Patents by Inventor Richard J. Scherer

Richard J. Scherer 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).

  • Publication number: 20220085528
    Abstract: An electrical cable including a plurality of substantially parallel insulated conductors is described. Each insulated conductor includes an electrically conductive inner conductor co-extensive and covered with an insulating layer. At least a portion of a periphery of each insulated conductor may be encompassed by a substantially co-extensive electrically conductive shield. For each insulated conductor, portions of the insulating layer are removed from the top side of the cable to expose a portion of the inner conductor of the insulated conductor. The insulated conductor is adapted to mate with an electrically conductive mating conductor at the exposed portion of the inner conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: James G. Vana, JR., Alexander W. Barr, Richard J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 11217918
    Abstract: An electrical cable (1000) including a plurality of substantially parallel insulated conductors (100) is described. Each insulated conductor (100) includes an electrically conductive inner conductor (200) co-extensive and covered with an insulating layer (300). At least a portion of a periphery of each insulated conductor (100) may be encompassed by a substantially co-extensive electrically conductive shield (400). For each insulated conductor (100), portions of the insulating layer (300) are removed from the top side (1200) of the cable (1000) to expose a portion of the inner conductor (200) of the insulated conductor (100). The insulated conductor (100) is adapted to mate with an electrically conductive mating conductor (500) at the exposed portion (210) of the inner conductor (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James G. Vana, Jr., Alexander W. Barr, Richard J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 10658779
    Abstract: A connector for establishing electrical connections with a PCB comprises first and second sets of contact pads arranged in first and second rows on a same surface of the PCB. The connector includes a first set of elongated contacts, a second set of elongated contacts, and a contact block. The first set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a first row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the first set of contact pads of the PCB. The second set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a second row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the second set of contact pads of the PCB. The contact block supports the first and second sets of contacts and causes the contact surfaces to wipe against the first and second sets of contact pads when making and breaking electrical connectivity therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione, Daniel F. Cronch, Jesse A. Mann, Leon D. Schmidt, Steven A. Neu, Richard D. Twigg, Gregg R. Couture, James A. Wessman
  • Patent number: 10498059
    Abstract: A flat electrical cable is described. The cable includes a plurality of equally spaced substantially parallel electrical conductors lying in a same plane and extending along the length of the cable. Each conductor has a same diameter D. The cable further includes a common unitary electrically insulating layer encapsulating the plurality of conductors. The insulating layer includes a plurality of cover portions where each cover portion is concentric with a corresponding conductor and has a radial thickness t. t/D is in a range from about 0.50 to about 1.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John W. Benedict, James G. Vana, Jr., Rocky D. Edwards, Mark T. Palmer, Richard J. Scherer, Steven A. Neu, Ching-Long Tsai
  • Publication number: 20190296465
    Abstract: An electrical cable (1000) including a plurality of substantially parallel insulated conductors (100) is described. Each insulated conductor (100) includes an electrically conductive inner conductor (200) co-extensive and covered with an insulating layer (300). At least a portion of a periphery of each insulated conductor (100) may be encompassed by a substantially co-extensive electrically conductive shield (400). For each insulated conductor (100), portions of the insulating layer (300) are removed from the top side (1200) of the cable (1000) to expose a portion of the inner conductor (200) of the insulated conductor (100). The insulated conductor (100) is adapted to mate with an electrically conductive mating conductor (500) at the exposed portion (210) of the inner conductor (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James G. VANA, JR., Alexander W. BARR, Richard J. SCHERER
  • Publication number: 20190157787
    Abstract: A connector for establishing electrical connections with a PCB comprises first and second sets of contact pads arranged in first and second rows on a same surface of the PCB. The connector includes a first set of elongated contacts, a second set of elongated contacts, and a contact block. The first set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a first row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the first set of contact pads of the PCB. The second set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a second row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the second set of contact pads of the PCB. The contact block supports the first and second sets of contacts and causes the contact surfaces to wipe against the first and second sets of contact pads when making and breaking electrical connectivity therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione, Daniel F. Cronch, Jesse A. Mann, Leon D. Schmidt, Steven A. Neu, Richard D. Twigg, Gregg R. Couture, James A. Wessman
  • Patent number: 10236613
    Abstract: A connector for establishing electrical connections with a PCB comprises first and second sets of contact pads arranged in first and second rows on a same surface of the PCB. The connector includes a first set of elongated contacts, a second set of elongated contacts, and a contact block. The first set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a first row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the first set of contact pads of the PCB. The second set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a second row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the second set of contact pads of the PCB. The contact block supports the first and second sets of contacts and causes the contact surfaces to wipe against the first and second sets of contact pads when making and breaking electrical connectivity therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione, Daniel F. Cronch, Jesse A. Mann, Leon D. Schmidt, Steven A. Neu, Richard D. Twigg, Gregg R. Couture, James A. Wessman
  • Publication number: 20180375238
    Abstract: A flat electrical cable is described. The cable includes a plurality of equally spaced substantially parallel electrical conductors lying in a same plane and extending along the length of the cable. Each conductor has a same diameter D. The cable further includes a common unitary electrically insulating layer encapsulating the plurality of conductors. The insulating layer includes a plurality of cover portions where each cover portion is concentric with a corresponding conductor and has a radial thickness t. t/D is in a range from about 0.50 to about 1.25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: John W. Benedict, James G. Vana, JR., Rocky D. Edwards, Mark T. Palmer, Richard J. Scherer, Steven A. Neu, Ching-Long Tsai
  • Patent number: 10158185
    Abstract: A connector assembly for electrically connecting a plurality of wires to a circuit board is described. The connector assembly includes a vertical connector that includes an insulative base having pluralities of substantially parallel first and second base channels formed on respective opposing first and second major surfaces of the base. The vertical connector further includes pluralities of first and second terminals in registration with the respective first and second base channels, each first and second terminal including a contact portion for making contact with a wire, and a press-fit portion for being inserted into a conductive via of a circuit board. At least a majority length of each first and second terminal is disposed outside the housing. Each first and second terminal is secured in the connector at least in part by virtue of making physical contact with a corresponding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Abhay R. Joshi, William J. Lee, Joseph N. Castiglione, Jesse A. Mann
  • Patent number: 10090612
    Abstract: A flat electrical cable is described. The cable includes a plurality of equally spaced substantially parallel electrical conductors lying in a same plane and extending along the length of the cable. Each conductor has a same diameter D. The cable further includes a common unitary electrically insulating layer encapsulating the plurality of conductors. The insulating layer includes a plurality of cover portions where each cover portion is concentric with a corresponding conductor and has a radial thickness t. t/D is in a range from about 0.50 to about 1.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Benedict, James G. Vana, Jr., Rocky D. Edwards, Mark T. Palmer, Richard J. Scherer, Steven A. Neu, Ching-Long Tsai
  • Publication number: 20180054011
    Abstract: A connector assembly for electrically connecting a plurality of wires to a circuit board is described. The connector assembly includes a vertical connector that includes an insulative base having pluralities of substantially parallel first and second base channels formed on respective opposing first and second major surfaces of the base. The vertical connector further includes pluralities of first and second terminals in registration with the respective first and second base channels, each first and second terminal including a contact portion for making contact with a wire, and a press-fit portion for being inserted into a conductive via of a circuit board. At least a majority length of each first and second terminal is disposed outside the housing. Each first and second terminal is secured in the connector at least in part by virtue of making physical contact with a corresponding wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Abhay R. Joshi, William J. Lee, Joseph N. Castiglione, Jesse A. Mann
  • Publication number: 20170214163
    Abstract: A flat electrical cable is described. The cable includes a plurality of equally spaced substantially parallel electrical conductors lying in a same plane and extending along the length of the cable. Each conductor has a same diameter D. The cable further includes a common unitary electrically insulating layer encapsulating the plurality of conductors. The insulating layer includes a plurality of cover portions where each cover portion is concentric with a corresponding conductor and has a radial thickness t. t/D is in a range from about 0.50 to about 1.25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: John W. Benedict, James G. Vana, JR., Rocky D. Edwards, Mark T. Palmer, Richard J. Scherer, Steven A. Neu, Ching-Long Tsai
  • Publication number: 20170207561
    Abstract: A connector for establishing electrical connections with a PCB comprises first and second sets of contact pads arranged in first and second rows on a same surface of the PCB. The connector includes a first set of elongated contacts, a second set of elongated contacts, and a contact block. The first set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a first row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the first set of contact pads of the PCB. The second set of contacts have contact surfaces that form a second row of contact surfaces configured to make and break electrical connectivity with the second set of contact pads of the PCB. The contact block supports the first and second sets of contacts and causes the contact surfaces to wipe against the first and second sets of contact pads when making and breaking electrical connectivity therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione, Daniel F. Cronch, Jesse A. Mann, Leon D. Schmidt, Steven A. Neu, Richard D. Twigg, Gregg R. Couture, James A. Wessman
  • Patent number: 9325121
    Abstract: Various high speed shielded cables are used in combination with a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical terminations in electrical contact with the conductor sets of the cable at a first end of the cable, the electrical terminations configured to make electrical contact with corresponding mating electrical terminations of a mating connector and at least one housing configured to retain the plurality of electrical terminations in a planar, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Patent number: 9202609
    Abstract: Various high speed shielded cables are used in combination with a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical terminations in electrical contact with the conductor sets of the cable at a first end of the cable, the electrical terminations configured to make electrical contact with corresponding mating electrical terminations of a mating connector and at least one housing configured to retain the plurality of electrical terminations in a planar, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Patent number: 9202608
    Abstract: Various high speed shielded cables are used in combination with a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical terminations in electrical contact with the conductor sets of the cable at a first end of the cable, the electrical terminations configured to make electrical contact with corresponding mating electrical terminations of a mating connector and at least one housing configured to retain the plurality of electrical terminations in a planar, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Publication number: 20150311643
    Abstract: Various high speed shielded cables are used in combination with a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical terminations in electrical contact with the conductor sets of the cable at a first end of the cable, the electrical terminations configured to make electrical contact with corresponding mating electrical terminations of a mating connector and at least one housing configured to retain the plurality of electrical terminations in a planar, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Patent number: 9105376
    Abstract: A shielded electrical ribbon cable is disclosed. The cable includes a plurality of conductor sets including a first conductor set adjacent a second conductor set. Each conductor set includes one or more insulated conductors. The cable further includes first and second shielding films disposed on opposite sides of the cable forming cover portions and pinched portions, where the cover portions substantially surround each conductor set, and the pinched portions form pinched portions of the cable on each side of each conductor set. The insulated conductors in a conductor set are not in a same geometrical plane. A first insulated conductor of the first conductor set is nearest the second conductor set. A second insulated conductor of the second conductor set is nearest the first conductor set. The first and second insulated conductors have a center-to-center spacing S. The first insulated conductor has an outer dimension D1 and the second insulated conductor has an outer dimension D2. S/Dmin is in a range from 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Patent number: 9071001
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plurality of electrical cable terminations for mating with a corresponding plurality of contact pins and a planar insulative connector body. Each of the electrical cable terminations includes a tubular housing, an inner housing, and at least one electrical contact. The tubular housing is of electrically conductive material and has inner walls defining an opening and first and second opposed open ends. The inner housing is of electrically insulating material and is inserted into the tubular housing from at least one of the open ends thereof. The inner housing comprises at least one inner space configured to receive an electrical contact in a fixed relative position. The electrical contact is positioned in the inner housing and configured to be connected to an electrical cable. The planar insulative connector body has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are defined by a front edge, a back edge, and two longitudinal side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione, Abhay R. Joshi, Jesse A. Mann, James G. Vana, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8911255
    Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a header and an electrical connector assembly. The header includes a leading end having a plurality of contact pins that are insertable into an electronic device and a plurality of separated stripline ground plates extending from the leading end toward a mating end of the header. The electrical connector assembly is coupleable with the mating end of the header and includes a plurality of electrical connectors secured in a stacked configuration. Each electrical connector includes a planar insulative connector body and a plurality of electrical cable terminations for mating with a corresponding plurality of contact pins of the header. At least two electrical cable terminations make electrical contact with a common stripline ground plate when the header and the electrical connector assembly are in a mated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione, Abhay R. Joshi, Jesse A. Mann, Adam P. Rumsey