Patents Assigned to AT&T Corporation
  • Connector with terminal carrier lock and individual TPA retention features
    Patent number: 9819111
    Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a terminal carrier lock having a housing defining a cavity or a plurality of cavities. For each cavity, there is a forward stop structure on one side of the cavity and a primary terminal lock on the opposite side of the cavity. The forward stop structure has a terminal forward stop and a pre-lock retention ledge. The corresponding female shroud has a shroud housing defining a cavity or a plurality of cavities, and for each cavity there is a shroud retention feature for engaging the pre-lock retention ledge, and a positive lock retention surface and a terminal position assurance shelf on the inside of the housing facing the cavity. The connector system of the invention provides a terminal position assurance retention feature in each cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Franklin A. Holub, Ryan Dombrowski
  • Volumetric light pipe and related methods
    Patent number: 9752743
    Abstract: A light pipe for distributing light from a light source within a space, comprises a first portion adapted for receiving light from the light source and directing the light along an internal path in a first direction; a second portion adapted for receiving and distributing light received by the first portion from the light source in the first direction into the space; and a third portion intermediate the first and second portions, wherein the third portion is adapted for distributing light to the space in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. The first portion may comprise a band, a lens, or both. Related aspects and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tom Greinke
  • CONNECTOR WITH TERMINAL CARRIER LOCK AND INDIVIDUAL TPA RETENTION FEATURES
    Publication number: 20170237193
    Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a terminal carrier lock having a housing defining a cavity or a plurality of cavities. For each cavity, there is a forward stop structure on one side of the cavity and a primary terminal lock on the opposite side of the cavity. The forward stop structure has a terminal forward stop and a pre-lock retention ledge. The corresponding female shroud has a shroud housing defining a cavity or a plurality of cavities, and for each cavity there is a shroud retention feature for engaging the pre-lock retention ledge, and a positive lock retention surface and a terminal position assurance shelf on the inside of the housing facing the cavity. The connector system of the invention provides a terminal position assurance retention feature in each cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Franklin A. HOLUB, Ryan DOMBROWSKI
  • CATCH STRUCTURE OF LATCH FOR CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20170207573
    Abstract: A catch structure useful for electrical connectors has a main latch arm having two arms and a crossbar in an H shape, connected to a housing, with a primary depression surface on the ends of the arms and a beam protruding from the crossbar having a female catch. The female catch can engage with a corresponding male catch on a mating housing. Depressing the primary depression surface can disengage the catch. The catch structure can be used on hermaphroditic or non-hermaphroditic connectors and is of use in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan DOMBROWSKI, Franklin A. HOLUB
  • HERMAPHRODITIC CONNECTOR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170207590
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector has a housing having a mating portion, including an inner wall and an outer wall in the mating portion of the connector, and including a bottoming surface having at least one cavity for receiving a terminal. The inner wall is integrally made from an inner wall connecting portion and two side portions, and the outer wall is integrally made from an outer wall connecting portion and two side portions. The inner wall is of a shape such that when two of the hermaphroditic connectors are mated, the inner wall of each hermaphroditic connector will fit inside the outer wall of the mating connector. The hermaphroditic connector can be used with hermaphroditic electrical terminals and is useful in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan DOMBROWSKI, Franklin A. HOLUB
  • METHOD OF OPERATING MSL CONNECTOR SERIES
    Publication number: 20170207594
    Abstract: Method of operating a connector apparatus having a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly. The female connector assembly includes a female housing, a connector position assurance (CPA) member for assuring the engagement of the male connector assembly with the female connector assembly, and a first terminal position assurance (TPA) member for assuring that terminals for the female connector assembly are positioned properly. The female housing further includes a connector latch used to securely hold together a connector apparatus. The female housing has TPA protection ribs and CPA protection walls. The male housing has TPA protection ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Khalid JABRANE, Franklin A. HOLUB, Rajit ABRAHAM
  • MSL CONNECTOR SERIES
    Publication number: 20170207575
    Abstract: Connector apparatus having a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly. The female connector assembly includes a female housing, a connector position assurance (CPA) member for assuring the engagement of the male connector assembly with the female connector assembly, and a first terminal position assurance (TPA) member for assuring that terminals for the female connector assembly are positioned properly. The female housing further includes a connector latch used to securely hold together a connector apparatus. The female housing has TPA protection ribs and CPA protection walls. The male housing has TPA protection ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Khalid JABRANE, Franklin A. HOLUB, Rajit ABRAHAM
  • HERMAPHRODITIC TERMINAL
    Publication number: 20170207563
    Abstract: An electrical terminal having walls defining a receptacle section with a hollow interior and a blade elastically connected to the bottom wall of the receptacle section, the blade being oriented parallel to the long dimension of the receptacle section and extending out of the open end of the receptacle section. The blade is elastically biased and elastically compressible such that two of the electrical terminals can be connected hermaphroditically facing each other rotated 180° around the connection axis, with the blade of each terminal inserted into the receptacle section of the other terminal. The electrical terminal can be used in automobiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan DOMBROWSKI, Franklin A. HOLUB
  • ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR APPARATUS HAVING A MALE HOUSING AND A FEMALE HOUSING WITH RIBS
    Publication number: 20170207577
    Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus with a protected terminal position assurance device (TPA) provided in the male housing and the female housing, the male housing having a TPA for connecting thereto at least a set of terminals, and the female housing having a TPA for connecting thereto at least a set of terminals. Specifically, the male housing and the female housing of the electrical connector apparatus are designed with ribs and other protective features to prevent the TPA from moving from a pre-set position to a final lock position during shipping and/or handling. The ribs and other protective features of the male housing and the female housing ensure a physical barrier from any contact with the TPA which may alter the position of the TPA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin A. HOLUB, Rajit ABRAHAM, Khalid JABRANE
  • TERMINAL POSITION ASSURANCE MEMBER AND METHOD OF OPERATING A TERMINAL POSITION ASSURANCE MEMBER
    Publication number: 20170207578
    Abstract: Terminal position assurance (TPA) member used in a connector, to make sure that a terminal is positioned properly. The TPA member has at least one locating/guide feature to provide proper guidance and to avoid an imbalance during engagement with a connector housing, and has at least one flexible feature to help retain the TPA member in a preset position and/or a final lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rajit ABRAHAM, Franklin A. HOLUB
  • Modular support assembly for a solar power system
    Patent number: 9712107
    Abstract: A modular support assembly for a solar power system includes a plurality of base units each of which includes a base frame having first and second tube members, and a plurality of connection units each of which interconnects two adjacent ones of the base units. Each connection unit includes two sleeve members and a plurality of fasteners. Each sleeve member has a tubular portion sleeved on one end of the second tube member of one of the two adjacent ones of the base units, and a blind flange connected to the tubular portion and closing the one end of the second tube member. The blind flanges abut against each other and are fastened by the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SUN RISE E & T CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chi-Hsu Tung
  • METHOD OF OPERATING A CONNECTOR LATCH
    Publication number: 20170179643
    Abstract: Connector latch used to securely hold together a connector apparatus, such that the connector apparatus has at least a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly which can be mated together. Initially, after the connector latch is manufactured, the connector latch is in an undeflected position. After manufacture, the connector latch is subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, in order to move the connector latch into a preloaded position. After the pre-mating deflection process has been completed, the connector latch is locked in the preloaded position. The preloaded connector latch provides a number of desirable characteristics, including at least an extra loud “click” sound when the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly are mated together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventor: Franklin A. HOLUB
  • CONNECTOR LATCH
    Publication number: 20170179646
    Abstract: Connector latch used to securely hold together a connector apparatus, such that the connector apparatus has at least a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly which can be mated together. Initially, after the connector latch is manufactured, the connector latch is in an undeflected position. After manufacture, the connector latch is subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, in order to deflect the connector latch into a preloaded position. After the pre-mating deflection process has been completed, the connector latch is locked in the preloaded position. The preloaded connector latch provides a number of desirable characteristics, including at least an extra loud “click” sound when the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly are mated together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventor: Franklin A. HOLUB
  • CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE DEVICE, A CONNECTOR APPARATUS HAVING MALE AND FEMALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES WITH TERMINAL POSITION ASSURANCE DEVICES AND THE CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE DEVICE, A MALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, A FEMALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE CONNECTOR APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20170170601
    Abstract: A connector position assurance (CPA) device for assuring the engagement of a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly in a connector apparatus, and the connector apparatus having the female connector assembly and the male connector assembly engaged together, when in full-lock position, by the CPA. The female and male connector assemblies having a female terminal position assurance (TPA) device and a male terminal position assurance (TPA) device. During transport, the female TPA is engaged, in a pre-set position or a pre-lock position, to the female connector assembly, while the male TPA is engaged, in a pre-set position or a pre-lock position, to the male connector assembly. Also during transport, a connector position assurance (CPA) device is, at a pre-set position or a pre-lock position, with the female connector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ping CHEN, Jong KIM
  • Terminal position assurance locking mechanism and method for operating thereof
    Patent number: 9673553
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a terminal position assurance (TPA) device is placed in-line with the TPA itself. The locking mechanism includes a pre-locking head and a final locking head. The final locking head is shorter than and face in an opposite direction from the pre-locking head. The orientation and geometry of the locking mechanism ensures a secure engagement of the TPA with the electrical connector assembly. Further, according to at least one embodiment, at least two pre-lock mechanisms and only a single final-lock mechanism may be provided for the locking mechanism to ensure a secure engagement of the TPA with the connector assembly without a false-positive engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gwendolyn Upson
  • Ceiling fan with moisture protection features
    Patent number: 9664194
    Abstract: A fan may be designed for the strategic diversion of moisture through or around a housing enclosing a controller and/or a motor. The enclosure may include one or more paths for directing moisture away from the controller or the motor. For instance, the housing may include a gap between a support structure and the housing for preventing moisture from entering the housing. The housing may also include a hollow structure for directing fluid through the housing. Additionally, the housing may include one or more channels, raised walls, gutters, and shields for preventing fluid, such as liquid water, from entering an enclosure for the controller or motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard A. Oleson
  • Multi-directional wiring routing device and method of operating the same
    Patent number: 9620892
    Abstract: A multi-directional wiring routing device and method for operating thereof removably or permanently connects to a female housing of an electrical connector system. The multi-directional wiring routing device secures thereon and directs the wiring, at any desired routing direction, the wiring extending from the female housing. The wiring routing device includes an end portion having a substantially diamond-shape configuration portion, which is fitted into a corresponding substantially diamond-shape opening of the female housing of the electrical connector system. While maintaining the optimal performance of the electrical connector system, a bundle of wiring thereof can be neatly secured and efficiently routed towards any desired direction with the use of the multi-directional wiring routing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: J.S.T. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vern Shen Ng, Tommy Chin Yaw Tan, Stella Shu Juan Peh, Stephanie Chu Ping Neo, Franklin Holub
  • Light fixture
    Patent number: D783883
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edmundo Cortez
  • Fan with light
    Patent number: D797917
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Oleson, Jason Williams
  • Condenser
    Patent number: D802108
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terry Birchler, Erik Turocy