Patents Examined by P. Austin Bradley
  • Patent number: 6988914
    Abstract: An electrical coupler includes a first housing having at least one receptacle jack. A second housing is coupled to the first housing, and the second housing includes at least a pair of receptacle jacks corresponding to the at least one receptacle jack. A splitter assembly extends between the first and second housing, and the splitter assembly includes a plurality of contacts located in each of the receptacle jacks. The splitter assembly includes a printed circuit board adapted to split input signals to said at least one receptacle jack to each of the pair of receptacle jacks. One of the first and second housings is adapted for mounting the coupler to a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Paul John Pepe, Linda Ellen Bert, Ralph Sykes Martin
  • Patent number: 6988916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for electrically connecting a card and a lead wire. The connector includes a housing to and from which the card can be inserted and pulled out along a surface of the housing and a contact built in the housing, the contact having a pair of exposed ends, one of the exposed ends capable of connecting to the lead wire, the other of the exposed ends capable of connecting to the card when the card is inserted. The housing has a first communication hole communicating with the contact, and the first communication hole has a diameter which allows a probe for a connector conduction test to be inserted into the first communication hole. According to the present invention, the first communication hole defined by the support pin for supporting the contacts are utilized as the insertion holes of the probe for the connector conduction test, so that production efficiency of the connector can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg., Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6986677
    Abstract: A contact for an electrical connector comprises a substantially cylindrical contact body. The contact body has a first conductor engaging portion at a first conductor receiving end and a second conductor engaging portion at a second conductor receiving end. First and second seal members are mounted on the contact body. The first seal member has a first plurality of axially spaced annular projections extending away from the contact body. The second seal member has a second plurality of axially spaced annular projections extending away from the contact body. The first plurality of axially spaced annular projections has outer ends that bend more towards the first conductor receiving end than outer ends of the second plurality of axially spaced annular projections when the contact is inserted into a contact receiving passageway of the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Nederland B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Martinus Paulus Janssen
  • Patent number: 6986668
    Abstract: An electronic subassembly comprises a printed circuit board and an electronic module, particularly a ceramic module, electrically connected to one another through a planar interposer. The interposer comprises an insulator sheet and electrical spring elements joining contact sites on the module with contact pads on the PCB. The invention includes modifications that improve the integrity of electrical connections between the printed circuit board and the electronic module. This is achieved by compensating for non-planarity between the surfaces of the interposer and the module, particularly resulting from a convex curvature of the module, by minimizing relative movement, such as rocking in the x-z and y-z planes. It also includes modifications to the suspension of the module within the interposer housing to reduce the effects caused by any sliding that may occur between the interposer and the module in the x-y plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: William Louis Brodsky
  • Patent number: 6982930
    Abstract: A wristwatch with the function of sensing heart pulses having a watch housing on whose surface a liquid crystal display (LCD) is disposed. A voltage sensor is positioned within the watch housing for detecting the voltage frequency change during the blood circulation. The voltage sensor includes two electric terminals one of which is mounted on a bottom cover of the watch housing to permit a close contact with one hand wrist, and the other consists of two pieces of conductive rubber strips on the front surface of the insulated wristband for fingers of another hand to touch thereon. Both electric terminals are coupled by both hands while the detected voltage change frequency undergoes a static electric filtration by inductors and is transmitted to a filter shaping circuit for creating signals that are brought into a central processing unit to perform the processing and the calculating actions thereof. So, the processed result of the heart pulse rate is presented on the LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Chin-Yeh Hung
  • Patent number: 6981887
    Abstract: Peripheral devices are connected to the receptacle of a central processing unit (CPU) or to a hub using an “A” type universal serial bus (USB) connector plug and receptacle that ensures a positive connection regardless of the relative orientation of the two components. This is achieved mechanically, electronically, or through a combination of both. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a bidirectional backplane that permits electrical contacts within the receptacle to slide or move in a direction that is perpendicular to the linear direction of the connector and its connecting cables. Another option is to use an orientation sensor such as a pressure transducer which serves to detect the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle. Another feature is the use of a multi-layer printed circuit board to cross or reverse the pins in the plug, such as D+ to D? and Power to Ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: John C. Mese, Nathan J. Peterson, Rod D. Waltermann, Arnold S. Weksler
  • Patent number: 6981893
    Abstract: A patch panel mountable to a network rack includes a patch panel frame and rack mounting plates. The frame forms a central section having a longitudinal width sized to fit within the network rack. The rack mounting plates are provided on opposite longitudinal ends of the central section and allow the panel to be mounted to a network rack. The central section includes two panel sections angled outwardly in an inverted V-shape, and the central section has mounted thereon a plurality of cable connectors that receive cabling on the front side and the rear side of the patch panel frame. Each connector has a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jed M. Barker, Mark J. Donnell, Kevin E. Honan
  • Patent number: 6979202
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high-speed electrical interconnection system designed to overcome the drawbacks of conventional interconnection systems. That is, the present invention provides an electrical connector capable of handling high-speed signals effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Benham, Kenny Padro, Robert D. Godburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6979210
    Abstract: A thumb drive has an on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. In various embodiments a light is also provided for use with finding female USB ports for connection, and as a utility light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ennova Direct, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Regen, Peter Garrett, Everett Hale
  • Patent number: 6979227
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a card adapter which is capable of preventing contact failure between a cover member and a ground terminal caused by the floating of the cover member when a card is inserted into a card inserting portion. A contacting surface 40 facing a back-end surface 1b of the card inserting portion 1a is provided on the ground terminal 12. A ground contacting portion 41 comprising a contacting portion 41a brought into contact with the contacting surface 40, a plate spring portion 41b extending in a widthwise direction of the card inserting portion 1a and bent in a lengthwise direction of the card inserting portion 1a, and a cantilever supporting portion 41c for supporting the plate spring portion 41b in a cantilever manner is formed in a bent portion 4a provided in a front-end portion of the cover member 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6976861
    Abstract: A handheld electronics device having a display (150) on a first housing portion and a keypad (162) on a second housing portion, a hinge member 130 includes a first portion member pivotally coupled to the first housing portion and a second portion pivotally coupled to the second housing portion. The display and/or keypad may be configured in either a landscape or portrait configuration upon opening the hinge member depending upon where the hinge member is pivoted relative to the housing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Giles D. McWilliam, Mark W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6976858
    Abstract: An electric connector provided with a protector to protect damage of top of contacts by an outer force or misinsertion of mating connector or card and with construction easy for assembling. The connector body is provided with an insertion opening in a direction normal to the mating connector or card insertion direction and the protector is inserted through the insertion opening at the time of assembling and the protector is kept its normal position by the bias spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: DDK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kikuchi, Hiromichi Kato, Masato Hida, Hirokazu Takahashi, Kazunori Takei
  • Patent number: 6974350
    Abstract: A card reception device includes an insulating housing, a plurality of contact sets, a connection module and a transiting mechanism. The insulating housing includes a printed circuit board disposed in a bottom thereof and a soldering portion arranged on the printed circuit board. The contact sets electronically connect to the printed circuit board. The connection module includes a base orientated to the insulating housing and a plurality of touching contacts and leading contacts arranged to opposite sides of the base. The transiting mechanism used to electrically connect the soldering portion of the printed circuit board includes a transiting contact set, a compression member orientated to the insulating housing in order to suppress against the transiting contact set, and a transiting member orientated to the insulating housing and electrically connecting the connection module and a plurality of first approaching contacts that are arranged on the transiting contact set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Jess-Link Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 6971910
    Abstract: An engaging device for use in a user interface device is provided. The engaging device for use in a user interface device, wherein the user interface includes a main body having a body panel disposed therein, and a case having a panel with a recess therein, the engaging device includes a plurality of engaging elements disposed on the main body for engaging the main body in the recess of the case panel through an engagement between the case panel and the engaging elements, wherein one end of the engaging elements is connected to the main body, the other end thereof is a free end, and the middle portion thereof is bent and protruded for being away from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Jui Chang, Thomas Chiang
  • Patent number: 6971889
    Abstract: An electrical connector contact strip including spaced electrical contacts, a body and fusible elements. The spaced electrical contacts each have a main section and a tab section extending from an end of the main section. The body includes dielectric material molded onto the contacts and connecting the contacts to each other. The fusible elements are mounted on the tab sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Donald K. Harper, Jr., Lewis R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6969266
    Abstract: An adapter. The adapter comprises inner and outer guiding ribs for smoothly guiding the adapter into and out of a socket soldered on a circuit board without bending or breaking translation pins. This substantially enhances lifetime of the adapter and prevents damage to the internal structure of the socket holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Chuan Chu, An-Te Tseng
  • Patent number: 6969263
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for connecting at least one electrical contact pad on a first structure with at least one electrical contact pad on an opposing second structure. The connector assembly has a body and electrical connectors extending from the body, and is mountable relative to the first and second structures such that the electrical connectors engage electrical contact pads on the first and second structures. The electrical connectors are of a springy metal and are configured to be suitably biased against the contact pads when the connector assembly is assembled with the first and second structures, so as to provide a contact biasing force preferably in the range of 0.7N±0.2N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, John A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6969271
    Abstract: A printed circuit board interconnect assembly for use in an automobile comprising a male portion and a female portion. The female portion of the interconnect assembly contains crimped spring clip terminals inside a plastic housing. The male portion of the interconnect assembly contains male pins held together by a plastic housing. The male pins are angled at their mating ends to engage and be retained by the female spring clip terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Omri Hernandez, Jorge Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6966783
    Abstract: A contact pin comprises a plunger contacting an electric part, a bottom contact portion electrically connected to a printed circuit board, and a spring urging the plunger and the bottom contact portion so as to separate from each other, in which at least one of the plunger and the bottom contact portion is formed by press-working a plate member. The bottom contact portion is provided with a connection portion to which the plunger is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Hachuda, Naoaki Takayama, Ryoji Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6966790
    Abstract: An electrical plug has locking hooks on the ends of flexible arms extending from its housing. An electrical socket has locking receivers on its housing. When the plug is connected with the socket, the locking hooks engage the locking receivers to form a locked connection. A spring-loaded unlocking bail is pivotally arranged on the housing of the socket. Finger pressure applied to the bail against the spring bias pivots the bail so that its bail legs pivot over and press against protrusions of the flexible arms, to inwardly deflect the arms and disengage the locking hooks from the locking receivers, thereby unlocking the arrangement so that the plug can be separated from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Roese