Abstract: An endpoint device discovery system includes a downstream port. A register is coupled to the downstream port. An endpoint ready status bit may be set in the register in response to an endpoint ready message received at the downstream port. A non-transitory computer-readable medium is coupled to the register and includes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to determine that the endpoint ready status bit is set and, in response, configure an endpoint device that is coupled to the downstream port. The endpoint device discovery system may be included in an information handling system (IHS) in order to provide for discovery of endpoint devices that are coupled to the IHS as soon as those endpoint devices have initialized.

Abstract: A clockspring with a housing that includes a stationary member having a first wall and a hub member rotatably coupled to the stationary member having a second wall. A flat cable is wound between the first and second walls. The flat cable has opposite first and second ends with the first end being coupled to the stationary member at a first connection area and the second end being coupled to the hub member at a second connection area. A flexible strain relief member is integrally formed as one-piece with one of the first and second walls proximate one of the respective first and second connection areas with one of the first and second ends of the flat cable being disposed between the flexible strain relief member and the one of the first and second walls.

Abstract: A method of securing a flat cable to a circuit board including the steps of providing a flat cable with a plurality of round conductors therein and a circuit board having a plurality of solder pads. The method also includes stripping an end of the flat cable to expose the round conductors therein, placing the round conductors onto the solder pads, and soldering the round conductors to the solder pads.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flat cable circuit board assembly having solder joints between the flat cable's round conductors and the solder pads of a circuit board, particularly in the clockspring of an automobile. The flat cable is formed without the use of adhesives by sonically bonding a top and bottom layer of insulating material around the round conductors. The end of the flat cable is stripped so that the round conductors can be soldered to the solder pads on the circuit board using a hot bar soldering process. The use of round conductors and solder pads on the circuit board allow for greater conductor density in the flat cable.

Abstract: A squib connector is provided that allows detection of an improper connection within a squib connector prior to incorporation within an airbag mechanism. The squib connector includes a male squib connector and a female squib connector. Positioned within the female squib connector is a disengaging member. The disengaging member may be, for example, a spring or the like. The disengaging member prevents the male squib connector and female squib connector from having an electrical connection if the male squib connector and female squib connector are not properly interlocked. The disengaging member performs this function by forcing the male squib connector away from the female squib connector at such a distance that no electrical connection is possible. The improperly connected squib connector may then be more easily detected. Thus, the squib connector improves the efficiency and reliability of the airbag mechanism.

Abstract: A squib connector is provided that allows detection of an improper connection within a squib connector prior to incorporation within an airbag mechanism. The squib connector includes a male squib connector and a female squib connector. Positioned within the female squib connector is a disengaging member. The disengaging member may be, for example, a spring or the like. The disengaging member prevents the male squib connector and female squib connector from having an electrical connection if the male squib connector and female squib connector are not properly interlocked. The disengaging member performs this function by forcing the male squib connector away from the female squib connector at such a distance that no electrical connection is possible. The improperly connected squib connector may then be more easily detected. Thus, the squib connector improves the efficiency and reliability of the airbag mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A steering column interconnector having a first plate with a center hole for the steering column and a first plurality of conductive rings, a second plate having a center hole for the steering column and a second plurality of conductive rings, a third plate having a center hole for the steering column and a plurality of apertures for rotatably positioning conductive rollers, and a plurality of conductive rollers, each conductive roller being rotatably positioned within an aperture of the third plate.

Abstract: A clockspring for powering a heated steering wheel having a resettable fuse connected in series between the heating element and a power source for the heating element. When a predetermined current limit is exceeded the resettable fuse trips and breaks the circuit providing power to the heating element. After the resettable fuse cools, the resettable fuse automatically reestablished the connection between the heating element and the power source for the heating element. The resettable fuse can be easily and economically implemented into a conventional clockspring, thus enabling a conventional clockspring to provide electrical connections for high current devices, such as a steering wheel heating element. Moreover, the present invention provides a reliable and cost effective safety device for preventing damage to the clockspring and the vehicle, and serious injury to a driver or a passenger.

Abstract: A clockspring connector having a clockspring housing, a hub, a chamber defined by the housing, and a carrier member. The clockspring housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall. A flat conductor cable coiled within the clockspring housing. The hub is rotatably mounted within the clockspring housing. The chamber is defined by the clockspring housing. The carrier member is mounted within the chamber. The carrier member has roller members. One of the roller members is a hard roller member and another of the roller members is a compliant roller member. Typically, the hard roller member is positioned at a turn-back portion of the flat conductor cable.

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.

Abstract: A clockspring having spring fingers so as to resistant vibratory motion of the hub. The clockspring includes a housing and a cover mounted to the housing so as to form a cavity therebetween. The hub is rotatably mounted in the cavity. Clearance is provided between the hub and both the housing and the cover. The spring fingers are attached to both the housing and the cover, the spring fingers press against the hub so as to eliminate or reduce the audible sounds due to the vibratory motion of the hub.

Abstract: A clockspring connector is provided comprising a housing defining a chamber, including a carrier member having a first roller associated with a first turned-back loop of a first flat conductor cable and a second roller associated with a second turned-back loop of a second flat conductor cable wherein said first and second flat conductor cables are alternatingly coiled at an inner diameter of the chamber adjacent the hub or along said outer diameter of the chamber adjacent the housing wall. The clockspring connector includes a complaint roller member providing compression forces against the flat ribbon cable during rotation of the clockspring connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector such as a clockspring having a seal for sealing liquids and pressurized liquids, especially water, from ruining electrical connections existing within the clockspring. In one embodiment the clockspring includes a seal, where the seal prevents the liquid from corrupting the electrical connections existing within the clockspring. In another embodiment the clockspring includes a a housing, a cover, an electrical ribbon cable attached to an outer diameter circuit board, and a seal positioned between the housing and the outer diameter circuit board.

Abstract: An external locking clockspring assembly including a housing and a hub rotatably mounted in the housing. The housing having a first keyway. The hub having a second keyway. The first and second keyways being substantially coaxial in a locked position of the external clockspring assembly. A key insertable into both the first and second keyways. The key having a flexible tab. The hub having an indentation which is complementary to the flexible tab of the key when the flexible tab of the key is in a non-deformed state. An insertion tool is used to deflect the flexible tab of the key so that the key can be inserted into the first and second keyways. Upon insertion of the key into the first and second keyways, the flexible tab expands toward its undeflected position so as to engage the indentation of the second keyway of the hub. The engagement of the key with the second keyway prevents the key from falling out of the first and second keyways.

Abstract: A clockspring connector is provided comprising a housing defining a chamber, including a carrier member having a first roller associated with a first turned-back loop of a first flat conductor cable and a second roller associated with a second turned-back loop of a second flat conductor cable wherein said first and second flat conductor cables are alternatingly coiled at an inner diameter of the chamber adjacent the hub or along said outer diameter of the chamber adjacent the housing wall. The clockspring connector includes a complaint roller member providing compression forces against the flat ribbon cable during rotation of the clockspring connector.

Abstract: A clockspring connector is provided comprising a housing defining a chamber, including a carrier member having a first roller associated with a first turned-back loop of a first flat conductor cable and a second roller associated with a second turned-back loop of a second flat conductor cable wherein said first and second flat conductor cables are alternatingly coiled at an inner diameter of the chamber adjacent the hub or along said outer diameter of the chamber adjacent the housing wall. The clockspring connector includes a complaint roller member providing compression forces against the flat ribbon cable during rotation of the clockspring connector.

Abstract: A seal is provided for indicating whether a clockspring has been tampered with. The clockspring consists of a housing, a hub rotatably mounted to the housing, and a ribbon cable connected to the housing and the hub. The seal is attached to the clockspring housing and hub. The seal may consist of a tamper indicating non-marking label stock having a facestock, flexographically printed indicia located on the facestock, and an adhesive coated over the flexographically printed indicia. Furthermore, the flexographically printed indicia may provide a message such as the word "VOID." Finally, the seal may include printed instructions for inspecting the seal.

Abstract: A clockspring assembly having an apparatus for reducing the length of cable used in the clockspring's design. The clockspring has a housing which defines a first aperture. Rotatably mounted within the first aperture is a hub having a second aperture. Between the housing and the hub is a radial space defined within the housing. The radial space contains a ribbon cable which has a first end connected to a first connector and a second end connected to a second connector. Correspondingly, the first connector is attached to the housing and the second connector is attached to the hub. Furthermore, resiliently clamped onto the hub is a carrier apparatus which has a clamping portion for pressing the ribbon cable onto the hub during its rotation. In addition, the carrier apparatus also has a brace for reducing vibration of the portion of the cable portion which is not being pressed against the hub.

Abstract: A clockspring including a housing, a hub, and flexible printed wiring. The flexible printed wiring electrically connecting the hub to the housing. The hub mounted in the housing. The hub being able to rotate relative to the housing. The flexible printed wiring able to be affixed with components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and integrated circuits.