Patents by Inventor Keith Lloyd

Keith Lloyd 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: 7354292
    Abstract: A small, low-profile plug connector for use with electronic devices provides a latching member with a pair of hooks that engage mating holes in a guide frame, and which can be easily delatched from the guide frame or opposing connector or housing. The hooks lock the plug connector into engagement with the frame or housing, but are readily released by way of a simple ramp and lobe mechanism in the plug connector. The ramp and lobe mechanism converts horizontal movement of a pull tab actuator into vertical movement of a latching member such that the hooks are lifted upward and disengaged from the guide frame or housing. The pull tab has a configured shape that fits within the width profile of the connector and which partially envelops the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Jay H. Neer
  • Publication number: 20080081511
    Abstract: A small, low-profile plug connector for use with electronic devices provides a latching member with a pair of hooks that engage mating holes in a guide frame, and which can be easily delatched from the guide frame or opposing connector or housing. The hooks lock the plug connector into engagement with the frame or housing, but are readily released by way of a simple ramp and lobe mechanism in the plug connector. The ramp and lobe mechanism converts horizontal movement of a pull tab actuator into vertical movement of a latching member such that the hooks are lifted upward and disengaged from the guide frame or housing. The pull tab has a configured shape that fits within the width profile of the connector and which partially envelops the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Jay H. Neer
  • Patent number: 7351104
    Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing entrance includes one or more guide members that extend into the center of the housing and provide a guide for guiding an opposing mating connector into engagement with the circuit board connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay H. Neer, Brian Keith Lloyd, Cleaver Brinkerhoff, Philip J. Dambach, Deborah Kiley, Bruce Reed
  • Patent number: 7322845
    Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing also includes a pair of engagement tabs that are bent inwardly of the housing at an angle thereto and these tabs engage openings formed in a shell of a plug connector that mates with the SFP-style connector. The tabs rest in the openings and may be released by way of latching mechanism that is part of the plug connector. This mechanism includes a handle and two arms that extend lengthwise. The arms end in cam portions that contact and lift the engagement ends out of the plug connector shell openings to unlatch the plug connector from the SFP-style connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Kent E. Regnier, Brian Keith Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7309250
    Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing also includes a pair of engagement tabs that are bent inwardly of the housing at an angle thereto and these tabs engage openings formed in a shell of a plug connector that mates with the SFP-style connector. The tabs rest in the openings and may be released by way of latching mechanism that is part of the plug connector. This mechanism includes a handle and two arms that extend lengthwise. The arms end in cam portions that contact and lift the engagement ends out of the plug connector shell openings to unlatch the plug connector from the SFP-style connector. A biasing member is also provided that returns the delatching actuating mechanism to its initial position once the connectors have been released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce Reed, Brian Keith Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7261602
    Abstract: An adapter module used to convert optical signals to electrical signals or electrical signals to optical signals utilizing a ā€œCā€ shaped retaining clip to secure the adapter module housing together. The retaining clips are used in place of screws, rivets or snap fits and provide an easy and simple way to assembled adapter modules. The retaining clips require no additional structure thereby minimizing the overall size of the adapter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Brian Keith Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20070015598
    Abstract: A golf swing training device comprising a first shoulder guide portion for guiding a first shoulder of a user during at least a part of a practice backswing and a second shoulder guide portion for guiding a second shoulder of a user during at least a part of a practice backswing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20060172271
    Abstract: A golf swing training device comprising a substantially planar surface, wherein the surface, in use, acts as a guide for the movement of a golfer's shoulders when the golfer executes a substantial portion of a backswing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventor: Keith Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6974381
    Abstract: An air flow producer of non-rectangular shape is adapted for installation in a rectangular opening of a drop ceiling. In preferred form, the producer has a circular housing with an open bottom covered with a grill. A fan with a rotary blade assembly is mounted in the housing to produce a downward air flow, and a circular metal band surrounding the rotary blade assembly defines an air discharge zone centered in the grill and an annular air intake zone surrounding the discharge zone. Flow rates are optimized by positioning the band close to the grill. The grill is preferably integrally molded with a rectangular flange that seats in the drop ceiling opening. The flange supports the housing from the framework and closes the opening to prevent the producer from drawing air from the plenum above the drop ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Lloyd Walker, Alan Richard Monro, Christopher Henry Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 6955565
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided that has a connector housing that is thin and takes the form of a wafer. Terminals are held within the housing and termination portions extend lengthwise from the terminals. The termination portions extend out from the housing for terminating bare conductors of signal wires to them. A grounding shield is provided that extends over the signal terminals from their contact portions at the front end of the connector to their rear termination portions. The grounding shield thereby provided a ground extent over the termination area that increases the electrical affinity of the signal wires to the grounding shield so as to reduce crosstalk and noise during operation at high frequencies. In one embodiment, the grounding shield includes a separate extension that is connected to the base grounding shield. In another embodiment, the grounding shield has a length sufficient to extend over the termination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Richard A. Hays, Edward Seamands, Kenneth F. Janota, Munewar Ahmad, Michael Magajne
  • Patent number: 6955596
    Abstract: An air flow producer mounted at the ceiling of a room generates an air flow toward the floor, reducing temperature gradients and improving heating and cooling efficiency. A housing defines a circular cylindrical, vertical flow passage that receives the air flow. A discharge chamber discharges the air flow through a grill toward the floor. The discharge chamber has a cross-section that expands progressively from the outlet of the flow passage to the outlet of the discharge chamber. The air flow through the housing is produced by a fan with a rotary blade assembly, and the blade assembly extends partially into the discharge chamber. The position of the blade assembly and the expanding cross-section of the discharge chamber cooperate to increase air flows through the housing. Optionally, an air intake chamber of generally inverted frustoconical shape may be mounted at the upper inlet end of the cylindrical flow passage to smooth flows further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Lloyd Walker, Michael Arthur Coulter
  • Patent number: 6943287
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding cage for an electronic module is comprised an electrically-conductive bottom, an electrically-conductive rear panel electrically coupled to said bottom, an electrically-conductive, elongated cover electrically coupled to said bottom and first and second side walls that are electrically and mechanically coupled to said bottom, said rear panel and said elongated cover. Numerous ground lugs, electrically coupled to at least one of: said bottom; rear panel; and first and second side walls provide an electrical pathway for EMI signals to a reference potential. An electrically-conductive, compressible gasket encircling the bottom, top and side walls provides an electrical connection to a front panel, providing additional EMI suppression. Gasket engagement tabs in the top and bottom provide electrical connection between the gasket and panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Dennis Lee Doye
  • Patent number: 6893295
    Abstract: A connector for connecting cables to a pin header has a connector body portion that incorporates a strain relief member applied to the cables as part of the connector body portion. The strain relief member includes a cable clamp having a series of grooves that are separated by intervening land portions. The grooves receive the cables and particularly space them. A stop is formed in the clamp to isolate the cable end. The leads of the cable are terminated to corresponding tail portions of contacts of the connector. These tail portions are maintained in the same plane to enhance the electrical performance of the connector. An insulative material is molded over the tail portions and the cable clamp to form a connector with a cable clamp formed integrally with the body of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Michael J. Miskin, Michael F. Magajne, Edward Seamands
  • Patent number: 6878872
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding cage for an electronic module is comprised an electrically-conductive bottom, an electrically-conductive rear panel electrically coupled to said bottom, an electrically-conductive, elongated cover electrically coupled to said bottom and first and second side walls that are electrically and mechanically coupled to said bottom, said rear panel and said elongated cover. Numerous ground lugs, electrically coupled to at least one of: said bottom; rear panel; and first and second side walls provide an electrical pathway for EMI signals to a reference potential. An electrically-conductive, compressible gasket encircling the bottom, top and side walls provides an electrical connection to a front panel, providing additional EMI suppression. Gasket engagement tabs in the top and bottom provide electrical connection between the gasket and panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, John Reginald Crane
  • Patent number: 6848932
    Abstract: Blocks of wafer or plug connectors are held together by retainer members and are secured within a backplane connector by a latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a latching lever that has an engagement end extending to the base of the backplane connector. The lever is movably connected to the retainer member so that it may pivot, or rock, about an inflection point. The lever also includes a biasing member that constantly biases the lever into a latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Bowling, Keith Lloyd, Michael F. Magajne, Kent E. Regnier, Ed Seamands
  • Publication number: 20040246693
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding cage for an electronic module is comprised an electrically-conductive bottom, an electrically-conductive rear panel electrically coupled to said bottom, an electrically-conductive, elongated cover electrically coupled to said bottom and first and second side walls that are electrically and mechanically coupled to said bottom, said rear panel and said elongated cover. Numerous ground lugs, electrically coupled to at least one of: said bottom; rear panel; and first and second side walls provide an electrical pathway for EMI signals to a reference potential. An electrically-conductive, compressible gasket encircling the bottom, top and side walls provides an electrical connection to a front panel, providing additional EMI suppression. Gasket engagement tabs in the top and bottom provide electrical connection between the gasket and panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Dennis Lee Doye
  • Publication number: 20040229561
    Abstract: A tuner is provided for selecting for reception any one of a plurality of channels in a broadband radio frequency signal supplied to its input. The tuner comprises a plurality of stages, at least some of whose gains and power consumptions can be adjusted by a controller in accordance with prevailing reception conditions. A frequency changer and variable gain amplifier provide a first filtering arrangement to reject non-adjacent channels and a tuneable filter rejects substantially all but the selected channel. Signal levels before the first filtering arrangement, between the first filtering arrangement and a second filtering arrangement formed by the tuneable filter, and after the second arrangement are supplied to the controller, which adapts the gain structure and/or individual stage power consumptions according to the prevailing reception conditions so as to provide an adequate performance for demodulation while reducing power consumption when extreme reception conditions are not encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Cowley, Keith Lloyd Jones
  • Publication number: 20040229510
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided that has a connector housing that is thin and takes the form of a wafer. Terminals are held within the housing and termination portions extend lengthwise from the terminals. The termination portions extend out from the housing for terminating bare conductors of signal wires to them. A grounding shield is provided that extends over the signal terminals from their contact portions at the front end of the connector to their rear termination portions. The grounding shield thereby provided a ground extent over the termination area that increases the electrical affinity of the signal wires to the grounding shield so as to reduce crosstalk and noise during operation at high frequencies. In one embodiment, the grounding shield includes a separate extension that is connected to the base grounding shield. In another embodiment, the grounding shield has a length sufficient to extend over the termination area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Richard A. Hays, Edward Seamands, Kenneth F. Janota, Munawar Ahmad, Michael Magajne
  • Publication number: 20040216909
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding cage for an electronic module is comprised an electrically-conductive bottom, an electrically-conductive rear panel electrically coupled to said bottom, an electrically-conductive, elongated cover electrically coupled to said bottom and first and second side walls that are electrically and mechanically coupled to said bottom, said rear panel and said elongated cover. Numerous ground lugs, electrically coupled to at least one of: said bottom; rear panel; and first and second side walls provide an electrical pathway for EMI signals to a reference potential. An electrically-conductive, compressible gasket encircling the bottom, top and side walls provides an electrical connection to a front panel, providing additional EMI suppression. Gasket engagement tabs in the top and bottom provide electrical connection between the gasket and panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, John Reginald Crane
  • Publication number: 20020072267
    Abstract: Blocks of wafer or plug connectors are held together by retainer members and are secured within a backplane connector by a latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a latching lever that has an engagement end extending to the base of the backplane connector. The lever is movably connected to the retainer member so that it may pivot, or rock, about an inflection point. The lever also includes a biasing member that constantly biases the lever into a latching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Bowling, Keith Lloyd, Michael F. Magajne, Kent E. Regnier, Ed Seamands