Patents by Inventor Eric D. Shields

Eric D. Shields 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).

  • Seal gasket retention for connector assembly or housing
    Patent number: 11708908
    Abstract: A gasket assembly includes a substrate, such as a portion of a body of an electrical connector. The substrate defines a mating surface to which a gasket or gasket seal is mechanically fixed. The gasket defines at least one recess or other mounting feature thereon for engaging with a complementary feature of the substrate for fixing the gasket to the substrate. According to an embodiment, the gasket defines a sealing face or sealing wall opposing and/or abutting the mating surface of the substrate, and a sidewall extending from the sealing wall and defined about a perimeter thereof. The sealing wall and sidewall define a circumferential recess configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate for securing the gasket to and generally over the mating surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Robert DeWitte, Zoran Krnetic, Lindsey E. Gatesman, David James Rhein, Eric D. Shields
  • Seal Gasket Retention for Connector Assembly or Housing
    Publication number: 20210285545
    Abstract: A gasket assembly includes a substrate, such as a portion of a body of an electrical connector. The substrate defines a mating surface to which a gasket or gasket seal is mechanically fixed. The gasket defines at least one recess or other mounting feature thereon for engaging with a complementary feature of the substrate for fixing the gasket to the substrate. According to an embodiment, the gasket defines a sealing face or sealing wall opposing and/or abutting the mating surface of the substrate, and a sidewall extending from the sealing wall and defined about a perimeter thereof. The sealing wall and sidewall define a circumferential recess configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate for securing the gasket to and generally over the mating surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: TE Connectivity Services GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Robert DeWitte, Zoran Krnetic, Lindsey E. Gatesman, David James Rhein, Eric D. Shields
  • Electrical connector having improved terminal positioning assurance member
    Patent number: 6827609
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is disclosed having an insulative housing and insulative terminal positioning assurance member. The terminal positioning assurance member has a prelatched position where corresponding latches abut, preventing inadvertent activation and locking of the terminal positioning assurance member. The terminal includes a projection which engages the terminal positioning assurance member, allowing the terminal positioning assurance member to move to a fully locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Galen M. Martin, Eric D. Shields, Ralph T. Bentley, II