Including Overstress Preventing Means Patents (Class 439/474)
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Patent number: 11450996Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a cable to an electrical component includes an outer conductor sleeve and an insulator element. The outer conductor sleeve has an attachment portion and a plug portion. The insulator element is disposed within the outer conductor sleeve, at least partially in the plug portion. The cable is disposed with a cable end portion at least partially within the outer conductor sleeve in the attachment portion. The outer conductor sleeve has at least a first wall thickness region having a first wall thickness in the attachment portion and at least a second wall thickness region having a second wall thickness in the plug portion, the first wall thickness being greater than the second wall thickness. The insulator element is at least partially disposed in the second wall thickness region.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: MD ELEKTRONIK GMBHInventors: Rudolf Wiebe, Stefan Sperr, Johannes Eben, Matthias Plischke, Christian Kirschner, Andreas Hoisl, Sebastian Mirz
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Patent number: 11188690Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a thermal simulation of an additive manufacturing process. In embodiments, one or more data sets (such as a temperature dependent thermal conductivity matrix and a temperature dependent heat capacity matric) characterize an ease of heat flow through a three-dimensional (3D) geometry. The one or more data sets are used to determine a thermal solution for an explicit solution length, where the explicit solution length is a length along a scan line of one two dimensional (2D) slice of the 3D geometry. A thermal solution for the scan line is generated by propagating the thermal solution for the explicit solution length along sequential time steps of the scan line and using Eigenmodal cooling to adjust for cooling of a heat residual between sequential time steps.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Ansys, Inc.Inventor: Deepankar Pal
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Patent number: 10714864Abstract: A connector includes an outer tube, an inner tube formed to be continuous from the outer tube, and a partition wall configured to isolate the outer tube and the inner tube. The partition wall has an elongate convex portion, the convex portion is formed on a surface of the partition wall in a side of the outer tube, and the convex portion has a through hole penetrating the partition wall which is formed in the convex portion and a terminal is press-fitted into the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Kouichi Ooyama, Takumi Nakagishi
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Patent number: 9620891Abstract: A connector includes: a casing; a terminal which is connected to a mating terminal; a flexible conductor disposed inside the casing and on a side opposite to the mating terminal with respect to the terminal, and electrically connected to the terminal; a connecting member which is a conductor fixed to the casing, is disposed on a side opposite to the terminal with respect to the flexible conductor, and is electrically connected to the flexible conductor; and an electrical wire which is disposed on a side opposite to the terminal with respect to the connecting member, is electrically connected to the connecting member, and is drawn from the casing in a direction opposite to an insertion direction of the terminal toward the mating terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Yuuichirou Motohashi, Takaaki Miyajima
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Patent number: 9583870Abstract: A connector includes: a casing; a terminal which is connected to a mating terminal; a flexible conductor disposed inside the casing and on a side opposite to the mating terminal with respect to the terminal, and electrically connected to the terminal; a connecting member which is a conductor fixed to the casing, is disposed on a side opposite to the terminal with respect to the flexible conductor, and is electrically connected to the flexible conductor; and an electrical wire which is disposed on a side opposite to the terminal with respect to the connecting member, is electrically connected to the connecting member, and is drawn from the casing in a direction opposite to an insertion direction of the terminal toward the mating terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Yuuichirou Motohashi, Takaaki Miyajima
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Patent number: 9461399Abstract: A charging cable connector including an electrically-connector connector unit, a receptacle housing enclosing at least some sections of the connector unit, a charging cable connector section and a strain relieving device. The receptacle housing is a multi-part design and further includes a housing base section of closed outer surface design and a connector aperture. The housing base section is configured to accommodate the connector unit. The connector unit is accessible via the connecting aperture, where the connecting aperture is formed as part of the housing base section. The charging cable connector section is provided apart from the connecting aperture and further includes a charging cable connecting aperture. The charging cable connector section is configured to accommodate a charring cable. The charging cable includes a strain-relieving device, where the charging cable is configured to be guide via the charging cable connecting aperture into the receptacle housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT E-MOBILITY GMBHInventors: Marco Seelig, Martin Kneidl
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Patent number: 9368894Abstract: A socket for electronic components includes a case that includes through holes of which inner wall surfaces have conductivity, and a ground contact unit that is disposed in one of the through holes and is electrically connected to an inner wall surface of the through hole. The ground contact unit includes a holding member that holds a conductive member and is fixed in the through hole. The conductive member has elasticity, and includes an intermediate portion held by the holding member, an upper extension portion extending upward from the intermediate portion, and a lower extension portion extending downward from the intermediate portion. The lower extension portion includes a ground extension portion that comes into elastic contact with the inner wall surface of the through hole, a fixed portion that is fixed to a substrate, and an impact absorbing portion that is formed between the fixed portion and the intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigetomo Chiba, Takeshi Murayama, Hiroyuki Takaoka, Takeki Uozumi, Nobuyuki Okuda
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Patent number: 9273496Abstract: An anti-theft device, for securing an electronic product during retail display, having a socket for the transmission of power and/or information during normal operation, and a plug for engagement with the socket. The plug has an insertable portion, for insertion into the socket, with a lock to prevent removal while locked. The insertable portion also has a release enabling for withdrawal of the insertable portion. The plug has a control mechanism for holding the lock when the plug is engaged with the socket, the lock can be changed from a locking to release configuration by operation of a security key. The device also includes a flexible attachment for attaching the plug to a fixture. In one case the insertable portion includes a pin with an expandable tip for locking the pin to the socket. The flexible attachment may include conductive wires and be joined to an additional electric connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Inventor: James Theobald
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Patent number: 9236673Abstract: A mezzanine header connector includes header modules stacked side-by-side having housing frames holding contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes header contacts held by at least one dielectric holder. The header contacts have mating segments for termination to corresponding receptacle contacts of a mezzanine receptacle connector and terminating segments for termination to a circuit board. Each of the header contacts extend along a linear path between the corresponding mating segment and the corresponding terminating segment. Each housing frame has walls defining pockets receiving corresponding header contacts of the contact assembly. The housing frame is conductive and provides shielding around the associated header contacts of the contact assemblies. The header contacts face associated walls with air separating the header contacts and the walls along a majority of the header contacts.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: James Myoungsoo Jeon, Chad W. Morgan, Andy M. Homick, Paul Hollis
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Patent number: 9225124Abstract: A connector includes an electronic component (60), a holder (20) for holding the electronic component (60), a housing (10) including an insertion opening (11), into which the holder (20) is insertable and which is open only in one direction, and configured to accommodate the holder (20) holding the electronic component (60), and conductive members (40) for conductively connecting the electronic component (60) and mating terminal fittings. The conductive members (40) include holder press-fit portions (51, 53) to be press-fitted into the holder (20) and housing press-fit portions (55) to be press-fitted into the housing (10) and the holder (20) is held in the housing (10) by the conductive members (40).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Motohiro Ando, Tomoyuki Kondo
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Patent number: 9216653Abstract: A method is disclosed for charging at least one energy store of an electric vehicle via a charging point, using a first terminal having first connecting elements of a charging cable connected to the charging point. The first connecting elements are connected to corresponding second connecting elements of a second terminal on the vehicle, and the first and second connecting elements are designed to supply alternating current for charging the at least one energy store. Direct current from the charging point for charging the at least one energy store is supplied to the electric vehicle via at least two first connecting elements or at least two third connecting elements of the first terminal, wherein PLC communication between the electric vehicle and charging point in order to exchange information relating to the charging operation occurs via one or more first connecting elements on which no direct current for charging is carried.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Heike Barlag, Markus Böhm, Jörg Heuer
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Publication number: 20140305700Abstract: A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of an electrical cable. The connector includes a boot member that slides over a portion of a wire manager to actuate a retention arrangement of the connector. Certain types of retention arrangements are actuated by deflecting flexible tabs of the wire manager inwardly to bite into at least an outer jacket of the electrical cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Loren J. Mattson, Gordon John White
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Publication number: 20140193997Abstract: An apparatus can include a support portion of a connector and at least a portion of wire component coupled to a first side of the support portion. The apparatus can include a protrusion portion have a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an opening disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The proximal portion can be coupled to a second side of the support portion, and the protrusion portion can have a width tapering from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A contact can be disposed in the protrusion portion and can have a surface exposed to an ambient environment through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Google Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Aaron Leiba
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Patent number: 8591249Abstract: A connector which has a flexible portion which allows the connector to bend in response to non-axial forces applied thereto. When off-axis forces are applied to the connector or a mating connector, the off-axis forces do not cause oblique loading on the connector or mating connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Souraiu USA, Inc.Inventors: Scott David Harnish, Timothy Wickard
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Patent number: 8556667Abstract: A space-saving terminal includes a depth that is short and a floor space that is small. The terminal further includes a fixing part for press-in pressed into and fixed to a base material, a support part projected upward so as to cross with the fixing part for press-in, two extension parts extended downward while meandering from a branch portion on a tip of the support part so as to form a meandering slit, and a movable contact part projected from a tip portion formed by integrating free ends of the extension parts so as to be capable of moving in and out of a contacting hole of the base material. The support part is curved outward in order to avoid contact with the tip portion of the extension part while the tip portion is displaced.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Jiro Koyama, Hirotada Teranishi
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Publication number: 20130217253Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Albert J. Golko, Mathias W. Schmidt, Eric S. Jol, Jahan Minoo, Ian Spraggs, Cameron Frazier, Fletcher Rothkopf, Jonathan Aase, Wendell Sander, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
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Patent number: 8428864Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Dynamic Research, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Kelly, Peter Broen, Jordan Silberling, Nenad Bozin, John Zellner
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Patent number: 8206184Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a support structure having an elongate shape and an inlet for receiving a charging cable. A fitting is disposed in mechanical interlocking engagement with a distal end of the support structure for interconnecting the support structure with a vehicle charging receptacle. The support structure and the fitting are configured for disconnecting from each other when the connector assembly is subjected to a lateral load above a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Keith Kwasny, Marc Poulin
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Patent number: 8197290Abstract: A compact electric connector in which a contact has a high contact pressure and a large displacement amount is provided. An electric connector includes a contact spring and an auxiliary spring. The contact spring includes a support portion that is supported by a housing, a contact portion that is projected from the housing to abut on the-other-end contact, and a plurality of flexing portions that are bent so as to be deformed between the support portion and the contact portion when the contact portion is pushed into the housing. The auxiliary spring includes a flexing auxiliary portion that abuts on the contact spring to exert an elastic force in a direction in which deformation of the flexing portion closest to the support portion is obstructed when the contact portion of the contact spring is pushed into the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Jiro Koyama, Hirotada Teranishi
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Publication number: 20120108100Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit with storage batteries for an electromotive furniture-drive device with at least one drive unit which can be coupled to a piece of furniture or a lifting device. The control unit comprises a first housing part, provided with electronic components, and a second housing part comprising the storage batteries. For the purposes of establishing an electrically conductive connection between the storage batteries and the electronic components, at least one plug-in connection is provided, wherein at least one plug is provided on a housing part, and this plug interacts with a complementary plug-in socket on the other housing part. The control unit is distinguished in that the plug is arranged such that it allows an electrically conductive contact to be established approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the housing parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: ILCON GMBHInventors: Michael Hüppe, Michael Kritzler
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Publication number: 20120100746Abstract: A cable assembly includes a plurality of contacts, an insulation housing and a metal shell assembled on the insulation housing. The insulation housing is molded outside the contacts and includes a fastening portion protruding from a rear end of an upper surface of the housing, and a pair of side arms rearward extending from the two sides of a rear surface of the fastening portion. The metal shell is assembled on the insulation housing and located behind the fastening portion. The fastening portion is substantially of U-shaped configuration with a pair of L-shaped cutout located on the two sides thereof and the two cutouts faces toward the outside. The metal shell includes a pair of clasping portions respectively frontward extending from the front surface of two side walls of the rectangular frame. The clasping portions are respectively inserted into their corresponding cutouts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: JERRY WU
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Publication number: 20120090910Abstract: An electrical arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a starter cable electrically connected with a vehicle battery, a terminal head conductor electrically connected with the starter cable, a terminal base conductor electrically connected with a starter motor, and an electrically nonconductive terminal enclosure defining a cavity in which the terminal head conductor and the terminal base conductor are positioned. The vehicle battery is electrically connected with the starter motor when the terminal head conductor contacts the terminal base conductor in the cavity. The terminal enclosure includes a weakened section offset from the terminal head conductor such that breaking of the terminal enclosure at the weakened section to form a free edge of the terminal enclosure and disconnection of the terminal head conductor from the terminal base conductor results in the terminal head conductor remaining in the cavity and spaced from the free edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Chris Lang
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Publication number: 20120045924Abstract: A connector which has a flexible portion which allows the connector to bend in response to non-axial forces applied thereto. When off-axis forces are applied to the connector or a mating connector, the off-axis forces do not cause oblique loading on the connector or mating connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: SOURIAU USA, INC.Inventors: Scott David HARNISH, Timothy WICKARD
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Publication number: 20120003861Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a support structure having an elongate shape and an inlet for receiving a charging cable. A fitting is disposed in mechanical interlocking engagement with a distal end of the support structure for interconnecting the support structure with a vehicle charging receptacle. The support structure and the fitting are configured for disconnecting from each other when the connector assembly is subjected to a lateral load above a predetermined threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Keith Kwasny, Marc Poulin
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Patent number: 8011942Abstract: There is provided a connector that allows easy engagement even when visual judgment is not possible and that has superior durability as well. In a connector for connecting a first connecting cable connected to one end of a socket and a second connecting cable connected to one end of a plug, through engagement between the socket and the plug, the socket includes a cutout portion formed by cutting away at least one portion from one opening of a cylinder along the peripheral direction thereof, the cutout portion having a V-shape at its deepest portion, a first guiding portion projecting from at least one portion of the opening along the peripheral direction, the first guiding portion having a substantial V-shape at its leading end, and a retaining portion to be retained to a lateral face of the cylinder at the time of engagement with the plug, thus retaining this engagement.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Hosiden CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Ohmori, Masahiko Nakamura
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Patent number: 7985095Abstract: A method and enhanced connector guide block structures implement robust connector assembly including robust Surface Mount Technology (SMT) connector assembly. A connector guide block includes a printed wiring board (PWB) mating face including at least one mounting screw hole provided within a mounting portion for receiving a mounting screw. The connector guide block is assembled with a printed wiring board (PWB) by inserting a respective non-bonding screw through an aligned opening in the PWB into guide block mounting hole and a gap is defined from an upper surface of the PWB below the guide block mounting portion. The gap is filled with an electrically nonconductive underfill material and cured. Another connector guide block structure includes an upper connector guide block portion and a lower connector guide block portion with a gap between the guide block portions filled with a selected electrically nonconductive underfill material and cured.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William L. Brodsky, John L. Colbert, Mark K. Hoffmeyer
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Patent number: 7878866Abstract: A connector assembly couples an electrical power supply to a vehicle charging circuit. The assembly includes an elongate handle and a plug coupled to each other. The handle forms an internal cavity for supporting an electrical harness. The plug includes a first end that is attached to the outlet of the handle, and a second end opposite the first end for engaging a vehicle charging receptacle. The plug includes a series of tabs that longitudinally extend from the first end to engage a series of slots formed in the outlet of the handle for attaching the plug to the handle. The series of tabs and the series of slots collectively form a structural weak point for failure by localizing deformation between the tabs and the slots when the assembly is subjected to a predetermined side load applied to an intermediate portion of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Keith Kwasny, Marc Poulin
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Publication number: 20110008994Abstract: A method and enhanced connector guide block structures implement robust connector assembly including robust Surface Mount Technology (SMT) connector assembly. A connector guide block includes a printed wiring board (PWB) mating face including at least one mounting screw hole provided within a mounting portion for receiving a mounting screw. The connector guide block is assembled with a printed wiring board (PWB) by inserting a respective non-bonding screw through an aligned opening in the PWB into guide block mounting hole and a gap is defined from an upper surface of the PWB below the guide block mounting portion. The gap is filled with an electrically nonconductive underfill material and cured. Another connector guide block structure includes an upper connector guide block portion and a lower connector guide block portion with a gap between the guide block portions filled with a selected electrically nonconductive underfill material and cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Brodsky, John L. Colbert, Mark K. Hoffmeyer
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Patent number: 7867016Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical press-in contact, particularly press-in pin contact, for transmitting electric current and/or electrical signals, comprising a press-in section and a mounting section which are mechanically coupled with each other via a relief section, and the relief section comprises a compensating portion and a stop portion, wherein the compensating portion allows a coupled relative movement of the press-in section and the mounting section, and the stop portion blocks a movement of press-in section and mounting section towards each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical or electronic module or a printed circuit board comprising an electrical press-in contact according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Vincotech Holdings S.A.R.L.Inventors: János Nabilek, Ralf Ehler
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Patent number: 7780386Abstract: A coupling mechanism is provided. The coupling mechanism includes a bushing assembly adapted to establish a coupling when rotated, a housing that is rotatable when torque is applied to the housing, a torque-limit member positioned between the housing and the bushing assembly such that when the torque-limit member is in a positive-lock state, the housing and bushing assembly rotate jointly upon the application of torque until a predefined torque level is attained. A compressible member is included that engages the torque-limit member to define through frictional resistance of moving parts and parts geometry a predefined torque level. The torque-limit member switches from the positive-lock state to a ratchet state when the predefined torque level is attained. When the torque-limit member is in the ratchet state, the housing rotates relative to the bushing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventors: Michael Robert Lau, Eric Michel De Wild
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Patent number: 7704088Abstract: A circuit board connector is provided. The circuit board connector includes: a connector housing which is mounted on a circuit board; and a terminal which is press-fitted into the terminal press-fitting hole of the connector housing. The terminal includes: a terminal connecting portion which is disposed through the rear side of the connector housing to be connected to a mating connector; a press-fitting portion to be fixed to the connector housing; a board fixing portion fixed to the circuit board by soldering; and a coupling portion extending and bent toward a side of the circuit board to couple the press-fitting portion with the board fixing portion. The circuit board connector also includes a stress absorbing portion provided with a center hole which is provided on a midway of the coupling portion so as to absorb a stress by being deformed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Nobuyuki Sakamoto
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Patent number: 7597581Abstract: A connector including a housing and a contact is disclosed for electrically connecting a first electrical device to a second electrical device across the contact in such a manner that the contact is broken if the connector is removed from the second electrical device. The contact includes a press-fit connection that may be either a compliant eye-of-the-needle or a cylindrical tail.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: David A. Trout, James L. Fedder, Attalee S. Taylor, Jason E. Vrenna
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Patent number: 7563127Abstract: A connector for a vehicular AC generator includes a resin connector case having an element-accommodating chamber in which a leaded circuit element having a pair of leads at opposite ends is received. The leads are bent at right angles and soldered at respective tip end portions to element connecting terminals of wiring metal pieces embedded in the connector case. The element-accommodating chamber is filled with an elastic sealing resin. The right-angled leads take up or absorb the difference in thermal expansion between the connector case and the circuit element including the leads. The elastic sealing resin prevents a crack from occurring at an interface boundary between the circuit element and the leads and offers an improved environmental resistance.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Takaaki Kurahashi
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Connector improved in handlability of a connection object and backlight assembly using the connector
Patent number: 7556515Abstract: In a connector including a conductive member adapted to be connected to a connection object, the conductive member includes a movable contacting portion to be contacted with the connection object and a position control portion integrally formed with the contacting portion and serving to control a position of the contacting portion. The contact may includes a main body integrally formed with the contacting portion and an elastic portion coupling the position control portion to the main body so that the position control portion is displaceable with respect to the main body. The main body may be integrally formed with the position control portion. The elastic portion may couple the contacting portion to the main body so that the contacting portion is displaceable with respect to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, LimitedInventors: Rintaro Kato, Nobukazu Kato, Akira Kimura, Masakazu Kuroiwa -
Patent number: 7510422Abstract: Breakaway devices for use in a meter-pit environment that protect connections between components of an AMR system are described herein. In various embodiments, at least one cable is adapted to operably couple a first AMR device and a second AMR device, wherein at least one of the first AMR device and the second AMR device is disposed in a utility meter pit. In an embodiment, at least once connector adapted to operably couple the cable to the first AMR device or the second AMR device is constructed to be decoupleabe in response to a force that is less than the linear breaking strength of the cable. In another embodiment, the cable may be constructed to have a length equal to at least about twice the distance between the first AMR device and the second AMR device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Aaron Fitzgerald, Ken Rigdon, Brad D. Pedersen
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Patent number: 7396252Abstract: A device or apparatus that reduces the number of utility pole breakages occurring during severe weather events and facilitates quicker and more cost efficient repair of downed utility lines. The device secures utility lines such as power service lines to utility poles during normal operating conditions, but allow the lines to break free of the poles when severely stressed. This breakaway feature prevents the utility pole from breaking under high stress conditions such as storm damage, ice accumulation, felled trees and other unexpected emergency situations. Furthermore, the device allows for quick and efficient repair of downed power lines, thereby reducing the man hours and equipment necessary for repair. By protecting the utility pole, utility companies will realize significant cost savings by not having to replace the pole and, in some cases, having to replace expensive transformers.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Inventors: David L. Rocker, Antonio Q. L. Rhodes, Randall L. Herron
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Patent number: 7270552Abstract: An electric connection box provided with a circuit structure, a casing for accommodating the circuit structure therein, a plurality of bus bar terminals disposed on a cabling path crossing the casing in the horizontal direction and electrically connecting the circuit structure and an external connecter to each other, and a terminal support portion for supporting a horizontal portion crossing the casing in the horizontal direction in the plurality of bus bar terminals from below, wherein a partition wall for separating the adjacent horizontal portions from each other is provided on a face of the terminal support portion on the side supporting the horizontal portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systmes, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Tomoki Kanou
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Patent number: 7234975Abstract: A vehicle power supply outlet connectable to a car cigarette lighter and to an electrical device plug. The power supply outlet includes a cylindrical socket including an engagement plate for engaging the cigarette lighter or the electrical device plug that is inserted into the socket. The engagement plate includes a hook elastically deformable in a radially outward direction of the socket. A sleeve including a recess is fitted to the socket. The recess receives the hook of the engagement plate when the hook is elastically deformed in the radially outward direction. Deformation of the hook is restricted by contact between the hook and the bottom surface of the recess. This prevents permanent deformation of the hook.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Kenichi Abe
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Patent number: 7040928Abstract: A terminal-protective card connector includes a shell and a pressing member. The shell includes at least two (first and second) groups of terminals mounted thereto, and two upright guiding portions formed at two internal sidewalls thereof. The pressing member includes two guided parts formed at two ends thereof and slidably mounted to the two guiding portions, a plurality of through holes formed therein, and at least one bevel formed at a front end thereof. The second group of terminals has contact portions running through bottom sides and then top sides of the through holes respectively to support the terminals of the second group. Thus, a specific group of terminals can be optionally pressed to avoid deformation or short circuit resulted from impact of or contact with uncorresponding cards to be protected.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Tai-Sol Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yaw-Huey Lai, Dong Chu Feng
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Patent number: 7030315Abstract: A utility box having a housing and a ring affixed on an upper circumferential rim of the housing. The ring forms a through hole with a bore that receives an attachment means from the cover. Tabs at a lower portion partially form a retaining recess that is disposed between the tabs and the bore. The tabs receive a fastener there through. The retaining recess receives a flexible washer, which deforms to pass through the tabs. The tabs retain the washer within the retaining recess against a first downward force, and allow the washer to be ejected upon application of a greater force. A fastener cavity is disposed between the bore and the retaining recess. The fastener cavity receives the fastener. The fastener is retained when the washer is within the retaining recess, and is loosed when the washer is removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: United States Utility Enclosures L.L.C.Inventors: John P. Dunn, Bobby C. Kent, Jr.
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Patent number: 6997737Abstract: A soldering structure between a tab of a bus bar and a printed substrate is disclosed to provide a soldering structure between a tab of a bus bar and a printed substrate that causes no crack. An electrical conductive material is formed on a printed substrate. A tab through-hole is provide to penetrate the electrical conductive material and printed substrate. A tab formed by bending a body of the bus bar enters the tab through-hole. A periphery of the tab and the electrical conductive material are interconnected by soldering. A stress-absorbing aperture or recess is provided in an insulation plate on which the body of the bus bar is mounted. The stress-absorbing aperture or recess can absorb an axial stress caused in the tab.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Hirokazu Hiwatashi
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Patent number: 6969276Abstract: A metal terminal has a terminal body having a crimp part crimped to a wire and a fastening part connected to the terminal body through breaking parts. The fastening part has a through-hole for passage of a bolt. The metal terminal further includes a co-fastening part formed in the terminal body. The tip side of the co-fastening part is fastened to a vehicle body by the bolt, together with the fastening part. When detaching the terminal body from the vehicle body, one side of the one terminal body is pulled up in a direction opposite to the fastening direction of the bolt under condition that the fastening part and the co-fastening part are together fastened by the bolt. Consequently, the co-fastening part is released from its fastened condition and a breaking force is applied on the breaking parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Shuji Ono, Hiroaki Arai, Hiroki Goto, Masahiro Takamatsu, Koji Nomura, Shyunsaku Takeuchi, Keiichi Ito, Yoshihide Tsukamoto, Masanori Wakui, Isao Yoneyama
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Patent number: 6854999Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting an electrical contact to an electrical wire. The connector assembly comprises a housing and anti-overstress members. The housing has a contact chamber that retains an electrical contact. The electrical contact has an elasticity over a range of motion. The anti-overstress member is provided in the contact chamber. The anti-overstress member is positioned within the range of motion to limit deflection of the electrical contact. The connector assembly may also comprise interweaving walls positioned on either side of the electrical contact within the contact chamber. The interweaving walls shield the electrical contact from arcing. The interweaving walls have edges with non-linear contours proximate an open bottom of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Navin Kanjibhai Patel, William Gary Lenker
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Patent number: 6837739Abstract: A battery is inside an enclosure. A shim is inserted between the battery and at least one contact. The shim can be actuated externally without requiring the enclosure to be opened. The shim may be conductive on at least one face to provide a switch function, or may be non-conductive.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alan Gorringe, Samuel K. Swenson
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Patent number: 6817901Abstract: A connector housing (10) has a terminal accommodating portion (11) with cavities (13) at upper and lower stages, and locks (21) project respectively into each cavity (13). Each lock (21) has a resiliently deformable arm (22) and a locking section (23) engageable with a female terminal fitting (30). A retainer (40) is mounted on the terminal accommodating portion (11) and has deformation restricting portions (44) that enter deformation spaces (24) for the locks (21) to prevent deformation of the locks (21). Each arm (22) has an engaging portion (29). Engaging portions (29B) at the lower stage engage a side wall (25A) of the cavity (13A) at the upper stage during the deformation of the lock (21B). Engaging portions (29A) at the upper stage engage a surrounding wall (41) of the retainer (40) during deformation of the lock (21A). Thus, the locks (21) cannot deform beyond their resiliency limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Nishide
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Patent number: 6793520Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (1) includes an electrical connector (10), a cable (20), a cable clamp (30) and a cover (40) over-molded with the connector and the cable. The cable clamp includes a first crimper (31) and a second crimper (32) mated with each other. The first crimper has a frame-shaped first clamping portion, a number of latching arms (3120) and a retention finger (3100) extending from the first clamping portion into the cable (20). The second crimper has a plate-shaped second clamping portion (320) and defines a number of latching apertures (3220) and a through hole (3200) in the second clamping portion respectively receiving the latching arms and the retention finger.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., LtdInventor: Jerry Wu
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Publication number: 20040152356Abstract: A battery is inside an enclosure. A shim is inserted between the battery and at least one contact. The shim can be actuated externally without requiring the enclosure to be opened. The shim may be conductive on at least one face to provide a switch function, or may be non-conductive.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Alan Gorringe, Samuel K. Swenson
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Publication number: 20040014354Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting an electrical contact to an electrical wire. The connector assembly comprises a housing and anti-overstress members. The housing has a contact chamber that retains an electrical contact. The electrical contact has an elasticity over a range of motion. The anti-overstress member is provided in the contact chamber. The anti-overstress member is positioned within the range of motion to limit deflection of the electrical contact. The connector assembly may also comprise interweaving walls positioned on either side of the electrical contact within the contact chamber. The interweaving walls shield the electrical contact from arcing. The interweaving walls have edges with non-linear contours proximate an open bottom of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Navin Kanjibhai Patel, William Gary Lenker
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Patent number: RE39093Abstract: An improved outdoor lighting system is provided that comprises a light assembly formed from at least one tubular mast having a distal end for supporting an electrically powered light source, and a proximal end mounted in the ground, and an electrical cable for connecting the light source to an underground power source. The improved system includes an electrical connector assembly in the cable located in the vicinity of the ground-mounted distal end of the tubular mast. The electrical connector assembly spontaneously disconnects in response to an application of an tensile force indicative of an automobile collision with the mast, thereby preventing damaging tensile forces from being transmitted along the underground portion of the cable to the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Duraline, a division of J.B. Nottingham Co., Inc.Inventor: Paul F. Savoca
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Patent number: RE40228Abstract: An improved outdoor lighting system is provided that comprises a light assembly formed from at least one tubular mast having a distal end for supporting an electrically powered light source, and a proximal end mounted in the ground, and an electrical cable for connecting the light source to an underground power source. The improved system includes an electrical connector assembly in the cable located in the vicinity of the ground-mounted distal end of the tubular mast. The electrical connector assembly spontaneously disconnects in response to an application of an tensile force indicative of an automobile collision with the mast, thereby preventing damaging tensile forces from being transmitted along the underground portion of the cable to the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Duraline, a division of J.B. Nottingham Co., Inc.Inventor: Paul F. Savoca