Expansion Joint Patents (Class 439/33)
  • Patent number: 11362458
    Abstract: A bidirectionally installable intermediate modular adapter for a rack mounted panel is provided, including a front face, an opposing rear face, a first side surface and opposing second side surface each comprising a spring tab latch and spring tab latch receiver. The spring tab latch comprises a first ramp positioned towards the front face and a second ramp positioned towards the opposing rear face, a groove defined at least in part by the first ramp and second ramp, a first latch arm positioned towards the front face, a second latch arm positioned towards the opposing rear face, a spring tab latch connector positioned towards the spring tab receiver, and a compression spring. At least one opening extends from the front face through the body to the opposing rear face and an upper surface comprises a groove extending at least partially lengthwise across the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Derrick Stikeleather, Sumio Seo, Jamey O. Calloway
  • Patent number: 11264752
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes an elongate planar terminal extending along a first longitudinal axis having a connection end configured to interconnect the terminal to a corresponding elongate planar mating terminal extending along a second axis and an attachment end configured to attach the terminal to an electrical conductor. The electrical connector assembly also includes a contact spring configured to exert a normal force between the terminal and the mating terminal when the mating terminal is arranged between the contact spring and the connection end such that second axis is parallel to the first axis or when the mating terminal is arranged between the contact spring and the connection end such that the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Durse, Michael L. Mellott, Patrick J. Reedy, Glenn E. Robison
  • Patent number: 10819050
    Abstract: An electric connection assembly for surface mounting on a circuit board comprises a soldering pin. The soldering pin has a starting portion disposed in a housing of the electric connection assembly, a middle portion, and an end portion disposed at an end of the soldering pin opposite the starting portion and contacting the circuit board. The middle portion is bent from the starting portion in a direction toward the housing and the end portion is bent from the middle portion in a direction away from the housing. An acute angle is formed between both the starting portion and the middle portion and between the middle portion and the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Ufuk Tuey, Dirk Dunkel, Dominik Kasper, Alexander Baierlein, Ulrich Kiefner, Kai Sellien, Rolf Jetter
  • Patent number: 10044156
    Abstract: A cabling module is cable management system is configured for use within an IT component and includes an internal cable bundle configured for use within the IT component. An external cable termination module is configured to terminate a first end of the internal cable bundle. A cabling module is configured to terminate a second end of the internal cable bundle. A cable management arm is positioned between the external cable termination module and the cabling module and is configured to absorb any slack in the internal cable bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Johnson, Thomas Thibodeau, Spero Tsefrekas, Jonathan P. W. Sprague, Antonio Fontes
  • Patent number: 9337466
    Abstract: A power terminal connector includes a flexible conductor having a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion and a flexible section between the first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion is terminated directly to a power terminal of a first battery module. A female terminal is coupled to the second mounting portion. The female terminal has a terminal body having a receptacle receiving a power terminal of a second battery module. The terminal body is terminated to the second mounting portion to mechanically and electrically connect the terminal body to the flexible conductor. A contact spring is received in the receptacle and is electrically connected to the terminal body. The contact spring has spring beams defining interfaces for the power terminal to create a power path to the power terminal of the second battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Weiping Zhao, Douglas Scott Simpson
  • Patent number: 8872424
    Abstract: A lamp device and a light source module are provided. The lamp device includes a lamp body and a coil connecting tube. The lamp body has an end portion and a lead wire extends from the end portion. The coil connecting tube is disposed corresponding to the end portion of the lamp body and electrically connecting to the lead wire for power supply purpose. The coil connecting tube winds about an axial direction of the lamp body and is capable of stretching or compressing along the axial direction. The light source module includes the lamp device and a lamp connector which has a power source portion being coupled to the coil connecting tube for power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Mu Nien, Yen-Lin Lee, Shih-Che Fu, Hsuan-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 8628335
    Abstract: A power terminal connector includes a flexible conductor and first and second terminals. The terminals have terminal bodies each defining a receptacle and each being welded to a corresponding mounting portion of the flexible conductor to mechanically and electrically connect the terminals to the flexible conductor. The terminals have terminal body defining a receptacle and being welded to a corresponding mounting portion of the cable conductor to mechanically and electrically connect the terminals to the cable conductor. Each terminal has a contact spring received in the receptacle that is electrically connected to the terminal body. The contact spring has spring beams being configured to engage a power terminal plugged into the receptacle. The flexible conductor is configured to electrically interconnect the first and second power terminals. The cable conductor is configured to electrically interconnect the power terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Weiping Zhao
  • Publication number: 20130084716
    Abstract: A connector system is configured for macro motion. Two mating terminals are configured so that during macro motion cycles, the resistance between two terminals does not substantially increase. One terminal can have multiple, somewhat spherical-shaped mating surfaces while a mating surface on the other terminal can be flat. The mating terminals can be configured to provide desirable resistance performance after more than 5000 cycles of macro motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicants: Dow Global Technologies LLC, MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Molex Incorporated, Dow Global Technologies LLC
  • Patent number: 8334655
    Abstract: A lamp device and a light source module are provided. The lamp device includes a lamp body and a coil connecting tube. The lamp body has an end portion and a lead wire extends from the end portion. The coil connecting tube is disposed corresponding to the end portion of the lamp body and electrically connecting to the lead wire for power supply purpose. The coil connecting tube winds about an axial direction of the lamp body and is capable of stretching or compressing along the axial direction. The light source module includes the lamp device and a lamp connector which has a power source portion being coupled to the coil connecting tube for power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Mu Nien, Yen-Lin Lee, Shih-Che Fu, Hsuan-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 7976314
    Abstract: An adapter of the present invention is used to connect between a lead terminal of an electronic component and a contact of a connecting device. The adapter includes a first connecting part, adapted for electrical and mechanical connection to the lead terminal; a second connecting part, disposed at a spaced relation to the first connecting part in a length direction of the electronic component and connectable to the contact electrically and mechanically; and an elastically deforming part, provided between the first and second connecting parts and elastically deformable in accordance with thermal expansion deformation or thermal contraction deformation in the length direction of the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ohmori, Masahiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7883338
    Abstract: A moisture proof, telescoping coupler assembly for electric metal tubes and threaded rigid pipe with an enhanced grounding arrangement both internally and externally for electrically grounding the telescoping tube to the coupler body, Moisture proof sealing is improved by centering the electric metal tube within the coupler body adjacent the seal preventing possible leaking after securing the electric metal tube to one end. A modified arrangement utilizes a snap fitting retaining ring for securing an electric metal tube to the coupler body to provide for unidirectional insertion of an electric metal tube into the open end of a coupler body in a manner that prohibits unintentional separation of the tube and/or retainer ring from the coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100255685
    Abstract: A connector has a first member connectable to a first object and a second member connectable to a second object. The second member is arranged so as to restrict movement of the first member in a first horizontal direction. The connector also has a connection member configured to connect the first member and the second member to each other so that the first member is movable relative to the second member in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Tetsu Urano
  • Patent number: 7563100
    Abstract: A moisture proof, telescoping coupler assembly for electric metal tubes with an enhanced grounding arrangement for electrically grounding the telescoping tube to the coupler body, and a modified arrangement thereof utilizing a snap fitting retaining ring for securing an electric metal tube to the coupler body to provide for unidirectional insertion of an electric metal tube into the open end of a coupler body in a manner that prohibits unintentional separation of the tube and/or retainer ring from the coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7524407
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor 10 includes an oxygen detection element 20, which assumes a hollow tubular shape extending along the axis. The oxygen detection element 20 has a closed tip end and an opened rear end. An internal electrode layer 23 is formed on an inner circumferential surface 22 of the oxygen detection element 20. The sensor 10 also has a terminal member 30 which is in contact with the internal electrode layer 23 and in electrical connection therewith. The terminal member 30 has press contact portions 34c and 34d which come into press contact with the inner circumferential surface 22 of the oxygen detection element 20 to hold the terminal member 30 in the oxygen detection element 20, and conduction portions 35b which come into press contact with the internal electrode layer 23 on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the oxygen detection element 20 and into electrical connection with the internal electrode layer 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hirasawa, Shohei Yoshiyasu, Yoshiaki Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20090098744
    Abstract: An adapter of the present invention is used to connect between a lead terminal of an electronic component and a contact of a connecting device. The adapter includes a first connecting part, adapted for electrical and mechanical connection to the lead terminal; a second connecting part, disposed at a spaced relation to the first connecting part in a length direction of the electronic component and connectable to the contact electrically and mechanically; and an elastically deforming part, provided between the first and second connecting parts and elastically deformable in accordance with thermal expansion deformation or thermal contraction deformation in the length direction of the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro OHMORI, Masahiko Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080293260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine connected to a utility grid or another electric load. The wind turbine comprises at least one electric generator generating a high current, at least one substantially inflexible conductor conducting the current, a high current connector including a housing capable of conducting the current, where the housing comprises two or more openings for accommodating at least two conductor ends of the conductor. The wind turbine is characterized in that, the openings of the high current connector comprise one or more connections for providing an electric connection between the conductor ends and the housing, the connections are configured for allowing substantially unrestricted movements of the conductor ends in the conductors longitudinal direction. The invention further relates to a high current connector and uses hereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Viggo Kofod Christoffersen
  • Patent number: 7399925
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element, a housing, a hollow porcelain insulator, electrical contacts, a holder, and an air cover. The sensor element is retained inside the housing through the porcelain insulator. The electrical contacts are retained firmly within the porcelain insulator in electrical connection with the sensor element. The air cover is joined to the housing to cover the porcelain insulator. The holder is fit on the porcelain insulator and has stopper springs which are in elastic abutment with an inner shoulder surface of the air cover, thereby stopping the porcelain insulator from moving vertically when the contacts are pulled undesirably through lead wires in order to ensure the stability of electrical connection with the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Masanobu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7121835
    Abstract: A contact spring assembly has a contact plate with a window in which a contact spring is received, the contact spring having bent strips engageable with an antenna amplifier and an antenna amplifier structure. The contact spring is fixed at one end and movable at its other end on the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: David Silva
  • Patent number: 6948939
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is an MLB assembly 6 that is made up of two circular terminal conductor ends 2, 4. Multiple fins 10 radially extend from each of the two circular terminal conductor ends 2, 4, and each fin on each of the two circular terminal conductor ends has a matching fin on the other of the two circular terminal ends. Multiple flexible connectors 8 are attached to the fins 10 that electrically connects the terminal conductors 2, 4. The flexible connectors 8 also allow for a difference of movement between the two circular terminal ends. Current flowing through the MBL assembly 16 is evenly distributed 18 through the plurality of flexible connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Viktor Kogan, Sean Woosley, Robert Alan Ward
  • Patent number: 6866517
    Abstract: A contact slidable structure is formed between a resilient terminal and a terminal electrode. The terminal electrodes and are disposed on the ceramic element. The resilient terminals and are resiliently deformed and forced to press the terminal electrodes and. The ceramic element has the ceramic body, inner leads and formed inside the ceramic body, terminal electrodes and disposed on the outer surfaces and, and conductive through holes and electrically connecting the inner leads and with the terminal electrodes and, respectively. In the ceramic element, the resilient terminals and are placed slidably on the outer surfaces and of the terminal electrodes and to form the contact slidable structure, and the conductive through holes and are not formed within the contact slidable areas and to the terminal electrodes and, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takehito Kimata, Yasuyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 6840786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a card connector which prevents the retainer fitting from coming off even when the molded base plate is deformed during reflow soldering and which can be reduced in size, height and weight. The card connector includes a shell body and a molded base plate. The molded base plate includes at least a card eject mechanism incorporating a compression coil spring for inserting/ejecting a card and a retainer fitting for holding the card eject mechanism pushed by the compression coil spring. The shell body is formed with at least one engagement hole for engagement with at least one hook portion of the retainer fitting. The retainer fitting includes a horizontal member and a vertical member rising vertically from the horizontal member. The horizontal member and/or vertical member have at least one pair of press-fit projections and one hook portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Sato, Kiyoshi Abe
  • Publication number: 20040192074
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removably retaining an IC in engagement with a socket such that contacts carried by the package of the IC are pressed into engagement with contacts carried by the socket by way of a retention frame with ledges positioned opposite corresponding ledges of the socket and both a load plate and load lever pivotally connected to the retention frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Tod A. Byquist
  • Patent number: 6764312
    Abstract: A connector for coupling panels which does not influence upon an electrically connected part of a connector to be attached to a panel even if an external force is applied to the panel. The connector for coupling panels comprises an insulating housing having a through hole therein through which connector terminals are fitted therein, flanges orthogonal to a direction of insertion and removal through the insulating housing and projected outwardly from at least one wall face of the insulating housing, comprising front and back faces, respectively, and a pair of retainer members having flexibility, fixedly attached to both side ends or both up-down ends of the insulating housing, respectively, wherein the retainer members are provided with a pair of retainer stepped parts, facing each other, and there is a gap for allowing fixture of the panel between the front and back faces of the respective flanges and the respective retainer stepped parts of the retainer members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Ushiro, Katsuyuki Masaki, Yusuke Hamada
  • Patent number: 6672441
    Abstract: The live rail support according to the invention has a support body (1) for holding, such that they are electrically isolated, two electrically conductive live rails (2, 3) each having at least one contact sliding surface (4, 5), in which case the live rails (2, 3) can be inserted into the support body (1) in such a manner that the contact sliding surfaces (4, 5) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) of the support body (1) and at an angle, which can be predetermined, to the vertical axis (7) of the support body (1) According to the invention, the two live rails (2; 3) can be mounted easily in that the feet of each of the live rails (2, 3) can be inserted into a respective groove (8, 9) in the support body (1), and the live rails (2, 3) can be fixed in their operating position by means of at least one latching-in element (10, 11) which can be plugged on from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Nikola Uremovic
  • Patent number: 6621724
    Abstract: An electrical power strip for making power available from a vehicular DC power system to a vehicle accessory. The power strip includes at least one polarized receptacle and a conductor. The receptacle includes a slot and a positive contact aligned with the slot. The conductor includes a first end connected to the positive contact and a second end connectable to a positive terminal of the vehicular DC power system. The slot includes at least three extensions each oriented at substantially equal degrees apart from adjacent extensions. A polarized plug for use with a DC powered vehicle accessory. The polarized plug includes an insulating plug body and a prong mounted to the insulating plug body. The prong has at least three wings each oriented at substantially equal degrees apart from adjacent wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Pacific Carnetta, Inc.
    Inventor: Yiu C. Liu
  • Patent number: 6582220
    Abstract: An ignitor assembly for a fossil fuel-fired power generation system includes an elongate electrode, a tube sub assembly, and a coupling sub assembly, and an insulator sub assembly. The coupling sub assembly cooperates with other structural elements of the ignitor assembly and the respective windbox in which the ignitor assembly is installed to operably couple the elongate electrode to an external electrical power source. The ignitor assembly includes a contact socket secured by crimping to a lead of the external electrical power source which is biased into an electric current communicating disposition with the electrode rod of the ignitor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: ALSTOM Power Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Heck, Raymond D. MacWhinnie, Jr., David J. Matteson, Ronald H. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6478987
    Abstract: A proton conducting polymer obtained by blending an organic phosphoric acid compound solution with a meta type polyaniline solution; a solid polymer electrolyte for a fuel cell comprising the proton conducting polymer, which is excellent in proton conductivity, methanol barrier property and dopant stability in an aqueous solution of methanol; and an electrode comprising the proton conducting and fine catalyst particles carried on porous particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Akita, Masao Ichikawa, Masaru Iguchi, Hiroyuki Oyanagi
  • Patent number: 6319012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible strip conductor connection, by means of which electrical connections between an electrical device (2) and an external component (1) can be made, wherein the strip conductors (8) are located in or on a flexible foil (3), which is clamped on the electrical device (2) as well as the external component (1). In a predetermined area in the course of the strip conductors (8), the flexible foil (3) has a loop (6), which can be filled with an elastic material perpendicularly in relation to the foil plane, or the strip conductors (8) in the plane of the foil respectively have a loop-shaped deviation (9) perpendicularly to the course of strip conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Moessinger, Walter Grote
  • Patent number: 6315575
    Abstract: An interconnector includes a front surface electrode connecting portion connected to a front surface electrode of a solar cell, a back electrode connecting portion connected to a back electrode of another solar cell adjacent to the solar cell, and a stress relief portion absorbing displacement generated between the front surface electrode connecting portion and the back electrode connecting portion. A plurality of notches are formed at the front surface electrode connecting portion and the back electrode connecting portion. Since the front surface electrode connecting portion and the back electrode connecting portion have notches, an area sufficient for welding can be ensured. Reliability at the joining portion of the interconnector can be improved. Also, the interconnector can be reduced in size to allow reduction in cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kimihiko Kajimoto
  • Patent number: 6293803
    Abstract: An interconnect, having some length, that reliably connects two conductors separated by the length of the interconnect when the connection is made but in which one length if unstressed would change relative to the other in operation. The interconnect comprises a base element an intermediate element and a top element. Each element is rectangular and formed of a conducting material and has opposed ends. The elements are arranged in a generally Z-shape with the base element having one end adapted to be connected to one conductor. The top element has one end adapted to be connected to another conductor and the intermediate element has its ends disposed against the other end of the base and the top element. Brazes mechanically and electrically interconnect the intermediate element to the base and the top elements proximate the corresponding ends of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignees: TRW Inc., The United States of America as represented the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas M. Rust, Edward M. Gaddy, Michael J. Herriage, Robert E. Patterson, Richard D. Partin
  • Publication number: 20010012703
    Abstract: A system for transfer of data or electric current for a steerable horizontal boring machine for laying and destructive replacement of supply lines, which is suitable both for percussive and for rotary drilling operation and permits reliable and problem-free use of a cable connection between a consumer or sensor and a power supply or a data utilising unit, preferably comprises three elements (machine adapter, string adapter, transmitter adapter) for connecting the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: TRACTO-TECHNIK PAUL SCHMIDT SPEZIALMASCHINEN
    Inventors: DIETER WURM, KLAUS ZERBS, ELMAR KOCH
  • Patent number: 6231348
    Abstract: Multiple contacts are provided in an electrical contacting arrangement of a sensor element, and the sensor element has a connection-side section with contact points, or contact pads, which are each integrally bonded to a corresponding contact. Each of the multiple contacts, at least on the section in contact with the contact point on the sensor element, has a layer by which the integral bond is formed between the contact and the contact point on the sensor element. The contacts are joined to the corresponding contact points on the sensor element by diffusion soldering or diffusion welding. Each contact has a curved intermediate section which compensates for thermal and/or mechanical expansion and movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Mayer, Theodor Graser, Johann Wehrmann, Heinz Eisenschmid
  • Patent number: 5722856
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrical connection of one end of a conductor (5) of a coaxial cable (1) with a conductor (14) of a coaxial connector (6). A spring-like, bellows-shaped intermediate piece (25) is compressed between the conductor (5) at one end and the conductor (14) of the coaxial connector (6) at the opposite end. The intermediate piece prevents temperature changes and mechanical effects from adversely affecting the stability of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Josef Fuchs, Ulf Hugel
  • Patent number: 5466890
    Abstract: Two electrical conduit sections are attached to a thermal expansion joint which permits relative axial movement between the conduit sections. One of the conduit sections has an end portion which is axially slidably disposed inside of the expansion joint. A ring shaped grounding element is mounted on a screw thread formed in that slidable end portion and is disposed in sliding connection with a cylindrical surface of the joint which surrounds the slidable end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Stagnitti
  • Patent number: 5401173
    Abstract: The coaxial connector disclosed herein accommodates differential expansion between inner and outer conductors in a multi-section run of coaxial transmission line by utilizing a coupler assembly which connects adjacent inner conductors, one of the inner conductors being fixedly connected to the coupler with axial movement being permitted with respect to the other inner conductor. Electrical connection between the coupler and the movable conductor is established at a single axial position by an annular conductive spring member while longitudinal alignment is maintained over the rest of the length of the coupler by insulating rings set into annular grooves. A tubular shield extends from the coupler over the adjacent end of the movable inner conductor without electrical contact. The axial length of the shield is larger than the differential expansion which occurs between inner and outer conductor sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Brett J. Grandchamp, Cole N. Plummer, Richard I. Bibber, Charles D. Brown
  • Patent number: 5350307
    Abstract: A connector for a printed circuit board, having a terminal guide for guiding lead terminals, improved to suppress cracking or separation caused by a temperature change in the regions where the lead terminals are soldered to the printed circuit board. The connector has a housing having side walls on both longitudinal ends thereof, the side walls being provided with engaging grooves. The housing mounts a plurality of lead terminals which are led therefrom. The connector also has a terminal guide which is a substantially tabular member made from an insulating material provided on both longitudinal ends thereof with projections for engagement with the engaging grooves of the housing. The terminal guide has a plurality of lead terminal insertion holes formed at the same pitch as the lead terminals so as to receive these lead terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Takagishi, Nobuhiko Suzuki, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 5341116
    Abstract: An RF expansion joint is presented herein for connecting first and second axially spaced tubular conductor sections, having opposed free ends, together as the sections expand and contract with temperature variations and for providing passage of RF energy at a desired operating frequency between the sections. The joint includes an insulator sleeve which is received by the first section with the sleeve having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. An electrically conductive stub having proximal and distal ends is mounted to the free end of the second conductor section and extends into the passageway of the sleeve so as to be slidably received thereby. The distal end of the stub extends beyond the sleeve sufficient that the distal end is spaced inwardly from the inner wall of the first conductor section presenting essentially an open circuit to passage of RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Kerkhoff, Rex L. Niekamp
  • Patent number: 4955239
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an insulated flexible circuit having conductors therein for electrically interconnecting vibrating structures having a half-loop shaped section between the structures so that the vibration does not cause fatigue and breaking of the conductors or insulation and which also minimizes coupling of mechanical forces between the structures that can alter vibrating motion of the structures. The flexible circuit apparatus is particularly useful for Coriolis type mass flow metering devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Cage, Dean E. Lowe
  • Patent number: 4952775
    Abstract: A floor heating panel made of wood, a heating element on the top of the wood, a covering layer placed over the heating element to cover the entire top surface of the wood, and a cushioning layer beneath the wood. The wood has on its bottom surface a row of slits to allow the wood to resiliently flex to a limited extent. The floor heating panel has two connectors that are slidably along one dimension of the heating panel between inner and outer stop elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiko Yokoyama, Hikomi Tanooka, Minoru Hibino, Junichi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 4820168
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically conductive connection between abutting single sections of conductor rails. This connection is made by means of a current conduction cable consisting of bunched conductors and contact shoes. However, in order to be able to accommodate the current conduction cable within the cross-sectional contour of the conductor rails, the cable shoes are in each case constructed in the form of a cylindrical or prismatic connector pin which can be inserted into an opening of corresponding shape within the conductor rail. In most cases, such openings exist in any case in the conductor rails after these have been produced as a hollow section in an extrusion process. The connector pins are suitably of hollow construction and accommodate in their interior the bunched conductor which is only loosely enclosed by it. As a result, the bunched conductor can open out as a result of compression during a relative longitudinal movement of the connector pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Diether V. Scarpatetti, Dietrich Sahm
  • Patent number: 4763090
    Abstract: A coaxial-line section includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor tube centered coaxially inside the outer conductor and contacted by couplings which are supported by insulators or beads. The couplings are provided at their facing ends with a ring of laminated springs which allow the thermal expansion of the inner conductor tube. Extending inside along the inner conductor tube are two preferably bar-shaped displacement compensating elements. The axial inner end of each displacement compensating element is firmly anchored to the inner conductor tube while its axial outer free end defines with the end faces of the respective coupling a stop face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Spinner GmbH, Elektrotechnische Fabrik
    Inventor: Franz-Xaver Pitschi
  • Patent number: 4712846
    Abstract: A connector is provided for making electrical connection between electrical conductors in a first connector casing and electrical conductors in a second connector casing. The first and second connector casings are mutually engageale in one orientation only by relative axial movement. The connector has a first connector assembly (10) at one end thereof and a second connector assembly at the other end thereof, the connector assemblies being engageable with corresponding connector assemblies in other tool bodies. The connector assemblies each have a connector body (11) and a support ring (15) and pins (22, 23, 25) for preventing relative axial and rotational movement between the ring (15) and the connector casing (20), the pins (22, 23 and 25) making no direct engagement with the connector assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Gearhart Tesel Limited
    Inventors: Frank B. Bardsley, Alec B. Sycha
  • Patent number: 4705480
    Abstract: The electrical connection device is constituted by a sliding system comprising at least one conductive pin (5) fixed on one rigid bar (2) and at least one associated pluggable connector (6) fixed on another rigid bar (2'), said sliding system simultaneously providing electrical continuity between said bars on either side of said expansion joint regardless of their relative longitudinal position, and mechanical guidance of said bars to keep them in alignment. Such a connection is particularly applicable to supplying power to handling devices such as cranes, travelling cranes, container transporters, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Delachaux S.A.
    Inventors: Max Dumontet, Yves Pelletier