Spring-operated Or Resilient Securing Part Patents (Class 439/729)
-
Publication number: 20080261460Abstract: An electrical connector is provided comprising a female member and a male member configured such that the female member is inhibited from being electrically coupled to the male member if the electrical coupling would reverse the polarity of the electrical connector. The female member may comprise a first and second chamber. The male member may comprise a first and second extension. The first and second chambers may be configured to insertably accommodate the first and second extensions. The female member may comprise one or more resilient members providing a pressing force to bias at least a portion of a male electrode against at least a portion of a corresponding female electrode. Alternatively, the cover of the male electrode in the first and second extensions may comprise a resilient member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Seralaathan Hariharesan, Brock Dennison, Jon Kenneth Lampert
-
Publication number: 20080248699Abstract: The invention relates to physical connections of a plurality of mutually insulated connecting elements, especially configured for printed circuit boards, the physical connection being a component of an electric connection between two or more conducting elements with direct contact using a spring. The electric terminal represents such a connection, and allows rapid and simple detachment of the conductor, similar to the plug‘n’play technology used for plugging in the conductors. A clamping system is provided which allows to simply and rapidly detach the conductor and which is accessible from several sides of the terminal. The advantageous accessibility of the clamping system makes it possible to always use the tools for operating the clamping system in a manner perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: Phoenix Contact GmbH. & Co. KGInventors: Sebastian Schafer, Ralf Beckmann
-
Patent number: 7338332Abstract: A system includes a rigid electrical device including a first contact, and a flexible electrical device including a second contact. The system further includes a spring clip connecting the first contact to the second contact to electrically interconnect the rigid electrical device to the flexible electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Olof Simon Simonsson, Omid Kazemifar, Mikael Pär-Oskar Häll, Maiko Anneli Karlsson, Håkan Klas Petersson
-
Patent number: 7311560Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Chris J. Ehr, Arthur Schoenman
-
Patent number: 7278889Abstract: Improved switchgear is disclosed that includes a bus bar system that can be assembled from modular parts. The bus bar system includes modules, such as high-voltage cables, connectors coupled to the cables and a third cable-less bus bar that is assembled using mechanical and/or push-on connections. By using these types of bus bars, various configurations, orientations of phase planes, and sizes of bus bar systems may be assembled. The connectors and cable-less bus bar may include either push-on connection points, mechanical connections points or a combination of both. The bus bars may themselves include insulation and semiconductive shields. The improved switchgear may also include solid insulation, such as EPDM rubber, to insulate the bus bar system from the exterior surfaces of the switchgear.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Cooper Technology CompanyInventors: Frank Muench, Brian Steinbrecher
-
Patent number: 7270580Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with a living subject includes a substrate having first and second openings extending therethrough, and a first terminal at least partially received within the first opening. The first terminal includes an end portion having a first size. At least a portion of the first terminal configured to conduct electrical current. A second terminal is at least partially received within the second opening. The second terminal includes an end portion having a second size that is different than the first size of the first terminal end portion. At least a portion of the second terminal is configured to conduct electrical current. The assembly also includes a first electrolytic element configured to transfer electrical current between the skin of a living subject and the first terminal, and a second electrolytic element configured to transfer electrical current between the skin of a living subject and the second terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Cardio Dynamics International CorporationInventors: Patrick Walton Bradley, Gail Dawn Baura
-
Patent number: 7255609Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a wire lead to a biomedical electrode. The connector assembly has a base housing. A metal conductor is disposed within the base housing. The metal conductor is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, wherein the metal conductor has a flat front section and a rear section that is curved into at least one spring structure. A lever is provided that has a front end and a tail end. A locking pawl extends from the lever and locks the snap connection in place. The locking pawl can be released by pressing inwardly on the sides of the base housing. When the sides of the base housing are pressed together, wedge elements advance under the lever and lift the front of the lever. The result is a release mechanism that applied only a minimal amount of lateral forces to the biomedical electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventor: Stephen T. Epstein
-
Patent number: 7249980Abstract: The invention proposes a connecting device for electric bunched conductors in an electric connector housing with male contacts and/or female contacts that are arranged in separate chambers in the form of rows and columns, wherein a clamping sleeve is attached to a sliding element arranged in the chambers. An electric bunched conductor that is inserted into the sliding element and the clamping sleeve attached thereto is pushed over a stationary, conical connecting region of the male or female contacts during an axial movement of the sliding element along the chamber such that the bunched conductors are fixed between the clamping shoulder of the connecting region that is formed by the cone base and the clamping sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Albert Ferderer
-
Patent number: 7214107Abstract: Electrical connector apparatus optimized for biomedical applications. In one embodiment, the connector apparatus comprises a low-cost simplified device having a unitary conductor element adapted to interface with an electrode terminal such as used in impedance cardiography (ICG) or electrocardiography (ECG). The unitary conductor is shaped so as to provide a high degree of electrical performance and signal stability, and also be highly reliable. The simplified structure of the connector (including the use of the unitary conductor element) allows it to be manufactured for very low cost, so as to be disposable if desired. Methods of manufacturing and operating the connector are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Cardiodynamics International CorporationInventors: Francis Powell, John Janczek, Dennis G. Hepp
-
Patent number: 7081026Abstract: A device (1) electrically connects a connecting line (2) to an electrode (44), in particular a medical engineering skin electrode, with a contact member (3) for plug connection to a contact pin (43) of the electrode (44). The contact member (3) has an energy storing element (4) for spring biasing of the contact member (3) into contact with the contact pin (43) of the electrode (44). The device (1) has at least one actuating element (8,9) mounted to be deflected such that the contact member (3) may be actuated to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Nicolay Verwaltungs-GmbHInventor: Dieter Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20040214478Abstract: A coupler-adapter which is employable in an anatomical signal path that extends between an anatomical signal sensor, such as an ECG electrical sensor, including one which may also be designed to collect audio information, and external signal-reception structure. The couple-adapter includes body structure which may be directly connected to such a sensor, and which includes plural sensor reception regions that are configured to receive and accommodate, mechanically and electrically, plural different types of such sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Inovise Medical, Inc.Inventors: Martin Baumer, Peter M. Galen, Steven A. Mahoney, Jagtar S. Saroya
-
Patent number: 6793516Abstract: A pivoting lever which is part of a connector plug used to connect an electrical cord to a jack of a telephone, computer, other electrical device or other terminal housing. The pivoting lever is part of the mechanism used to lock the plug to a jack of electronic devices or other terminal housings. Compression of the pivoting lever against a matter of opposing force allows the lever to return to its original state thereby allowing the locking of the connector plug to a jack cavity of an electronic device as well as providing for the connector plug's from an electronic device or terminal housing when the lever is compressed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventor: Anthony Mamas
-
Patent number: 6786779Abstract: An electrical plug connector having a lower part and a cover which form a housing. At least one terminal point having a receiving pocket is formed within the lower part and the cover. A sub-assembly including a spring tension clamp having an arcuate tension spring, for making contact with electrical conductors, and a conductor rail having a contact region for receiving a mating contact is positioned in the receiving pocket. The cover has an actuator passageway and an angled guide projection extending into the actuator passageway for guiding an actuating tool to actuate the clamp. The angled guide projection is constructed as a web, the arcuate tension spring of the clamp has an aperture, and the angled guide projection reaches through the aperture as the cover is engaged with the lower part placed over the contact sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbHInventors: Guenter Feldmeier, Rudolf Kraemer, Werner Tille, Karl-Heinz Hess, Markus Bollenbach, Christian Schrettlinger
-
Patent number: 6752667Abstract: For connection elements, which are designed as pin contacts or contact tubes and disposed in an insulating housing, for the electrical contacting of the respective connection ends with an electrical conductor having a plurality of strands it is proposed to provide the connection ends with a structure, which is shaped in a saw-tooth-like manner and is surrounded by a slotted sleeve, wherein into the slot of the latter a wedge element is insertable so that, in the open state of the sleeve, the strands are insertable into the gap between saw-tooth contour and sleeve and, when the wedge element is removed, the strands are pressed into the saw-tooth contour by the resiliently designed sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Albert Ferderer
-
Patent number: 6716070Abstract: In order to lock an electrical clasp to a biomedical electrode stud which projects upwardly from the center of the biomedical electrode, the clasp is provided with an opening in its lower surface for the stud of the biomedical electrode and a downwardly extending tab that has a concave surface facing the stud of the electrode. The concave surface of the tab can be either trough-shaped or spoon-shaped. During operation the tab is moved downwardly from a disengaged position into contact with the sidewall of the stud. In addition, there is a laterally extending tab-retaining edge or rim within the opening and the edge is aligned vertically below the tab so that during use it acts as a backing for the free end of the tab which engages the stud somewhat below the widest part of the head of the stud thereby locking the stud in place within the clasp. Optionally, the clasp includes a plug receptacle that has a converging passage for the plug with electrically conductive resilient walls.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Cardio Connector Corp.Inventor: Eddy K. G. Christensson
-
Patent number: 6635167Abstract: An instrument (20) has a well (28a-b) for receiving a dry cell (75), an opening (78) through which a first connector (74) is exposed to the well (28a-b), and a boss (76) adjacent the opening (78). The boss (76) precludes the wrong terminal of the dry cell (75) from engaging the first connector (74) when the dry cell (75) is inserted into the well (28a-b) in incorrect orientation. A second connector (80) includes a base (81), a first leg (82) resiliently connected to and extending away from the base portion, a second leg (84) resiliently connected to and extending away from the first leg (82), and a third leg (86) resiliently connected to and extending away from the second leg (84) and toward the first leg (82). A display (42) for the instrument (20) has a lens (90) having a substantially transparent substrate with a polyurethane coating. The instrument housing has first and second portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Roche Diagnostics CorporationInventors: Carol Jane Batman, Greg Paul Carpenter, Robert Glenn Davies, Richard J. Kasle, Kurt Gerard Klem, Robert Anthony Parks, Timothy L. Ranney, William Brothers, Christopher Louis Belisle, Michael Steven Ray, Leonard Allen Vetsch, Marvin W. Glass, Richard W. Wilson, James R. Parker, Vladimir Svetnik, Lynne Denise Sly, Sandy Mark Richards, Nancy Kennedy Byrd, Patricia A. Hopkinson
-
Patent number: 6623312Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrocardiogram electrode connector for connecting an electrode to an electrocardiogram device that solves the problems with the Prior Art noted above as well as providing numerous advantages. The connector of the present invention comprises a lower portion having an electrode end and an ECG end, and an upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion. The upper portion likewise has an electrode end and an ECG end. The connector also comprises a spring between the lower portion and the upper portion to bias the electrode ends together to clamp about an electrode. Further, the connector comprises an electrical assembly having an elastomeric electrical connector to provide electrical continuity between the electrode and the ECG device when the electrode ends of the lower portion and the upper portion of the connector are biased together.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Unilead InternationalInventors: Rodney J. Merry, Tom McGrath, Paul O'Connor, Craig K. Black, Matthew Pedersen, Robert J. Kelly, William K. Wenger
-
Patent number: 6430061Abstract: In an FOT connector housing which couples and retains an FOT and an optical fiber with the object of maintaining a desired distance between an FOT interface and the optical fiber, an EMI shield for the FOT comprising an FOT metal casing which maintains the interface side of the FOT in contact with a wall of the casing, the wall of the casing having a thickness designed to achieve and maintain the desired distance between the FOT interface and the optical fiber, the metal casing further including a spring member acting against the FOT cavity to maintain the FOT interface at the desired distance from the optical fiber under spring tension.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Yazaki North AmericaInventors: Mark S. Grant, Larry J. Kim, Richard P. Wong
-
Patent number: 6416350Abstract: For a contact means for conductor foils which comprise at least one conductor path (14), an especially reliable contact for a long period of time shall be guaranteed. To this end the contact means comprises a pressure element (16) which is provided with a projection (24) presenting a continuous pressure surface (25), and a counter pressure element (18) provided with a recess (28) the contour of which is adapted to the shape of the pressure surface, the projection being prestressed elastically against the counter pressure element such that a conductor foil to be contacted is clamped between the pressure surface (25) and the edge of the recess (28). Thus, it is possible to maintain a constant contact force even if the conductor foil eventually yields.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Harting Automotive GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dietmar Harting, Bob Mouissie, Jens Krause, Thomas Heimann
-
Patent number: 6357089Abstract: A clip for a sheet electrode, which is capable of easily and reliably pinching a sheet electrode, and capable of minimizing the number of parts, thus facilitating the assembling. This clip is constructed such that a movable plate (20) provided with slots (25) to be engaged with supporting axes (13) is engaged with a substrate (10) having the supporting axes (13), and a conductive leaf spring (30) which is bent in the near middle thereof is interposed between the substrate and movable plate so as to keep them in an opened state. After the insertion of a sheet electrode (50), the movable plate is pivoted against the force of the leaf spring so as to close and pinch the sheet electrode. When the movable plate is further shifted forward along the slots, the movable plate is fixingly engaged with the substrate, thereby maintaining the pinching of the sheet electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Koguchi, Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Akiyasu Tsurushima
-
Patent number: 6280213Abstract: 3 An electrical connector is disclosed which provides connection of sensors to monitors. The connector is designed to be low-profile, permit ease of attachment and disconnection, and maintain a strong connection to prevent accidental disconnects.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
-
Patent number: 6270384Abstract: A connecting terminal assembly for printed circuit boards comprising, an insulating housing 10, a connection contact 18 having an insertion opening 24 attached to the housing 10 through which a conductor can be inserted under the connection contact 18, a clamping means 26 having an elastic sidepiece 52, cooperatively associated with an actuating element 40 having a pressure surface 48 supported in the housing 10 operable between a clamping position, wherein the clamping means 34 pulls the conductor which has been inserted through the insertion opening 24 against the connection contact 18, and an open position allowing the insertion of the conductor, means mounting the actuating element 40 in such a way that it can slide back and forth to perch the actuating element 40 to an open position where it presses the elastic sidepiece 32 down so that the elastic force of the elastic sidepiece 32 locks into a latching recess 56 and when the actuating element 40 is lifted out of the latching recess 56 against the forceType: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Ria Electronics Albert MetzInventor: Dieter Jaag
-
Publication number: 20010002349Abstract: A connecting terminal assembly for printed circuit boards comprising, an insulating housing 10, a connection contact 18 having an insertion opening 24 attached to the housing 10 through which a conductor can be inserted under the connection contact 18, a clamping means 26 having an elastic sidepiece 52, cooperatively associated with an actuating element 40 having a pressure surface 48 supported in the housing 10 operable between a clamping position, wherein the clamping means 34 pulls the conductor which has been inserted through the insertion opening 24 against the connection contact 18, and an open position allowing the insertion of the conductor, means mounting the actuating element 40 in such a way that it can slide back and forth to perch the actuating element 40 to an open position where it presses the elastic sidepiece 32 down so that the elastic force of the elastic sidepiece 32 locks into a latching recess 56 and when the actuating element 40 is lifted out of the latching recess 56 against the forceType: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 1998Publication date: May 31, 2001Inventor: DIETER JAAG
-
Patent number: 6162101Abstract: A connector assembly and method for electrically connecting an implantable electrode having an electrical lead array to monitoring equipment. The connector assembly includes a lead holder, an electrical conductor array, and a base holding the electrical conductor array, and a resilient element. The lead holder is moveable with respect to the base from a first position to an operating position. The resilient element is adapted to bias the lead holder from the first position to the operating position.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: PMT CorporationInventors: Reid M. Fischer, Alfred A. Iversen
-
Patent number: 6062915Abstract: An electrode connector for securely holding a thin flexible electrode. The electrode connector includes a bottom jaw member and an upper jaw member that are selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The upper jaw member and the bottom jaw member are biased into a closed position. The electrode connector includes an electrical contact assembly configured to provide electrical contact with the flexible electrode. The electrical contact assembly comprises a contact platform and a contact pin attached thereto. The contact platform is configured to form an electrical contact with the contact area of the flexible electrode. The contact pin is sized and configured to be at least partially disposed in the aperture formed in the flexible electrode such that upon the upperjaw member and the lower jaw member moving to the closed position electrical contact is formed and maintained with the contact area of the flexible electrode without permanently deforming the contact area thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Iomed, Inc.Inventors: Michael Costello, Ralph Koschinsky
-
Patent number: 5944562Abstract: A clasp for a biomedical electrode includes opposed cooperating jaw members. The jaw members can be end portions of a U-shaped leaf spring. A lever is pivotally mounted for engagement with the jaws for forcing the jaws together to grip an electrode placed between them. An opening is provided within the clasp for receiving the stud of a different style electrode and an electrical contact is provided for establishing an electrical connection with the stud. Longitudinally distributed lug secure upper and lower portions of the clasp together. A telescoping connector at the free end of a lead wire removably secures the lead wire to the clasp and is rotated after insertion to lock the lead wire in place. An electrically conductive, optionally non-metallic, x-ray transparent plastic contact is described for establishing an electrical connection between a biomedical electrode and the lead wire.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Eddy K. G. Christensson
-
Patent number: 5895298Abstract: An electrode connector and connector condition sensor for a biopotential sensing apparatus wherein a plurality of electrodes are connected to individual output leads for individual electrode channels by a connector which does not abrade the surface of the electrode button contact and does not require that pressure be applied to the electrode during connection. Two spring biased conductive arms for the connector are spread apart by the cam surface of an actuator button to receive the button contact and are contoured to engage substantially the entire peripheral surface of the button contact when the actuator button is released. The biopotential sensing apparatus includes a processor which senses the loss of signal in any electrode channel during a test period and activates an indicator to provide a warning indication.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Biofield Corp.Inventors: Mark L. Faupel, John Stephens, Seth D. Nathanson
-
Patent number: 5733151Abstract: An electrical connection clamping device for use with a flexible medical electrode harness comprises an upper member and a housing member. The housing member has a first surface with at least one electrical contact point, alignment and bias devices. The upper member has a first end with clamping device and a second end pivotally connected to the bias device of the housing member. The alignment device receive a flexible medical circuit and allow the electric contact points to electrically connect with the circuit as it is secured by the clamping device. A cable is electrically connected to the electrical contact points and to an instrument. The cable has a plurality of individually sheathed wire bundles which each have a plurality of individual wires for attachment to a printed circuit board and electrical contact points.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Inventors: David Edsall, Scott Miller, Steve Stracener
-
Patent number: 5634814Abstract: A cable attachment apparatus for attaching a cable conductor having an outside diameter to a booster cable clamp is provided. The apparatus includes a generally tubular wall defining a receptacle for receiving the cable conductor. The tubular wall has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the cable conductor. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fingers circumferentially and axially spaced about the wall, wherein each finger is closest in the axial direction to another finger disposed at a different circumferential position on the wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bert Krivec
-
Patent number: 5624281Abstract: A clasp for a biomedical electrode includes opposed cooperating jaw members. The jaw members can be end portions of a U-shaped leaf spring. A lever is pivotally mounted for engagement with the jaws for forcing the jaws together to grip an electrode placed between them. An opening is provided within the clasp for receiving the stud of a different style electrode and a retaining tab or finger is provided for engagement with the stud to shift the stud to a locked position in the opening when the lever is pivoted toward its operative position.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1994Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Eddy K. G. Christensson
-
Patent number: 5548489Abstract: A wiring patch panel cabinet accommodates plural termination devices. A cabinet support structure includes spaced apart top and bottom walls and opposed sidewalls. The cabinet support structure secures a plurality of individual patch panels. Each patch panel accommodates termination devices of a given type. The termination devices of one patch panel may be different from the termination devices of another patch panel supported by the cabinet structure. The patch panels are supported by the cabinet in side-by-side vertical orientation to facilitate removal and repair of an individual patch panel without disturbing adjacent patch panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Thomas & Betts CorporationInventors: Steven J. Reed, Robert L. Wallgren, Scott T. Davies, George R. Wojtan, Paul Gazzara
-
Patent number: 5538444Abstract: A connector for use with a tab style biomedical electrode is disclosed. The connector comprises pivotally mounted movable and fixed jaws and a spring biasing the jaws toward a closed position. The connector provides a high tab release force and yet provides an acceptably low actuation force. Preferably, the fixed jaw includes a smooth, continuous surface which facilitates insertion of the tab between the jaws of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jerome E. Strand, Perry S. Dotterman
-
Patent number: 5454739Abstract: A connector for use with a tab style biomedical electrode as disclosed. The connector comprises pivotally mounted movable and fixed jaws and a spring biasing the jaws toward a closed position. The connector is readily assembled, while retaining a secure connection between the jaws. Preferred embodiments achieve a high tab release force and yet provides an acceptably low actuation force. Preferably, the fixed jaw includes a smooth, continuous surface which facilitates insertion of the tab between the jaws of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Jerome E. Strand
-
Patent number: 5445528Abstract: A connector (20) for electrically connecting the conductor (24) of a wire (22) to circuitry on a circuit board (14) within an electrical unit (10) is disclosed. The connector includes an insulating housing (32) with two side by side cavities (60) separated by a wall (62), each cavity containing an electrical contact (34). A pair of conductor openings (72) are formed in the front end (30) of the housing side by side so that each opening is in alignment with one of the cavities and in communication therewith. The conductors (24) are terminated to the contacts (34) by pushing them through the openings and into locking engagement with their respective contacts. A second opening (78) is provided to receive a tool (94) for releasing the contacts from locking engagement. A mounting device (82) is provided to secure the connector to the circuit board (14).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventor: Robert H. Frantz
-
Patent number: 5421749Abstract: A screwless spring clip for use with a bus bar, includes a binding clip for holding a conductor to the bus bar, the binding clip having a transverse opening, and a large opening through which the bus bar and the conductor extend, such that when the binding clip is tensioned against the bus bar, the bus bar is in contact with the conductor; and a leaf spring for tensioning the binding clip against the bus bar, the leaf spring being connected to the bus bar and being connectable in a tensioned state to the binding clip by a control element such that the leaf spring is locked to the binding clip in the tensioned state, the leaf spring having one leg secured to the bus bar and an opposite free leg adapted to be hooked into the transverse opening of the binding clip.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: F. Wieland Elektrische Industrie GmbHInventor: Franz Schrauder
-
Patent number: 5413508Abstract: Rotary connector for use with a flexible elongate member having electrical properties and having a proximal extremity with at least first and second conductive spaced-apart sleeves provided thereon. A housing is provided having a bore therein. First and second spaced-apart conductive disks are disposed in said bore. The disks are adapted to have the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member extend therethrough and to have the conductive sleeves be in contact with the conductive disks while permitting rotation of the flexible elongate member, a push button clamping assembly is carried by the housing for retaining the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member in the housing. Leads are connected to the conductive disks.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Cardiometrics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Z. Obara
-
Patent number: 5407368Abstract: A connector for use with a tab style biomedical electrode is disclosed. The connector comprises pivotally mounted movable and fixed jaws and a spring biasing the jaws toward a closed position. The connector provides a high tab release force and yet provides an acceptably low actuation force. Preferably, the fixed jaw includes a smooth, continuous surface which facilitates insertion of the tab between the jaws of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1992Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jerome E. Strand, Perry S. Dotterman
-
Patent number: 5277613Abstract: There is disclosed herein an electrical junction block particularly for use with a fetal electrode and electronic monitor. The junction block comprises a housing having a cavity therein, and a substantially U-shaped spring disposed in the cavity. The spring has legs which are biased outwardly by a suitable coil spring. The housing contain electrical contacts and wires connected thereto, and the U-shaped spring can be depressed to provide openings for receiving electrode wires. A mounting pad can be disposed on the housing for facilitating mounting of the assembly on a person during use.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Inventor: Theodore C. Neward
-
Patent number: 5234359Abstract: This invention provides a terminal device for electrical connection to a lead section to be measured. The LCR measurement is easily and accurately taken with a single operation even when a space between lead sections to be measured is narrow. Thereby, an efficiency of the LCR measurement with the Kelvin connection is enhanced.An electroconductive pin is slidably inserted into a fine insulating housing. A hook-shaped terminal section is formed at the tip of the electroconductive pin. The electroconductive pin is urged by a spring in such a direction that the hook-shaped terminal section is retracted into the insulating housing and a lead section to be measured is engaged by the hook-shaped terminal section and a fixed terminal. The fixed terminal is provided at the tip of the insulating case so as to oppose the inner surface of the hook-shaped terminal portion. Two lead wires are respectively connected to the electroconductive pin and the fixed terminal at the rear end of the insulating housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Hideyuki Takahashi, Koji Takeda
-
Patent number: 5195523Abstract: A medical electrode assembly for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The medical electrode assembly comprises an electrolyte pad having an electrolyte layer which may be secured to the skin of a patient and a backing member made from a nonconductive material being coextensively superposed directly onto the electrolyte layer. The electrolyte pad is used in conjunction with a reusable lead wire connector having at least one surface contacting the electrolyte layer of the electrolyte pad. The reusable lead wire connector includes a set of jaws which may be compressed together for contacting the electrolyte pad. The set of jaws may be formed of a nonconductive binder material having a conductive filler dispersed therein. A metallic conductive material, such as a silver/silver chloride system, is superposed over the nonconductive binder material.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: NDM Acquisition Corp.Inventors: James V. Cartmell, Joseph F. DeRosa, Jeffrey W. Stone
-
Patent number: 5098317Abstract: An interlock device having a slip resistant feature. A strip conductor is disposed in a dielectric housing and is electrically connected to a tip terminal plug. The strip conductor has an angled end distal from the tip terminal plug. A spring clamp is disposed in the dielectric housing and is pivotally coupled thereto. The angled end of the strip conductor and the spring clamp are adapted for clamping a conductor wire therebetween. The spring clamp exerts pressure on the conductor wire to maintain it in a fixed position and in contact with the strip conductor and the tip terminal plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Switchcraft Inc.Inventor: Frederick L. Lau
-
Patent number: 5064390Abstract: A coaxial pin array connector comprises a top member having guide holes corresponding to coaxial cables, and an intermediate, conductive member having throughholes, respectively corresponding to and aligned with the guide holes. A bottom, insulative member is provided having first throughholes for admitting signal pins of a circuit board and second throughholes for admitting grounding pins of the circuit board and recesses for receiving power pins of the circuit board. Conductive cylindrical hollow structures are respectively positioned in the throughholes of the intermediate member and extend between the top and bottom members to allow the coaxial cable pins to be admitted from the guide holes to the bottom member and make electrical contact with the signal pins.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Shoji Umesato, Yoshikatsu Okada, Katsuhiko Sakamoto
-
Patent number: 5046965Abstract: An electrical connector of extreme simplicity for coupling leads of a fetal scalp electrode to a cable of an electrical signal monitor. The connector includes a plurality of electrically isolated wiring frame components derived from a single wiring frame and thereafter insert molded into a connector body. The wiring frame components include a pair of signal pathways passing through the connector body to couple each lead of the fetal electrode to a corresponding conductor in the cable and a reference pathway through the connector body for effecting an electrical reference coupling with the body of the patient and communicating a reference voltage through the cable to the monitor. Integrally formed on the connector body is a pivotable lead retention wing and thereon a lead retention stub. By pivoting the retention wing into a position adjacent to the connector body, the retention stub along with a lead of the fetal scalp electrode is received and clamped into a lead retention recess.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1990Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: Utah Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Jon N. Neese, William D. Wallace, Christopher A. Cutler
-
Patent number: 5026306Abstract: A connector including a housing having a first surface and a plurality of first bores extending from the first surface for respectively receiving coaxial pins. The connector further includes a flat member made of an electrically conductive material and disposed in the housing so as to face the first bores, and first arms are formed from portions of the flat member which are associated one-to-one with the first bores for electrical connection to respective outer conductors of the coaxial pins. The connector further includes a plurality of second bores extending toward the flat member from a second surface of the housing which is opposite to the first surface for respectively receiving ground pins, and second arms formed from portions of the flat member which are associated one-to-one with the second bores for electrical connection to respective ground pins.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1990Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Kouzou Uekido, Michiaki Nishiyama, Katsuhiko Sakamoto
-
Patent number: 4974594Abstract: A biomedical "tab" type of electrode suited for use with male and female connectors of the type that are adapted to snap together is provided. The female connector is located at one end of a lead wire. A male snap connector is secured to the lead wire by means of a flexible tether. The electrode includes an extension or tab having an opening therein. The tether is mounted on the lead wire and is preferably adapted to slide along its length. During use, the male snap connector can be moved into proximity of the female connector and aligned with it on opposite sides of the tab portion of the electrode and then brought into contact and connected to each other through the opening in the tab to establish both a mechanical and an electrical connection with the tab of the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Lec Tec CorporationInventor: Lee M. Berlin
-
Patent number: 4966563Abstract: A bus bar tab connector which electrically and mechanically connects an electrically conductive tab extending from a bus bar to an electrically conductive tab from an external source is presented. In accordance with the present invention, the conductive tabs are slidably received into the bus bar connector and held together by either a spring force or a cammed shaft. The tabs are both easily connected and separated by the connector, requiring no special tools for connecting or separation. The bus bar connector of the present invention does not cause a decrease in current carrying capacity.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Assignee: Rogers CorporationInventors: Michael L. Pierce, Scott J. Raffles
-
Patent number: 4915656Abstract: A discriminating connector (38) can be connected to a defibrillation electrode (36), but not to an ECG monitoring electrode (10), even though both electrodes (38 and 10) have identical conducting posts (50 and 12). The discriminating connector (38) is formed by upper and lower members (40 and 42) and a pivot (44) that connects the upper and lower members (40 and 42) so as to define an opening (43). A mating receptacle (48) is disposed within an upper wall (74) of the opening (43). A distance (49) between the mating receptacle (48) and the pivot (44) is equal to or greater than a distance (59) between the conducting post (50) and an outer edge (53) of the defibrillation electrode (36) so as to permit the conducting post (50) to be received by the mating receptacle (48). A conductive receptacle (15) in a prior art ECG connector (11) is identical to the mating receptacle (48) and can be attached to the conducting post (50) on the defibrillation electrode (36).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1988Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Physio-Control CorporationInventor: Clifton A. Alferness
-
Patent number: 4911657Abstract: The present invention provides a lead wire for a medical electrode. The lead wire has a female snap connector at one end. Adjacent to the female snap connector is a male snap connector which is secured to the lead wire by means of a tether. The tether is preferably removably mounted on the lead wire and is most preferably adapted to slide along its length. The male snap connector is moved into proximity of the female connector. The male and female snap connectors are then aligned on opposite sides of a tab portion of a tab-type electrode and are then brought into contact and connected together through the tab to establish both a mechanical and an electrical connection with the tab of the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1989Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Lec Tec CorporationInventor: Lee M. Berlin
-
Patent number: 4897045Abstract: A co-axial table connector includes a wire-seizing mechanism that includes a pair of spaced, wire-seizing elements. An outer end of each element is angled inwardly so that both outer ends converge symmetrically with respect to each other. A cam member slidably fits over the elements and has divergent surfaces which come into camming contact with the convergent ends. This forces the elements inwardly and causes them to grip the end of a co-axial wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1988Date of Patent: January 30, 1990Inventor: Arthur Dyck
-
Patent number: 4844779Abstract: In a plating or anodizing operation, improved plating clamps are utilized to provide positive electrical connection between a work holding rack and an electrical conducting bus bar. In each of the clamps, the spring thereof is completely insulated from the electrical conducting bus bar to prevent failure thereof due to over heating.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1988Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Inventor: Norman F. Callahan