Patents by Inventor James R. Ralph

James R. Ralph 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).

  • Low-cost cable connecting system for movable/separable electronic devices
    Patent number: 7524201
    Abstract: A system for electrically connecting first and second electronic devices wherein the devices are movable relative to each other. The system includes an electric cable having end segments and a medial segment therebetween wherein each of the end segments connects to one of the first and second electronic devices. A tensioning mechanism maintains a tensile load on the medial segment of the electric cable while a guide mechanism directs movement of the electric cable in response to relative motion between the first and second electronic devices. Moreover, a strain relief mechanism is operative to mitigate the transmission of tensile loads from the medial segment to either of the end segments such that the end segments are substantially unloaded in response to movement of the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Ralph, Christopher DeBarber, Neil F. Baldino
  • LOW-COST CABLE CONNECTING SYSTEM FOR MOVABLE/SEPARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
    Publication number: 20080096418
    Abstract: A system for electrically connecting first and second electronic devices wherein the devices are movable relative to each other. The system includes an electric cable having end segments and a medial segment therebetween wherein each of the end segments connects to one of the first and second electronic devices. A tensioning mechanism maintains a tensile load on the medial segment of the electric cable while a guide mechanism directs movement of the electric cable in response to relative motion between the first and second electronic devices. Moreover, a strain relief mechanism is operative to mitigate the transmission of tensile loads from the medial segment to either of the end segments such that the end segments are substantially unloaded in response to movement of the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Ralph, Christopher DeBarber, Neil F. Baldino
  • Multi function sensing device for printing apparatus
    Patent number: 5842800
    Abstract: A printing apparatus is disclosed which has various operating components, and which includes a single sensing means for sensing certain operational characteristics of the operating components to monitor the operational status thereof for the purpose of either providing an operator perceptible indication that a certain operational characteristic of one of the operating components is not in a condition for normal operation of the printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Bailey, David W. Hubbard, Sungwon R. Moh, James R. Ralph, Edward J. Twarog