Safety, E.g., Electrical Disconnection Required Before Opening Housing Patents (Class 439/911)
  • Patent number: 11641120
    Abstract: A battery mount device may include a housing to which a battery pack is detachably attached, and a cover attached to the housing so as to cover the battery pack and configured to open and close by rotating around a rotation axis. Force in a direction closing the cover may act on the cover in a state where the battery mount device is placed on a horizontal plane. The battery-mounted device may further comprise a cover holding mechanism capable of holding the cover in an open state. The cover holding mechanism may include a cover holder configured to move, in response to an operation by a user, between a holding position where the cover holder interferes with a rotating motion of the cover and a released position where the cover holder does not interfere with the rotating motion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomokazu Okuoka, Masayoshi Okumi, Takaaki Kato
  • Patent number: 11597337
    Abstract: A power management system is disclosed for managing power in a vehicle. The system may include a power distribution unit (PDU) communicably coupled to a power controller unit located in the vehicle. The power controller unit comprises a microcontroller configured to: receive, from the PDU, a temperature value that indicates a temperature of the PDU, one or more voltage values from the one or more voltage sensors, or one or more current values from the one or more current sensors, perform a determination that the temperature value, the one or more voltage values, or the one or more current values are below one or more of their respective pre-determined threshold values, and send, after the determination, a health status message to a computer located in the vehicle, where the health status message indicates that the PDU is operating in a safe operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: TUSIMPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Kaixin Zheng, Xiaoling Han, Zehua Huang, Yue Pan, Zhaohan Jia
  • Patent number: 9004935
    Abstract: A safety plug device that is disposed in a high-voltage battery to interrupt power supply. The device includes a female housing, a male housing, and a grip part. The female housing includes a terminal part and the male housing is equipped with a fuse and is removably coupled to the female housing. The grip part is slidable on the male housing in forward and backward directions, is simultaneously coupled to the male housing in a vertical direction, and is equipped with an interlock pin connected to an interlock connector at a rear end thereof. In particular, the grip part slides forward to release the interlock pin and to be coupled to the male housing, to allow the grip part and the male housing to be removed in an upward direction to interrupt the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Hae Kyu Lim
  • Patent number: 8905769
    Abstract: A housing for a computer system which can be opened at at least one first housing wall for access into the housing and an opening for an external connecting plug is disposed at a second housing wall and where 1) the housing has a locking device to lock the first housing wall and prevent opening of the housing, the locking device is disposed at the opening for an external connecting plug and is actuatable via an external connecting plug so that the first housing wall is locked when an external connecting plug is inserted into the opening and the first housing wall is unlocked if no external connecting plug is inserted into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Technology Solutions Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Neukam
  • Patent number: 8847085
    Abstract: A power device suited for being assembled in a chassis and connected with a plug is provided. The power device includes a housing, and a receptacle, a spring clamp, a position limiting element disposed on the housing. The plug is removably connected to the receptacle. The spring clamp has a moving end. The position limiting element is located between the spring clamp and the receptacle. The position limiting element and the moving end of the spring clamp are linked together to move between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. When the plug connects to the receptacle, the position limiting element is interfered with the plug and the spring clamp simultaneously so that the spring clamp is constrained at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: FSP Technology Inc., 3Y Power Technology (Taiwan), Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8717160
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to receive a signal from a component in a recharging inlet of an electric powered vehicle (EPV) recharging inlet, determine whether the signal indicates that a housing cap is not properly mounted on the recharging inlet, and alert a driver if the signal indicates that the housing cap is not properly mounted on the recharging inlet, wherein the signal comprises an electric voltage level, and wherein an “UNMATED” voltage level indicates that the housing cap is not properly mounted on the recharging inlet, and wherein a “MATED” voltage level indicates that the housing cap is properly mounted on the recharging inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jinshui Liu
  • Patent number: 8610554
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a recharging inlet inside an electric powered vehicle (EPV), a light source coupled to the inside wall of the EPV recharging inlet, a light detector located within the EPV recharging inlet and positioned between recharging inlet pins and the light source, and a plurality of threads around the inside wall of the recharging inlet and positioned between the light source and the light detector, wherein the light detector is configured to detect light from the light source and/or external light, wherein the threads are configured to receive a housing cap that substantially blocks light from reaching the light detector when the housing cap is properly mounted onto the EPV recharging inlet and are configured to allow light from the light sources and/or external light to reach the light detector when the housing cap is not properly mounted onto the EPV recharging inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jinshui Liu
  • Patent number: 8531284
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a charging pin in a recharging inlet of an electric powered vehicle (EPV) recharging inlet, a ground pin in the recharging inlet and substantially parallel to the charging pin, a safety pin in the recharging inlet and substantially parallel to the charging pin and the ground pin, an electric power source coupled to the safety pin, and a control circuit coupled to the electric power source and the safety pin, wherein the length of the safety pin extended in the recharging inlet is substantially shorter than the length of the ground pin and longer than the length of the charging pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jinshui Liu
  • Patent number: 8460027
    Abstract: An interlock for use with an electrical system includes an electrical component that is supported on a support structure. A first member is removably secured to the support structure. The first member prevents contact with the electrical component while the first member is secured to the support structure. A second member is also removably secured to the support structure. The second member prevents removal of the first member while the second member is secured to the support structure. The electrical component is adapted to be connected to a power source only when both the first member and the second member are secured to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: John N. Topolewski
  • Patent number: 8333601
    Abstract: A transportable device includes a housing, a handle portion, a biasing portion, a locking portion, a lever portion, and a link portion. The housing has a power plug insertion opening into which a power plug is inserted. The handle portion can move between the inside and outside of the housing. The biasing portion biases the handle portion in the direction where the handle portion is moved to the outside of the housing. The locking portion locks the handle portion so that the handle portion does not move to the outside of the housing by a biasing force of the biasing portion. The lever portion moves in the insertion direction of the power plug when the power plug is inserted into the opening, while moving in the pull-out direction of the power plug when the power plug is pulled out. The link portion links the locking portion and the lever portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8167637
    Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to shock free bulb socket that is inserted in an existing light bulb socket to forego any possible electric shock when there is no light bulb in the existing bulb socket and the electric switch happens to be in an “on” status. The insert socket is a housing that is placed over the existing socket and fastened thereto. The insert socket consists of a lower threaded segment that is threaded into the existing socket. There is an upper threaded segment that will receive the light bulb. When the light bulb is threaded into the upper segment it will encounter a plate there below and will cause the upper threaded segment to slide upwardly together with a bracket to which it is attached. There is a sliding hot prong and a sliding neutral prong which will make contact when the bracket moves upwardly and will convey electric current to the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Joti Projkovski
  • Patent number: 8090285
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body casing, a fixing part, an inlet terminal and an interfering member. The fixing part is removably mounted inside the body casing and fixes a developer image onto a recording medium. The inlet terminal is provided inside the body casing, and a power cord for supplying power from an exterior is connected to the inlet terminal. The interfering member is provided at the fixing part, interposed between a predetermined part of the power cord and the inlet terminal in a state where the power cord is connected to the inlet terminal, and interferes with the predetermined part when the fixing part is moved in a removing direction with respect to the body casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Masuda
  • Patent number: 8075324
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a receptacle connector and a plug connector matable with the receptacle connector along a mating direction. The plug connector includes a lock activation portion movable between a lock position and an unlock position along an activation direction under a mating state. The receptacle connector includes a detection switch and a deformable lock operation member pivotably mounted to the plug connector that ensures movement of the lock activation portion in a separation direction when the lock activation portion is located at the unlock position under the mating state. The lock operation member has lock member ends that are received by holes of a receptacle shell to retain the plug connector and receptacle connector in the locked position and to effect closure of the detection switch. The detection switch is pressed by the lock activation portion to detect the lock activation portion is located at the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamaji, Masahide Watanabe, Takamitsu Nakajima, Hiroki Kamata, Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 7871278
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for managing power to a group of connectors. The individual power limits of the connectors may be selectively increased while still complying with a group power limit. In one embodiment, a group of electronic connectors disposed on a host device each include a power portion and a data portion. A mechanical barrier is moveable into a blocked position for physically blocking at least the power portion of one or more of the electronic connectors while the other electronic connectors in the group remain unblocked. A power controller automatically increases an individual power limit of one or more of the unblocked electronic connectors in response to the mechanical barrier being in the blocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, P. Daniel Kangas, David J. Steiner, Jeff D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7637755
    Abstract: In a vehicle audio apparatus, the detection switch is turned off when the lock claw is released from the lock-claw holder to open the front panel. The bi-directional switches are thereby turned off, disconnecting the data lines SD+and SD? between the USB interface unit of the main unit and the USB socket of the front panel. Thereafter, the front panel is opened, releasing the connector (22) from the connector 13 and ultimately disconnecting the power-supply lines (VBUS and GND). Hence, the vehicle audio apparatus is prevented from being abruptly disconnected from the power supply. This prevents the data stored in the USB memory from being destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Asaya Hondo, Toshimasa Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7614893
    Abstract: A device and method are provided that generate an early warning disconnect signal from an electrical connector supplying external power to a connected device. The connected device includes an early warning disconnect power management circuit, operational to generate power consumption control information in response to generation of the early warning disconnect signal from the electrical connector. In one example, the electrical connector includes a lock release mechanism and a signaling mechanism, the signaling mechanism is operationally coupled with the lock release mechanism and configured to generate the early warning disconnect signal from the electrical connector to the connected device prior to the lock release mechanism being in an unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Oleksandr Khodorkovsky, Ara Kulidjian
  • Patent number: 7578691
    Abstract: A USB connection arrangement, where more secure locking is afforded than has hitherto been achieved. With a first USB connecting portion and a second USB connecting portion, a locking arrangement is provided for physically securing the first USB connecting portion and the second USB connecting portion with respect to one another. The locking arrangement includes at least one receptor portion disposed on at least one of the first and second USB connecting portions, and at least one pin portion engageable with the at least one receptor portion for physically securing at least one of the first and second connecting portions with respect to the other of the first and second connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnold S. Weksler, Scott Edwards Kelso, John Carl Mese, Nathan J. Peterson, Rod D. Walterman
  • Patent number: 7497728
    Abstract: A panel mount electrical connector in a burner enclosure panel includes an electrical connector receptacle mounted to an enclosure panel of a fuel-burning combustion device, an internal wiring harness, an electrical connector plug that matches the receptacle, and an external wiring harness configured to be coupled to a separate appliance. The panel mount electrical connector facilitates easy and quick disconnection of the burner electrical wiring at the burner enclosure panel, making installation, removal, and maintenance less difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Moskwa, Fred Hoffmaster, Wayne Miller
  • Patent number: 7344402
    Abstract: Component module insertion and removal protection in computer systems. In one aspect, a connector assembly for a component module includes a connector that receives the component module and receives power from a power selection circuit, and a module attachment mechanism operative to secure the component module to the connector when a movable member is in an engaged position. In a disengaged position, the movable member allows the component module to be removed from the connector. When the movable member is moved from the engaged position, the state of a switch of the power selection circuit is changed, causing the power selection circuit to remove power from the connector and from at least a portion of a circuit board to which the connector is electrically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lenovo Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas Francis Lewis, Kevin Michael Reinberg, Kevin Shayne Dwayne Vernon
  • Patent number: 7294002
    Abstract: A connector device is provided with a box-shaped casing (50), a female housing (30) mounted into the casing (50) and displaceable between an initial position and an end position, and a slide (70) that is in the form of a frame having an operating portion (72) and mounted in the casing (50) for movement between a retreat position where a clearance exists between the operating portion (72) and the casing (50) and an advance position that narrows or eliminates the clearance. Before an operation of connecting both male and female housings (10, 30) is started, a protector (90) is inserted into a fitting space (91) between the operating portion (72) of the slide (70) and the casing (50). The slide (70) is held at the retreat position and the female housing (30) is held at the initial position by the protector (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd
    Inventors: Yutaka Noro, Yutaka Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7284997
    Abstract: A plug-in module for the insertion into and extraction from a module frame that has at least one frontal structural bar, including a circuit board, a switch for the active-passive switching of the plug-in module and a swivel-mounted lever/pull handle with a gripper arm located in the frontal area of the plug-in module. The gripping arm of the lever/pull handle has a rotatably connected control lever with a stepping pawl by which the switch can be operated during a completely inserted plug-in module. The stepping pawl of the control lever can have a locking nose that can lock behind a locking edge in the front area of the plug-in module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schroff GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Joist
  • Patent number: 7277294
    Abstract: An electrical contactor draw out tray has a movable frame and a stationary frame in which the movable frame carries the electrical components for an electrical feeder circuit. The stationary frame is preferably housed within a power distribution center and has input terminals for the incoming electrical power and output terminals for delivering electrical power to equipment operating on the feeder circuit. The movable frame carries the contactors that control the flow of electricity through the apparatus as well as the electrical components to monitor conditions of the apparatus and various parameters for the electricity carried therein to for conditions such as short circuits, overloads, ground faults, overvoltages and undervoltages. A disconnect mechanism locks the movable frame relative the stationary frame and provides a primary means for disengaging electrical flow through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Electro-Mechanical Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt Nels Carlson
  • Patent number: 7207812
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a cover to a housing is provided. The housing includes an electrical socket. The mechanism includes a locking plate, a casing for enclosing the locking plate, and an engaging member. The locking plate has a securing member and a protruding member. The engaging member extends from the cover. When the locking plate is in a first position, the securing member is engaged with the engaging member to secure the cover to the housing. When the locking plate is in a second position, the securing member is disengaged from the engaging member and the protruding member is extended into the electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Foo Luen Wong
  • Patent number: 7164874
    Abstract: An electrode of an image bearing unit and an electrode of a power supply are positioned in the front, rather than far inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A holder opposes these electrodes in an openable/closable manner. The holder includes an electric conductor that electrically connects the electrode of an image bearing unit and an electrode of a power supply when the holder is closed. The image bearing unit can be detached or attached when the holder is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kazuosa Kuma, Hiroshi Ishii, Yuusuke Noguchi, Makoto Kikura, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7144261
    Abstract: A connection device that is capable of receiving a corresponding connection plug comprises a housing, an electronic board connected to at least one cable of a communications network capable of conveying data as well as electrical energy. This device comprises a movable part between the housing and the electronic board comprising conductive elements used to make the link between the electrical contacts of the plug and the electrical contacts of the electronic board, the movable part taking at least two positions, a first position known as a position of insertion or withdrawal of the plug, in which the link for the passage of electrical energy cannot be made, and a second position known as a position of operation in which the inserted plug is held and the link for the passage of electrical energy can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Europa NV
    Inventor: Hervé Merlet
  • Patent number: 7118407
    Abstract: A power plug with overloaded display providing users with a function of a warning display for protecting the power plug from over-heated melting and from shorting and catching on fire. The plug includes an embedded positioned block arranged on a periphery of electric metal-pins of the power plug, and a thermochromic film is coated on the surface of the embedded positioned block, and warning characters are printed on the embedded positioned block. The external body of the power plug is made by injection modeling with mixed transparent PVC and thermochromic materials, or the embedded positioned block may be directly injected with thermochromic materials, or connected with a detecting transistor linked by a light emitting diode (LED). When the power plug is over-heated and the temperature of the power plug generally increases, the thermochromic materials or the LED will display a warning message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Perfect Union Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan Ching
  • Patent number: 7097487
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fixture for an embedded unit of an electronic device, which includes a casing having a first slot disposed at the surface on one side thereof; a latch member being movably coupled to the casing corresponding to the first slot and extended into the casing from the first slot; an accommodating groove being disposed on another side of the first slot; an embedded unit being embedded precisely into the accommodating groove and having an corner indent section proximate to the first slot for accommodating the latch member, and the embedded unit has an embedded section being disposed proximate to the corner indent section and latched to the latch member so as to mount the embedded unit into the casing. If the latch member is removed, then the embedded unit can be removed from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Yaz-Tzung Wu
  • Patent number: 7044780
    Abstract: An electronic device and a lock device for locking the module of the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device includes a module, a connection interface, a plug, and a chassis. The module is movably disposed on the chassis. The connection interface is disposed on the chassis and is electrically coupled to the module. The lock device includes a lock part, an elastic unit, and a contact part. The lock device is movably disposed on the chassis. When the plug is not in connection with the connection interface, the lock part locks the module. The elastic unit provides a predetermined force to affix the module. When the plug connects the connection interface, the plug pushes the contact part of the lock device for moving a predetermined distance to release the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Hai-Tao Ma
  • Patent number: 7029296
    Abstract: A self guiding cover assembly for a vacuum electron device (VED) enclosure has a cover, a pair of guide plates, and a pair of guide elements. The cover has a top, a sidewall, an inside and an outside, and at least one electrical connector disposed on the inside of the cover for mating with an electrical connector on a VED. The pair of guide plates is disposed on opposite sides of the outside of the sidewall of the cover. The guide plates each have a track. The guide elements are mounted on the enclosure on opposite sides of the cover. The pair of guide elements each mates with the track to guide the cover as it is lifted from the enclosure. The cover further comprises a breach lock mechanism for seating the VED into the VED enclosure having the cover and a base. The breach lock mechanism has guide elements mounted on the cover. A sleeve is mounted on the base and removably receives the cover with the VED. The sleeve rotates about the cover. The sleeve has tracks for mating with the guide elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Communication and Power Industires
    Inventors: Wilson Wai Toy, Christopher Paul Yates, Paul Allen Krzeminski, Robert N. Tornoe, Edmund Thomas Davies
  • Patent number: 6994572
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, system, and method for enabling the installation of an installable device configured with a required component in a receiving device. A component deactivated interlock obstructs the installation of the installable device when not configured with the required component. The invention makes use of an extendable and retractable plunger disposed upon the installable device, a stop barrier disposed upon the receiving device, and an actuator disposed upon the required component. The plunger normally extends beyond the installable device, and upon contacting the stop barrier of the receiving device obstructs the installation. Upon a physical connection of the required component with the installable device, the actuator retracts the plunger, thereby enabling the installation of the installable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce E. Baker, Martin Joseph Crippen, Francis A. Kuchar Jr., Peter Andrew Smith, Brian Alan Trumbo
  • Patent number: 6986674
    Abstract: An electrical outlet comprises an outlet housing having a front side adapted to receive a face plate and a back side. A receptacle has a wall extending from an opening at the front side to a bottom within the outlet housing. A cover is retained within the receptacle and is slidable between a closed position at the opening to an open position at the bottom. The cover has a front face generally flush with the face plate in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ProtectConnect
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 6979212
    Abstract: An electrical plug comprises a plug housing having a housing face and a generally hollow probe extending from the housing face to a probe face. Prongs are disposed within the probe. The prongs are urged to an unlocked position retracted into the probe and movable to a locked position extending from the probe face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Protect Connect
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 6970665
    Abstract: An electrode of an image bearing unit and an electrode of a power supply are positioned in the front, rather than far inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A holder opposes these electrodes in an openable/closable manner. The holder includes an electric conductor that electrically connects the electrode of an image bearing unit and an electrode of a power supply when the holder is closed. The image bearing unit can be detached or attached when the holder is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kazuosa Kuma, Hiroshi Ishii, Yuusuke Noguchi, Makoto Kikura, Yutaka Fukuchi, Kazuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6964576
    Abstract: A processor-based system may function without expensive hot swap circuitry by preventing component swapping with power applied to the system. The access to a swappable component may be arranged so that the component can not be removed with a power carrying cable plugged into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Randolph E. Crutchfield
  • Patent number: 6935876
    Abstract: A power supply releasing device is a one-piece plate which includes a handle and a fulcrum part on one side of the plate and an engaging piece extends from one of two ends of the plate. A protrusion extends from one surface of the plate. A hole and a curved slot are defined through the plate and a geometric arc formed by the curved slot has a center coincident with the center of the hole. Two rivets respectively extend through the hole and the curved slot and are connected to the power supply. When releasing the power supply, the user simply pivots the plate by pulling the handle to let the fulcrum part contact a vertical surface of the support frame and the power supply is pulled out relative to the support frame by the rivet in the curved slot in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Acbel Polytech Inc.
    Inventor: Hung-Jui Chang
  • Patent number: 6921287
    Abstract: An exchangeable module or battery 20 is wired to null terminals a, c. A main device 30 is joined to circuit terminals b, d. A connector 10 with a pair of shunt plates 11, 12 is used to electrically connect terminal a to b and terminal c to d, in order to connect the battery to the main device. The connector may be mounted in a cover panel 42, 43. In one embodiment (FIG. 6), the connector 10 is mounted to the exchangeable module for automatic separation from the terminals when the module is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Phoenixtec Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shark Sheng, Chih-Hsin Chin, Windy Wang
  • Patent number: 6913473
    Abstract: A power supply for an electrical appliance has a female connector for an electrical plug, in which case the power supply can be removed from the electrical appliance for installation or servicing purposes. In order to prevent electrical connection of the power supply when it is in the removed state, the power supply is provided with an insertion protection device, which prevents insertion of the electrical plug when the power supply is in the removed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schmid, Bernhard Kannler
  • Patent number: 6902421
    Abstract: An automatic lock device automatically disengages or forms a lock state of the optical module of a scanner. By plugging and unplugging a power plug on the case of the scanner, a clip departs from or embedded into the optical module. Thus, users can lock or unlock the optical module without other additional operation while transporting the scanner. It avoids possible damages to the optical module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chen Liang Huang
  • Patent number: 6899561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an electrical connection and latching a door is provided. The door latching electrical connection device may include a bar an electrical connector attached to the bar. The method may include placing one end of a bar and bar receiver mounted on the device and attaching the other end of the bar to a second bar receiver mounted on the device and causing the door to be blocked. The method may further include providing an electrical connector on the bar and automatically making an electrical connection by connecting the electrical connector to a second electrical connector mounted on the device when the bar is placed in the two bar receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Edward W. Johann
  • Patent number: 6817882
    Abstract: The apparatus (2) for vibrationproof locking of a plug (3) in its plugged-in position inside a unit, in particular inside a clutch actuator (1), encompasses a housing (4) that has a housing top shell (16) and a housing bottom shell (6), by means of at least one locking element (30) that engages the plug (3). The locking element (30) has a blocking section (52), which is kept in a blocking position by the plug (3) when this plug is not completely plugged in—thus preventing the housing shells (6) from being joined—and which can be brought into a position that permits the housing shells (6) to be joined only when the plug (3) is completely plugged in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter-Josef Bauer, Thomas Lott
  • Patent number: 6817873
    Abstract: A blocking outlet and corresponding locking plug provide a completely enclosed safety electrical connection system for supplying electrical power from a wall fixture. The blocking outlet installs in a conventional wall-mounted electrical box, providing access to building electrical wiring. The outlet has receptacles that retain spring-loaded covers, which have a closed position generally flush with the front side of the face plate. The springs provide sufficient tension to the covers to block small children from inserting fingers or foreign objects into a receptacle, preventing inadvertent exposure to hazardous voltage. Yet adults can easily insert a corresponding locking plug directly into a receptacle without cover removal. Regardless, the interior of a receptacle has no exposed contacts. Small access apertures in the interior of an outlet receptacle contain recessed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: ProtectConnect
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 6695640
    Abstract: In order for an operator to perceive a lock completion of the mechanical connection between a connector of an ultrasonic probe and a socket of an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body, the following structure is provided. In the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, the ultrasonic probe includes a connector portion having a lock mechanism (a cam shaft penetrating a connector, a conductive movable contact/lock pin projecting from the cam shaft, and a connector lock releasing handle), and an ultrasonic probe main body. The ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body includes a socket having connection hole H for connecting the connector, a locking confirming contact points for conducting by being in contact with the movable contact/lock pin as the connection with the connector being mechanically locked, LED for illuminating under conduction, and a safety circuit for allowing for starting scanning when conducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Masami Uchibori, Sotaro Kawae, Mitsuhiro Nozaki
  • Patent number: 6634898
    Abstract: A telecommunications server comprises a switch/larch mechanism for use in online removal or insertion of a peripheral card, such as a PCI card. A bulkhead is adapted for mating engagement with a bulkhead mounting bracket of the peripheral card when the peripheral card is installed in the switch/latch mechanism. A doorbell switch having a vertical range of motion is manually depressed to signal the server and commence an orderly shutdown of the peripheral card in advance of online replacement of the peripheral card. A panel switch provides a mechanical lock retaining the peripheral card in place, and also function as a backup power interrupt device to protect the peripheral card in the event that depression of the doorbell button does not result in an orderly shutdown of the peripheral card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Bradley E Clements
  • Patent number: 6523960
    Abstract: The invention provides a light source device of an easy maintenance, and a projector using the light source device. The light source device includes a light source lamp, a reflector, a lamp housing for covering substantially entirely almost the outer surface except for an opening plane of the reflector and a front glass for covering the opening plane of the reflector. The light source device is formed so as to be integrally exchangeable as a unit in the projector. Since the lamp housing covers almost the whole surface of the reflector, even if the light source lamp and the reflector burst, fragments thereof do not scatter to the inside of the projector, there is no need to remove the outer casing to clean the inside of the device, and maintenance of the projector can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6494728
    Abstract: A blocking outlet and corresponding locking plug provide a completely enclosed safety electrical connection system for supplying electrical power from a wall fixture. The blocking outlet installs in a conventional wall-mounted electrical box, providing access to building electrical wiring. The outlet has receptacles that retain spring-loaded covers, which have a closed position generally flush with the front side of the face plate. The springs provide sufficient tension to the covers to block small children from inserting fingers or foreign objects into a receptacle, preventing inadvertent exposure to hazardous voltage. Yet adults can easily insert a corresponding locking plug directly into a receptacle without cover removal. Regardless, the interior of a receptacle has no exposed contacts. Small access apertures in the interior of an outlet receptacle contain recessed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 6461193
    Abstract: A data card connector (43) is disclosed which comprises a housing defining an aperture for receiving a data card with contacts, electrical connectors (14) for engaging the data card contacts to couple the data card contacts to an electronic device, and a cover (12) moveable between an open position and a closed position. The data card connector further comprises an indicator (19,20) for indicating when the cover is in the closed position. When the cover is in this closed position, the contacts of the data card are connected to the electronic device and electric connection between the data card and the electronic device may be affects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventor: Juergen Matthies
  • Patent number: 6439917
    Abstract: An electronic unit having an electric connecting part connectable with a plug is accommodated in a housing of an electronic equipment so that the electronic unit can be attached to and detached from the housing. An engaging arm is rotatably mounted on one face of the electronic unit on which the electric connecting part is provided. When a plug is connected to the electric connecting part of the electronic unit, one end of the engaging arm is engaged with the engaging portion of the housing, whereby the electronic unit can be prevented from being pulled out from the housing. When the plug is detached from the electric connecting part of the electronic unit, the engaging portion of the engaging arm can be disengaged from the housing by the rotation of the engaging arm. Therefore, if the plug is detached from the electric connecting part of the electronic unit, the electronic unit can be pulled out from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Tonozuka
  • Patent number: 6424758
    Abstract: An optical fiber socket with an integral switch includes a housing, a cartridge fitted to an under face of the housing, and a switch device sandwiched between the housing and the cartridge. The housing includes a recess which can receive an optical fiber plug therein when a flap covering the recess is raised. Raising and lowering of the flap actuates or isolates the switch of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Feng Cheng
  • Patent number: 6410868
    Abstract: A current distribution device includes a socket outlet receptacle that is switched on and off by a switch. The device includes a socket outlet receptacle and a switch that is operated by an operating knob. The plug is locked into the receptacle by a mechanism that includes a cable extending between the switch and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Laurent Berlemont, Bernard Le Metay
  • Patent number: 6406310
    Abstract: The electric plug system for the automatic transmission of a motor vehicle consists of a socket situated on the transmission and of a plug engaging in the socket wherein the cylindrical end (10) of the socket that accommodates the plug traverses a bore (3) in the transmission which is placed in the oil pan. The socket has a radial flange (5) to which attaches a cylindrical segment (6) of small diameter followed by the cylindrical end of a diameter still further reduced. The cylindrical end and the cylindrical segment are surrounded by a centering sleeve which by a locking system on the outer side of the oil pan can be firmly connected with the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schmid