Patents by Inventor Robert D. Leighton

Robert D. Leighton 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: 4339407
    Abstract: Encapsulation of electrical circuitry by high pressure injection molding of an insulative thermoplastic material about electrical components supported in a pre-formed carrier which is itself supported in an outer mold. The carrier has an internal configuration of lands and grooves which facilitates circuit insertion, the walls of which carrier are yieldable to flex inwardly to permit registration of the carrier walls with the outer mold and to securely hold the circuit during the injection process during which both the mold and the carrier are filled. The carrier is vented to insure complete encapsulation throughout the circuitry therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: Alden Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert D. Leighton
  • Patent number: 4243291
    Abstract: A polarized electrical outlet of minimum size adapted to be fitted into a panel including a cap and a base, welded together and formed of thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Alden Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert D. Leighton
  • Patent number: 4235832
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical connector utilizing an electrical conducting wire sheathed in a highly elastic, stretchy, squeezable insulating material and embedding it within a thermoplastic material through the use of high pressure injection molding. In the method, the sheathed wire is fitted with a heat shrinkable sleeve of plastic material that is subsequently drawn about the sheathed wire to form a rigid pressure barrier. The assembly is then disposed in a mold with the sleeve disposed in an egress of the mold and the thermoplastic material is injected. The sleeve will form the rigid plug-like cover which prevents the plastic from oozing by the squeezable insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: Alden Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert D. Leighton
  • Patent number: 4154498
    Abstract: An electrical connector which can be mounted on a panel. The connector includes a self contained locking mechanism with a pair of integrally molded resilient arms that are spaced from the body of the connector by hinges and which are designed to oppose a shoulder disposed around the perimeter of the face of the connector and to grip the panel for a secure fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Assignee: Alden Research Foundation
    Inventors: Theodore H. Wood, Robert D. Leighton