Sealing Patents (Class 439/587)
  • Patent number: 6984149
    Abstract: A waterproof connector includes a tubular outer housing which has an opening, an inner housing which is inserted into the tubular outer housing and is held in the tubular outer housing and a vessel portion. The inner housing includes a plurality of terminal receiving chambers, a plurality of connection terminals which are provided on the terminal receiving chambers respectively, and a plurality of wires which are respectively connected to the connection terminals, and extends in the terminal receiving chambers toward an outside through the opening. The vessel portion is formed by an inner circumference of end portion of the tubular outer housing at an opening side and an end face of the inner housing from which the wires are extended toward the outside. A sealing material is filled in the vessel portion for waterproofing the wires collectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Fukuda, Harunori Tashiro
  • Patent number: 6976872
    Abstract: In a coaxial connector, especially an integrally pre-mounted connector, the recess (7a) receiving the end of the coaxial cable can be sealed in the connector head (7) relative to the cable with the help of an integrated perimeter seal (10). For this purpose the perimeter seal (10) is received in a form-fitting manner in a pressure member (9) which establishes the electric connection between the outer cable conductor (3) and the conductor head (7) and connects the same in a manner so as to be secure against withdrawal. The perimeter seal comprises at least one and preferably several ring-like lips (10a, 10b, 10c) which project radially inwardly, deform when the pressure member (9) is slid onto the cable in the direction of its end (3a) and, after the clamping of the pressure member, stand again in the same radial plane as in the unloaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Spinner GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Wild, Thomas Binder
  • Patent number: 6971905
    Abstract: Female terminal fittings (15) crimped into connection with ends of wires (W) are accommodated in a female housing (10). The wires (W) drawn out from the female housing (10) are surrounded by a corrugate tube (30). The corrugate tube (30) is fixed to the female housing (10) via a cover (40). The cover (40) has a main body (41) and a lid (42) that can open and close the main body (41). The main body (41) and the lid (42) have rubber plates (55) to hold wires (W) resiliently therebetween as the lid (42) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumitsu Makita, Yasushi Okayasu, Izumi Suzuki, Hideshi Tachi
  • Patent number: 6962445
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable connection system comprising a first fiber optic connector including a ferrule within which an optical fiber is mounted and a fiber optic adapter for receiving the first fiber optic connector including a sleeve for receiving the ferrule. The first fiber optic connector is mounted within a first threaded body with the fiber optic cable extending through an opening in a distal end of the first threaded body and the ferrule accessible through a proximal end of the first threaded body. The fiber optic adapter is mounted within a second threaded body and the second threaded body adapted for mounting to a bulkhead. The second threaded body adapted to engage the proximal end of the first threaded body with the first connector engaging the adapter and the ferrule extending into the sleeve. An outer housing is threadably mounted about both the first and second threaded bodies when the second threaded body is engaging the proximal end of the first threaded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Trevor D. Smith, Michael J. Shorter
  • Patent number: 6955558
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for a cable to apparatus interconnection formed bya plurality of shells adapted to mate together, surrounding the interconnection within an interconnection space. When mated together, the shells forming openings for the cable and the apparatus at an apparatus end and a cable end, respectively. A gasket mounted to each shell along a mating surface between the shells and along the openings environmentally seals the interconnection space. A locking rib projecting inward from the shell(s) may be applied to rotationally interlock a coupling nut of the interconnection with the sealing assembly. In a two shell embodiment, a locking band positioned around an outer diameter of the mated together shells with an end to end retaining means may be used to secure the shells together. Alternatively, if three shells are used, the shells may be hinged together and a retaining means applied to join the unhinged ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: David Low, Albert Cox, Tim Crawford, Richard Korczak, Raymond Horvath
  • Patent number: 6953365
    Abstract: A female terminal fitting (20) is provided with a pair of fastening pieces (26) extending from the opposite side edges of a bottom plate (24), and the fastening pieces (26) are bent inward toward each other, thereby wrapping around the outer circumferential surface of a sealing member (30) fitted on a wire (10) to fasten the sealing member (30) together with the wire (10). Sealing-member protecting portions (27) are formed on side edges of the inner surfaces of the fastening pieces (26) and are aligned at obtuse angles to contact surfaces (29). Therefore, the bite in the sealing member (30) can be hindered over a wide range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Tabata, Yuujirou Imai
  • Patent number: 6945802
    Abstract: A seal for a coaxial cable electrical connector more specifically an internal seal for a coaxial cable connector placed within a coaxial cable and its constituent components. A coaxial cable connector is in electrical communcation with an inductive transformer and a coaxial cable. The connector is in electrical communication with the outer housing of the inductive transformer. A generally coaxial center conductor, a portion of which could be the coil in the inductive transformer, passes through the connector, is electrically insulated from the connector, and is in electrical communication with the conductive core of the coaxial cable. The electrically insulating material also doubles as a seal to safegaurd against penetration of fluid, thus protecting against shorting out of the electrical connection. The seal is a multi-component seal, which is pre-compressed to a desired pressure rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., David S. Pixton, Scott Dahlgren, Joe Fox, Cameron Sneddon, Michael Briscoe
  • Patent number: 6929509
    Abstract: A method and a device for sealing off one or more channels formed in an electric connector places a plug in a channel using a plug support receiving the plug from a plug feeder, and a guide and thruster for transferring the plug from the plug support through the guide and into the channel. The guide and the connector can have conforming adjacent faces. The plug support can have multiple orifices for transferring a first set of plugs to a connector while being loaded with a second set of plugs for transfer to another connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Komax Holding AG
    Inventor: Louis Soriano
  • Patent number: 6921297
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a hermetic terminal assembly are disclosed and an associated method. The terminal assembly includes a metallic body that has body a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an interior surface, an exterior surface and at least one opening. The terminal assembly also includes a current-conducting pin extending longitudinally through the opening, and a prefabricated dielectric retainer receiving the pin and covering at least a portion of the interior surface and surrounding at least a portion of the opening. The terminal assembly includes a dielectric epoxy bonding to the body, the retainer and the pin, and providing a seal between the pin and the opening in the bottom portion through which the pin is extending. In another embodiment, the prefabricated retainer may be omitted entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Tariq Quadir, Scott Schukmann, Craig Johnson
  • Patent number: 6918787
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment comprises an in-line connection cover that provides a moisture-proof seal to protect a cable connection. The in-line connection cover comprises a generally tubular body with two end openings, two seals, and two end caps, all made of a moisture-proof material. For assembly, the cables are each individually inserted through the end caps, the seals, and the main body and then the cable connection or connections are made. The end caps are then screwed onto the body end openings to tighten the seals and create a moisture-proof chamber inside the body for housing the connection. In a first alternative embodiment, the cover also comprises an extender body. In a second alternative embodiment, the main body and end caps are split down the longitudinal axis of the cover with each pair of “halves” connected by hinges. The pairs of “halves” rotate to lock together around the connection in the closed position and form the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Fallon M. Egan
  • Patent number: 6918788
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for field attaching an electrical connector to an MC-HL type of cable includes a housing having a built-in ninety degree radius. The housing includes sockets at each end, one for attachment to an oil field wellhead, for example, and the other end to the MC-HL cable. Various component parts are described along with both audible and visual verification that proper attachment has occurred. A method of securing the cable to the connector to provide the required strain relief and not damage the metal cladding is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Harold Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 6916202
    Abstract: A multipole electrical plug connection remains functionally stable even under vibrational stresses, in particular during the operation of an internal combustion engine. The plug connection is formed by coupling a first connector to a second connector. Attached to a contact carrier as part of a housing of the first connector are a first pressing element and a second pressing element, via which the two connectors are radially and axially biased when both connectors are joined. As a result, relative movements between the contacted contact elements and contact parts situated in the fixed connectors are prevented. The plug connection is preferably intended for use in automobile manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Heinrich Maue, Werner Hofmeister, Michael Schoenfeld, Andreas Simmel
  • Patent number: 6916203
    Abstract: A water-proof modular connector includes a plug socket to be fixed to an object, and a plug detachably coupled to the plug socket. The plug socket includes a plug socket body having first and second socket-openings directing outwardly and inwardly of the object, respectively, a modular jack unit having first and second jack-openings directed in opposite directions to each other, and a holder which holds the modular jack in the plug socket body such that the first and second jack-openings are directed to the first and second socket-openings, respectively. The plug includes a plug body through which a communication cable passes, a modular plug connected to the communication cable, a first positioning unit which positions the modular plug in the plug body, a cap which detachably couples the plug body to the plug socket body such that the modular plug is inserted into the first socket-opening, and a water-proof unit ensuring water-proof between the plug socket body and the plug body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Oyamada, Makoto Ueki
  • Patent number: 6913486
    Abstract: A waterproof electrical connector is provided in which terminal chambers are provided in a base housing, thru-holes are formed in a flexible plug, which is inserted into an internal space of the base housing, and ribs are provided on the perimeter of the flexible plug. A channel, which is formed in an insertion face of the flexible plug between the outer perimeter of the flexible plug and outermost thru-holes, is able to absorb the compression applied to the circumference of the insertion side of the flexible plug, and thus maintain the alignment of the thru-holes with terminal chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daiki Nagayasu, Kimikazu Itou
  • Patent number: 6913491
    Abstract: There is disclosed a porcelain lamp socket for use in a humid environment where the socket has a body, a screw shell, a center contact and two terminals; one for the line and the other for the neutral wire connection. The screw shell and the line and neutral terminals are attached to the porcelain body by means of fasteners such as eyelets, rivets, screws, etc. All electrical conductors in the bottom of the socket, including the fasteners are covered with a spacer which forms a watertight seal with the bottom surface of the body. The spacer, which can be made of high dielectric plastic material, can be mechanically held in place by projections which fit snuggly within the eyelets or rivets. RTV, either by itself or in combination with soft fillers such as washers can also be used to obtain a water tight seal. The device disclosed finds utility in applications where superior dielectric strength is desired between the live parts on or in the socket and the sheet metal (ground) to which the socket is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hakki M. Tansi, Eddie A. Ling, Mehmet K. Tanacan, Jenkin P. Hua
  • Patent number: 6913494
    Abstract: Electrical connector apparatus is provided having a cap and a plug which can be mated together, each of the cap and plug having a respective terminal position assurance device associated therewith, wherein each of the cap, plug and terminal position assurance devices has a box-like configuration, such that when assembled, the connector has a box-in-box-in-box-in-box construction which assures that mechanical and electrical connections will be maintained in high vibration environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bobby Gene Ward, Wolfgang Hoelscher
  • Patent number: 6897380
    Abstract: The grommet having a longitudinal axis includes a funnel shaped portion having a flared end, a narrowed end and a conical wall with external and internal conical faces. The external conical face includes an external circular groove having a groove base. The grommet further includes a tubular portion extending outwardly from a circular joint section formed at the narrowed end of the funnel shaped portion. The grommet is configured to mount a wire harness for vehicles containing a water-trapping zone, and to be installed into a through-hole formed in a body panel of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Yoshimi Uchida
  • Patent number: 6875054
    Abstract: An apparatus for effecting an improved electrical connection structure between a component and a substrate in an installed orientation is employed where the component presents at least one electrical connection lead for establishing the electrical connection. The apparatus includes a mass of compressible dielectric material substantially fixedly situated between the component and the substrate in the installed orientation in substantially surrounding relation about the at least one electrical connection lead and substantially in register with the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David Donaldson, Alexis Neal, Paul Scott Nessman, Steven John Vargo
  • Patent number: 6872092
    Abstract: A rear open end of each cavity (12) is formed on a contact surface (13A) of a rubber plug accommodation part (13) disposed rearward from the connector housing (11). Inner-side waterproof ribs (14) project rearward from the periphery of the contact surface (13A) to surround the rear open ends. A rubber plug (30) is held inside the rubber plug accommodation part (13) by a rubber plug hold-down member (40) mounted on the waterproof connector (11) rearward of the rubber plug (30). Thus, the rubber plug hold-down member (40) presses the rubber plug (30) forward against the contact surface (13A). The inner-side waterproof rib (14) prevents water from penetrating into the cavity (12) from the gap between the contact surface (13A) and a front surface of the rubber plug (30) through a peripheral surface of the rubber plug (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Oka
  • Patent number: 6866529
    Abstract: A sealable connector comprises a first connector portion, a second connector portion adapted to engage the first connector portion, a compliant material disposed between the first and second connector portions, and a fastening mechanism that secures the first connector portion to the second connector portion, such that a force applied upon the compliant material by the respective first and second connector portions can be adjusted. The fastening mechanism allows a single connector to be utilized for a variety of applications and allows the connector to be adequately sealed regardless of the manufacturing tolerances of the compliant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hobson, Michael Ipsen, Christian Weber
  • Patent number: 6863566
    Abstract: A subassembly for installing in a housing (2) comprises a supporting plate (4) on which a plug-in connector (5) is mounted as a separate part. Said plug-in connector (5) extends through a connector opening in the housing. A base section (5a) of the plug-in connector (5) is introduced into a receptacle of the supporting plate (13), which allows for the movement play of the plug-in connector (5) in the plane of the supporting plate (4) that is required for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulf Scheuerer
  • Patent number: 6848939
    Abstract: A connector is provided for interconnecting a coaxial cable to an electrical device. The connector has an internal body and an external body which are assembled together, and which can be activated to clamp upon and seal to an inserted coaxial cable without disassembling the external body from the internal body. The external body includes a deformable inner collar that permits the connector to be attached and sealed to cables of varying thickness as are found on common single foil and braid cable, Tri Shield cable and Quad Shield cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Stirling Connectors, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stirling
  • Patent number: 6848942
    Abstract: Connectors are provided which have a plurality of contacts mounted within a dielectric housing. Also mounted within the housing and in engagement with the contact is a retention member which supports the contact within the housing while also imparting a barrier to liquid flow through the housing. The contacts are formed after assembly to provide a terminal and to maintain the contact securely within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Kent E. Regnier
  • Patent number: 6840804
    Abstract: An electric wire includes a conductive core wire and an insulative sheath covering the core wire. An elastic waterproof plug is fit with the electric wire such that a first longitudinal end portion thereof is fit with the core wire, and a second longitudinal end portion thereof is fit with the sheath. A conductive terminal is electrically connected with the electric wire, and inserted into a terminal insertion hole formed in the waterproof connector housing together with the waterproof plug to seal the terminal insertion hole. The terminal includes a first clamping member which clamps over the first end portion of the waterproof plug, and a second clamping member which clamps over a part of the core wire exposed from the first end portion of the waterproof plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Masaru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6837744
    Abstract: The improved electrical connector for aircraft fuel pumps includes a unitary cup-shaped connector shell with an outer radial connector flange, and is configured to increase the distance between connector pins and grounded portions of the connector shell to thus increase the electrical current leak path length to prevent arcing from occurring. A glass electrical insulating plug in the connector shell forms a hermetic seal of the closed end of the connector shell and a plurality of ceramic tubular risers are mounted to the glass insulating plug. Connector pins extend through the risers, and electrical cables are connected to the connector pins. One or more outer layers of heat shrunk electrical insulating tubing cover the risers, a portion of the connector pins extending from the risers, and the electrical cables. An electrical insulating tubular extension may also be placed over the outer layer of insulating tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin Hei-Wai To, Roderick J. Hunt, Berardino C. Scanderbeg, Michael Shlimovich
  • Publication number: 20040266261
    Abstract: A connector of the invention includes a housing including a terminal fitting, which is made by resin molding; and a ring-like seal member made of rubber, which bonded by molding around a circumference of the terminal fitting so that sealing is steadily performed between the terminal fitting and the housing. It is not necessary to adjust an amount of sealing material applied to the terminal fitting in case that the sealing material is applied to the terminal fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Sho Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6826832
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ferrule for an optical connector including a ferrule body formed of a resin and including a through-hole having an inner wall for releasably receiving an optical fiber, the inner wall of the through-hole being defined by a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion which are axially aligned, and a metallic pipe disposed on at least a portion of the inner wall of the through-hole, the metallic pipe being formed of at least one of an alloy of iron-nickel and an alloy of iron-nickel-cobalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takada, Kenji Ijichi, Hideo Hige, Masayuki Okano
  • Publication number: 20040242067
    Abstract: A water-proof modular connector includes a plug socket to be fixed to an object, and a plug detachably coupled to the plug socket. The plug socket includes a plug socket body having first and second socket-openings directing outwardly and inwardly of the object, respectively, a modular jack unit having first and second jack-openings directed in opposite directions to each other, and a holder which holds the modular jack in the plug socket body such that the first and second jack-openings are directed to the first and second socket-openings, respectively. The plug includes a plug body through which a communication cable passes, a modular plug connected to the communication cable, a first positioning unit which positions the modular plug in the plug body, a cap which detachably couples the plug body to the plug socket body such that the modular plug is inserted into the first socket-opening, and a water-proof unit ensuring water-proof between the plug socket body and the plug body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Oyamada, Makoto Ueki
  • Publication number: 20040235347
    Abstract: A waterproof connector includes a tubular outer housing which has an opening, an inner housing which is inserted into the tubular outer housing and is held in the tubular outer housing and a vessel portion. The inner housing includes a plurality of terminal receiving chambers, a plurality of connection terminals which are provided on the terminal receiving chambers respectively, and a plurality of wires which are respectively connected to the connection terminals, and extends in the terminal receiving chambers toward an outside through the opening. The vessel portion is formed by an inner circumference of end portion of the tubular outer housing at an opening side and an end face of the inner housing from which the wires are extended toward the outside. A sealing material is filled in the vessel portion for waterproofing the wires collectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Fukuda, Harunori Tashiro
  • Patent number: 6821148
    Abstract: A plug part, in particular a cable harness plug, for producing an electrical plug connection to a further plug part, includes a housing, a contact carrier situated in the housing, as well as a gel or silicon multipole seal situated on the side facing away from the plugging direction. To enable the contacts situated in the contact carrier to be automatically inserted, it is provided that a flat surface is formed on the side facing away from the plugging direction, i.e., on the outgoing side of the cable, so that no interfering contour exists for the automatic insertion gripper. For this purpose, it is provided that a flat holding plate having insertion openings and being able to latch to the contact carrier is provided on the multipole seal, on the side of the plug part facing away from the plugging direction, locking arms hinged to and extending away from the holding plate being formed in the plugging direction of the plug part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Puettner, Markus Lux
  • Publication number: 20040229506
    Abstract: A housing (21) is formed with an insertion path (24) for an FFC (10). Thick gel plates (45) are mounted on front and rear surfaces of the FFC (10) beforehand. The gel plates (45) are pushed into an entrance (25) to the insertion path (24) as the FFC (10) is inserted, thereby providing sealing at a place where an end portion of the FFC (10) is inserted into the entrance (25). The gel plates (45) adhere well even to corners of the FFC (10) to display a waterproof function. Therefore, the FFC (10) can be used at a place exposed to water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Asao
  • Patent number: 6817910
    Abstract: A set screw connector includes an elongate generally rectangular conductive bus bar. The bus bar includes a first face having a plurality of spaced cable receiving apertures and a second face which is generally orthogonal to the first face having a plurality of spaced set screw apertures. The cable receiving apertures and the set screw apertures are in communication with one another. A cover formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is molded over the bus bar. The molded cover further includes integrally formed auxiliary components insertable into at least one of the cable receiving apertures and the set screw receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Kieran Higgins
  • Patent number: 6814616
    Abstract: A coupler plug, configured for a planar lambda probe, for example, is described as including a housing having a base element and a cover element, as well as including electrical components configured to be inserted arid fixed in the housing, and an adjusting element for a probe, such as, for example, a planar broadband lambda probe, which is mounted in the coupler plug or outside the coupler plug, via a further contact element. The cover element is attachable over the adjusting element and includes a primary locking mechanism for arranging the cover element in a first latching position and a secondary locking mechanism for arranging the cover element in a final position, which cooperates with the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Pade
  • Patent number: 6808418
    Abstract: A dummy plug for wiring harnesses is disclosed. The dummy plug is used in an unused connector cavity of the wiring harness, thereby electrically isolating the connector cavity in the wiring harness to prevent short circuits. The dummy plug is substantially flush with the latch arm of the wiring harness, so that a pogo pin can determine whether or not the connector cavity is in use. The dummy plug has a design such that pressure blowout is prevented. A method for plugging an unused connector cavity is also disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a dummy plug having a head, a stem, and a female end, providing a wiring harness having at least one connector cavity and at least one latch arm and inserting the dummy plug into the unused connector cavity so that the female end is substantially flush with the latch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Quality Synthetic Rubber, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Horner
  • Publication number: 20040209516
    Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, such as a cable terminal, a terminal for coupling to another connector, and the like. The connector includes a coupler, such as a nut, having a receiving port for engaging the terminal. The coupler also includes an annular collar. The connector also includes a body member, one end of which includes a lip. The lip is inserted through the collar opening. The other end of the body section includes an inner surface portion. The connector still further includes a post, an end of which is sized for insertion between the dielectric and the outer conductor of the cable. The post further includes a post flange and a post shank. The post shank forms a post channel sufficient in diameter to receive the inner conductor and the dielectric of the cable. The post is movable between a cable-insertion position and a cable-installed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Donald A. Burris, William B. Lutz, Kenneth S. Wood
  • Patent number: 6805584
    Abstract: A signal adaptor having waterproof capability is provided. A pad is positioned around the conjunctive portion at one end of the tubing element such that when fitting the tubing element and the fastening tube together forming the joint portion of the nut, the pad around the conjunctive portion seals the frontal and rear end of the signal adaptor providing waterproof effect. And the other end of the tubing element is fitted within the positioning tube where tubing element is held and fastened securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Chiung-Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 6796821
    Abstract: A field-installable cable termination module has an outer casing having a first end for sealably receiving the end of a cable and a second end, the casing having an internal chamber. A cable carrying at least one conductor has an end extending into the first end of the outer casing. A high pressure barrier plug in the casing seals the chamber, and at least one sealed feedthrough device extends through the barrier plug for connecting the conductor to the opposite side of the barrier plug. The conductor extends from the cable end through the first chamber and is connected to the feedthrough device. The chamber is substantially filled with an initially pourable material which cures to form a solid material surrounding the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ocean Design, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Cairns, Stewart M. Barlow
  • Patent number: 6790084
    Abstract: A watertight modular system for floor-mounted electrical and/or data receptacles which includes a cover, a lid, a gasket and a base plate. The cover has a plurality of retaining walls extending downwardly from the lower surface and defining a plurality of enclosed regions and can also include a data port module which slidably engages a slot in the cover. The cover has at least one lid that includes a pivot mechanism at a first end for mounting the lid flush with the upper surface of the cover when in a closed position and for exposing the receptacle when in an open position and a snap-in mechanism at a second end for providing a positive hold in the closed position. When the base plate, gasket and cover are assembled, the top surface of the base plate is flush with the upper surface of the cover and the retaining walls and the continuous perimeter wall sealably contact the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Mark R. Drane, Roger Pyron
  • Publication number: 20040171302
    Abstract: A connector or a connector assembly comprises a fitting, a resilient sealing member, a plurality of protrusions, and a removable stripout layer. The fitting includes a socket. The protrusions extend from the fitting and are connectable to a mating connector. The resilient sealing layer, which is disposed in the socket of the fitting, includes a hollow body having opposite open ends and an internal passage extending between the open ends. The removable stripout layer is movable between a first position in which the stripout layer overlies an end of the resilient sealing member and a second position in which the stripout layer is removed from the end of the resilient sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vlado Ivan Matkovich, Thomas J. Bormann, Gerald R. Delgiacco, Mladen Franovic
  • Publication number: 20040171303
    Abstract: An electrical connection passing through a dividing wall contains a contact plate (2) having a base piece (4) covering a surface, and a contact piece (8) connected to the base piece via a connecting piece (6), wherein the perimeter of the base piece, including the attached area of the connecting piece, is held and sealed in the dividing wall (24), and the contact piece has an elastically deformable area (10) exposed for making contact with a component. The dividing wall seals a chamber of a housing in which is located an electrical circuit connected by a contact lug (12) of the base piece (4). Outside the chamber a battery compartment is provided in which is held a battery pressed elastically in position against a facing surface by the spring tongue (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Kubisch, Manfred Reichl
  • Publication number: 20040171304
    Abstract: A female terminal fitting (20) is provided with a pair of fastening pieces (26) extending from the opposite side edges of a bottom plate (24), and the fastening pieces (26) are bent inward toward each other, thereby wrapping around the outer circumferential surface of a sealing member (30) fitted on a wire (10) to fasten the sealing member (30) together with the wire (10). Sealing-member protecting portions (27) are formed on side edges of the inner surfaces of the fastening pieces (26) and are aligned at obtuse angles to contact surfaces (29). Therefore, the bite in the sealing member (30) can be hindered over a wide range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Tabata, Yuujirou Imai
  • Patent number: 6783396
    Abstract: A vehicle wire harness type connector for making an electrical connection between terminated wire sets through the wall of a sealed chamber in airtight fashion. The connector includes an internal bulkhead with solid male terminals passing through the bulkhead with an airtight seal, and an exterior airtight seal to the ambient or external side of the wall of the sealed chamber. The end of the connector inserted in the sealed chamber is adapted to receive individual female-terminated wires in direct connection with the male terminals, and the ambient or external end of the connector is adapted to receive a group of female terminals housed in a mating connector. An orthogonal locking member is stored in the end of the connector inserted in the sealed chamber in a pre-lock position allowing the individual female terminals to be inserted, and is movable thereafter to a full-lock position to prevent their withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Osterhart, Vijay Keshavamurthy
  • Publication number: 20040166732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a gas-tight ducting for a contact (4) through a wall (12), in particular in a fuel tank and a device for said ducting. According to the method, the contact is placed in a tool form (1), in which a partial region of the contact (4) is surrounded by a cover (9) made from an insulating material. The cover (9) is then directly or indirectly connected to the wall (12). According to the invention, the device embodies the contact (4) and the cover (9) thereof as a unitary construct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Oliver Schliese
  • Patent number: 6773278
    Abstract: An electrical connector system for use with an automobile power control module has been provided, which comprises a plurality of sealed plug assemblies and a header assembly. Each of the sealed plug assemblies includes a cam lever. The header assembly includes a plurality of shrouds for receiving the plurality of sealed plug assemblies. The plurality of shrouds corresponds to the plurality of sealed plug assemblies. Each of the sealed plug assemblies is mated into one of the plurality of shrouds through a movement of said cam lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Valasek, Jr., James Edward Gundermann, Glenn Richard Moore, Matthew Bryan Hitchcock, Roger A. Elmer
  • Patent number: 6767250
    Abstract: A connector comprising a first module 1, comprising a housing body 100, an contact-carrying insert 101, a rear guidance and cable support grid 107, a joint 105 provided with wire passages arranged between the contact-carrying insert and the rear grid, the insert being retained in the housing body and able to move between an forward position of relaxation of the joint and a backward position of pressure of the joint against the rear grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Claude Casses, Jean-Francois Clerc, Gérard Mulot, Frédéric Regnier
  • Patent number: 6764329
    Abstract: A waterproof resilient plug (20) has a trunk portion (11) to be brought into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of a terminal insertion hole (C) and a fixing portion (12) extending from the leading end of the trunk (11) and to be pressed against the outer circumferential surface of a wire (W) by insulation barrels (20a). The plug (20) is formed along its longitudinal axis with a wire insertion hole (13) that can be brought into close resilient contact with the outer surface of the (W). An inner diameter of the wire insertion hole (13) aligned with the fixing portion (12) is smaller than the one at the side of trunk (11), whereby the fixing portion (12) can be held strongly in close contact with the outer surface of the wire (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Noguchi, Masaaki Tabata, Masanori Wakui, Keiichi Itou
  • Publication number: 20040132340
    Abstract: A connector for electrical conductors that have, on their ends to be connected, contact/locking end-fittings designed to be inserted into electrically insulated locking members that are retained inside a connector body or case, characterized in that the method for retaining the locking members inside the case and for electrically insulating them consists of a single retention and insulation element produced as a single part, made of an elastomer, by overmoulding of the locking members directly in the body so as to surround the locking members on the side of the case and at least on the rear side of the connector and having here openings for the insertion of the end-fittings and for the sealed passage of the conductors fitted with the end-fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Vantouroux
  • Patent number: 6752659
    Abstract: A waterproof connector is provided with a connector housing having a mating hollow to which an opposing connector is fitted, a seal fitted to an opposite side to the mating hollow of the connector housing, and a rear holder inserted and fitted to the connector housing. The seal is further provided with a plurality of through holes to which cables provided with terminals at front ends are respectively inserted, and the rear holder is provided with insertion holes communicating with the through holes respectively. The rear holder allows the cable to pass through at a time of being inserted to a temporary engaging position, and presses the seal so as to fix at a time of being inserted to a regular engaging position. The insertion holes are extended so as to have a length at a degree at which a front end thereof is not brought into contact with lips of the through holes even when the inserted terminals are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Nakamura, Teruo Yokota
  • Patent number: 6752644
    Abstract: A seal (30) is mounted on the outer periphery of a fittable portion (11) of a housing (10), and resilient contacts (31F, 31R) at a front end of the seal (30) closely contact a receptacle (Mc) to provide sealing. The resilient contacts (31F, 31R) may be pushed back by frictional resistance during a fitting operation into the receptacle (Mc). However, steps (19, 34) prevent the resilient contacts (31F, 31R) from being pulled by the receptacle (Mc) and moved back loosely. Thus, even if the seal (30) is long along forward and backward directions and the resilient contacts (31F, 31R) are at the front end of the seal (30), the seal (30) is prevented from buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 6749462
    Abstract: A display unit comprises a case, a panel, a lamp, an intermediate and a lead wire. The lamp is placed next to the panel, and the lead wire is electrically connected to the lamp to form a conjunctive portion. The conjunctive portion is placed in a mold and integrally covered with the intermediate. When the lead wire is pulled by an abnormal or abrupt force, the majority of the force can be absorbed by the intermediate pressed on the case, and the lead wire can remain fixed to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Shen Martin Sun, Guang Tau Sung, Kuo-Chung Lee