Patents by Inventor Patrick A. Tucker

Patrick A. Tucker 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: 6457994
    Abstract: A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Johnson, Patrick A. Tucker, Steven Loforte, David Oliphant
  • Publication number: 20020045378
    Abstract: A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas A. Johnson, Patrick A. Tucker, Steven Loforte, David Oliphant
  • Patent number: 6320883
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for discerning between unknown but standardized ISDN interfaces, such as the U and S/T reference points, and automatically selecting compatible routing for the respective interface to compatible ISDN equipment. An unknown reference point supported by an ISDN service provider is interfaced with a reference adaptor comprised of an interface selection circuit which discerns the standardized form of the unknown reference point presented by the service provider and appropriately switches a relay means for routing the unknown interface reference point to ISDN equipment, either directly or indirectly through a transformation NT-1 device. Protection circuitry prevents signals from one reference interface from damaging sensitive circuitry of another reference interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Eric P. Mitchell, Connie D. York, Patrick A. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6239977
    Abstract: A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) modem card includes a PCB (printed circuit board) sealed in a slender enclosure, typically the size of a credit card. The PCB contains a hole for receiving a drop-in electronic component, such as a resetting fuse. The fuse comprises a block of positive-temperature-coefficient material sandwiched between a pair of parallel contacts. Each contact includes a tab for surface mounting the fuse to an array of conductive films located on the surface of the PCB. The tabs lie in a common plane and in a plane parallel to the planes of the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Urry Price, Patrick A. Tucker