall, Richard Miller
  • Patent number: 9048300
    Abstract: A method for forming a CMOS integrated circuit device, the method including; providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate layer overlying the semiconductor substrate, patterning the gate layer to form NMOS and PMOS gate structures including edges; forming a first dielectric layer overlying the NMOS and PMOS gate structures to protect the NMOS and PMOS gate structures including the edges, forming a first masking layer overlying a first region adjacent the NMOS gate structure; etching a first source region and a first drain region adjacent to the PMOS gate structure using the first masking layer as a protective layer for the first region adjacent the NMOS gate structure, and depositing a silicon germanium material into the first source and drain regions to cause the channel region between the first source and drain regions of the PMOS gate structure to be strained in a compressive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: John Chen, Simon Yang
  • Publication number: 20140377973
    Abstract: A terminal extending from a wiring member to face an electrode of a piezoelectric element and including a proximal end part and a distal end part with respect to the wiring member, the distal end part being connected to the electrode of the piezoelectric element through a conductive adhesive, comprising an insulating layer that faces the electrode of the piezoelectric element; a wiring layer laid on the insulating layer and connected to the electrode at the distal end part; and at least one liquid stopping recess provided on a surface facing the electrode at the proximal end part, the liquid stopping recess spanning between both edges of the insulating layer in an direction intersecting an extending direction of the proximal end part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20140353759
    Abstract: A self-aligned diffusion barrier may be formed by forming a first masking layer, having a vertical sidewall on a semiconductor layer, above a first portion of the semiconductor layer. A first spacer layer, including a spacer region on the vertical sidewall, may be formed above the semiconductor layer. A second portion of the semiconductor layer not covered by the first masking layer or the spacer region may then be doped. A second masking layer may then be formed over the first spacer layer and planarized to expose at least a portion of the spacer region. The spacer region may then be etched to form a notch exposing a third portion of the semiconductor layer. The third portion may then be doped with a barrier dopant. The first masking layer may be removed and a second spacer layer filling the notch may be formed. The first portion may then be doped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Russell T. Herrin, Laura J. Schutz, Steven M. Shank
  • Publication number: 20140216714
    Abstract: A transmission line segment coupler is for coupling together first and second coaxial transmission line segments each including an inner tubular conductor and an outer tubular conductor surrounding the inner tubular conductor and a dielectric therebetween. The coupler apparatus includes an outer tubular bearing body to be positioned within adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments, and an inner tubular bearing body configured to slidably move within the outer tubular bearing body to define a linear bearing therewith. The inner tubular bearing body is configured to define a fluid passageway in communication with the adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: TIM DITTMER, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit, Brian Wright
  • Patent number: 8734026
    Abstract: A subsea connector unit with an integrated, bi-directional electrical to optical (EO) media converter is provided which has a first end configured for connection to standard subsea electrical cable connector unit and a second end joined to a subsea optical or electro-optical ethernet jumper cable. The EO media converter has one or more electrical input/output (I/O) junctions which communicate with electrical signal conductors in a connected electrical ethernet cable and one or more optical I/O junctions which are connected to one or more optical fibers extending from the subsea jumper cable. Electrical input signals received at the electrical I/O junctions are converted into corresponding optical signals provided at the optical I/O junctions for transmission along the subsea jumper cable, and optical input signals received from the jumper cable are converted to electrical signals at the electrical I/O junctions for output to the electrical cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Nagengast, Alan D. McCleary, Huijiang Xi
  • Publication number: 20140102453
    Abstract: A respirator system includes a regulator for use in connection with a facepiece of the respirator system. The regulator includes an interface. The respirator system further includes a hose assembly including a hose for carrying breathing gas to the regulator and a cable for carrying at least one electrical wire to the regulator. The respirator system also includes a connector system. The connector system includes a base operatively connectible to the interface of the regulator. The base includes a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable. The channel is in operative connection with an interior of the regulator upon connection of the base to the interface. The connector system also includes a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: MARK CAVALIERE, Christopher L. Prete
  • Patent number: 8587036
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory is formed on a substrate. The non-volatile memory includes an isolation structure, a floating gate, and a gate dielectric layer. The isolation structure is disposed in the substrate to define an active area. The floating gate is disposed on the substrate and crosses over the active area. The gate dielectric layer is disposed between the floating gate and the substrate. The floating gate includes a first region and a second region. An energy band of the second region is lower than an energy band of the first region, so that charges stored in the floating gate are away from an overlap region of the floating gate and the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: eMemory Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Chen Wang, Wen-Hao Ching
  • Publication number: 20130164960
    Abstract: A universal adapter for use with a consumable assembly that is configured for use with an additive manufacturing system, the universal adapter comprising an inlet opening configured to receive a guide tube of the consumable assembly, and a connection member at the outlet end, which is configured interface with a mating panel of the additive manufacturing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: STRATASYS, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Swanson, Dominic F. Mannella
  • Publication number: 20130040480
    Abstract: Isolated pressure compensating electrical motor connections and related methods are provided. According to an example of a sealed motor electrical connection, the connection incorporates a sealed female motor connection positioned to receive a male motor connector. The female motor connector has one or more independent dielectric oil chambers each pressure compensated by a bellow or similar device interfaced with the motorhead oil and/or well annulus fluid to thereby pressure compensate the chamber pressure of the female motor connection with that of the internal motor and/or well annulus. This configuration locates the electrical connection point of the motor lead extension with the motor lead wires to a separate area outside the motor to thereby prevent the occurrence of phase to phase or phase to ground shorts occurring in this critical area due to conductive element contamination that may reside in the motor oil or the well bore fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Frey, Ryan P. Semple
  • Publication number: 20120217343
    Abstract: An interface system (10) for use in an aircraft galley comprises a first connection element (30). The first connection element (30) can be connected via a first appliance connection apparatus (54a, 54b) to an internal electrical system, an internal fresh water supply system, and/or an internal wastewater disposal system of a first galley appliance (32), and can be connected via a second appliance connection apparatus (56a, 56b) to an internal electrical system, an internal fresh water supply system, and/or an internal wastewater disposal system of a second galley appliance (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Koschberg, Marco Mundt, Detlef Eggers
  • Patent number: 8248734
    Abstract: A wiring connecting structure for a piezoelectric actuator includes a terminal 57-1, a through hole 67 formed through the terminal 57-1, a first liquid stopper 69-1 arranged around the through hole 67 in a gap between the terminal 57-1 and a common electrode 19 of a piezoelectric element 13 of the piezoelectric actuator, and a liquid trap 73 arranged adjacent to the first liquid stopper 69-1. The terminal 57-1 faces the common electrode 19 with an electric insulating layer 61 being on the piezoelectric element 13 side and the first liquid stopper 69-1 being in the gap between the common electrode 19 and the terminal 57-1. A liquid conductive adhesive 79 is filled in the through hole 67. If there is an excess of the liquid adhesive 79, the excess is guided into a trapping space 77 of the liquid trap 73, to prevent the excess from oozing out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Fuchino
  • Publication number: 20120052700
    Abstract: A connector assembly utilizes capacitive coupling for connecting together electrical circuits on two substrates. The connector assembly includes first and second connector frames (21, 31) which may be respectively attached to first and second substrates (7, 8). The first connector frame includes a plurality of first conductors (25) connected to circuits on the first circuit substrate and these conductors have exposed contact surfaces with a dielectric material (4) disposed thereon. The first conductors and associated dielectric material confront second, opposing conductors (35) supported by the second connector frame when the connector frames are engaged together. The first connector frame has a recess formed therein so that its conductors and dielectric material are arranged at a level beneath the top surface of the first connector frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Toshihiro Niitsu, Masako Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8106486
    Abstract: In a method of making an electronic apparatus, electronic devices and a mold are placed in a package such that pads of electronic devices are covered with the mold. An electrical insulator is poured into the package, in which the mold is placed, to fill the package. The mold is removed from the electrical insulator to form a space where the pads are exposed. An electrical conductor is placed in the space such that the pads are electrically connected together through the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is in the form of a liquid or a solid having both fluidity and deformability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouji Yamamoto, Hirofumi Higuchi, Masaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 8097810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high pressure, high voltage penetrator assembly for subsea, topside or land based use, wherein the assembly is upright attachable to a wet gas and/or liquid handling compressor or pump or to/from a transformer, and wherein the assembly includes a penetrator unit for feed-through of electric power to a motor of the compressor or pump or to/from the transformer; a funnel shaped housing with a housing chamber, the penetrator unit being located at an upper end of the chamber; a grid located inside the chamber transversely of a longitudinal axis of the chamber, the penetrator unit being located above the grid, a filter located in the chamber below the grid and above an inlet to a housing of the motor or to/from a housing of the transformer, and a sensor unit extending into the chamber from the penetrator unit and towards, but spaced from the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Harald Benestad, PÃ¥l Georg Benestad
  • Patent number: 7718899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high pressure, high voltage penetrator assembly for subsea use, wherein the assembly is upright attachable to a wet gas, subsea gas compressor, and wherein the assembly includes a penetrator unit for feed-through of electric power to a compressor motor; a funnel shaped housing with a housing chamber, the penetrator unit being located at an upper end of the chamber; a grid located inside the chamber transversely of a longitudinal axis of the chamber, the penetrator unit being located above the grid, a filter located in the chamber below the grid and above an inlet to a housing of the compressor motor, and a sensor unit extending into the chamber from the penetrator unit and towards, but spaced from the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Harald Benestad, PÃ¥l Georg Benestad
  • Patent number: 7591659
    Abstract: A method for forming a CMOS semiconductor wafer. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate (e.g., silicon wafer) and forming a dielectric layer (e.g., silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride) overlying the semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a gate layer overlying the dielectric layer and patterning the gate layer to form a gate structure including edges. The method includes forming a dielectric layer overlying the gate structure to protect the gate structure including the edges. Preferably, the dielectric layer has a thickness of less than 40 nanometers. The method includes etching a source region and a drain region adjacent to the gate structure using the dielectric layer as a protective layer and depositing silicon germanium material into the source region and the drain region to fill the etched source region and the etched drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: John Chen, Xian J. Ning, Hanming Wu
  • Publication number: 20080124962
    Abstract: A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: UTILX CORPORATION
    Inventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
  • Publication number: 20030181086
    Abstract: A pressure compensated plug connector is provided for making an electrical connection under water The connector includes a plug part provided with contact pins, a socket part having a casing for receiving a plurality of female contacts. A front plate is also included in the connector having a number of openings which correspond to the number of female contacts employed therein. The casing has at least one pressure compensating bore for compensating pressure between an inner space of the casing and the surrounding environment. A membrane separates an outer space communicating with the pressure compensating bore from an inner space filled with a non-conductive fluid surrounding the female contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Maletzki, Oliver Hirsch
  • Patent number: 6612857
    Abstract: A rectangular connector assembly having a plurality of contacts, with each contact being enclosed in a metal shield along the contact length is disclosed. The assembly has a rectangular metallic housing that contains a plurality of contact channels through which the contacts are inserted. The contacts are insulated from the surrounding housing by a coating on the inside of the housing. The contacts are connected at one end of the housing to an intermediate printed circuit board. The other end of the housing forms the mate to a receptacle mounted on the motherboard of an electronic system. The housing assemblies are stackable because of their shape. The invention also includes a hybrid electrical-optical connector that employs VCSEL technology, so that both electrical and optical connections can be accommodated in the same connector. Further, the connector can include a connector cooling system to cool the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Bernard R. Tolmie
  • Patent number: 6511335
    Abstract: A wet-mateable electrical connector which does not use elastomer as a primary seal is provided. The wet-mateable electrical connector includes a female connector body having an internal central cavity and a female metal sealing surface at a forward end and a female contact housing disposed within the internal central cavity. The female contact housing includes a plurality of female contacts. A sliding pin is movably disposed within the internal central cavity. The wet-mateable electrical connector further includes a male contact pin which has a front end for engagement with a front end of the sliding pin. The male contact pin includes a plurality of male contacts, each of which engages with a respective one of the female contacts so as to establish an electrical connection. The male contact pin has a male metal sealing surface which sealingly engages the female sealing surface to form a metal-to-metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Rayssiguier, Kalim Ullah, Gary P. Bickford, Robert Martinez
  • Publication number: 20020155741
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed compressor assembly including a housing, an electric motor located in the housing, a compression mechanism located in the housing and operatively coupled to the motor, and a terminal assembly comprising a cup-shaped terminal body and having electrically conductive pins extending therethrough. The cup-shaped terminal body extends through and is sealingly attached to the housing. A cluster block assembly is in communication with the terminal assembly and includes a cluster block fitted to the terminal body, the cluster block having free volume therein. The pins are electrically connected to the motor through the cluster block assembly. A cavity is defined between the interior of the cup-shaped terminal body and the cluster block, and a dielectric material substantially fills at least one of the cavity and the cluster block free volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Todd W. Herrick, Rick L. Bunch
  • Patent number: 6468099
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device applies a LOCOS profile characteristic to an edge portion of an STI in a HV region to thereby lower compressive stress that is concentrated on the side of the STI. A field oxide film is formed so that only edge portions of HV region (active region II) may be in contact with a comparatively stiff STI, and then, a thick gate oxide film is formed on the HV region by utilizing a nitride film as a mask. After the nitride film as a mask is removed, a thin gate oxide film is formed on a LV region (an active region I in which a thin gate oxide film is formed). As a result, a thinning phenomenon of a gate oxide film at an edge portion of STI is prevented that otherwise would occur when the gate oxide film for HV grows in a normal STI structure by utilizing a nitride film as a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myoung-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6364677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for terminating cables (1), particularly for underwater termination of high voltage power cable and for conducting high voltage conductors in an electrical underwater apparatus, with the purpose of providing a liquid and water tight termination, at the same time as it provides pressure relief for vital components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Arne Nysveen, Svend Roche, Felix Greuter, Elias Julke, Jakob Rhyner
  • Patent number: 6309235
    Abstract: The electrical link device comprises an enclosure (1, 9) containing a fluid insulator (2), a conductive link bar (3) disposed inside the enclosure and having one end fixed in leakproof manner to an insulating elastomer sleeve (12) that passes through the wall of the enclosure in leakproof manner, the link bar (3) being connected inside the enclosure to a pluggable connection member (6) surrounded by a conductive screen (15), the elastomer sleeve (12) also including a conductive deflector (16) flush with the inside surface of the insulating sleeve at a distance from the conductive screen (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sagem SA
    Inventor: Pierre Argaut
  • Patent number: 6217357
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a two-type power supply voltage compatible CMOS semiconductor, the number of photolithography steps that aim at forming an LDD, a pocket, and a source/drain region is reduced so that time and cost are economized. For this purpose, an LDD structure of a low power supply voltage compatible portion and an LDD structure of a high power supply voltage compatible portion are formed at once and not separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Sadaaki Masuoka
  • Patent number: 5632625
    Abstract: A coupling is described for conducting electrical signals between two members which are movably mounted to each other. The coupling uses a piece of compressed electrically conductive elastomer material to maintain physical and electrical contact between the two members. The coupling is well adapted for conveying low current analog or digital control signals. In a preferred form the coupling is a rotary coupling which has a drum mounted for rotation in a cavity in a housing. The outer surface of the drum and the inner surface of the cavity each have a number of circumferential electrically conductive rings aligned in pairs. A ring of electrically conductive elastomer material is compressed between each pair of rings. The coupling can be advantageously combined with a rotary coupling for hydraulic fluid. In the combined electric-hydraulic rotary coupling the electric portion of the coupling is flushed with hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Apollo Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hein-Peter Faust
  • Patent number: 5209673
    Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a subsea module to an umbilical termination head from a subsea installation which comprises a receiver (14) mounted on the module, a receiver (15) mounted on the umbilical, and a conductive insert coupling (CIC) (13). The receivers (13, 14) each have electrical terminal sets (24, 25). The CIC (13) has a pair of spaced electrical terminal sets (22, 23) in which respective terminals in each set are electrically connected by concentric conductive tubes. The receivers (14, 15) are arranged to receive the CIC (13) so that when it is in position in the receivers (14, 15), each of the CIC terminal sets (22, 23) contacts one of the receiver terminal sets (24, 25) thereby forming an electrical connection between the two receiver terminal sets (24, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Framo Developments (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Frank Mohn, Bjorn G. Bjornsen
  • Patent number: 5203805
    Abstract: An underwater electrical connector of the plug and receptacle type intended for use in environments characterized in having high or variable pressures, including a fluid-filled bladder that contains the receptacle and has a single port or a plurality of ports for receiving electrical probes. The chamber has a movable dielectric stopper and the ports comprise a seal having radially constricting force that forms a pressure-tight seal on the stopper. The probe is inserted into the seal, pushing the stopper to a retracted position with the seal forming a pressure-tight seal on the probe. The chamber has a plurality of innerconnecting dielectric bath chambers with a wiping seal positioned therebetween, for bathing and wiping the stopper and the probe as the probe moves against the stopper to the electrical contact position. This also provides a single chamber with two wipers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Patent number: 5171158
    Abstract: An underwater electrical connector of the plug and socket type intended for use in underwater environments, including a dielectric fluid-filled bladder having a sealed port with a movable dielectric stopper that moves from the first position of sealing the port to a second position of exposing electrical sockets to a probe having multiple electrical contacts. The probe is moved through the port and against the stopper, pushing the stopper to a retracted position where the electrical contacts electrically mate with the sockets. A plurality of wipers are positioned in the bladder with at least one between each of the electrical sockets, which wipers seal against the outer surface of the probe forming separate sealed, wiper chambers enclosing the electrical connection between each of the contacts and sockets. The outer diameter of the stopper is smaller than the inner diameter of the wipers, providing dielectric fluid communication passage between the several chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Patent number: 5017150
    Abstract: An underwater receptacle has a pressure balancing arrangement that balances he underwater force that tend to hold a receptacle and its mated plug together. The pressure balancing arrangement also relieves the air pressure formed between the insert discs of the plug and receptacle when connecting the insert discs respective electrical pins and sockets. This is achieved by moving the volume of air formed between the discs on connecting the respective components. The volume of air passes through the receptacle disc and operates a piston to form a chamber for holding the volume of air. The other side of the piston is exposed to sea pressure. This forces the volume of air back into its original position and eliminates a vacuum suction by neutralizing the pressure on the plug when disconnecting the plug from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul E. Moody
  • Patent number: 4940416
    Abstract: A connector for use in deep ocean, high temperature and other high pressure environments has a housing defining an interior chamber filled with non-electrically conducting fluid wherein the cable termination is interconnected to a male or female contact apparatus. A pressure equalizing apparatus according to the invention includes a cylindrical sealing sleeve positioned adjacent to the interior of the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pair of mating sleeves positioned in the interior chamber, in spaced apart relationships, each having a cylindrical mating surface which sealingly mates against the interior surface of the sealing sleeve and a projecting sleeve receiving cylindrical surface. The sleeve receiving surfaces are juxtaposed opposite one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventors: James P. Wagaman, Neil B. Karlskind
  • Patent number: 4921434
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of making a connection in a liquid and an apparatus therefor wherein a first connector having a protrusion at its front end is housed in a protecting tube which is open at its lower end and into which a gas is introduced, the protecting tube is filled with the gas so as to form a gaseous space therein within the liquid, a second connector which is normally held within the liquid and which has a destructible plate at its upper end is exposed to the gaseous space, and the destructible plate is destroyed by the front end of said one connector so as to connect both connectors, whereby the connection in the liquid can be made without being affected by an ambient liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Doryokuro Kakunenryo Kaihatsu Jigyodan
    Inventors: Hajime Kataoka, Minoru Gunji
  • Patent number: 4907980
    Abstract: A connector for use in deep ocean environments has a housing defining an interior chamber filled with non-electrically conducting fluid wherein the cable termination is interconnected to a male or female contact apparatus. A pressure equalizing apparatus according to the invention includes a pair of mating sleeves positioned in the interior chamber, in spaced apart relationships, each having a cylindrical mating surface which sealingly mates against the interior surface of the chamber and a projecting sleeve receiving cylindrical surface. The sleeve receiving surfaces are juxtaposed opposite one another. An elastomeric boot is positioned over the sleeve receiving surfaces of each mating sleeve to thereby extend between the pair of sleeves and divide the interior chamber into an interior non-electrically conducting fluid retaining region and an exterior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Kintec, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Wagaman, Gordon A. Porter
  • Patent number: 4880390
    Abstract: Communication of fill fluid in a module hose with an interconnector junction between connectors is established when the two modules are coupled together. A fluid path 80 incorporating a normally closed valve (86, 88) extends between the mating face (94) of at least one connector (78) and its hose while the mating face of the other connector or coupling (68) incorporates a valve opening member (108) which opens the normally closed valve when the two connectors are joined so that fluid from one of the hoses flows to equalize the underwater pressure exerted on the joint between the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Walter H. Brackmann, Jr., Cornelius A. Van Gelder, Roman A. Halushka
  • Patent number: 4669792
    Abstract: A device for protecting an electrical subsea connector from seawater and increasing the magnetic conductivity in an inductive type electrical subsea connector is disclosed. The device is made up of a reservoir containing an oil-based ferromagnetic fluid under pressure. The reservoir is in communication with the female cavity of the connector and the female cavity is equipped with permanent magnets to prevent the magnetic fluid from leaking out. The ferromagnetic fluid is at a pressure exceeding the pressure of the surrounding seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventor: Jan Kjeldstad