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 system is described that consists of components that are magnetically and electronically coupled together. The electronic coupling allows signals and power/ground to couple between the various components. The magnetic coupling allows the portable system to come apart without damaging the components when an element of a component gets unexpectedly snagged after passing an obstacle. The components can be easily collected and reassembled to reconstruct the system. Furthermore, the positioning of the magnets in the magnetic coupling provides a lock and key combination in that the pattern and anti-pattern between mating surface couplings can be designed to only allow one orientation when the units are coupled. This restriction in orientation prevents the power leads from shorting to ground or other signal leads during the reassembly thereby preventing damage to the system.

Abstract: A wrist worn electronic device includes a main body having a processor and a receiving member electrically connected to the processor. A belt includes an electronic component and a connection member electrically connected to the electronic component. The connection member is used to engage the receiving member, to connect the belt to the main body and electrically connect the electronic component to the processor.

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 connector includes, a frame section which has an inner space defined by side walls and a bottom portion, a plurality of pins protruding from the bottom portion in the inner space, a cover which has a magnet and a plurality of holes, where the cover is movable along the pins in the inner space between a first position and a second position that the pins are electrically connected, a detection unit that output a detection signal, an electromagnet provided at a position on the bottom portion opposing the magnet, and a control unit that controls a moving of the cover between the first position and the second position by bringing the electromagnet in a normal ON state or in an OFF state or a reverse ON state.

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 magnetic connector includes an insulative housing having a chamber, a first contact retained in the chamber, a magnetic element having a receiving hole recessed rearwards from a front face thereof for accommodating the housing therein, and a grounding member exposed outside of the magnetic element to surrounding the magnetic element. The grounding member covers the front face of the magnetic element for mating with a counterpart contact. The grounding member exposed outside of the magnetic element and covers the front face for facilitating reliable interconnection with a counterpart contact.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1) defining a mating compartment (10) with an opening (101) in communication with the mating compartment (10), a plurality of contact terminals (2) disposed within the mating compartment (10), a moveable protective lid (4) moveably disposed adjacent to the opening (101) and magnetic arrangement (5, 6) disposed between the protective lid (4) and the housing (1) such that the protective lid (4) will resume to its original position by means of magnets (5, 6) arranged between the protective lid (4) and the housing (1).

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 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: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

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: 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: 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 electric connection device including a first connection member to be powered by an electric current and a second conjugated connection member, the first connection member being provided with at least one luminous member having at least two states and powered by a portion of the supply current of said first connection member. The device includes a position sensor having two states and provided in the first connection member so as to be actuated by a portion of the second connection member, or a mobile portion of the first connection member driven by a portion of said second member when said members are in a connection position, thus switching the position sensor from state to the other, the latter being adapted to switch the luminous element or one of them from one state to the other depending on its own state.

Abstract: An electronic type removal preventing connector includes a joint and an electronic switch. The joint includes a port, and at least one through hole formed on an external surface of the joint and interconnected to the port. At least one set of electronic switches is installed onto the through hole, and includes a tongue passed through the through hole and having an oblique surface. If a metal plug of a portable electronic device is inserted into the port of the connector, the tongue of the electronic switch will be entered into a bolt hole of the metal plug to prevent the portable electronic device from being stolen. If the electronic switch is electrically conducted for an operation, the tongue will be separated from the through hole and the bolt hole, such that a user can remove the metal plug of the portable electronic device from the joint of the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing power to an electronic device may include a power input configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, and a rectifier operatively connected to the power input and configured to convert the input voltage to a first voltage. The rectifier may further be configured to transmit the first voltage to a first power output operatively connected to the rectifier. The apparatus may further include a power converter operatively connected to the rectifier and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage different than the first voltage and a first relay operatively connected to the rectifier to selectively prevent the first voltage from being transmitted through the first power output. The power converter may further be configured to transmit the second voltage to a second power output operatively connected to the power converter.

Abstract: A medical device system includes a portable medical device and a docking unit on which the medical device can be removably mounted. The docking unit is configured to communicate with a controller of the medical device when the medical device is mounted on the docking unit to instruct the controller to execute a selected program.

Abstract: A medical device system includes a portable medical device and a docking unit on which the medical device can be removably mounted. The docking unit is configured to communicate with a controller of the medical device when the medical device is mounted on the docking unit to instruct the controller to execute a selected program.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a housing, an electrical connector, magnets, and sensors. The electrical connector with a magnet attached thereon is received in the housing. The electrical connector is connected to the rear wall of the housing via an elastic member. The electrical connector is capable of extending out of the housing and through an opening in the housing. Another magnet is secured at a front end of the housing. When an attractive force is induced between the magnets, the electrical connector is extended towards and through the opening in the housing. The sensors are configured for detecting that a robot is in position to be charged and for turning on the attractive force between the magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic jumper for bypassing electrical circuits. The jumper includes a magnet at each end of a wire. Each magnet can be attached to a terminal of a low voltage electrical circuit in order to bypass that circuit for testing and troubleshooting purposes. The magnetic jumper works with almost any terminal that has steel screws.

Abstract: A probe connector includes a barrel, a plunger, an elastic element, at least one first magnet, and at least one second magnet. The barrel defines an enclosure surrounding a chamber. An opening is formed at one end of the barrel. The elastic element is arranged in the chamber of the barrel. The plunger has a basic portion received in the chamber and against one end of the elastic element, and a contact portion extending out of the chamber through the opening. The first magnet is disposed on the enclosure of the barrel. The second magnet is disposed on the basic portion of the plunger. When the plunger is pressed inward, the plunger is leant towards one side with the basic portion against the enclosure because of the second magnet approaching the first magnet to produce a magnetic force interaction therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first sub assembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening. The electronic device also includes a second sub assembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is accessible through the opening. The at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second sub assembly so as to properly align with the opening. The at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body and a card connector assembly mounted inside of the main body. The card connector assembly includes a base including a protrusion and a protrusion plate, a cover, and a movable plate. The protrusion includes a plurality of contacts. The protrusion plate includes an electromagnet. The cover is rotatably connected to the base, and includes a retaining member for retaining an electronic card. The movable plate is slidably connected to the protrusion plate, and is made of magnetic material. When in use, the cover is rotated until the electronic card contacts the contacts, the electronic device controls to power for the electromagnet, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field which drives the movable plate to slide toward the protrusion along the protrusion plate until the movable plate moves below the cover to prevent the cover from rotating in one direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for use in a vehicle, the connector including a male connector, a female connector and a connector cover mounted on the circumferential surface of the female connector thereby providing secure connection and removing/reducing noise of the vehicle. More specifically, the female connector includes a housing, a projection formed to project on top of the housing, an operating lever horizontally disposed over the housing in the forward and backward direction to perform a seesaw motion, and a locking projection formed at the front bottom of the operating lever. On the other hand, the male connector is configured to be inserted into the female connector and connected to the female connector by the locking projection. Furthermore, the female connector is double locked and the connector cover is molded with ferrite powder to remove or reduce noise of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals secured in the housing, a metallic cover pivotally mounted to a rear end of the insulative housing and covering the insulative housing and at least one magnetic board lock secured at one side of the insulative housing and spaced with a distance from the rear end of the insulative housing. The at least one magnetic board lock assist to hold the cover by magnetic attractive force produced between the at least one magnetic board lock and the metallic cover on the insulative housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric connection device including a first connection member (1) to be powered by an electric current and a second conjugated connection member (2), the first connection member (1) being provided with at least one luminous member having at least two states and powered by a portion of the supply current of said first connection member. The device of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a position sensor having two states and provided in the first connection member (1) so as to be actuated by a portion (16) of the second connection member (2), or a mobile portion (13) of the first connection member (1) driven by a portion (16) of said second member (2) when said members are in a connection position, thus switching the position sensor from state to the other, the latter being adapted to switch the luminous element or one of them from one state to the other depending on its own state.

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: A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1) defining a mating compartment (10) with an opening (101) in communication with the mating compartment (10), a plurality of contact terminals (2) disposed within the mating compartment (10), a moveable protective lid (4) moveably disposed adjacent to the opening (101) and magnetic arrangement (5, 6) disposed between the protective lid (4) and the housing (1) such that the protective lid (4) will resume to its original position by means of magnets (5, 6) arranged between the protective lid (4) and the housing (1).

Abstract: A medical device system includes a portable medical device and a docking unit on which the medical device can be removably mounted. The docking unit is configured to communicate with a controller of the medical device when the medical device is mounted on the docking unit to instruct the controller to execute a selected program.

Abstract: An electrical connector for supplying electrical power from a fixed member to a movable member that moves with respect to the fixed member, the movable member bearing an electrical load. The electrical connector has a first connector part fixed to the fixed member and connected to a source of electrical power. A second connector part is fixed to the movable member and is connected to the electrical load. The first connector part and second connector part are movable into electrical engagement when the movable member is moved adjacent the fixed member. The first connector part has a first housing, a movable enclosure in the housing, having first external electrical contacts, and a movable carriage bearing second electrical contacts. The movable carriage has first magnets or magnet attractive components, the second contacts being movable with the carriage by a first magnetic force into electrical engagement with the first contacts.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals secured in the housing, a metallic cover pivotally mounted to a rear end of the insulative housing and covering the insulative housing and at least one magnetic board lock secured at one side of the insulative housing and spaced with a distance from the rear end of the insulative housing. The at least one magnetic board lock assist to hold the cover by magnetic attractive force produced between the at least one magnetic board lock and the metallic cover on the insulative housing.

Abstract: A ground strap assembly couples two conductive components of a utility structure. The ground strap assembly includes an elongate electrically conductive ground strap having opposed ends. A pair of attachment members are mechanically and electrically coupled to each end of the strap. Each attachment member has a magnetic surface so that the ends of the strap may be placed in removable magnetic attachment to the two components to establish ground continuity across the components.

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: The disclosure relates to the use of magnets, which may be permanent magnets or electromagnets, to align and physically connect two adjacent audio components, or similar electronic components. Alternatively, a groove or similar mechanical aligning configuration may be used in combination with the magnetic configuration.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector each defining a mating end of a regular polygon mating with each other. Each regular polygon defines a centre, an imaginary circle around the centre and a plurality of vertices at the imaginary circle. A plurality of pins are located at the mating ends which composed of one first pin at the centre of the first connector, two second pins at least fulfilling with one half of the vertices and arranged at adjacent vertices in turn, one third pin at the centre of the second connector and two forth pins at the vertices respectively in a condition that said two forth pins spaced from each other with a largest distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power plug, comprises: a magnetic conductive ring; a grounding insulation supporting ring; a grounding ring connection seat, a grounding connection sheet is extended from one end of the grounding ring connection seat; a power insulation supporting ring; a power ring connection seat, a power connection sheet is extended from one end of the power ring connection seat; an insulation supporting ring; an identifying connection seat; an insulation retaining ring and a cable housing. The identifying connection seat and the power ring connection seat and the grounding ring connection seat are assembled in a manner of a ring being provided on other rings therefore a 360 degree nondirectional power plug is obtained.

Abstract: A connector includes, a frame section which has an inner space defined by side walls and a bottom portion, a plurality of pins protruding from the bottom portion in the inner space, a cover which has a magnet and a plurality of holes, where the cover is movable along the pins in the inner space between a first position and a second position that the pins are electrically connected, a detection unit that output a detection signal, an electromagnet provided at a position on the bottom portion opposing the magnet, and a control unit that controls a moving of the cover between the first position and the second position by bringing the electromagnet in a normal ON state or in an OFF state or a reverse ON state.

Abstract: A headset connector assembly that includes a connector plate, a casing, and electrical contact members is provided. The connector plate can have a first mating surface, a second mating surface, and at least two apertures existing between the first and the second mating surfaces. The casing can have a first side in contact with the first mating surface and a second side. The casing can include a protruding cavity member for each of the at least two apertures. Each protruding cavity member can extend from the first side and be constructed to fit within one of the at least two apertures. Each protruding cavity member can house an electrical contact member.

Abstract: A magnetic connector has a receptacle and a plug. The receptacle has an electromagnet comprising an inner core, an outer core, a coil disposed around the inner core and an air gap defined by the edges of the inner and outer cores. The plug has a plug core and an anchor defined by the plug core edge. The anchor is configured to insert into the air gap as a receptacle socket electrically connects with plug pins. The coil is energized and de-energized so as to assist in the insertion or removal of the anchor from within the air gap and the corresponding connection and disconnection of the socket and pins.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first subassembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening. The electronic device also includes a second subassembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second subassembly so as to properly align with the opening. The at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening.

Abstract: A charging device for transferring electrical charge between a variety of sources and clients comprising charging circuitry and electrical leads with magnetically attaching connectors is disclosed. The magnetically attachable leads are used to connect to external batteries or other sources or clients. The charging circuitry may be a buck, boost, or boost/buck switching ASIC or may be a micro-controller.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: A dock includes a moveable connector to allow connection to a handheld electronic device. Generally, the connector moves between a closed position and an open position where the connector is placed in at least one substantially upright position for receiving a handheld electronic device. The connector may be hidden from view or lie flush relative to the body of the dock, thereby making the dock more portable and easily organized with other objects, e.g. in stacking. Various motions can be used to move the connector. Examples include one or more rotations, translations, and/or the like. Various retention mechanisms may be employed to retain the connector in an open position when connected to the media player. Also, various electrical mechanisms can be used to couple the movable connector to a fixed printed circuit board (PCB) contained inside the body of the dock.

Abstract: A power strip is provided. The power strip includes a first power cord to receive an input of electricity. The power strip also includes a housing including a plurality of socket modules for receiving electrical plugs. At least one socket module is removably attached to the housing and includes a second power cord connect to the first power cord.

Abstract: A magnetic connector for connecting various cables to a mobile electronic device includes a connector part in the mobile electronic device and a connector part attached to the cable. One of the connector parts includes a permanent magnet and the other connector part includes magnetic material or another magnet. The attractive magnetic force between the permanent magnet or the other magnet and the magnetic material keeps the connector parts into engagement. The magnets may themselves form the electrical contacts. The connector parts can also include magnetically operated switches.

Abstract: An interconnect for connecting a needle electrode to a neurological testing device, the interconnect comprising: a needle-side connector and a device-side connector, wherein the needle-side connector and the device-side connector have complementary aspects so as to ensure that the correct needle electrode is used with a given neurological testing device. A method for connecting a needle electrode to a neurological testing device, the method comprising: providing an interconnect comprising a needle-side connector and a device-side connector, wherein the needle-side connector and the device-side connector have complementary aspects so as to ensure that the correct needle electrode is used with a given neurological testing device; and connecting the needle-side connector to the device-side connector.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive connector includes: a plurality of conducting paths to be brought into contact with a first object of connection provided in an electronic apparatus and with a second object of connection separate from the first object of connection to effect conductive connection between the objects of connection; and a metal portion to be brought into contact with the conducting paths to effect conductive connection between the plurality of conducting paths.

Abstract: A magnetic connector for connecting various cables to a mobile electronic device includes a connector part in the mobile electronic device and a connector part attached to the cable. One of the connector parts includes a permanent magnet and the other connector part includes magnetic material or another magnet. The attractive magnetic force between the permanent magnet or the other magnet and the magnetic material keeps the connector parts into engagement. The magnets may themselves form the electrical contacts. The connector parts can also include magnetically operated switches.