Patents by Inventor Charles A. Centofante

Charles A. Centofante has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7030316
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device is positioned on a housing base and a housing lid is over-molded onto at least a portion of the base and the electronic device. An interface of the electronic device remains exposed for coupling to a second electronic device, and the housing base and housing lid form a housing partially encasing the electronic device. In another embodiment, an inset panel can be formed within the housing lid or base, for example, by positioning the panel and the electronic device within a housing base and over-molding a housing lid, while maintaining the inset panel substantially exposed. The inset panel can be formed from a material of a contrasting color to provide, for example, a label region on the housed electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Piranha Plastics
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20050170562
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device is positioned on a housing base and a housing lid is over-molded onto at least a portion of the base and the electronic device. An interface of the electronic device remains exposed for coupling to a second electronic device, and the housing base and housing lid form a housing partially encasing the electronic device. In another embodiment, an inset panel can be formed within the housing lid or base, for example, by positioning the panel and the electronic device within a housing base and over-molding a housing lid, while maintaining the inset panel substantially exposed. The inset panel can be formed from a material of a contrasting color to provide, for example, a label region on the housed electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Centofante
  • Publication number: 20050167136
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device is positioned on a housing base and a housing lid is over-molded onto at least a portion of the base and the electronic device. An interface of the electronic device remains exposed for coupling to a second electronic device, and the housing base and housing lid form a housing partially encasing the electronic device. In another embodiment, an inset panel can be formed within the housing lid or base, for example, by positioning the panel and the electronic device within a housing base and over-molding a housing lid, while maintaining the inset panel substantially exposed. The inset panel can be formed from a material of a contrasting color to provide, for example, a label region on the housed electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Centofante
  • Patent number: 6617786
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating one or more small electronic devices, including for example light-emitting diodes, mounted directly on a substrate by providing a three-dimensional formation on the substrate adjacent to the device and injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material to cover the device and extend over the three-dimensional formation on the substrate and wherein the encapsulating material mechanically bonds to the three-dimensional formation. A gate plate for use in injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material over a small electronic device mounted directly on a substrate including a cavity formed to enclose the device, and a short gate formed entirely within the gate plate having an input for receiving an encapsulating material and an output communicating with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Industries
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 6413108
    Abstract: An adapter to connect either Type I or Type II cards into a PCMCIA compliant PC Card interface on a personal computer. A protective shutter mechanism receives both Type I and Type II cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20020001986
    Abstract: An adapter to connect either Type I or Type II cards into a PCMCIA compliant PC Card interface on a personal computer. A protective shutter mechanism receives both Type I and Type II cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc., a Deleware corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 6139304
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating one or more small electronic devices, including for example light-emitting diodes, mounted directly on a substrate by providing a three-dimensional formation on the substrate adjacent to the device and injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material to cover the device and extend over the three-dimensional formation on the substrate and wherein the encapsulating material mechanically bonds to the three-dimensional formation. A gate plate for use in injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material over a small electronic device mounted directly on a substrate including a cavity formed to enclose the device, and a short gate formed entirely within the gate plate having an input for receiving an encapsulating material and an output communicating with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 6137224
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating one or more small electronic devices, including for example light-emitting diodes, mounted directly on a substrate by providing a three-dimensional formation on the substrate adjacent to the device and injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material to cover the device and extend over the three-dimensional formation on the substrate and wherein the encapsulating material mechanically bonds to the three-dimensional formation. A gate plate for use in injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material over a small electronic device mounted directly on a substrate including a cavity formed to enclose the device, and a short gate formed entirely within the gate plate having an input for receiving an encapsulating material and an output communicating with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 6102715
    Abstract: An adapter to connect either Type I or Type II cards into a PCMCIA compliant PC Card interface on a personal computer. A protective shutter mechanism receives both Type I and Type II cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Great American Gumball Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 5964595
    Abstract: An injection molded plastic housing for, and method of enclosing, an electrical device including placing the device between a housing including a lid member and a base member and joining the lid member and the base member to each other and to a connector attached to the enclosed device. The lid member, base member and connector each may include a means for mating to promote their joining to form an assembled plastic housing with increased structural integrity. The lid member and base member join with the connector in a substantially overlapping relationship that results in a rigid and aesthetically pleasing housing which complies with standards for PC card style devices set by, for example, CFA, PCMCIA, JEDIC, ISO, etc. The inexpensive injection molded plastic material of the housing and the limited number of parts provides for an easily automated, economical method of enclosing electrical devices for use, for example, in computer peripheral and memory applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Great American Gumball Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 5833903
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating one or more small electronic devices, including for example light-emitting diodes, mounted directly on a substrate by providing a three-dimensional formation on the substrate adjacent to the device and injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material to cover the device and extend over the three-dimensional formation on the substrate and wherein the encapsulating material mechanically bonds to the three-dimensional formation. A gate plate for use in injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material over a small electronic device mounted directly on a substrate including a cavity formed to enclose the device, and a short gate formed entirely within the gate plate having an input for receiving an encapsulating material and an output communicating with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Great American Gumball Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 5833785
    Abstract: An injection molded plastic housing for, and method of enclosing, an electrical device including placing the device between a housing including a lid member and a base member and joining the lid member and the base member to each other and to a connector attached to the enclosed device. The lid member, base member and connector each may include a means for mating to promote their joining to form an assembled plastic housing with increased structural integrity. The lid member and base member join with the connector in a substantially overlapping relationship that results in a rigid and aesthetically pleasing housing which complies with standards for PC card style devices set by, for example, CFA, PCMCIA, JEDIC, ISO, etc. The inexpensive injection molded plastic material of the housing and the limited number of parts provides for an easily automated, economical method of enclosing electrical devices for use, for example, in computer peripheral and memory applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Great American Gumball Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 5391083
    Abstract: A computer card apparatus for interconnecting with and securely retaining a removable plug. The computer card's circuitry and components encapsuled within an insulating material, a sheet of metal superimposed over the insulating material and a plastic housing encompassing the sheet, insulating material, components and circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: R. A. Tool & Die, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph V. Roebuck, Charles A. Centofante, Rudolf Albrecht, Henry A. Jupille
  • Patent number: RE36540
    Abstract: A process by which a package for a memory card is manufactured. The package comprises chiefly two stamped steel covers, (an upper and a lower cover half), each secured to a plastic frame element. The cover halves are secured by extended fingers which wrap around the plastic frame. This provides a double layer of metal at the perimeter of the frame. The two cover halves are situated so as to encapsulate the subject PCB and to affix it in its proper position. The two cover halves are then welded together using sonic welding on the plastic frame. The package has been designed to meet all PCMCIA standards, including polarizing keys and grounding points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Farquhar, Ken Dorf, Brandt Weibezahn, Iggoni Fajardo, Charles Centofante