Patents by Inventor Donald A. Girard, Jr.

Donald A. Girard, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20180233858
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with broad-side coupled signal conductors in a right angle intermediate portion and edge coupled end portions. Broadside coupling provides balanced pairs for very high frequency operation, while edge coupling provides a high density interconnection system at low cost. Each module has separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The shielding is shaped to avoid or suppress undesirable propagation modes within an enclosure formed by shielding per module. Lossy material is selectively placed within and outside the shielding per module to likewise avoid or suppress unwanted signal propagation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, JR., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, JR., Brian Kirk, David Levine, Vysakh Sivarajan
  • Publication number: 20180219331
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. Modules of different sizes may be assembled into wafers, which are then assembled into a connector. Wafers may include lossy material. In some embodiments, shielding members of two mating connectors may each have compliant members along their distal portions, such that, the shielding members engage at points of contact at multiple locations, some of which are adjacent the mating edge of each of the mating shielding members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, JR., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, JR., David Manter, Tom Pitten, Vysakh Sivarajan, Michael Joseph Snyder
  • Patent number: 10039199
    Abstract: An adapter has two conductors each with a U-shaped bend forming upper longer legs and lower shorter legs. The conductors face each other with the longer legs linearly aligned with each other and the shorter legs aligned with each other, thereby forming a first gap between the longer legs and a second gap between the shorter legs. The first gap is substantially smaller than the second gap, so that an electrical package can be placed across the first gap to contact the two upper longer legs, while the two shorter legs are spaced further apart to span a larger gap between conductors of a connector. Thus, the adapter enables the electrical package to be connected to conductors having a gap that is larger than the electrical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AMPHENOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Girard, Jr., Robert Auger, Mark W. Gailus
  • Patent number: 9991617
    Abstract: Embodiments related to electrical connectors including superelastic components are described. The high elastic limit of superelastic materials compared to conventional connector materials may allow for designs which provide reliable connections and high frequency operation. Superelastic components also may enable connector designs with higher densities of connections. In some embodiments, a connector includes one or more superelastic elongated members forming the mating contacts of the connector. The superelastic elongated members deform within one or more conductive receptacles to generate a suitable contact force. The conductive receptacles may include a plurality of protrusions arranged to deflect the superelastic elongated members during mating. A superelastic component may also be provided in a receiving portion of a connector, and may form a portion of a conductive receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Pitten, Mark W. Gailus, Marc B. Cartier, Jr., David Levine, Donald A. Girard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9905975
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with broad-side coupled signal conductors in a right angle intermediate portion and edge coupled end portions. Broadside coupling provides balanced pairs for very high frequency operation, while edge coupling provides a high density interconnection system at low cost. Each module has separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The shielding is shaped to avoid or suppress undesirable propagation modes within an enclosure formed by shielding per module. Lossy material is selectively placed within and outside the shielding per module to likewise avoid or suppress unwanted signal propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, Jr., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, Jr., Brian Kirk, David Levine, Vysakh Sivarajan
  • Publication number: 20170346234
    Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a termination with at least one conductive, compressible member and a conductive ground shield. The conductive, compressible member may be held within a connector module forming the termination such that the conductive compressive member is pressed against, and therefore makes electrical contact with, both an outer conductive layer of the cable and ground structures within the connector module. In some embodiments, these connections may be formed using a conductive, compressible member with an opening configured to receive the end of the cable therethrough. The conductive ground shield may be configured to compress the conductive, compressible member, and to cause the conductive, compressible member to electrically contact the cable's conductive layer. The conductive, compressible member may be formed from a compressible material and may comprise a plurality of conductive particulates configured to provide electrically conductive paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Girard, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170338595
    Abstract: An electrical interconnection system comprising one or more insulative projecting members. The electrical interconnection system may comprise a first connector and a second connector. Each connector may comprise one or more projecting members extending along the mating direction. When the connectors are mated, the projecting member(s) may be configured to affect the impedance of the signal conductors of the connectors. In a partially mated position, the projecting member(s) may be configured to fill at least a portion of the region separating the connectors, thereby replacing air that might otherwise exist in that separation with a dielectric member. Because this dielectric constant is closer to what would be experienced in the fully mated position, the magnitude of the change in impedance as a result of separation may be less than had the entire space been filled with air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Girard, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170294743
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. In some embodiments, the connector is may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Gailus, John Robert Dunham, Marc B. Cartier, JR., Donald A. Girard, JR.
  • Patent number: 9774144
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. Modules of different sizes may be assembled into wafers, which are then assembled into a connector. Wafers may include lossy material. In some embodiments, shielding members of two mating connectors may each have compliant members along their distal portions, such that, the shielding members engage at points of contact at multiple locations, some of which are adjacent the mating edge of each of the mating shielding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, Jr., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, Jr., David Manter, Tom Pitten, Vysakh Sivarajan, Michael Joseph Snyder
  • Patent number: 9685736
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. In some embodiments, the connector is assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. In some embodiments, the modules have projecting portions, of conductive and/or dielectric material, that are shaped and positioned to reduce changes in impedance along the signal paths as a function of separation of conductive elements, when the connectors are separated by less than the functional mating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Gailus, John Robert Dunham, Marc B. Cartier, Jr., Donald A. Girard, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170105303
    Abstract: An adapter has two conductors each with a U-shaped bend forming upper longer legs and lower shorter legs. The conductors face each other with the longer legs linearly aligned with each other and the shorter legs aligned with each other, thereby forming a first gap between the longer legs and a second gap between the shorter legs. The first gap is substantially smaller than the second gap, so that an electrical package can be placed across the first gap to contact the two upper longer legs, while the two shorter legs are spaced further apart to span a larger gap between conductors of a connector. Thus, the adapter enables the electrical package to be connected to conductors having a gap that is larger than the electrical package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Donald A. GIRARD, JR., Robert Auger, Mark W. Gailus
  • Publication number: 20170047692
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. Modules of different sizes may be assembled into wafers, which are then assembled into a connector. Wafers may include lossy material. In some embodiments, shielding members of two mating connectors may each have compliant members along their distal portions, such that, the shielding members engage at points of contact at multiple locations, some of which are adjacent the mating edge of each of the mating shielding members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, JR., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, JR., David Manter, Tom Pitten, Vysakh Sivarajan, Michael Joseph Snyder
  • Patent number: 9509101
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. Modules of different sizes may be assembled into wafers, which are then assembled into a connector. Wafers may include lossy material. In some embodiments, shielding members of two mating connectors may each have compliant members along their distal portions, such that, the shielding members engage at points of contact at multiple locations, some of which are adjacent the mating edge of each of the mating shielding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, Jr., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, Jr., David Manter, Tom Pitten, Vysakh Sivarajan, Michael Joseph Snyder
  • Publication number: 20160344141
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with broad-side coupled signal conductors in a right angle intermediate portion and edge coupled end portions. Broadside coupling provides balanced pairs for very high frequency operation, while edge coupling provides a high density interconnection system at low cost. Each module has separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The shielding is shaped to avoid or suppress undesirable propagation modes within an enclosure formed by shielding per module. Lossy material may be selectively placed within and outside the shielding per module to likewise avoid or suppress unwanted signal propagation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, JR., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, JR., Brian Kirk, David Levine, Vysakh Sivarajan
  • Publication number: 20160308296
    Abstract: Embodiments related to electrical connectors including superelastic components are described. The high elastic limit of superelastic materials compared to conventional connector materials may allow for designs which provide reliable connections and high frequency operation. Superelastic components also may enable connector designs with higher densities of connections. In some embodiments, a connector includes one or more superelastic elongated members forming the mating contacts of the connector. The superelastic elongated members deform within one or more conductive receptacles to generate a suitable contact force. The conductive receptacles may include a plurality of protrusions arranged to deflect the superelastic elongated members during mating. A superelastic component may also be provided in a receiving portion of a connector, and may form a portion of a conductive receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Pitten, Mark W. Gailus, Marc B. Cartier, JR., David Levine, Donald A. Girard, JR.
  • Patent number: 9472904
    Abstract: An adapter has two conductors each with a U-shaped bend forming upper longer legs and lower shorter legs. The conductors face each other with the longer legs linearly aligned with each other and the shorter legs aligned with each other, thereby forming a first gap between the longer legs and a second gap between the shorter legs. The first gap is substantially smaller than the second gap, so that an electrical package can be placed across the first gap to contact the two upper longer legs, while the two shorter legs are spaced further apart to span a larger gap between conductors of a connector. Thus, the adapter enables the electrical package to be connected to conductors having a gap that is larger than the electrical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Girard, Jr., Robert Auger, Mark W. Gailus
  • Patent number: 9450344
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. Modules of different sizes may be assembled into wafers, which are then assembled into a connector. Wafers may include lossy material. In some embodiments, shielding members of two mating connectors may each have compliant members along their distal portions, such that, the shielding members engage at points of contact at multiple locations, some of which are adjacent the mating edge of each of the mating shielding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, Jr., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, Jr., David Manter, Tom Pitten, Vysakh Sivarajan, Michael Joseph Snyder
  • Publication number: 20160141807
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. The modules may have projecting portions, of conductive and/or dielectric material, that are shaped and positioned to reduce changes in impedance along the signal paths as a function of separation of conductive elements, when the connectors are separated by less than the functional mating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Gailus, John Robert Dunham, Marc B. Cartier, JR., Donald A. Girard, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160049754
    Abstract: An adapter has two conductors each with a U-shaped bend forming upper longer legs and lower shorter legs. The conductors face each other with the longer legs linearly aligned with each other and the shorter legs aligned with each other, thereby forming a first gap between the longer legs and a second gap between the shorter legs. The first gap is substantially smaller than the second gap, so that an electrical package can be placed across the first gap to contact the two upper longer legs, while the two shorter legs are spaced further apart to span a larger gap between conductors of a connector. Thus, the adapter enables the electrical package to be connected to conductors having a gap that is larger than the electrical package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Donald A. GIRARD, JR., Robert AUGER, Mark W. GAILUS
  • Publication number: 20150236452
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector with separately shielded signal conductor pairs. The connector may be assembled from modules, each containing a pair of signal conductors with surrounding partially or fully conductive material. Modules of different sizes may be assembled into wafers, which are then assembled into a connector. Wafers may include lossy material. In some embodiments, shielding members of two mating connectors may each have compliant members along their distal portions, such that, the shielding members engage at points of contact at multiple locations, some of which are adjacent the mating edge of each of the mating shielding members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. Cartier, JR., John Robert Dunham, Mark W. Gailus, Donald A. Girard, JR., David Manter, Tom Pitten, Vysakh Sivarajan, Michael Joseph Snyder