Patents by Inventor Gary A. Hitz

Gary A. Hitz 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: 7225530
    Abstract: A connector press provides for learning a specified connector pressed position, adjusting a force based threshold, and simultaneously pressing multiple connector types into a circuit board. The force based threshold may be adjusted via a slider bar on a user interface. The specified pressed position may be learned by measuring and storing a position or force value, upon the user causing the press to press the connector into a circuit board. A total force based threshold may be determined in order to simultaneously press multiple connector types. The total force based threshold may be based upon quantities and pressing forces of each of the connectors types. Further, the press may provide near capacity pressing force, even with an asymmetrical load, by including linear guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: W. John Ravert, Jr., Anthony A. Staub, Gary A. Hitz, Glenn J. Pontius
  • Publication number: 20050037644
    Abstract: A connector press provides for learning a specified connector pressed position, adjusting a force based threshold, and simultaneously pressing multiple connector types into a circuit board. The force based threshold may be adjusted via a slider bar on a user interface. The specified pressed position may be learned by measuring and storing a position or force value, upon the user causing the press to press the connector into a circuit board. A total force based threshold may be determined in order to simultaneously press multiple connector types. The total force based threshold may be based upon quantities and pressing forces of each of the connectors types. Further, the press may provide near capacity pressing force, even with an asymmetrical load, by including linear guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: W. Ravert, Anthony Staub, Gary Hitz, Glenn Pontius
  • Patent number: 6834428
    Abstract: A connector press provides for learning a specified connector pressed position, adjusting a force based threshold, and simultaneously pressing multiple connector types into a circuit board. The force based threshold may be adjusted via a slider bar on a user interface. The specified pressed position may be learned by measuring and storing a position or force value, upon the user causing the press to press the connector into a circuit board. A total force based threshold may be determined in order to simultaneously press multiple connector types. The total force based threshold may be based upon quantities and pressing forces of each of the connectors types. Further, the press may provide near capacity pressing force, even with an asymmetrical load, by including linear guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: W. John Ravert, Jr., Anthony A. Staub, Gary A. Hitz, Glenn J. Pontius
  • Publication number: 20030200653
    Abstract: A connector press provides for learning a specified connector pressed position, adjusting a force based threshold, and simultaneously pressing multiple connector types into a circuit board. The force based threshold may be adjusted via a slider bar on a user interface. The specified pressed position may be learned by measuring and storing a position or force value, upon the user causing the press to press the connector into a circuit board. A total force based threshold may be determined in order to simultaneously press multiple connector types. The total force based threshold may be based upon quantities and pressing forces of each of the connectors types. Further, the press may provide near capacity pressing force, even with an asymmetrical load, by including linear guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: W. John Ravert, Anthony A. Staub, Gary A. Hitz, Glenn J. Pontius
  • Publication number: 20020152854
    Abstract: An electrical connector housing cutting apparatus comprising a guide and a rotating cutting member. The guide is adapted to slidably support an electrical connector housing along a linear movement path. The rotating cutting member is movable into and out of the movement path. The cutting member has an axis of rotation generally parallel to a direction of movement of the electrical connector housing along the movement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: R. Douglas Sheaffer, Glenn J. Pontius, W. John Ravert, Gary A. Hitz
  • Patent number: 6158575
    Abstract: An electrical connector link adapted to movably couple with at least one other link to form a chain that is adapted to releasably receive and transport an electrical connector from a first station to a second station is provided. The link comprises a base portion having a relative first end and a second end. The base portion is adapted to moveably couple with a second link. A first wall is integrally connected with, and extends upwardly from, the base portion proximate the first end. The first wall has an outside surface, inside surface, and top surface. The first wall is adapted to communicate with a first electrical connector and retain the connector between the first wall and a second link. A latching arm is integrally connected with, and protrudes from, the outside surface of the first wall. The latching arm is adapted to movably engage a third link. A second wall is integrally connected with, and extends upwardly from, the base portion proximate the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Hitz
  • Patent number: 6031220
    Abstract: A no touch machine trigger system which triggers the associated machine into operation without the aid of a foot switch or other external device(s) actuated by an operator. The target area of the trigger system is conical in shape so as to guide the trigger mechanism to a fiber optic sensor at the apex of the cone shaped target area. The machine is not activated until the light across the apex of the cone is interrupted by the trigger mechanism, which does not occur until the trigger mechanism is properly oriented for the machine's operation. The trigger system is placed inside the machine where the operator cannot cause an inadvertent trigger. The trigger system is ideally suited to implementation in a wire stripping device, where the trigger mechanism is a wire to be stripped. The cone shaped target area has an oblique angle so that wires of a variety of sizes may be used to trigger the wire stripping device without adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Hitz