Patents by Inventor Dexter W. Francis

Dexter W. Francis 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).

  • Surface mountable electrical connector system
    Patent number: 6454611
    Abstract: A connector platform includes a base having a first end and opposing second end. A retention wall upwardly projects from the first end of the base and has a plurality of slots longitudinally extending therein. A plurality of resiliently flexible conducting wires each have a first end projecting from the first end of the base and a securing portion extending from the first end of the base to the second end thereof. Each conducting wire further includes an engaging portion upwardly projecting from the second end of the base to the retention wall. A second end of each conducting wire is freely disposed within a corresponding slot of the retention wall. The platform is selectively enclosed within the housing of an electrical apparatus. The housing defines an opening which provides access to the platform. The opening and platform combine to form a receptacle configured to receive a standard RJ-type plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventor: Dexter W. Francis
  • Surface mountable electrical connector system
    Patent number: 6315618
    Abstract: A connector platform includes a base having a first end and opposing second end. A retention wall upwardly projects from the first end of the base and has a plurality of slots longitudinally extending therein. A plurality of resiliently flexible conducting wires each have a first end projecting from the first end of the base and a securing portion extending from the first end of the base to the second end thereof. Each conducting wire further includes an engaging portion upwardly projecting from the second end of the base to the retention wall. A second end of each conducting wire is freely disposed within a corresponding slot of the retention wall. The platform is selectively enclosed within the housing of an electrical apparatus. The housing defines an opening which provides access to the platform. The opening and platform combine to form a receptacle configured to receive a standard RJ-type plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventor: Dexter W. Francis
  • Surface mountable electrical connector system
    Patent number: 6146209
    Abstract: A connector platform includes a base having a first end and opposing second end. A retention wall upwardly projects from the first end of the base and has a plurality of slots longitudinally extending therein. A plurality of resiliently flexible conducting wires each have a first end projecting from the first end of the base and a securing portion extending from the first end of the base to the second end thereof. Each conducting wire further includes an engaging portion upwardly projecting from the second end of the base to the retention wall. A second end of each conducting wire is freely disposed within a corresponding slot of the retention wall. The platform is selectively enclosed within the housing of an electrical apparatus. The housing defines an opening which provides access to the platform. The opening and platform combine to form a receptacle configured to receive a standard RJ-type plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: 3COM Corporation
    Inventor: Dexter W. Francis
  • Surface mountable electrical connector system
    Patent number: 6012953
    Abstract: A connector platform includes a base having a first end and opposing second end. A retention wall upwardly projects from the first end of the base and has a plurality of slots longitudinally extending therein. A plurality of resiliently flexible conducting wires each have a first end projecting from the first end of the base and a securing portion extending from the first end of the base to the second end thereof. Each conducting wire further includes an engaging portion upwardly projecting from the second end of the base to the retention wall. A second end of each conducting wire is freely disposed within a corresponding slot of the retention wall. The platform is selectively enclosed within the housing of an electrical apparatus. The housing defines an opening which provides access to the platform. The opening and platform combine to form a receptacle configured to receive a standard RJ-type plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventor: Dexter W. Francis
  • Computer keyboard
    Patent number: D335288
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Dexter W. Francis, Stephen Peart