Patents by Inventor David A. Rafson

David A. Rafson 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).

  • Temporary panel rails
    Patent number: 12666544
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a panel comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) and a first panel side comprising a first interlock length configured to interlock with a first rail element. The first interlock length includes a projection that interlocks within a corresponding recess of the first rail element, wherein the first interlock length is configured to interlock with the first rail element and be removed from the first rail element without damaging the PCB or the projection. The system may further include the first rail element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Bauer, Jenna Averhoff, David A. Rafson, Brian C. Stevens
  • Electrical connector with integrated electrostatic discharge protection
    Patent number: 12537343
    Abstract: An electrical connector for high speed and high performance applications requiring protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD). In embodiments, the electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a plurality of cavities descending from a top surface of the housing, a copper ground plate mounted atop or proximal to the top surface having a plurality of perforations corresponding in number and position to the plurality of cavities, and a plurality of electrical contacts each positioned at depth in one of the cavities such that the electrical contacts are recessed relative to the copper ground plate such that, in use of the electrical connector, a shortest path of ESD is to the copper ground plate and not any of the electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2026
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Mayfield, Michael S. Richard, David A. Rafson
  • TEMPORARY PANEL RAILS
    Publication number: 20250261315
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a panel comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) and a first panel side comprising a first interlock length configured to interlock with a first rail element. The first interlock length includes a projection that interlocks within a corresponding recess of the first rail element, wherein the first interlock length is configured to interlock with the first rail element and be removed from the first rail element without damaging the PCB or the projection. The system may further include the first rail element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2024
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventors: John A. Bauer, Jenna Averhoff, David A. Rafson, Brian C. Stevens
  • ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH INTEGRATED ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20250141157
    Abstract: An electrical connector for high speed and high performance applications requiring protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD). In embodiments, the electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a plurality of cavities descending from a top surface of the housing, a copper ground plate mounted atop or proximal to the top surface having a plurality of perforations corresponding in number and position to the plurality of cavities, and a plurality of electrical contacts each positioned at depth in one of the cavities such that the electrical contacts are recessed relative to the copper ground plate such that, in use of the electrical connector, a shortest path of ESD is to the copper ground plate and not any of the electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: James B. Mayfield, Michael S. Richard, David A. Rafson