With Means To Prevent Bayonet Release Patents (Class 439/318)
  • Patent number: 11248638
    Abstract: A pole section for temporary assembly with similar pole sections into an elongate pole assembly whereby a user can perform work on a remote worksite elevated by up to 20 m above the user. Each pole section includes a male end and a female end, having a complementary taper to slide into or around the other of a male or female end and form a fluid tight joint with a stiffness similar to or greater than the overall stiffness of the pole. The ends of each pole section include one of first and second complementary coupling parts. The coupling parts cooperate to prevent the pole sections moving relatively towards each other under the weight of overlying pole sections in use to prevent the pole sections jamming A resiliently deformable locking structure is provided in a coupling part by a ring spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Lucian Ivan
  • Patent number: 11041721
    Abstract: A compass device includes a base seat, a vial unit received in an accommodation hole of the base seat, an azimuth unit rotatably sleeved around the vial unit, a first spring wire disposed to resiliently retain the vial unit to the azimuth unit for magnetic declination adjustment, and a second spring wire disposed to resiliently retain the azimuth unit to the base seat for bearing angle measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: CHUAN CHING MECHANICAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chiao-Hu Chang, Wen-Ching Chang, Shen-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 10938153
    Abstract: A mechanism to connect first and second circular waveguides. A first member includes two or more pins extending radially from a body, the first waveguide coaxial with the body and terminating at a first port at an end face of the body. A second member has a cavity coaxial with the second waveguide and configured to fit over the first member, the second waveguide terminating at a second port within the cavity. Slots disposed around a perimeter of the cavity engage the two or more pins. A cap fits over the second member, the cap including L-shaped slots to engage the two or more pins extending through the slots of the second connecting member. A wave spring between an inside surface of the cap and a shoulder of the second member urges the second port towards the first port when the cap is engaged with the two or more pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Optim Microwave Inc.
    Inventors: John Mahon, Thomas Bohner
  • Patent number: 10665983
    Abstract: An in-line electrical connector includes a potting boot. The potting boot includes longitudinal ribs are spaced apart from one another about a longitudinal axis of a boot body. Internal thread members project radially inward from an interior surface of the boot body relative to the longitudinal axis. The thread members have arcuate lengths extending about the longitudinal axis of the boot body. Each longitudinal rib has an associated one of the internal thread members that radially overlaps an entirety of the width of the longitudinal rib relative to the longitudinal axis of the boot body. An electrical connector threadably mates to the internal thread members of the potting boot. The electrical connector electrically couples to another electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James Douglas Fair, Kent Brownell Hambly
  • Patent number: 10454217
    Abstract: A high performance plug has a housing, eight contacts contained within the font of the housing, and a termination block that is symmetric about its axis. In one embodiment, the termination block has contact interfaces configure to electrically engage the plug contacts and arranged such that the contact interfaces which are connected to plug contacts 1-8, become connected to plug contacts 8-1 when the termination block is rotated 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the coupling from the paths for contact 3 to contacts 1, 2, 4, and 5, respectively, is the same as the coupling for contact 6 to contacts 7, 8, 5, and 4, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Satish I. Patel
  • Patent number: 10234635
    Abstract: A connector comprising: (a) shell acing a cavity configured to receive a single conventional insert (b) one or more modular inserts, each modular insert having a form factor ½ to ¼ of the form factor of said conventional insert, such that said cavity is capable of receiving 2 to 4 said modular inserts; (c) said each modular insert having at least: (i) a housing having a front opening and a rear opening, (ii) an interface disposed in said front opening, said interface presenting one or more conductors, said conductors extending from said interface rearward through said rear opening and into a jacketed cable, (iii) a crimp portion rearward of said rear opening, said jacketed cable being secured to said crimp portion, and (iv) one or more seals sealing said front and rear opening such that said interior of said housing is sealed from environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David James Fabian, James Patrick Mosier, Douglas Harold Rohde
  • Patent number: 9450328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable retainer (1) for mechanically retaining a cable (10) on a cable outlet, comprising a cable outlet connection piece (2), a sealing element (3) and a pressure element (4), wherein the pressure element (3) can be screwed onto the cable outlet connection piece (2) using a thread (2.1, 3.1) and in this way squeezes the sealing element (3) together between the cable output connector (2) and the pressure element (4). By means of detents (4.2) on the pressure element (4) and detents (2.2) on the cable outlet connection piece (2) that cooperates therewith, a release of the threads (2.1, 3.1) screwed together is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HARTING ELECTRONICS GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Lindkamp
  • Patent number: 9118158
    Abstract: Provided is a cable assembly backshell capable of three angular configurations: straight, 45°, and 90°. The backshell is designed to rotate at two joints that allow it to assume these three angular configurations. A locking mechanism is associated with the backshell which prevents unintended reconfigurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: R. Kern Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Kern, Nolan C. Budd, Matthew Guthrie Camarillo
  • Patent number: 8951057
    Abstract: A plug-type connection comprises a housing (1) on the female-connector side having a female-connector element (3) conducting the electrical current, a housing (2) on the male-connector side having a male-connector element (4) conducting the electrical current, and at least one contact element (5) for making electrical contact between the female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4). The female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4) extend substantially along a mid-axis (M). The housing (1) on the female-connector side and the housing (2) on the male-connector side and therefore the female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4) can be connected to one another via a plug-in movement (S), and electrical contact between the female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4) is produced in the connected state. The contact element (5) produces a first resistive force (F1) counter to the plug-in movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Multi-Holdings AG
    Inventors: Andreas Linder, Patrick Beltzer
  • Patent number: 8876359
    Abstract: An electrically isolating lamp assembly comprises a clamp ring, a lamp end, and a socket, wherein the lamp end is positioned within the clamp ring and the lamp end can be rotated, relative to the clamp ring, between locked and unlocked positions. In the unlocked position, lamp end shoulders are radially non-aligned with clamp ring flanges, and a locking peg is restrained, by the clamp ring flange, from being inserted completely within a locking peg channel in the lamp end, whereby the socket is restrained from fully engaging the lamp end; in the locked position, the lamp end shoulders are radially aligned with the clamp ring flanges, and the locking peg is inserted completely within the locking peg channel, whereby the socket can fully engage the lamp end, and wherein the lamp end is restrained by the locking peg from being rotated to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: ATG R&D Limited
    Inventors: Chris Orritt, Richard Joshi
  • Patent number: 7980877
    Abstract: An actuator system comprising a housing (2, 19) having at least one socket (6) for the insertion of an electrical plug (7). The housing (2, 19) is provided with an arrangement which is capable of retaining an electrical plug, preferably of the Jack, DIN or Minifit type, inserted into said socket, said arrangement comprising a union nut (8) which may be retained in a position above the opening of the socket (6), and which at the same time surrounds the plug (7), said union nut (8) being rotatable between an inoperative position in which the plug (7) may freely be inserted and removed, and another position which is a locked position, in which the plug (7) cannot be inserted and, if it is already inserted, cannot be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Martin Kahr Knudsen, René Sørensen, Anders B. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 7726999
    Abstract: An electrical connector set having mating male and female connectors is provided with a first lock preventing separation, the first lock consisting of standard bayonet slot on one member and a mating key on the other member and a secondary locking mechanism consisting of a rotatable spring lock ring affixedly carried by one of the members and is positioned interior a rotatable and axially movable collar carried by the associated member. The spring ring has at least one radially urged spring finger and the collar has at least one opening dimensioned to receive the spring finger. The spring ring includes an increased thickness area in an axial dimension which is engaged against an undersurface configuration of the collar so that as the collar is rotated with respect to the spring ring it will undergo axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Van-System S.r.l.
    Inventor: Augusto Vanzo
  • Publication number: 20090130886
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin Man Hwang
  • Patent number: 7455543
    Abstract: An electric plug connector includes a guide sleeve, a plug connector part attachable to the guide sleeve, a bayonet ring on the connector part for rotatably engaging with the guide sleeve to move between unlocked and locked positions, and a locking button arranged on the bayonet ring to slide with the ring as the ring moves. While the connector part is attached to the guide sleeve the ring locks the attachment by engaging with the guide sleeve when the ring is in its locked position. The button is displaceable relative to the guide sleeve between inactivated and activated positions. The button includes a latching hook and a pin that interact with the sleeve to enable the button to move between its inactivated and activated positions. The latching hook and the pin engage with the sleeve when the button is in its activated position to secure the locking of the attachment with the end of the pin engaged in a receptacle formed on the surface of the sleeve to prevent rotation of the bayonet ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kostal Kontakt Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Brantley Natter, Peter Epe
  • Patent number: 7455542
    Abstract: A miniature BNC connector assembly having reduced dimensions includes a plug-side connector configured for engagement with a jack-side connector to form an electrical connection. The plug-side connector includes a plug-side connector body and a bayonet sleeve rotatably connected to the connector body. The bayonet sleeve has an outer diameter not greater than approximately half an inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Trompeter Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe D. Norwood, Anthony Hidalgo
  • Patent number: 7367832
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a multi-contact electrical plug within a cable support arrangement includes an elongated adapter body containing a through passage and having a rectangular first end portion containing a chamber for receiving the electrical plug, and a tubular second end portion threadably connected adjacent its free extremity with a concentrically arranged cable sleeve, an annular sealing device being provided for sealing one end of the annular space defined between the cylindrical outer surface of the adapter body tubular end portion and the inner surface of the adjacent end portion of the concentrically arranged sleeve. A second annular seal is supported within the cable sleeve for sealing the entrance of the cable into the adapter through passage, and a third sealing ring is provided for sealing the space between the outer surface of the adapter body rectangular end portion and a slidably mounted outer sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Muhs, Claudia Hanning, Juergen Ziemke, Michael Hoeing, Michael Schnatwinkel, Michaela Muecke, Simon Seereiner, Ulrich Luetkemeier
  • Patent number: 7264517
    Abstract: A unipolar safety electric connector includes a male connector, shell, and a female connector shell, corresponding male and female inner electric contacts being provided within the male and female connectors, the female connector shell providing on its outer portion a “L” shaped guide groove, having one arm along the longitudinal coupling direction of the shells and the other arm along the transverse direction, a key being insertable within the “L” shaped groove, the key being provided on the edge of the male connector shell, the key, once introduced longitudinally at the bottom of the “L” shaped guide groove, engaging, by rotation of one shell with respect to the other one, with the transverse arm of the “L” shaped guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Link S.r.L.
    Inventor: Marco Piromalli
  • Patent number: 7198500
    Abstract: A non-detachable bulb adapter for an energy saving bulb has a base, a casing, a cover and a unidirectional lock. The casing is mounted on the base and has a mounting slot defined longitudinally through the casing. The cover covers the casing and has an outer thread and an opening defined radially through the cover. The unidirectional lock is flexible, is mounted on the casing and the cover and has a mounting tab mounted through the mounting slot and the opening and a locking tab protruding out from the mounting tab and extending out of the opening of the cover. The structure of the non-detachable bulb adapter is simple so that non-detachable bulb adapter has a high production rate and a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Chia-Kuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7104826
    Abstract: A miniature BNC connector assembly having reduced dimensions includes a plug-side connector configured for engagement with a jack-side connector to form an electrical connection. The plug-side connector includes a plug-side connector body and a bayonet sleeve rotatably connected to the connector body. The bayonet sleeve has an outer diameter not greater than approximately half an inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Trompeter Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Zahlit, Dale C. Reed
  • Patent number: 7077677
    Abstract: A temporary locking projection for mounting the engaging ring at a reference position for assembly, and a detecting locking projection positioned forward of the temporary locking projection in a rotating direction of the engaging ring are provided on an outer periphery of the male connector housing and projected outward in a radial direction thereof. A temporary locking wall extending in an axial direction of the engaging ring for engaging with the temporary locking projection, and a resilient locking arm having a locking hook at an inner distal end surface are provided on an outer surface of the engaging ring. The locking hook is engaged with the detecting locking projection. A contact surface for contacting the resilient locking arm is provided at a projecting end of the detecting locking projection. A step having a contact surface for contacting the contact surface of the detecting locking projection is provided on the resilient locking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Sanuki
  • Patent number: 7025616
    Abstract: A quick release connector is provided. In one embodiment the connector includes an electrical connector including a first component having a first plurality of teeth and a second component having a second plurality of teeth. The first and second pluralities of teeth are configured to selectively engage and disengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the connector. The engagement of the teeth is operative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions of the connector. Embodiments of this invention may advantageously support axial loads while maintaining a reliable electrical contact. Various alternative embodiments include a gimbal assembly in which electric lines extend through the gimbal, straddling one of the gimbal axles. Such gimbal assemblies may also support axial loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Michael B. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6997740
    Abstract: Various forms of ceiling fan with easy install features are disclosed. The fans include an electrical quick connect device. The quick connect device includes a plug/receptacle configuration enabling the fan to easily connect to an electricity supply while providing the gravitational and rotational support required by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Russell Kerr
  • Patent number: 6921283
    Abstract: A connector system allows for visual determination of mating or engagement of a jack-side connector and a plug-side connector. A jack-side connector has a first securing device and a plug-side connector having a sleeve rotatably coupled thereto. The sleeve has a second securing device that is complementary to the first securing device and an indicator located on an edge of the sleeve. The indicator is contrasted against a characteristic (e.g., color, material, etc.) of a portion (e.g., a washer) of the connector system to provide visual indication that the first securing device is securely engaged with the second securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Trompeter Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Zahlit, Dale C. Reed
  • Patent number: 6884099
    Abstract: The push-on latching function of a male BNC latch carried in a housing, and the positive locking of fully mated male and female connectors, are performed by three parts: The first is a male double shell assembly having two male sleeves that receive an intervening BNC female shell. An outer portion near the middle of the male double shell carries several turns of an exterior left-hand thread. The second is a spring biased self-latching BNC latch having an interior bore by which it snugly engages, and then rotates upon, the exterior of the male double shell. One end of the BNC latch has ramps and detents for engaging the bayonet pins of a female BNC connector, and the other end has a section of exterior right-hand threads proximate the exterior left-hand threads of the male double shell. The third is a barrel that has a bore therethrough with both left and right hand internal threads that engage the exterior threads of the BNC latch and the male double shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6811423
    Abstract: A first mark (28) is provided on a rotatable member (4), or on a connector (3) on which the rotatable member (4) is rotatably mounted. A second mark (30) is provided on the connector (3) on which the rotatable member (4) is rotatably mounted, or on the rotatable member (4) so as to be ascertained whether or not a pair of connectors (2), (3) are fully engaged with each other. Thus, a full engagement condition is ascertained without additional parts. Preferably, the first mark (28) or the second mark (30) is a projecting part (28) provided on the engaging arm (27) which is mounted resiliently on the rotatable member (4) or on the connector (3) on which the rotatable member (4) is rotatably mounted. Also preferably, the second mark (30) or the first mark (28) is the engaging part (30) with which the projecting part (28) is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimasa Yoshigi, Hiroyuki Yada
  • Patent number: 6634897
    Abstract: A molded twist-lock connector for use in connecting electrical components is composed of a cylindrical connector housing and a cylindrical locking collar, wherein the connector housing has formed therein a plurality of outwardly extending tabs slidably engaged within corresponding circumferentially-elongated slits formed in the locking collar. The tabs are slidably movable within the slits so as to render the locking collar rotatable from an unlocked position to a locked position. The unlocked position of the collar exists when the tabs abut against a first lateral side of the slits and the locked position of the collar exists when the tabs abut against an opposite second lateral side of the slits. The connector is in an unlocked state when the locking collar is disposed in the unlocked position and in a locked state when the collar is disposed in the locked position. The connector is formed as a unit in a single mold, with the tabs being engaged within the slits upon formation of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cykon, John R. Morello
  • Patent number: 6554626
    Abstract: An electrical connector for use with a tractor-trailer includes a receptacle having a generally cylindrical outer body and a molded inner body encapsulating a plurality of conductors secured to connector pins. To provide additional current carrying capacity to accommodate an automatic braking system (ABS) one of the conductors designated as a ground conductor is larger than all of the other conductors. A conductor carrying ABS current is larger than all conductors except the ground conductor. The inner and outer bodies are fastened together by means of a bayonet connection. An additional securing device includes a projection on the inner body which is held in position by means of a bail attached to the outer body. To reduce resistance at the contacts, all contacts are soldered or crimped to their respective conductors and molded within the inner body to protect all wires and connections to the connector pins from environmentally caused corrosion or damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Philatron International
    Inventor: Phillip M. Ramos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6368135
    Abstract: A coupling device for interconnecting first and second slender members includes a positioning sleeve sleeved on one end of the first slender member and having a radial outward stop flange and a radial stop projection at opposite ends thereof. An externally threaded sleeve is sleeved and secured on one end of the second slender member, and has an externally threaded front-end portion. A nut member is sleeved on the positioning sleeve, and has a surrounding wall for engaging the externally threaded sleeve. A limiting member is sleeved between the nut member and the stop projection of the positioning sleeve, thereby arresting movement of the nut member from a fully tightened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Hsien-Wen Ho
  • Patent number: 6297741
    Abstract: A chip detector includes a probe having a locking portion and a housing that receives the probe. The housing comprises two lugs. The lugs engage a corresponding pair of slots defined in the locking portion when the probe is fully inserted in the housing. In particular, a first contact surface on the locking portion abuts a first sidewall on the lug when the probe is fully inserted, thereby securely coupling the probe to the housing. A second contact surface on the locking portion abuts a second sidewall on the lug when the probe is fully inserted, thus preventing the probe from rotating in relation to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Vibro-Meter S.A.
    Inventor: Paul D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 6280221
    Abstract: An electric connector housing 1 consisting of a pair of connector housings comprises a receiving chamber 34 which is formed on an outer face of a rotatable member 3 fitted to one of connector housings 2 and radially extending therefrom, and a member 4 for detecting an engagement of the connector housings which is inserted into the receiving chamber movably back and forth and adapted to engage with the rotatable member 3 at its one end before a start of the engagement and after the engagement, thereby to stop the rotation of the rotatable member. The other of the connector housings 5 includes an annular wall 60 which is bulgingly formed at an outer face thereof in a circumferential direction, and a sliding face 61 formed on the annular wall so as to face with the rotatable member, the other end of the member for detecting the engagement being abutted against the sliding face at the start of the engagement and sliding along the sliding face during the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukase, Toru Nagano
  • Patent number: 6226068
    Abstract: An automatically locking bayonet coupling mechanism includes, a linear guide structure for preventing relative rotation between the coupler halves, a sleeve rotatably mounted on one of the coupler halves, a spring captured between the sleeve and the coupler half on which it is mounted to generate a torsional force between the sleeve and the coupler half, an L-shaped groove in the other of the coupler halves, and a bayonet pin extending from the sleeve and arranged to engage cam surfaces defined by edges of the groove. As the coupler halves are pushed together linearly, engagement between the bayonet pin and a first of the cam surfaces causes the sleeve to rotate against the force of the spring. Subsequently, the bayonet pin is caused to engage a second of the cam surfaces that forms a locking ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Arcykiewicz, Walter J. Olender, Kevin M. Harms
  • Patent number: 6162082
    Abstract: A sealed connector assembly (10) for use with equipment subject to submersion under water includes two electrical connector shells (25, 29) which are inserted in bayonet fashion into opposite sides of a locking member (40), which is then manually rotated to lock the parts together and shield the electrical connection. The three parts have alignment marks (56, 58, 59) for axial assembly and another mark (57) indicating the rotation of the locking member (40) to a locked position. A body of grease (55) is disposed in one connector shell (25) and an O-ring (50) is placed on the barrel (27) to provide sealing when the connector shells (25, 27) are locked together. The connector shells (25, 29) have wire entry ports and sealing ports for admitting an encapsulating material to seal the wire entry ends. Score lines (68, 69) allow for fracture and removal of the locking member (40) during servicing. Methods of assembly and disassembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee L. Karsten, Michael T. Gengler
  • Patent number: 6039594
    Abstract: An electrical outlet or plug for industrial and/or tertiary use, which comprises a body (10) consisting of two complementary elements and is provided with a spring-like stopping device in the form of a spring-like tongue (16), which forms a single piece with one of the elements of the body and engages, by springing, with a support shoulder (19) on the other element of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Palazzoli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Zuppa
  • Patent number: 5980293
    Abstract: A mechanism for ascertaining whether a male connector is engaged with a female connector through a rotatable ring is provided. The mechanism includes a detection tool, an accommodating part formed on a connector housing of the male connector, and an engagement recess formed on the ring. The detection tool includes a body part, an engagement projection formed on the body part, and a strut part formed on the body part. The accommodating part has a large groove for receiving the body part of the detection tool and a small groove formed on a bottom of the large groove, for receiving the strut part of the detection tool. The engagement recess is provided for engagement with the engagement projection. When the engagement recess is brought into a position opposing the engagement projection, the detection tool can be slid in the accommodating part, so that the engagement projection engages with the engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Nagano
  • Patent number: 5934924
    Abstract: A plug-jack connecting structure is provided which includes a jack having a sleeve at a forward end of the jack. The sleeve has a non-circular outside shape and has grooves cut in an outer periphery thereof. A plug has a ring rotatably mounted thereon at one end thereof for receiving the sleeve. The ring has a sleeve receiving hole which has a shape complementary to the outside shape of the sleeve. By turning the ring through a 90 degree angle into engagement with the grooves, the jack and the plug are connected in a state in which they are prevented from being disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5722846
    Abstract: A cable clamp which utilizes a bayonet coupling attachment mechanism when coupled into an electrical connector. Helical ramp grooves formed in the interior of a coupling ring act against bayonet pins mounted on the electrical connector to effect coupling between the two components. A preloaded disc cone shape spring washer becomes effected during the coupling procedure to maintain a no-motion condition on the cable clamp used in high vibration or large shock forces areas. Additionally, a plurality of detent pins are automatically shifted into a holding position at the completion of the coupling action, thereby further contributing to the maintenance of the coupled condition between the cable clamp and electrical connector. Also, a grounding spring is centrally located on the cable clamp body which when coupled to an electrical connector makes interengageable contact thus providing low impedance and additional mechanical strengthening properties to the cable clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Luis J. Lazaro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5505632
    Abstract: A charger-side connector is moved toward a battery-side connector through the engagement of a positioning projection formed on the battery-side connector in a guide groove formed on the charger-side connector by rotating an outer tube. At this time, the outer tube is retained relative to an inner tube in predetermined positional relation by straight grooves and plunger mechanisms. The retaining positions are determined in accordance with conditions of connection between power and signal terminals of one connector and power and signal terminals of the other connector, and therefore the rotational condition as viewed from the outside indicates the connected condition of the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hayashi, Shinichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5458501
    Abstract: A cable clamp which utilizes a bayonet coupling attachment mechanism when coupled into an electrical connector. Attachment means of the cable clamp may utilize one of the two designs for two airplane general environments, such as the pressurized and unpressurized high vibration areas. Helical ramp grooves formed in the interior of a coupling ring act against bayonet pins mounted on a connector to effect coupling between the two components. A preloaded wavespring washer becomes effective during coupling of a Single Leg cable clamp used in the pressurized area, while a specially tapered spring washers become effective during the coupling procedure to maintain a no-motion condition on a Saddle-type cable clamp used in unpressurized, high vibration areas. Additionally, a plurality of detent pins are automatically shifted into a holding position at the completion of the coupling action, thereby further contributing to the maintenance of the coupled condition between the Saddle-type cable clamp and connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Luis J. Lazaro, Jr., Franklin D. Harsch
  • Patent number: 5205547
    Abstract: A wave spring having uniformly positioned surface projections and predetermined consistent spring tension deflection is disclosed. The wave spring includes; a spring ring having projections in the ring's radial wall at predetermined positions within the wall thereby producing a wave spring having specific predetermined spring tension deflecting in response to specific loads. Deflection capability is maintained due to the position and heights of the projections. A wave spring which can be utilized in bayonet or non-bayonet style electrical connectors to provide a specified and predetermined spring tension deflection is also disclosed. A method of fabrication for a wave spring having uniformly positioned surface projections and predetermined consistent spring tension deflection is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: William R. Mattingly
  • Patent number: 5181860
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plug connector having a plug shell formed with a flange and a receptacle connector having a receptacle shell provided on its outer circumference with a fitting device. The electrical connector further includes a coupling ring surrounding the plug shell and rotatable and holding the flange of the plug shell. The coupling ring has on its inner circumference a fitting device fitted with the first mentioned fitting device and a flange urging portion for urging the flange, and a key provided between the receptacle shell and the plug shell for preventing relative rotation therebetween. The electrical connector includes at least one wave-shaped annular spring interposed between the flange and the flange urging portion and rotatable together with the coupling ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignees: Daiichi Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Honma, Kunio Watanabe, Takeshi Morita, Shingo Nanao
  • Patent number: 5015195
    Abstract: A plug and socket electrical connection assembly for electrically connecting a pair of cables is disclosed. The connection assembly includes a socket connector adapted to be terminated to one cable of the pair and an elongate plug connector adapted to electrically terminated the other cable of the pair. A plug extent of the plug connector is designed for insertion into a socket extent of the socket connector to establish electrical connection therebetween. A deformable electrically insulative wiping element is attached to the front of the plug extent. The wiping element is dimensioned to snugly fit within the socket extent to wipe any debris or contamination therefrom upon insertion of the plug connector into the socket connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Jose M. Piriz
  • Patent number: 4988309
    Abstract: An automotive power plant has an electrically controlled transmission 12 which is connected to control modules by a wiring harness. The end of the wiring harness is attached to the transmission by an electrical connector which has a spring like thermoplastic cover which is secured to the insulator body of the electrical connector by a bayonet slot arrangement and which has an integral cable strap for securing an end of a convoluted conduit forming part of the wiring harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jay H. Garretson
  • Patent number: 4914060
    Abstract: A quick disconnect form of connector for antennas and coaxial cables serves to provide a highly rigid coupling with no relative movement between connector components. The springless device utilizes a clamp component which is threadably engaged with a nylon sleeve. The sleeve is configured having an internal passageway which passes over a conventional fixed bayonet type connector and incorporates internal ramps which engage the bayonet pins of the connector upon rotation of the sleeve. A contact shoulder is provided internally of the sleeve which is engaged with the antenna supporting clamp and compressively urged against the end surface of the fixed bayonet connector. The result is to tighten the sleeve ramp surface against the bayonet pins to achieve a very rigid connection. The integrity of this rigid connection is enhanced by the utilization of a polyamide material for the sleeve which is deformed by the bayonet pins of the bayonet type fixed connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: James A. Seas
  • Patent number: 4836794
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) and environmentally protected cap assembly for electrical connectors, for use when the mating connector is not in place, includes a hollow outer housing having a large diameter rear end and a smaller diameter front end having inwardly directed teeth for locking behind the outwardly extending lugs on the cylindrical form of the connector. An inner body member which is rotatable with respect to the housing, is spring biased by a plurality of wave washers toward the front of the outer housing. The inner housing has recesses which mate with the lugs on the connector to prevent relative rotation of these two parts, and detenting means are provided between the housing and the inner body member for locking the cap assembly onto the connector when the outer housing is assembled to the connector and rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Kern Engineering & Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: John E. Barr
  • Patent number: 4819133
    Abstract: A replaceable headlamp assembly for use with a vehicle comprises a bulb socket and a locking member, wherein a flange of the bulb is held in position at the bulb socket by rotating the locking member. The locking member has a resilient section which snappingly engages over a key of the bulb socket to lock the locking member to the bulb socket while also permitting the locking member to rotate relative to the bulb socket over a given range. The locking member cannot be inadvertently disengaged form the bulb socket and therefore cannot be inadvertently lost or misplaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kochi, Naotaka Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4804343
    Abstract: A lamp socket assembly which includes a plastic socket body having a tubular portion adapted to receive a socket insert along a first axis and having a connector portion integral therewith which receives the wire terminals along a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick J. Reedy
  • Patent number: 4744770
    Abstract: Multi-pin electrical connector comprising a socket (1) and a plug (2), composed of a socket body (4) and a plug body (7), a ring (3) mounted to rotate on the plug body (7) and locking means for angularly positioning the ring in relation to the plug, in the position in which the ring is farthest forward in relation to the end of the plug, said connector being characterized in that the locking means (17) is disposed between the ring (3) and the plug body (7) and is designed so that it can be unlocked by an axial displacement command and in that the socket body (4) is assembled outside the plug body (7) and is housed between the ring (3) and the plug body (7), the length of the socket body (4) being such that upon assembly of the connector, it acts on the locking means (17) in order to unlock it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Pierre L. M. Drogo
  • Patent number: 4741706
    Abstract: A locked connector for use in electric connectors, optical fiber connectors and the like, includes receptacle means having a receptacle shell, coupling means engaging the receptacle means with relative rotations, plug shell means having a plug shell engaging the receptacle shell with relative movements in their axial directions but against relative rotation, back-up means permitting the coupling means and the plug shell means to rotatably engage with each other, and detent means for holding said receptacle means and the plug shell means in their fitted position and permitting the receptacle means and the plug shell means to disengage from the fitted position by rotating the coupling means relative to the plug shell means with a force. The detent means comprises a detent ring encircling the plug shell and having a springiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Daiichi Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Takeda, Sadao Kuboi
  • Patent number: 4737119
    Abstract: A circular connector for a plug-type connection to a mating connector which uses complementary locking means that are engaged and disengaged by rotation. Helical locking grooves are provided which have a bayonet detent space extending in an axial direction and an adjacent detent space extending in the peripheral direction. The detent space is defined by limiting means. Complementary noses on the mating connector are movable by rotation along the grooves into the detent spaces to lock the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred O. Stieler
  • Patent number: RE42926
    Abstract: A miniature BNC connector assembly having reduced dimensions includes a plug-side connector configured for engagement with a jack-side connector to form an electrical connection. The plug-side connector includes a plug-side connector body and a bayonet sleeve rotatably connected to the connector body. The bayonet sleeve has an outer diameter not greater than approximately half an inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Trompeter Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe D. Norwood, Anthony Hidalgo