Patents by Inventor Norman R. Birch

Norman R. Birch 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: 5295864
    Abstract: The invention hereof relates to an improved Type "F" connector, where the contact and ground interfaces are sealed from the outside environment. The connector comprises a connector body, a dielectric insert to be received within the connector body, where the insert includes a generally uniform central bore, a metal wedge member featuring at least one annular serration, about a conically configured end thereof, where the wedge member is received within the insert and the serration is spaced from the wall of the bore prior to assembly of the connector. During assembly of the coaxial cable, the metal braid and jacket are captured between the serrations and the wall of the insert bore. Finally, elastomeric sealing means are provided at each end of the connector to environmentally protect same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Norman R. Birch, Nathan J. Norris
  • Patent number: 5174775
    Abstract: An RF connector switch (18) includes an outer metallic shell (19) containing a dielectric core (49) and contacts (64, 66) having ends (62, 68) in coaxial ports (21, 35). The contacts (64, 66) include second ends (62, 72) aligned with a port (44) in the shell (19) through which a pin (69) may be inserted to operate the ends (62, 74) as a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Norman R. Birch
  • Patent number: 5161992
    Abstract: A connector assembly (16) for a memory card (10) includes a frame (24) and a contact-carrying carriage member (30) pivotally mounted to the frame. Guide rails (26, 28) are formed integrally with the frame and extend away from the frame. A first of the guide rails (26) is, together with t he frame, securely mounted to support structure, while the other guide rail (28) is free to flex relative to the frame. Insertion of the card causes the carriage member to be pivoted, against the biasing action of a spring 984), so that the contact members (60) engage respective contact pads (14) on the card. The guide rails are spring loaded toward each other to generate a friction force against the opposed edges (20, 22) of the card which is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring (84) on the carriage member, thereby retaining the card in the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Norman R. Birch
  • Patent number: 5073123
    Abstract: Ends of electrical cable are joined to corresponding self terminating, shielded connectors 1, each comprising, a conductive shell 2, a dielectric support 11 in the shell 2, a conductive switch contact 5, an electrical terminal 16 intimately connected to electrical equipment with the switch contact 5 carried by the dielectric support 11 for disconnect connection to an electrical contact inserted into the shielded connector 1, and an electrical circuit element 6 in contact with the shell 2 constructed for disconnect coupling with the switch contact 5 upon withdrawal of the electrical contact from the shielded connector 1, whereby the switch contact 5 is terminated electrically to the shell 2 through the circuit element 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Norman R. Birch, James G. Dunbar, Harold W. Kerlin, Wilmer L. Sheesley, Edward C. Vees
  • Patent number: 5030122
    Abstract: Ends of electrical conductors 5 of an electrical cable are joined to corresponding self terminating, shielded connectors 4, each comprising, a conductive shell 20 connected to at least one corresponding sheath 8, a dielectric support 29 in the shell 20, a conductive switch contact 23 connected to a corresponding signal transmitting conductor 5 and carried by the dielectric support 29 for disconnect connection to an electrical contact inserted into the shielded connector 4, and an electrical circuit element 24 in contact with the shell 20 constructed for disconnect coupling with the switch contact 23 upon withdrawal of the electrical contact from the shielded connector 4, whereby the switch contact 23 is terminated electrically to the shell 20 through the circuit element 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Norman R. Birch, James G. Dunbar, Harold W. Kerlin, Wilmer L. Sheesley, Edward C. Vees
  • Patent number: 4842544
    Abstract: A connector and method of termination for high speed signal cable of small physical dimension. The connector embodies a wire manager plastic fixture (22) into which the fine signal and ground wires (18,20) of a cable (10) are inserted and folded back in a precise location to form an ensemble. This ensemble has a geometry to allow ease of handling and orientation to be inserted into the rear portion of a connector (40) with the wires (18,20) sliding in engagement with slotted connector blade portions (42,46) to assure proper assembly. Blade portions (42,46) are radially forced inwardly to cause the wires (18,20) to be captured in slots therein (44,48) to be additionally terminated as by welding. A variety of types of connector front ends are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Norman R. Birch, William V. Pauza
  • Patent number: 4687446
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprises a conductive electrical conductor having electrical contacts on tap portions, a composite insulative support for the conductor encircling the tap portions and being encircled by a hollow conductive shell, the shell having individual sleeve portions and a composite sleeve portion constructed of composite segments, a collar compressibly encircling the composite segments and urging them into abutment with one another without gaps therebetween, the individual sleeve portions being integral with corresponding composite segments, and corresponding individual sleeve portions urged by the collar into abutment with one another without gaps therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Norman R. Birch, William V. Pauza, Wilmer L. Sheesley