Patents Examined by Percy W. Echols
  • Patent number: 4718166
    Abstract: A high reliability low cost connector has flat retainers blanked from an electrically conductive sheel metal and inserted into opening in an electrically insulating body. Each retainer has a post at one end extending from an opening at one side of the body and has a pair of integral wings spaced from each other in a plane at its opposite end disposed in the opening at the opposite side of the body. Spring clips are blanked and formed from an electrically conductive sheet metal spring material and are inserted into the body openings so loop portions of the clips fit between the pairs of retainer wings in each opening and are biased into resilient electrical engagement with the retainer wings. Each clip preferably has two pairs of juxtaposed spring leaves integral with the loop spaced at 90.degree. relative to each other around a common axis to grip a terminal inserted between the spring leaves. The loops are also formed with interruptions in each loop in a common location between two adjacent spring leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Pietro DeFilippis, Amedeo Salvatore, Marios Biscione
  • Patent number: 4708149
    Abstract: A transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation electrode is provided which may be contoured to the skin areas of a patient and stretched therewith while impulse signals are electrically conducted into the body. This stretching ability is provided by a knit conductive fabric which is stretchable up to at least about 20% greater than the original conductive fabric dimension in a direction of stretch without loss of conductivity. A conductivity adhesive fills interstitial areas of the knit fabric and provides for adhering the electrode to the patient's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Jens Axelgaard
    Inventors: Jens Axelgaard, Theodore Grussing
  • Patent number: 4698907
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of circuitry in the form generally known as circuit boards comprises the manufacture of a master pattern from a conductive layer and a superposed non-conductive layer which can receive an electrical charge. The master pattern is contacted by a developer containing a conductive material in the form of powder or ink which transfers the conductive material to the pattern layers on the master pattern by electrostatic force. A non-conductive substrate is then brought to a position closely adjacent to the master pattern and electrostatic forces used to transfer the particles from the master pattern onto the substrate in the required pattern. The particles are then fixed by heating. Multiple layer circuits can be built up using nonconductive layers. A coating can be applied to the conductive particles to enable them to accept an electrostatic charge, the coating being dissipated during the heat fixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Somich Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Soszek
  • Patent number: 4697336
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for applying electrical connector sections to a flat multiconductor cable. The apparatus includes a multiconductor cable, and a connector station which includes two connector applying sections. Each section includes a connector supplying magazine or feed for delivering a connector section from the supply magazine to tooling which receives the connector section. Air cylinders advance the tooling to the cable for securement of the connectors thereto and retract the tooling from the connector receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Charles E. Shields
  • Patent number: 4696104
    Abstract: A system for placing, soldering and inspecting component parts, such as soldered joints and electronic components, on a printed circuit board utilizes a transfer device for selecting and transferring specific electronic component parts to predetermined positions on a printed circuit board and holding each component part in the desired position by use of the transfer device during a reflow soldering operation to mechanically and electrically connect the component part to the printed circuit board. The reflow solderiung utilizes a laser beam for injecting thermal energy into each soldered joint to melt the soldered material. An infrared detector senses thermal radiation and/or reflected radiation from the heated solder material to discontinue the application of the laser beam to the solder material upon liquifaction of the solder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Vanzetti Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Riccardo Vanzetti, Ashod S. Dostoomian
  • Patent number: 4694568
    Abstract: The rate of production of chip resistors is greatly increased by forming rows of chip resistors on a substrate, laser trimming the rows of resistors while still on the substrate, breaking up the substrate into separate rows of chip resistors, applying edge-around terminations to each of the separated rows of the chip resistors and separating the chip resistors from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Amedeo J. Morelli, Francis L. Gaylord
  • Patent number: 4693138
    Abstract: A cam shaft made from lobes having irregularly shaped apertures spaced along the longitudinal axis of a hollow tubular shaft. The method of making the cam shaft includes the steps of: inserting a hollow tubular shaft through the apertures of a plurality of the lobes axially and radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method is characterized by flaring at least a first end of the shaft and backing the exterior of the first flared end to prevent axial radial movement thereof. In addition, a plug means is inserted into fluid sealing engagement with the interior of the first flared end to sandwich the flared end against the backing of the exterior thereof. The hollow shaft is filled with liquid and the opposite ends of the shaft are clamped between the plug means at the first flared end and a fluid sealing means at the opposite end of the hollow shaft. Hydraulic force is then applied to the interior of the shaft to expand the hollow shaft into engagment with the apertures of the lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventors: Robert W. Hughes, Robert H. Brisson, Glenn R. Brisson
  • Patent number: 4691437
    Abstract: The improvements relate to devices for applying terminals and the like to the ends of filiform bodies such as conductors, lengths of elastic material and other articles. For feeding the metal strip, formed from an interconnected succession of terminals or the like, and for rhythmically moving it into the position in which a terminal is applied to the filiform body and detached from the rest of the strip, the invention provides a pawl, which for this purpose engages the terminal, and is hinged to one end of a lever and subjected to the moment produced by a spring. The lever can rotate about an adjustable point between its ends. At its other end, the lever is hinged to a straight pin adjustably mounted in a guide member. This member is slidably mounted in the frame of the device and carries a roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Siac Industria Accessori Cavaria S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Vaglini
  • Patent number: 4689879
    Abstract: A membrane keyboard construction and method of making the same are provided, the membrane keyboard construction comprising two circuit layers, a spacer disposed and secured between the circuit layers and having an opening passing therethrough to permit the circuit layers to be pressed together in the opening and thereby provide a switching function, a face plate, and an adhesive layer disposed between the face plate and one of the circuit layers and securing the face plate to the one circuit layer, the adhesive layer having a passage therein and leading from an area thereof that is aligned in superimposed relation with the opening to the exterior of the construction to vent that area thereof. The area is isolated from the opening by the one circuit layer and is vented by the passage to tend to enhance tactile feel and avoid false switch closure of the opening by tending to prevent entrapment of air bubbles in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Daniel L. Fowler
  • Patent number: 4689878
    Abstract: Crankcase heater including heat-generating electrical resistance elements and the method of manufacturing such heaters. The resistance elements include at least one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater element, platelet in form, adhesively bonded between a pair of metallic conductor-electrodes using an electrically conductive adhesive of high thermal conductivity. The electrodes formed for integral connection to electrically conductive lead wires serve as heat sinks dimensioned in length to provide a heater of predetermined wattage. The assembly of resistance elements, electrodes and lead wire connections are molded within the sheath of electrical insulation which is a silicone elastomer, having ceramic particles dispersed therein for enhanced thermal conductivity. The insulated heater is dimensioned in cross section so that when disposed within the well of a crankcase (compressor) its outer surface will leave a clearance which is less than thermal expansion of the silicone elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Springfield Wire, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Beauregard, Peter J. Fessenden
  • Patent number: 4685201
    Abstract: A method of assembling a stationary assembly for a dynamoelectric machine. A set of winding lead ends are extended from a preselected part of the winding means for the stationary assembly, and the winding lead ends are cut to a preselected length. A set of tubes of a dielectric material are placed about the winding lead ends, and the winding lead ends are terminated with a plug member. The winding lead ends are wrapped generally spirally about means of the assembly including the plug member and a retaining member therefor for establishing a lost motion engagement between the plug and retaining members, and the retaining member is mounted with the stationary assembly at least generally adjacent the preselected part of the winding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John H. Boyd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4685203
    Abstract: A hybrid integrated circuit substrate comprising an insulating substrate. On predetermined positions of the upper surface of the substrate, there are formed cermet resistors and activation layers to be in contact with ends of the resistors. On predetermined positions of the upper surface of the activation layers, there are formed conductor layers electrically connected with the ends of the resistors through the activation layers. The activation layers are formed from an activation paste containing a catalytic metal for enabling deposition in electroless plating in glass ingredients for attaining adhesion with the insulating substrate upon firing. Electrical connection between the conductor layers and the cermet resistors occurs through the activation layers by ohmic contact effected between the cermet resistors and the conductor layers through diffusion layers formed upon firing the activation paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuyuki Takada, Yoshiyuki Morihiro, Hayato Takasago
  • Patent number: 4683630
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated wheel for a vehicle, on which a tire is mounted, by a combination of die forging work, press spreading work and rotative ironing work, the method including the steps of integrally molding by die forging work a disc of the wheel and a thick tubular portion whose outer peripheral surface is made approximately parallel to the axial direction of the wheel through the root portion enlarged in the outer peripheral edge of the disc in the diametrically outward direction; performing the work for spreading both axial end edges of the thick tube portion in the diametrically outward direction by means of a press and work for pressing a rotative ironing tool against the axial intermediate portion of the thick tubular portion carried out after or prior to said spreading step; allowing the material to escape in a direction opposite the travelling direction of the rotative ironing tool in the subsequent step during pressing; and thereafter pressing the rotative ironing tool against t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Akira Asari, Takashige Yamamura, Shigeo Hattori, Tsuneya Ueno
  • Patent number: 4683629
    Abstract: An improved construction and method of assembly for forming a simulated wire wheel trim is disclosed herein which employs axially inner and outer spoke retainer plate members which are secured together subsequent to assembly of spoke members thereto and operate to securely clamp the spoke members therebetween. The axially outer spoke retainer plate member is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings which are designed to loosely receive the radially inner ends of the spoke members before the radially outer ends thereof have been inserted in the openings provided in the outer ring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: NI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinrich J. Hempelmann
  • Patent number: 4682412
    Abstract: A wire insertion tool is disclosed including a manually engageable handle having an impact receiver slideably received on said handle. An impactor is carried on the handle and includes an impactor movable between a rest position and a displaced position and also movable between a load position and a fire position. The impactor presents a first surface opposing the impact receiver when in the load position and a second surface opposing the impact receiver when in the fire position. The second surface is spaced away from the first surface. A compression spring is provided for yieldably urging the impactor toward the impact receiver and toward the load position. A pivot mechanism pivots the impactor against the urging of the compression spring to the fire position as the impactor is moved to the displaced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: George B. Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 4682393
    Abstract: A roller for supporting the rotating drum of a clothes drier or similar appliance includes a hub which is molded from a suitable polymer and a rubber tire which fits around and is interlocked with the hub. The tire is of uniform cross-sectional configuration and is stressed so that it remains in intimate contact with the hub rim, even after substantial use. To manufacture the roller, the tire, which is molded in a separate operation, is placed in a mold cavity that is configured to seal against the side walls of the tire and yet permit the tire to expand radially, maintaining the seals along the tire side walls throughout the expansion. Once the mold is closed, a polymer in a plastic state is injected into the region of the cavity surrounded by the tire, there being enough polymer forced into the mold to expand the tire radially against an outer surface of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Arundale, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory O. C. Corkery
  • Patent number: 4682394
    Abstract: A bedding foundation box spring having novel double twist coil springs interconnecting a wooden base frame and a top wire grid. The coil springs each comprise a single length of wire having a middle section located in a diametral plane of one end convolution of the spring and a pair of spring arms coiled in the same rotational direction from opposite ends of the middle section. Each of the spring arms is formed into a helix of varying pitch which terminates in a free end of the spring arm. The free ends of the two spring arms of each coil are located on opposite sides of the end convolution of the coil and are secured to the wire grid. The novel coils are manufactured by inserting a straight length of wire through a stationary pair of forming dies and a mandrel located between the dies. With the middle of the straight length of wire located in the mandrel, the mandrel is then simultaneously rotated and moved axially while the ends of the length of wire are pulled through the stationary forming dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wells, Angelo Serafini
  • Patent number: 4682828
    Abstract: A transitional printed circuit board (10) is disclosed for terminating four multiconductor flat electrial transmission cables (44, 46, 48, 50) wherein only a single substrate (12) is utilized. A first electrical plane (A) is formed on one side of the substrate and a second electrical plane (B) is formed on an opposing side of the substrate with the substrate material in between serving as an insulator. Each electrical plane includes a ground plane (26, 41) and spaced electrical lands (14, 16, 32 ,34). Plated through holes (24) allow the lands from opposing sides to be connected to the opposite side for programmed termination. A series of electrical pads (22, 42) provide for termination to the prongs (52a, 52b) of terminal connector (52). Two cables may be terminated on each electrical plane of the printed circuit board by terminating ground wires of the first cable to the ground plane (26, 41), and the signal wires to the electrical lands (14, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: 501 Woven Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas E. Piper, Michael D. Black
  • Patent number: 4682410
    Abstract: The commutating poles of vehicular-type d-c motors, for example for trolley buses or trolley cars, are made by winding, on edge, a copper strip, permitting the wound copper strip to resiliently, spring-like expand so that the individual spiral loops thereof will be slightly spaced from each other, and then exposing the copper strip in a fluidized bed to an insulating powder, for example polyethylene or polyurethane, which is subsequently cured in a hardening or sintering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Kreuzer, Klaus-Peter Meier
  • Patent number: 4682413
    Abstract: A method of extracting a portion of one or more insulated wires from within a shielded cable with a minimum of damage to the wire insulation. A predetermined length of outer insulation covering one end of the shielded cable is removed, exposing a portion of the braided wire shield beneath which is then pushed back against the edge of remaining outer insulation causing a portion of the braided wires to distend and loosen. The loosened wires are separated to form an aperture in the shield thereby exposing a section of the insulated wires. The shielded cable is bent back at the aperture to further expose the insulated wires. Then the rounded tip of an elongated tool is inserted between the insulated wires and the shield causing the insulated wires to separate from the shield. Preferably the elongated tool has an arcuately-shaped tapered head with a substantially elliptical tip portion to distribute the load bearing forces on the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: GTE Government Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ron F. Keller