Abstract: An electrically-powered accessory for vehicles includes a vehicle structure. A connector mechanically connects an electrically-powered accessory to vehicle structure. The connector includes a movable lock member that mechanically locks the electrically-powered accessory to the vehicle structure when the movable lock member is in a locked position. The movable lock member causes the electrically-powered accessory to be electrically connected to an electrical power supply of the vehicle when the movable lock member is in the locked position, and electrically disconnects the electrically-powered accessory from the vehicle power supply when the movable lock member is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A dock for an electronic device includes a base configured to fit over at least a portion of a back surface of the electronic device; a tray extending from the base for receiving one side of the electronic device and extending over a portion of the front surface of the electronic device; a contact box attached to at least one of the base or the tray; contacts extending from the contact box through one or more openings in the tray; and at least one guide pin extending from the contact box through one or more openings in the tray, where each of the at least one guide pin is elastomeric.

Abstract: A cradle for a mobile device includes a cradle base; a top element movable relative to the cradle base and configured to retain a top portion of a mobile device loaded into the cradle; a bottom element coupled to the cradle base and configured to retain a bottom portion of a mobile device or a case containing the mobile device loaded into the cradle; and a locking mechanism having a housing and a plunger at least partially disposed in the housing and configured for moving, relative to the housing, between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the plunger engages the top element to hinder movement of the top element relative to the cradle base and, in the unlock position, the plunger does not engage the top element to permit loading or unloading of the mobile device from the cradle.

Abstract: A casing for connecting first and second power cords, the casing having a set of grip mechanisms with facing grip members that have serrated surfaces arranged to grip the first power cord and provide increased grip pressure in response to tension applied to the first power cord in order to resist the first power cord being pulled through the grip members and out of the casing.

Abstract: A card edge connector assembly includes a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot and holding contacts to electrically connect to a pluggable module and a host circuit board. The card edge connector assembly includes a plug guide having a main body including end walls and a side wall defining a cavity receiving the housing of the card edge connector and the pluggable module. The plug guide has first and second alignment channels receiving alignment posts of the pluggable module prior to the card slot receiving the pluggable module to guide mating of the pluggable module with the card edge connector. The plug guide has an exterior being received in a panel opening of a panel. The plug guide including a panel latching feature latchably securing the plug guide to the panel independent of the host circuit board and the card edge connector.

Abstract: A connector has a rear end in a front-rear direction and is connected with a circuit board when the circuit board is inserted into the connector through the rear end along the front-rear direction. The connector includes a plurality of contacts and a holding member holding the contacts. The holding member has two guide portions which are arranged away from each other in a pitch direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each of the guide portions has an upper portion and a lower portion. In each of the guide portions, each of the upper portion and the lower portion intersects with an up-down direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the pitch direction, and at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion is provided with a projection portion. In each of the guide portions, the projection portion projects inward in the up-down direction.

Abstract: A connector includes a holding member. The holding member has two guide portions which are arranged away from each other in a pitch direction. Each of the guide portions has a side portion, an upper portion and a lower portion which are formed as described below. The side portion intersects with the pitch direction and is provided with a first projection portion and a side surface facing inward in the pitch direction. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion intersects with an up-down direction, and at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion is provided with a second projection portion. The first projection portion is away from both the upper portion and the lower portion and projects inward in the pitch direction from the side surface. The second projection portion is away from the side surface and projects inward in the up-down direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable device, a supporting base associable with a vehicle and connecting means to lock, or release, the device in the base. The apparatus further includes detecting means for detecting at least an operating parameter of the vehicle, interface means for setting an operating state of the device and control means, connected to the detecting means and to the interface means to command the connecting means, as a function of the operating parameter and/or of the operating state.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and at least one connector assembly. The housing includes a bottom wall and a sidewall. The sidewall includes an outer side surface, a top surface and an inner side surface. At least one insertion interface is defined through the outer side surface. One resisting groove is defined on each end wall of the insertion interface. The top surface forms at least one receiving groove communicating with the corresponding insertion interface. Each connector assembly includes a connecting member and a connector. The connecting member includes a main body and two positioning ends protruding from the main body. The main body is received in the receiving groove. Each positioning end passes through the receiving groove and extends into the insertion interface to resist a side wall of one resisting groove. The connector is received in the insertion interface and resists between the two positioning ends.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector to connect an electric element and a power source to each other. The connector includes a first contact provided on a first body and electrically connected to the electric element, and a second contact provided on a second body and electrically connected to the power source, wherein the first contact and the second contact come into contact with or are separated from each other upon receiving pressure caused by relative movement between the first body in the second body.

Abstract: To allow electromagnetic shielding regarding a connecting portion between conductive contacts and a main wiring board to be excellently achieved with a simple structure without impairing productivity, a fit-in holding member being rotated from a fit-in releasing position to a fit-in acting position to maintain a state where connectors fit in together by rotation is provided with a conductive cover part covering a connecting portion between a counterpart connector and the main wiring board when the fit-in holding member is rotated to the fit-in acting position, and the connecting portion is covered with the conductive cover part. Electromagnetic shielding of that portion is performed simultaneously with the time when both of the connectors fit in together, thereby eliminating an increase in the number of manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A Video Display Unit (VDU) docking system for a dedicated fiber optic in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system allows VDUs to be quickly replaced by personnel who do not need specialized training in fiber coupling without risk of damage to fiber optic components of the dedicated fiber optic IFE system. In some embodiments, a VDU docking station is configured to receive a VDU such that when a VDU is inserted therein, the VDU becomes automatically communicatively coupled with a fiber optic distribution network of the IFE system via a blind mate connection. In some arrangements, a blank LRU having no operative user interface elements but sufficient functionality to maintain communicative coupling is mounted in the VDU docking station in lieu of a VDU. In some configurations, the VDU docking station includes an embedded switch for maintaining communicative coupling across the VDU docking station in the absence of a VDU.

Abstract: A theft deterrent system for an electronic device associated with a motor vehicle is disclosed. The theft deterrent system includes a shield portion, a bracket portion and a fastener. The shield portion and the bracket portion are attached to an electronic device with the fastener. The shield portion prevents substantially immediate removal of a connector from a connecting port of the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system including: (a) a host device including: (i) a cavity; and (ii) a socket, recessed in the cavity; and (b) a UFD configured to be reversibly operationally connected to the host device via the socket, wherein the UFD is configured to physically reside substantially in the cavity when the UFD is operationally connected to the socket. Also disclosed is a UFD system including: (a) a first part having components of a UFD, wherein the components include a primary connector and an electronics assembly; and (b) a second art having a UFD holder and a secondary connector, wherein the UFD holder is configured to reversibly accommodate the first part, wherein a dimension of the first part parallel to an insertion direction of the primary connector is shorter than a dimension of the second part parallel to an insertion direction of the secondary connector. In another embodiment, a UFD may be inserted into a UFD slot in an edge of a host panel.

Abstract: A connecting-side connector is connected to a receiving-side connector. A main frame supports the receiving-side connector in such a manner that the receiving-side connector is movable in a connection direction. A control unit performs a control of a movement of the receiving-side connector in the connection direction and a release of the control each time a pressing force is applied to the connecting-side connector in the connection direction.

Abstract: A wireless electrical connectivity system for use in a vehicle includes a first transceiver coupled to at least one utility carrier and to a first plurality of electrical devices. The first transceiver is configured to communicate a plurality of utility signals. A control module is coupled to a second plurality of electrical devices and configured to control the selection and distribution of utility signals to the second plurality of electrical devices. The control module includes a second transceiver configured to communicate a plurality of utility signals with the first transceiver via a communication link and a user interface configured to receive user input commands regarding the selection of utility signals distributed to the second plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: A connector for an audio system of a vehicle is disclosed. The connector comprises: a connector body, which is to be connected with a connecting terminal of an automotive circuit board of the vehicle; a first rotating shaft, which has a first washer and is fixed on one side of the connector body; a second rotating shaft, which has a second washer, which is to be engaged with the first washer, and is fixed to the audio system; and an elastic member disposed between the first washer and the second washer.

Abstract: A portable device interfacing system for use in a vehicle or other environments permits a portable device to be removably connected with another system, such as an audio system. The portable device interfacing system may include features that help to prevent liquid from damaging electronics of the system, align physical connections between the interfacing system and the portable device, safely secure the portable device in position, and/or permit the system to be expanded to support different portable devices.

Abstract: An adjustable connection mechanism of an uninterruptible power supply apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector, a supporting member and a carrier plate. The first connector is arranged on a battery module and electrically connected to the battery module. The second connector is electrically connected to a power supply module and a control module of the uninterruptible power supply apparatus. The supporting member is disposed within a case for supporting the second connector. The carrier plate is coupled with the second connector, and selectively movable to a first position to have the second connector disconnect with the first connector or movable to a second position to have the second connector connect with the first connector.

Abstract: The present invention involves an integrated docking assembly for a portable multimedia unit in a vehicle. The assembly comprises a receiver frame configured to receive the portable multimedia unit and a locking mechanism configured to secure the portable multimedia unit in the receiver frame. The locking mechanism includes spring loaded locking tabs and a push member connected to the locking tabs for securing and releasing the portable multimedia unit.

Abstract: Modular electronic system for vehicle dashboards, interior roofs, and center consoles that includes a sleeve or frame adapted to engage with the vehicle and integrate with a housing adapted to be mated with the sleeve or frame. The sleeve or frame has an inner surface area, a first pair of power contacts arranged so as to be exposed on the inner surface area, and a power connector adapted to plug into a power supply receptacle located on the vehicle dashboard (such as a cigarette lighter receptacle). Wiring means is used for connecting the power connector to the first pair of power contacts. As a result, when the power connector is plugged into a power supply receptacle on the vehicle dashboard, electrical power from the vehicle is supplied to the pair of power contacts and electronics (such as a cell phone, audio/video entertainment device, computer, radar detector, etc.) within the housing are provided with power from the vehicle.

Abstract: A plug-in module for adjusting motors of electric-motor operated window openers in a motor vehicle has at least one plug insertable in a transmission housing of a window lifter. A plug housing is composed of a plastic material with partially injection molded contact elements and motor contacts. The motor contacts have freely located connection portions which have an end-side contact portion for contacting with an associated countercontact and also a spring portion which supports the contact portion and allows a position orientation of the contact portion to the countercontact.

Abstract: In the guide ribs 2b of the meter unit 2 and the guide rail grooves 3b of the insertion opening 3 of the center cluster panel 1, there are formed play restrict portions 2c, 2d as well asb 3c, 3d respectively for restricting the movements of the guide ribs 2b from the time just before the mutual fitting engagement of the terminals of the two connectors 4A and 4B to the time just after the mutual connection of the two connectors 4A and 4B. Due to this, from the time just before the mutual fitting engagement of the terminals of the two connectors 4A and 4B to the time during the mutual connection of the two connectors 4A and 4B, the inclination of the meter unit 2 can be reduced by setting the positioning accuracy in this range equivalent to the fitting accuracy of the terminals of the two connectors 4A and 4B. This eliminates a fear that an excessive force can be applied to the two connectors 4A and 4B while they are fitted with each other.

Abstract: An automatic power docking mechanism for establishing a power connection between a computer electronic subsystem and a power distribution board within a computer chassis is provided. In one embodiment, the power docking mechanism includes power pads electrically coupled to a power distribution board and a housing with slotted openings secured over the power pads. The housing's slotted openings are configured to receive power bus bars from a computer subsystem and hold the bus bars in contact with the power pads.

Abstract: Ribs are unitarily formed on an outer wall surface of a casing to compensate for an inclination of an inner wall surface corresponding to a draw angle provided for molding the inner wall surface. The direction of pins of a casing connector which connects an electronic control circuit of a printed circuit board accommodated within the casing to external wiring coincides with the direction of insertion of a checker connector. Alternatively, a protrusion or recess may be formed on a jig device on which the casing is placed for connection to an operation checking apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile rack for a removable hard disk driver, comprises an inner frame receiving the hard disk driver and an outer frame wherein the inner frame is slidably fit within the outer frame. The inner frame has at least one first connector on rear side thereof and comprising an insulating case and a plurality of conductive terminals within the insulating case. The insulating case of the inner frame has a first retainer on the rear end thereof to lock the first connector on rear side of the inner frame. The conductive terminals of the first connector are electrically connected to one end of a first flat cable and the other end of the flat cable is electrically connected to the hard disk driver. The outer frame has at least one second connector on rear side thereof and comprising an insulating case and a plurality of conductive terminals within the insulating case. The insulating case of the outer frame has a second retainer on the rear end thereof to lock the second connector on rear side of the outer frame.

Abstract: An audio rack for a vehicle has a rack case, a receiving connector, an operating panel, a linking mechanism, a controller, and a flexible flat cable. The rack case has an opening for the insertion of one of a plurality of types of electrical equipment. The receiving connector is mounted in a fixed manner to within the rack case. By the action of inserting a piece of electrical equipment into the rack case, an electrical connection is made between the electrical equipment and the receiving connector. The operating panel has a shape that is suitable for covering the opening of the rack case, and has switches that correspond to the various types of electrical equipment. The linking mechanism permits movement of the operating panel between a first and a second position. When at the first position, the operating panel covers the opening, and when at the second position, the operating panel is removed from the front of the opening, so as to permit access thereto.

Abstract: A chassis system for housing a plurality of circuit boards, such as PCI standard bus boards, provides a rack-mountable chassis having an open front side and a motherboard with a plurality of board connectors arranged side-by-side with respect to the front end. The boards are mounted in individual frameworks that facilitate ready installation and removal from the chassis. In particular, the chassis includes a plurality of tracks on its top, aligned with each of the motherboard connectors. The tracks receive a track-engaging portion of each framework. A board-carrying portion of the framework is connected to the track-engaging portion by a lifter mechanism, such as a set of sloped slots and interengaging rollers. The framework can be inserted and removed from the chassis with the board connector raised above the motherboard connector.

Abstract: A center cluster module which checks connection failures of connectors and for problems in electronic components after electronic components have been inserted into connection slot portions and informs the worker of connection status of the individual electronic components, thus improving work efficiency. A center cluster module includes a connection slot portion which removably receives a plurality of electronic components to be mounted on a vehicle. Component detection sections provided so as to correspond to individual electric components detect whether or not electronic components are inserted into the connection slot portion. From a detection signal output from each of the plurality of component detection sections, an inserted component determination section determines the state of the electronic component inserted into the connection slot portion. A display section indicates the result of the determination made by the inserted component determination section.

Abstract: A power module for mounting in an array of electrical equipment which may have differing sizes, although within any given panel the equipment is all of the same size. The power module contains common circuitry mounted within a housing. Mounting brackets of varying size are secured to the housing to adapt the module for different sized panels.

Abstract: A docking device for a data collection terminal comprises a latch which positively retains an inserted data collection terminal in a docking position wherein communication and power contacts of the data collection terminal are communicatively coupled to complementary contacts of the docking device. The latch urges the inserted data collection terminal into a latched rest position with an optimal minimum contact engagement force, such that any shock or vibration has a tendency to increase the contact engagement force to thereby eliminate an inadvertent opening of contacts due to shock or vibration. The latch is adapted to facilitate one-handed insertion and removal of the data collection terminal into and from the docking device. The docking device includes a scanner bracket for holding a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal wherein the scanner, inserted in the bracket, and the controls of the data collection terminal, inserted into the docking device, remain accessible to a user thereof.

Abstract: A personal computer has a casing that includes a bottom wall formed having fitting holes and a rear wall provided with a first expansion connector. An expansion adapter to which the computer is connected includes a carrying surface, on which the casing is detachably mounted, and a first relay connector connectable with the first expansion connector of the casing placed on the carrying surface. Arranged on the carrying surface are guide rails that guide the casing in movement along the directions of connection and disconnection of the connectors. The expansion adapter includes locking members, which are swingable between a locking position in which they project from the carrying surface and an unlocking position in which they are situated below the carrying surface.

Abstract: A robust optoelectronic transceiver module which is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material. The circuit board has an optical subassembly mounted thereon. The optical subassembly extends outside of the potting box through a recess. Correspondingly, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly. The module housing may be pluggable via release levers having detentes received in apertures of a receptacle and a pluggable connector of the module mated within the receptacle. The receptacle may include grounding means such as a ground clip mounted within the receptacle and a protective door to limit electromagnetic emissions.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus which permits the connection of a connector unit (9) to a connector of external equipment (2) by the actuation of an operating lever (11) only when the external equipment (2) is placed in a mounting recess (6), whereas when no external equipment is placed in the recess (6), associated parts for moving the connector unit (9) do not respond to the actuation of the operating lever (11). Hence, movable terminals of the connector unit (9) will not be exposed to the outside even if the operating lever (11) is actuated inadvertently. The connecting apparatus is provided with a sensor mechanism for sensing the presence of the external equipment (2), and a switching mechanism operatively associated with the sensor mechanism to selectively engage the operating lever (11) with a part (12) for moving the connector unit (9) or disengage them from each other.

Abstract: A plurality of surface terminals are disposed on the peripheral surface of the base casing of an electrical module, and a plurality of connection terminals which are joined to the surface terminals are disposed on the peripheral wall of the module accommodating portion of an instrument panel. Guide grooves are provided in the peripheral wall of a front casing, and anchoring pins which are anchored to the guide grooves are provided in the peripheral wall of the module accommodating portion so that the pins can freely be protruded into or retracted from the module accommodating portion. By fitting the electrical module into the module accommodating portion, the electrical module is fixed to the instrument panel and also the surface terminals are joined to the connection terminals.

Abstract: A mounting pole 2a is independently installed in a place such as a park or a road where the beauty of the environment is an important factor. The mounting pole 2a has a communication mounting part 9a on the top thereof. A communication device 1a for outdoor use has an antenna 3a directly fixed on the top thereof and removably fitted in a groove of the device mounting part 9a. The device 1a has a connector 7a and no wiring thereof is exposed to the outside. The device 1a is electrically connected with the outside device through the connector 7a. In the mounting part 9a of the mounting pole 2a, there is provided a connector 8a at a position suitable for connection with the connector 7a in fitting engagement relationship. Wirings 10a interconnecting the connector 8a and the outside device are all laid through the interior of the mounting pole 2a. Consequently, none of the wirings 10a is exposed to the outside.

Abstract: An adapter having solderless wire terminals for receiving the wire leads from an electrical equipment such as a radio or stereo player set is installed on the back of such set. Such terminals have solderless spring connectors for the wire leads, these connectors employing a pair of opposing apertured fingers which overlap when manually urged together against the spring action to permit the insertion of a wire lead in the aperture thereof and to be retained therein by the spring action. The equipment or stereo set is removably installed in a mounting frame which is mounted in the vehicle. The mounting frame has a terminal therein which the terminal of the set matingly engages to provide electrical connections therebetween. The terminal of the mounting frame has solderless spring connectors similar to those of the terminal of the equipment, such connectors receiving the various wiring leads from the equipment to the power source, speakers, etc.

Abstract: A support assembly for a transportable radiotelephone. The support assembly forms a transceiver unit receiving platform which supportively affixes a transceiver unit in position thereat when positioned thereat. Connection with a battery supply, a handset, and an antenna is formed by merely properly positioning the transceiver unit at the transceiver unit receiving platform.

Abstract: An amplifier housing assembly particularly useful for automobile stereo systems is disclosed. The assembly comprises a mounting plate which bolts to a stationary surface and an amplifier enclosure which mounts on the mounting plate. Wires from speakers and a power source are connected to the mounting plate which are then connected to the amplifier when the amplifier housing is mounted on the mounting plate by means of male and female connectors. An antitheft feature of the housing is that the mounting bolts of the mounting plate are rendered inaccessible when amplifier enclosure is mounted on the mounting plate.

Abstract: An electronic unit operable in conjunction with a body unit and used by mounting it on an automotive vehicle. The electronic unit includes first and second connectors which produces a coupled-status signal when the electronic unit is coupled to the body unit and a decoupled-status signal when the electronic unit is decoupled from the body unit. A microcomputer is coupled to the first connector and is selectively placed to a start mode when the coupled-status signal is received from the first connector and to a stop mode when the decoupled-status signal is received therefrom. The microcomputer produces clock pulses when it is in the start mode and a stop signal when it is in the stop mode. A timer is coupled to the microcomputer and outputs a reset signal to the microcomputer when the clock pulses are not received for more than a predetermined period of time. The timer further inhibits the reset signal from being outputted when the stop signal is received.

Abstract: Electrical interconnections between two assemblies, whose connectors are located in hard-to-access areas of an apparatus, are easily connected or disconnected by mounting one of the connectors on a holder which is movable on a support. A first connector is electrically connected to components of a first assembly by flexible leads, and is mounted mechanically on a holder which is detachably aligned on a support fixed on that first assembly. In an initial position, the first assembly's connector is fixed in a position which allows easy access by a test device for electrical connection to the connector. To interconnect the two assemblies in the apparatus, the first assembly is mechanically mounted in its final position, with its connector arranged approximately in line with the mating connector of the second assembly. The holder, which has a long handle or grip providing easy access from the exterior of the apparatus, is then moved along the support toward the second connector.

Abstract: A blind mating connector for simultaneously providing electrical and mechanical connection of an electrical component to an instrument panel is disclosed such that a robotic installation of the electrical device is possible. A floating receptacle in the panel is located at a theoretical center at which the device-end connector is expected to arrive by means of resilient O-rings contained in grooves on flanges extending from the floating receptacle. The floating receptacle is movable in any direction in the plane of the panel and is rotatable about any axis. Thus, errors in alignment and in the insertion direction of the electrical device are tolerated while ensuring a proper electrical and mechanical connection between the device and the floating receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicular adaptor for a portable communications device, such as a cellular telephone, pager, or two-way radio, is disclosed which includes a connector that aligns itself to a mating connector on the communication device. The connector permits spatial alignment of electrical contacts in the connector with electrical contacts in the communications device. A corrugated spring mounting clamp and a locating nest on the connector permit the alignment of connections.

Abstract: A shuttle or recessed housing 11 for a vehicle radio and/or fixed recording player is disclosed. This shuttle is particularly designed to permit owner removal of such a unit 10 located in an attractive vehicle dashboard console 20 in which it is the desire that the release mechanism be totally or virtually concealed. A thin metal housing 11 conforms to the shape of the radio and cassette tape or compact disk player unit and has narrow concealed edge flange on at least one edge of the front opening. Openings are present in at least the rear face of the shuttle 11 to allow the normal connectors of the radio 10 to engage mating connectors 52 in the shuttle 11. A dummy tape cassette or compact disk 40 including an outward extending handle 41 accompanies the shuttle 11. The dummy cassette 40 is introduced into the slot 14 engaging player holding elements. By a gentle tug on the handle 41 the entire unit 10 is removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: Anti-theft audio component mounting apparatus is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. A sleeve member specifically configured to easily mount within a vehicle dashboard is arranged to be tightly secured and mounted within such dashboard and accept all connections provided in the dashboard for a dash mounted audio component. A cap member for accepting all electrical connections from a selected audio component is provided for mounting over an end portion of the selected audio component in such manner as to seal the end portion of the audio component. The cap member is provided with a plurality of externally available, recessed contacts and the sleeve member is provided with a corresponding plurality of internally disposed contacts.

Abstract: A structure for mounting an electronic apparatus comprises a pair of opposed side members each having front and rear ends for guiding the apparatus between the front and rear ends of the structure. A rear member has a coupling element for establishing an electrical connection with the electronic apparatus. To make the apparatus retractable with a minimum of effort, the rear member is arranged to movably engage the side members so that when the apparatus is removed from the structure, the rear member is also moved with it, over a predetermined distance, allowing the apparatus to be more firmly gripped for further removal with a greater force that is sufficient to disengage the coupling elements from each other.