Abstract: A first connector may include a housing defining a first connector face to be positioned in a first position or a second position proximate to a second connector face of a second connector. A first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit may be disposed in the housing for communicating with a second EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in first or second position relative to the second connector face. A first magnet may be disposed in the housing. The first magnet may align with and repel a second magnet disposed relative to the second connector face when the first connector face is positioned in the second position. The first magnet may be configured not to align with and not to repel the second magnet when first connector face is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face.

Abstract: An electrical connector defines a front-to-back direction comprises an dielectric housing a plurality of contacts and a magnetic element. The dielectric element comprises a base and a mating tongue extending forward from the base. The contacts are received in the dielectric housing and each comprises a contacting portion exposed to at least one surface of the mating tongue. The magnetic element is assembled on front of the base and defining a receiving space for the tongue. The tongue is at least partially received in the receiving space with an opening facing forward.

Abstract: A portable electronic device assembly includes a portable electronic device and a peripheral device. The portable electronic device includes a first electronic connection element and a first magnetic element. The peripheral device includes a second electronic connection element and a second magnetic element. When the portable electronic device is placed on the peripheral device, the magnetic force between the second magnetic element and the first magnetic element moves the second electronic connection element such that the first electronic connection element and the second electronic connection element are electrically connected.

Abstract: In one implementation a device connector includes a first electronic device magnet, second electronic device magnet, and third electronic device magnet to connect to a power supply. The power supply magnet can be oriented to the opposite pole of one of the electronic device magnets.

Abstract: A portable electronic device assembly includes a portable electronic device and a peripheral device. The portable electronic device includes a first electronic connection element and a first magnetic element. The peripheral device includes a second electronic connection element and a second magnetic element. When the portable electronic device is placed on the peripheral device, the magnetic force between the second magnetic element and the first magnetic element moves the second electronic connection element such that the first electronic connection element and the second electronic connection element are electrically connected.

Abstract: A switching electrical power contactor having a bi-blade type switch, has ferrous plates attached to the blades to increase the current carrying capacity and reduce the resistance of the switch.

Abstract: A sexual stimulation device is described. The device uses electrical stimulation and provides advantages in means to make gentle and safe electrical contact to the user's penis that is contained within a fluid environment. The device includes both a containment vessel as well as electrical connection embodiments that incorporate magnetically actuated contacts the can be quickly disconnected. The device provides flexibility for programmed and varied stimulation to different regions of the user's penis.

Abstract: A case for a tablet-type electronic device, in particular a tablet computer, comprises a casing shaped so as to at least partially cover a rear surface of the device and equipped with fastener members for fastening it to the device; the casing is equipped with a magnetic coupler element, acting from a rear surface of the casing and able to cooperate with a corresponding fastener element carried by a protective cover for the screen of the device, so as to magnetically fasten the cover to the casing on the rear of the device.

Abstract: A magnetic alligator clip is described. The alligator clip comprising, a pair of conductive gripping jaws attached to each other, biasing means for biasing a first end of the conductive gripping jaws towards each other, and a magnet disposed at the first end of one of the conductive gripping jaws. Also described is an electrical lead having at least one wire, each of the wires having a magnetic alligator clip electrically connected at each end. An extension for the magnetic alligator clip is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing a plug-in unit that includes at least one movable piece including a permanent magnet in a portion of a casing. The apparatus includes a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots houses the plug-in unit; a connector provided in an inner or innermost portion of the slot and electrically connects with the plug-in unit; an advancement blocking member disposed within the slot and blocks connection of the plug-in unit to the connector by coming into contact with the movable piece; an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field applied to the permanent magnet of the plug-in unit; and a control device that controls the electromagnet so as to generate a magnetic field having a predetermined polarity that moves the movable piece of the plug-in unit to a position in which the movable piece does not come into contact with the advancement blocking member.

Abstract: Some implementations provide a connector element that may be movable from a retracted position within a cavity to an extended position for contacting an external contact element that may be positioned proximate to an exterior end of the cavity. In some implementations, at least one of the external contact element or the connector element may include a magnet for causing the connector element to extend from the retracted position into contact with the external contact element for forming an electrical connection. In some implementations, a mechanical actuator may be provided for extending the connector element into contact with the external contact element. In some implementations, an actuator having a motive element may extend the connector element into contact with the external contact element based on a detected proximity or an identification of an accessory associated with the external contact element. Some implementations may also include an optical connection.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing loaded with a plurality of contacts and a magnetic element retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a mating face and an opposite mounting face. The magnetic element is located adjacent to the contacts. The contacts comprise middle contacting portion along the mating face and mounting portions at one end thereof extending to the mounting face.

Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic device is described. This mounting system includes a base that can be rigidly mounted on or underneath a wall. Moreover, the base can be remateably coupled to the electronic device. The remateable coupling may involve pins that are inserted into corresponding holes and rotated into a lock position. Alternatively, the remateable coupling may involve magnets that mechanically couple to each other so long as the electronic device and the base are within a predefined distance. The electronic device may receive power via the remateable coupling or via inductive charging. In addition, the electronic device may monitor a spatial parameter, such as: a location of the electronic device, a velocity of the electronic device and/or an acceleration of the electronic device. If this spatial parameter changes without the electronic device first receiving a security code, the electronic device provides an alert.

Abstract: Provided is a portable device's protecting case having a sliding connector, the portable device's protecting case including: a sliding connector 100 capable of reciprocating in a specific direction in the protecting case, wherein the sliding connector 100 is provided with a connector 120 connected to a connection port of the portable device, the connection port of the portable device is electrically connected to a circuit apparatus in the protecting case through the connector 120, and when the sliding connector 100 is pushed to the central direction of the protecting case in a state in which the portable device is inserted into the protecting case, the connector 120 and the connection port of the portable device are connected to each other.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus assembly including an electronic apparatus and a detachable connector is provided. The electronic apparatus has a cavity, a first magnetic element and a set of first terminals. The first magnetic element and the set of first terminals are disposed in the cavity. The detachable connector has an inserting portion, a body portion, a second magnetic element and a set of second terminals. The inserting portion is adapted to be inserted into the cavity. The body portion is connected to the inserting portion. The second magnetic element and the set of second terminals are disposed on the inserting portion. When the inserting portion is inserted into the cavity, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are mutually attracted. The two sets of terminals are mutually contacted, and the body portion is adapted to be supported on a plane to stand the electronic apparatus on the plane.

Abstract: A mount for supportably engaging an article. The mount includes a bulbous member that may include a convexly shaped surface area. The convexly shaped surface area may be supportively contactable with a first interconnect portion of a carrier member. An attachment member that is operatively associable with a device may be removably engageable with a second interconnect portion of the carrier member. The carrier member may be moved throughout a continuum of positions defined by the convexly curved surface area of the bulbous member. Additionally, the bulbous member may be supportably engaged by a variety of embodiments of support structures for supporting or mounting the mount.

Abstract: An electrical connector defines a front-to-back direction comprises an dielectric housing a plurality of contacts and a magnetic element. The dielectric element comprises a base and a mating tongue extending forward from the base. The contacts are received in the dielectric housing and each comprises a contacting portion exposed to at least one surface of the mating tongue. The magnetic element is assembled on front of the base and defining a receiving space for the tongue. The tongue is at least partially received in the receiving space with an opening facing forward.

Abstract: A communication port and connector are described. A mobile computing device may include a hardware element, with the hardware element being communicatively coupled to a connection. The connection is communicatively coupled to a communication port, and the communication port includes a first pin and a second pin. Additionally, at least one of the first pin and the second pin is comprised of a ferromagnetic material. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system supports a simple manner for seamlessly integrating the personal media device with the information system, immersing a user in a rich and intuitive media environment. When the personal media device and the information system are coupled, viewing content from the personal media device can be integrated “on the fly” into the information system via an interactive user interface system. The personal media device likewise can receive control commands and/or operating power from the information system. Thereby, the user can advantageously enjoy his own personal viewing content from the personal media device via the larger video presentation system and/or the enhanced audio presentation system of the information system, while recharging an internal battery system of the personal media device.

Abstract: A shelf lighting system, which includes a shelf power system, is herein disclosed. The shelf power system has a power track and a connecting plug. The connecting plug has an attachment mechanism to attach to a shelf bracket, and is configured to electrically connect to the power track. One embodiment of the connecting plug has prongs that electrically contact conductors in the power track. The shelf lighting system further includes a driver with a power supply and a power terminal block that connects to the power track. A lighting fixture can be powered by the power supply via the power terminal block, the power track and the connecting plug.

Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided comprising a connection interface including a connection portion; and a fastening portion comprising a plate that is configured to: (i) be substantially flush with a surface of the electronic device when the connection interface and a connector are not mated, and (ii) extend or recede from the surface of the electronic device when the connection interface and the connector are mated.

Abstract: An assembly jig used for assembling a magnet connector including a magnetic body includes a magnet, and a base body having a rear surface and a front surface. The front surface is concaved rearward to form a holding room. The rear surface is concaved forward to form a receiving cavity having a shape in accordance with the external outline of the magnetic body. The magnet is held in the holding room of the base body with the magnetic poles thereof being located in a kind of only certain way. When assembling the magnet connector, the magnetic body is partly attracted in the receiving cavity of the base body by the magnet and then is assembled to the magnet connector with the magnetic poles thereof being uniformly arranged in a kind of only certain way after mass production of the magnet connector.

Abstract: A slim type electronic connector for receiving a plug therein includes a half socket, a covering lid, a holding seat, and a recovering element. The covering lid has a main body, a sheltering portion extended from the main body, and a pair of rotating axles formed at one end of the main body. An inserting space is formed between the half socket and the holding seat. When the covering lid rotates to a covered position, the sheltering portion extends beyond a front edge of the holding seat. When the covering lid rotates to an opening position, the sheltering portion moves away the front edge of the holding seat to allow for inserting the plug. When the plug is inserted between the half socket and the holding seat, the recovering element pushes the sheltering portion to engage the plug for preventing from moving outside.

Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.

Abstract: An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.

Abstract: A modular interconnection system in the form of a releasable modular interconnect is provided. The releasable modular interconnect may include a substrate with a plurality of releasable contact regions, where each releasable contact region may be positioned to overlay a respective terminal of a power cell. The releasable modular interconnect may also include at least one conductive interconnect member affixed to the substrate, where the conductive interconnect member includes at least a one conductive releasable contact disposed within a releasable contact region of the substrate. The conductive releasable contact may be positioned to form a releasable electrical connection with a terminal of a power cell when a force is applied to the first releasable contact region in a direction toward the terminal of the power cell. Additional and related methods and apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.

Abstract: A switch-equipped connector that can reduce the occurrence of intermodulation distortion includes a first terminal, a second movable terminal, and a magnet provided at a position distant from the first and second terminals. At least one of the first and the second terminal has a magnetic metal and the second terminal is configured to come into and out of contact with the first terminal.

Abstract: An electric component structure is provided with at least two electrical conductive parts, an insulator and a magnetic flux generating structure. The electrical conductive parts are arranged with an electric line of force existing between adjacent ones of the conductive parts. The insulator holds the conductive parts. The magnetic flux generating structure generates a magnetic flux with magnetic flux lines oriented in a direction different from a direction of the electric line of force existing between the adjacent ones of the conductive parts.

Abstract: A socket connector includes an insulating body having a base portion and a holding portion extending upward from a front of the base portion. The holding portion defines a terminal fillister spread to the base portion. A plurality of openings is opened in a front face of the holding portion and communicates with the terminal fillister. A terminal group is molded in the terminal fillister of the insulating body. The terminal group has a plurality of elastic touching arms stretching outside the insulating body, and a plurality of contact slices exposed through the openings respectively. A magnetic body is curved from a magnetic metal board and defines a window. The magnetic body is mounted around the holding portion with the window facing the openings of the insulating housing to further expose the contact slices therethrough. The terminal group further electrically contacts with the magnetic body.

Abstract: A smartcard connector for connecting a smartcard within a card holder to an electronic device. The smartcard connector includes a card holder having a card holding space, a contact pad integral with the card holder and in communicative contact with the card holding space, and an external adapter integral with the card holder and in electrical contact with the contact pad. The adapter is for communicatively connecting a smartcard received and held within the card holding space and in electrical contact with the contact pad to an external data cable. The data cable is also connected to an electrical device, such as a computer, so that the smartcard may be accessed by the computer without removing the smartcard from the card holder. The card holder may also include a battery, display screen, read/write memory, security unit, notification unit, amplification unit, and/or a light.

Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.

Abstract: Fiber optic connectors and adapters may be automatically secured and released via a management system. Such automation may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized insertion of fiber optic connectors into adapter ports. The automation also may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized removal of the fiber optic connectors from the adapter ports.

Abstract: A power and data connector includes a symmetrical planar connection surface, a pair of symmetrical power interfaces, and one or more magnetic attractors. The planar connection surface is at a terminal end of a tapered extension that protrudes from a lip surface of the power and data connector.

Abstract: A male connector is capable of magnetically attracting a female connector. The female connector includes a first end surface and a second end surface. The male connector includes a first telescoping pin and a second telescoping pin. The first telescoping pin and the second telescoping pin are capable of contacting the first end surface and the second end surface, to make an electrical connection between the male connector and the female connector.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A socket connector includes an insulating body having a base portion and a holding portion extending upward from a front of the base portion. The holding portion defines a terminal fillister spread to the base portion. A plurality of openings is opened in a front face of the holding portion and communicates with the terminal fillister. A terminal group is molded in the terminal fillister of the insulating body. The terminal group has a plurality of elastic touching arms stretching outside the insulating body, and a plurality of contact slices exposed through the openings respectively. A magnetic body is curved from a magnetic metal board and defines a window. The magnetic body is mounted around the holding portion with the window facing the openings of the insulating housing to further expose the contact slices therethrough. The terminal group further electrically contacts with the magnetic body.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a power plug and a power socket coupled to the power plug. The power plug includes a housing, two plug contacts, one conductive member, two conductive resilient pieces, and two magnetic members. The conductive resilient pieces are positioned in the housing, and are electrically connected to the conductive member. The magnetic members are positioned in the housing, and opposite to the at least two conductive resilient pieces. The power socket includes an inner housing, two socket contacts, and two metal pieces. The inner housing defines an assembly groove to receive the power plug. The metal pieces are positioned in the assembly groove of the inner housing, and are opposite to the magnetic members, such that a magnetic attraction force exerted between the metal pieces and the magnetic member actuates the power plug.

Abstract: An electrical socket comprising an electrical receptacle, a cover for the receptacle, a hinge coupling the cover to the receptacle so that the cover can pivot toward and away from an opening in the receptacle to allow insertion of an electrical plug into the receptacle. A paired combination is provided comprising a magnet and a magnet attractive region on ones of the cover and receptacle causing the cover to be attracted to the receptacle when the cover gets to a predetermined distance from the receptacle thereby causing the cover to be closed on the receptacle by magnetic attraction when the plug is not inserted.

Abstract: A male connector in a computer system is provided. The male connector has a plurality of male contacts for connecting with corresponding numbers of female contacts of a female connector in the computer system. The male contacts further have a first male contact having a data transmission interface, and a second male contact not having any data transmission interface.

Abstract: A magnetically activated connector port cover or door that provides access through a connector port for a corresponding connector to mate with a receptacle connector behind the door, and closes the door when the connector is not presently proximate to or intending to mate with the receptacle connector. The connector port includes a magnetic element that works in tandem with an actuator to respond to the position of the corresponding connector and bias as well as move the door in an open or closed position accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for magnetically enhanced electrical signal conduction are disclosed. An embodiment electrical connector comprises a connector body, a first active signal contact mechanically attached to and at least partially disposed within the connector body, a ground contact mechanically attached to the connector body, an insulator mechanically separating and electrically isolating the first active signal contact and the ground contact, and a first permanent magnet electrically connected to the first active signal contact. An embodiment electrical cable comprises an elongated insulating sheath, a first active signal electrical conductor disposed within the sheath, a first connector body mechanically attached to a first end of the sheath, a first active signal contact mechanically attached to the first connector body, and electrically connected to the first active signal electrical conductor, and a first permanent magnet electrically connected to the first active signal electrical conductor.

Abstract: An interactive toy includes a doll and one or more compatible toy accessories. The doll is configured to hold each accessory, the holding action causing the particular accessory to operate according to its associated functionality. A socket unit is contained in and exposed from a doll, and includes a magnetic connector and a socket connector. A plug unit is contained in and exposed from an accessory, and includes a central connector and a plug connector. The socket unit and the plug unit are configured to engage one another. A battery source is connected to the socket unit, and an actuator is connected to the plug unit. The engagement between the socket unit and the plug unit causes power from the socket unit to be transferred to the plug unit, thereby causing the actuator to be actuated to perform the associated functionality of the accessory.

Abstract: A securing structure for securing a magnetic element in a housing of an electronic device includes a receiving portion and a limiting portion. The receiving portion is to be disposed on a housing wall of the housing, and has a receiving space for receiving the magnetic element therein and a first opening in spatial communication with the receiving space for permitting extension of the magnetic element into the receiving space. The first opening faces a plane perpendicular to the housing wall. The limiting portion is connected to the receiving portion and is operable between a limiting state, where the first limiting portion prevents the magnetic element from entering and exiting the receiving space through the first opening, and a non-limiting state, where the first limiting portion permits entering and exiting of the magnetic element into and. from the receiving space through the first opening.

Abstract: A modular interconnection system in the form of a releasable modular interconnect is provided. The releasable modular interconnect may include a substrate with a plurality of releasable contact regions, where each releasable contact region may be positioned to overlay a respective terminal of a power cell. The releasable modular interconnect may also include at least one conductive interconnect member affixed to the substrate, where the conductive interconnect member includes at least a one conductive releasable contact disposed within a releasable contact region of the substrate. The conductive releasable contact may be positioned to form a releasable electrical connection with a terminal of a power cell when a force is applied to the first releasable contact region in a direction toward the terminal of the power cell. Additional and related methods and apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a cable connector. The cable connector may have magnetic properties and/or a locking mechanism. The cable connector may be an HDMI connector and the cable may be an HDMI cable. Further, the connector may be plugged into the corresponding male/female connector port and be held in position by the magnetic properties associated with the connector and the port and/or by a lock lever mechanism. The magnetic array may be moved various distances in various directions. In addition, the connector and/or cable may include a processor, an integrated circuit, an indicator, an LED and/or a user interface.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for allowing electrical connection to a robot apparatus. In one aspect, an electrical coupling is adapted to provide electrical power to the robot apparatus in the vacuum chamber. The electrical coupling may include engaging electrical contacts. In some embodiments, at least one of the contacts may be suspended relative to a spring such that the engaging contacts do not rotate relative to each other during arm rotation of the robot. In other embodiments, inductively coupled coils are included. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An electromechanical connection system having a current supply device connectable to a current source through current supply contacts. The current supply device has with switching magnets on a magnet carriage. A current collection device has a release magnet and can be electrically connected to a load is connectable to the current supply device. A safety magnet is restored to a rest position by a retaining magnet or a ferromagnetic retaining part if the magnet carriage remains in a live state even if the current collection device is removed to effect short circuit. A non-conducting short-circuit part movably arranged in the current supply device between two short-circuit line parts, holds the safety magnet a distance from the short-circuit line under normal conditions. The non-conducting short-circuit part connects the short-circuit line parts if the magnet carriage does not return responsive to removal of the current collection device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for magnetically enhanced electrical signal conduction are disclosed. An embodiment electrical connector comprises a connector body, a first active signal contact mechanically attached to and at least partially disposed within the connector body, a ground contact mechanically attached to the connector body, an insulator mechanically separating and electrically isolating the first active signal contact and the ground contact, and a first permanent magnet electrically connected to the first active signal contact. An embodiment electrical cable comprises an elongated insulating sheath, a first active signal electrical conductor disposed within the sheath, a first connector body mechanically attached to a first end of the sheath, a first active signal contact mechanically attached to the first connector body, and electrically connected to the first active signal electrical conductor, and a first permanent magnet electrically connected to the first active signal electrical conductor.