Patents by Inventor Larry Buenz

Larry Buenz 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: 8449327
    Abstract: A spring contact for a coaxial connector includes a first ring provided with a plurality of spring fingers extending toward a connector end of the first ring and a second ring provided with a plurality of spring fingers extending toward a connector end of the second ring. The first ring and the second ring are nested together. The spring contact may be manufactured, for example, by stamping a pre-form ring from a planar metal sheet and then bending the spring fingers extending radially inward from an inner diameter of the pre-form ring to extend towards a connector end of the resulting spring contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: David Low, Larry Buenz, Jeffrey D. Paynter
  • Patent number: 8157587
    Abstract: A stabilizing coupling body assembly for a coaxial connector is provided with a coupling body dimensioned to couple at a connector end of the coupling body with a cable end of the connector. A jacket grip of rigid material is retained between the coupling body and a stabilizing body coupled to a cable end of the coupling body. An outer diameter of the jacket grip abuts an annular wedge surface of the stabilizing body. The wedge surface is provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate a connector end of the jacket grip and a minimum diameter proximate a cable end of the annular wedge surface. The jacket grip is driven radially inward as the stabilizing body is advanced axially towards the coupling body. Methods of manufacture include forming elements of the coupling body assembly via injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paynter, David Low, Larry Buenz
  • Publication number: 20110300742
    Abstract: A stabilizing coupling body assembly for a coaxial connector is provided with a coupling body dimensioned to couple at a connector end of the coupling body with a cable end of the connector. A jacket grip of rigid material is retained between the coupling body and a stabilizing body coupled to a cable end of the coupling body. An outer diameter of the jacket grip abuts an annular wedge surface of the stabilizing body. The wedge surface is provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate a connector end of the jacket grip and a minimum diameter proximate a cable end of the annular wedge surface. The jacket grip is driven radially inward as the stabilizing body is advanced axially towards the coupling body. Methods of manufacture include forming elements of the coupling body assembly via injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ANDREW LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paynter, David Low, Larry Buenz
  • Publication number: 20110008998
    Abstract: A spring contact for a coaxial connector includes a first ring provided with a plurality of spring fingers extending toward a connector end of the first ring and a second ring provided with a plurality of spring fingers extending toward a connector end of the second ring. The first ring and the second ring are nested together. The spring contact may be manufactured, for example, by stamping a pre-form ring from a planar metal sheet and then bending the spring fingers extending radially inward from an inner diameter of the pre-form ring to extend towards a connector end of the resulting spring contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ANDREW LLC
    Inventors: David Low, Larry Buenz, Jeffrey D. Paynter
  • Patent number: 7134189
    Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor. The tool and method may be used to displace insulation adjacent the lead end of the inner conductor or outer conductor to facilitate connection of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, Tom McNamara, Tim Crawford
  • Patent number: 7028395
    Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor. The tool and method may be used to displace insulation adjacent the lead end of the inner conductor or outer conductor to facilitate connection of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, Tom McNamara, Tim Crawford
  • Patent number: 6994587
    Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, John Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20060003563
    Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: ANDREW CORPORATION
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, John Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6951481
    Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, over-tightening protection assemblies may be incorporated in the coupling and or rear clamp nuts. The over-tightening protection assemblies utilize first and second interlock surfaces which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deflect and slip past each other, protecting the connector and or cable from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation. The first and second interlock surfaces may be formed directly in the coupling nut and inner coupling sleeve or may be separate finger and ramp rings coupled to each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: John Dykstra, James Wlos, Larry Buenz
  • Patent number: 6893290
    Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, Tom McNamara, Tim Crawford
  • Publication number: 20050017828
    Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Applicant: ANDREW CORPORATION
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, John Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20050020129
    Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, over-tightening protection assemblies may be incorporated in the coupling and or rear clamp nuts. The over-tightening protection assemblies utilize first and second interlock surfaces which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deflect and slip past each other, protecting the connector and or cable from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation. The first and second interlock surfaces may be formed directly in the coupling nut and inner coupling sleeve or may be separate finger and ramp rings coupled to each.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Applicant: ANDREW CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Dykstra, James Wlos, Larry Buenz
  • Patent number: 6793529
    Abstract: An electrical connector for coaxial cable, the connector having a positive stop for a clamp nut. The clamp nut driving a means for compression which sandwiches a leading edge of the coaxial cable outer conductor between the connector body and the means for compression. The positive stop positioned to limit tightening of the clamp nut and thereby compression force upon the flared leading edge of the coaxial cable outer conductor to a desired maximum level. The means for compression, for example a circular coil spring may be deformable, allowing the connector to adapt to varying manufacturing tolerances of each connector component, yet still maintaining the maximum desired compression force limit. Thereby, the connector may be correctly installed without requiring use of a torque wrench to ensure proper compression force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Buenz
  • Publication number: 20040132338
    Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor. The tool and method may be used to displace insulation adjacent the lead end of the inner conductor or outer conductor to facilitate connection of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, Tom McNamara, Tim Crawford
  • Publication number: 20040132339
    Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor. The tool and method may be used to displace insulation adjacent the lead end of the inner conductor or outer conductor to facilitate connection of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, Tom McNamara, Tim Crawford
  • Publication number: 20040053530
    Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor. The tool and method may be used to displace insulation adjacent the lead end of the inner conductor or outer conductor to facilitate connection of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Larry Buenz, Tom McNamara, Tim Crawford