Patents Assigned to Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
  • Patent number: 7458862
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical power system comprising a plurality of battery modules in series connection between adjacent battery modules, wherein each of the battery modules comprises a positive male terminal, a negative male terminal, and a socket corresponding to each of the positive male terminals and the negative male terminals. The connectors connecting the adjacent battery modules include a sequence tab that provides an irreversible engagement sequence of the connectors into the sockets of the adjacent battery modules. The irreversible engagement sequence positions an insulating portion of the connectors housing on each positive male terminal of the battery modules that are in series connection in order to isolate the positive male terminals from human contact. The present invention also provides a female terminal including a canted coil spring positioned within a stamped groove that may be housed within the above-described connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Weiping Zhao, Stefano Spadoni, Ankoor Bagchi
  • Patent number: 7367847
    Abstract: The present invention provides a battery module system including a plurality of battery modules in a series electrical connection through a specified sequence, each battery module having a male connector and a female connector, the female connector of each battery module in electrical engagement into the male connector of an adjacent battery module, wherein the male connector and female connector are positioned along the sidewall of each battery module and have insulating structures that protect handlers of the battery modules from high voltage electrocution. The present invention also provides a battery module system in which the male and female connectors are attached to a top surface of each battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Felix Gutman, Weiping Zhao, Robert J. Young
  • Patent number: 7294020
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical terminal for electrical connections formed from a metal stamping and including a coil spring interface. Broadly, the inventive electrical terminal includes a female terminal body having at least one opening for receiving an inserting portion of a male terminal body, the female terminal body including a stamped groove positioned about a perimeter of the opening; and a coil spring for providing an electrical interface between the inserting portion of the male terminal body and the female terminal body being positioned in the stamped groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Weiping Zhao, Stefano Spadoni, Ankoor Bagchi
  • Patent number: 6612753
    Abstract: A fiber optic device for changing direction along a fiber optic path is provided. A first optical fiber having a first end portion, and a second optical fiber having a second end portion are joined at a fusion splice. A miniature bend is formed in the region of the fusion splice. The device is particularly useful for routing optical fibers in the field. A method of forming such a miniature bend in a fusion splice region between two optical fibers is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Colm V. Cryan, Frederick J. Gillham, Gregory B. Papazian, David W. Stowe
  • Patent number: 6480654
    Abstract: A new, unique, small diameter, more robust fiber optic breakout cable comprising a central member about which several sub-unit ribbon cables are helically stranded using a planetary stranding method. Each sub-unit ribbon cable contains a plurality of optical fibers in side-by-side relation, surrounded by strength members and encased by a protective jacket. A protective outer cable jacket encases all of the jacket protected sub-unit ribbon cables stranded about the central member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Keith D. Church
  • Patent number: 6434307
    Abstract: A breakout cable includes a plurality of optical fiber ribbon cables formed into an array. Each optical fiber ribbon cable includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged into at least one row. A first jacket and preferably a second jacket surround the plurality of optical fibers of each optical fiber ribbon cable. An outer sheath surrounds the array of optical fiber ribbon cables. The array of optical fiber ribbon cables and the outer sheath are configured so that a distance between opposite exterior surfaces of the outer sheath is less than a distance between opposite exterior sides of the outer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Keith D. Church
  • Patent number: 6402569
    Abstract: A bus bar assembly includes a first and a second bus bar plate which are maintained in a plane parallel, spaced apart relationship. Each plate includes a number of tabs projecting from its top and bottom edges. A pattern of metalization is formed on each plate, and this metalization extends to at least some of the tabs on each plate. Metalized tabs provide blade contacts which can accommodate fuses, relays or similar electrical devices. In addition, the pattern of metalization on one of the plates can be connected to an electrical circuit, and the pattern of metalization on the other plate can be connected to a source of power. In this manner, a series electrical connection between the source of power, the electrical device, and the electrical circuit can be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Stefano Spadoni, Thomas Alexander
  • Patent number: 5942819
    Abstract: A combination motor brush support and electromagnetic suppression circuit comprises an assembly having a base which is affixable to a portion of a motor housing and which supports all components requiring precise mechanical alignment, including motor brushes, brush guides and brush springs. The base can also support the choke coils, and at least some of the capacitors of the noise suppression circuitry. The base includes a terminal support board affixed to, and projecting therefrom. The terminal support board has at least one of the capacitors of the noise suppression circuitry retained thereupon, and provides a set of motor contact terminals which are in electrical communication with the motor brushes supported on the base. The support member of the present invention functions as its own assembly tool for supporting and retaining the coils, capacitors, springs and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: James P. Burgess, Douglas C. Stolicker, David J. Pearson, Christopher J. Volpe
  • Patent number: 5938471
    Abstract: A terminal free electrical connector. The connector includes a housing having a plurality of apertures formed therein for the introduction of electrical leads. A wire frame fits into the housing and has a plurality of arrayed throughbores, into which the leads are inserted. The wire frame includes a slot which leaves a portion of each lead exposed. Electrical contact may thus be maintained between the exposed portions of the leads in the wire frame and either a mating electrical connector, or a flat contact surface. A method connecting electrical leads without the use of terminals is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: James P. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5865638
    Abstract: An electrical conductor establishes electrical contact between planar faces of a first terminal and a second terminal. The connector includes a resilient contact plate disposed between the faces, and locking assembly for retaining the terminals in engagement. A sealing gasket may be included, and the connector may be configured to join a number of separate wire pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 5772467
    Abstract: A terminal free electrical connector. The connector includes a housing having a plurality of apertures formed therein for the introduction of electrical leads. A wire frame fits into the housing and has a plurality of arrayed throughbores, into which the leads are inserted. The wire frame includes a slot which leaves a portion of each lead exposed. Electrical contact may thus be maintained between the exposed portions of the leads in the wire frame and either a mating electrical connector, or a flat contact surface. A method connecting electrical leads without the use of terminals is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: James P. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5751208
    Abstract: A system for establishing and terminating the flow of electrical current through a circuit which includes a fuse puller which engages and retains a standard plug-in fuse element. The system also includes a housing which supports the fuse puller and associated fuse in a first, raised position which separates the fuse from its corresponding contact terminals, and a second, lowered position in which the fuse contacts the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Ivan V. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5667413
    Abstract: A female electrical connector includes a housing defining a generally cylindrical bore therewithin. The connector includes a contact cage disposed, and retained, within the housing. The contact cage includes a number of contact blades disposed so as to provide a radial resilience. In some embodiments, an environmental seal is retained within the housing. The connector provides a high current capacity, low insertion force connector which may be readily fit over post-type electrical terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 5649841
    Abstract: An access box for providing controlled electrical communication with a wiring harness has a first compartment accessible to a consumer, and a second compartment generally inaccessible to the comsumer. A series of power feed studs pass between the two compartments. Electrical contact between the wiring harness and the studs is made in the second compartment, and a consumer can electrically tap into the wiring harness via the exposed studs in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Martinez, Charles P. Depp, Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 5620291
    Abstract: A device used to fasten and retain two or more conducting elements with sufficient normal force to insure a reliable electrical contact. The device consists of three individual parts: a bolt, a nut, and a spring washer. The bolt of this invention differs from conventional bolts in that it has no threads and has a keying feature. The nut is distinguishable from a standard nut in that it also has no typical thread, but has a keying feature and internal ramps. The spring washer provides a linear increase in force proportional to deflection. Like the bolt and nut, the spring washer also has a keying feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Earl J. Hayes, Stefano Spadoni, Jason E. Porter
  • Patent number: 5293581
    Abstract: A compact adaptor for holding two individual fiber optic connectors in flexible side-by-side positions for future alignment within a common connector housing. The adaptor comprises two clamp members for engaging the connectors on opposite sides thereof. The clamp members each comprise two shallow U-shaped sections, with each section having a base portion and leg portions integral therewith. A bridge member extends outwardly from the bases and is outwardly bowed such that it can be manipulated by the user of the connectors and adaptor. Such manipulation of the bridge member permits relative movement of the U-shaped sections and thus relative movement of the side-by-side fiber optic connectors in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian A. DiMarco
  • Patent number: 5268983
    Abstract: A round, compact, optical fiber cable comprises an outer protective jacket of insulating material having a plurality of individual bundles of optical fibers within the outer jacket. Each bundle includes an anti-buckling rod of electrically non-conductive material and encapsulated by a low modulus material. A plurality of optical fibers encapsulated also in a low modulus material is wound on and about the low modulus material encapsulating the rod in a manner that retards contraction and microbending of the optical fibers. Each of the bundles includes one or more protective jackets of electrically, non-conductive material enclosing the plurality of fibers, anti-buckling rod and encapsulating material. Also, means are provided for identifying individual bundles and fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Tatarka, Elbert O. Shiflett, George B. Anderson