Patents by Inventor John A. DeFranco

John A. DeFranco 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).

  • Loop back clockspring having adhesive layer
    Patent number: 6439495
    Abstract: A clockspring having adhesive so as to resist vibratory motion of the flat ribbon cable and to reduce rubbing of the flat ribbon cable against itself. The clockspring includes a housing, a hub, and a flat ribbon cable connecting the hub to the housing. The flat ribbon cable has an adhesive along a majority of the length of the flat ribbon cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Bolen, Brent E. Henderson, James K. Pettit, John A. DeFranco
  • Loop back clockspring having adhesive layer
    Patent number: 6164994
    Abstract: A clockspring having adhesive so as to resist vibratory motion of the flat ribbon cable and to reduce rubbing of the flat ribbon cable against itself. The clockspring includes a housing, a hub, and a flat ribbon cable connecting the hub to the housing. The flat ribbon cable has an adhesive along a majority of the length of the flat ribbon cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Bolen, Brent E. Henderson, James K. Pettit, John A. DeFranco
  • Articulating connector transmission system for signal data and power
    Patent number: 5810606
    Abstract: An articulating connector assembly having a housing, a hub being carried in rotatable relation to the housing; and means for signal coupling between the housing and the hub. The signal coupling can consist of means such as optical coupling, inductive coupling, radio frequency coupling, capacitive coupling, and pressure wave coupling. In addition, the articulating connector assembly can further include power coupling which can be accomplished by siding contacts, inductively coupled coils, capacitively coupled electrodes, or optical transmitters and receivers on the hub and the housing. Furthermore, a method of efficiently transmitting and receiving signals between the housing and hub is provided. The method consists of (1) obtaining an input signal, by a signal driver, to produce a driven signal output; (2) coupling the driven signal output to produce a coupled signal; and (3) receiving the coupled signal, by a receiver, to produce an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ballast, John A. DeFranco, Lawrence T. Rupert
  • Electrical connector with EMI/RFI shielding
    Patent number: 5749744
    Abstract: An electrical connector such as a clockspring for carrying electrical signals through a steering wheel provides EMI/RFI shielding. The electrical connector includes a housing formed of a conductive plastic and/or a metallized exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Brent E. Henderson, Pat A. Bolen, John A. DeFranco