Patents by Inventor Robert M. Fuerst

Robert M. Fuerst 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: 20150033602
    Abstract: A user reconfigurable platform for creating three dimensional overlapping layered collages for displaying elements is provided that includes pedestals of varying heights or lengths along a z-axis relative to an attachment substrate in an x-y plane. Multiple mounting boards are configured for mounting the displayed elements and for attachment to the pedestals. The pedestals attach to the substrate with a bottom separable interface and to the mounting board with a top separable interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Robert M. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 7867023
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and to header systems having such connectors. In one embodiment an electrical connector also known as a header can have two aligning and locating pegs for cooperating with alignment holes of the housing of a control module to accurately and precisely position header in a respective bay of the control module. The pegs of each header can have either unique cross-sectional shapes which can be reflected in respective alignment holes of housing, or can be uniquely positioned on the header which positioning is matched on the holes of the housing to permit each header to be accurately and precisely seated along the x-axis and the y-axis in only one bay and in only a desired front back orientation, or both. In this fashion, the terminals of the header, including its pins, are in position to engage openings in a PCB or other connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank Keyser, Robert M. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 7677928
    Abstract: A filter connector includes a dielectric housing having a mounting face. At least one row of terminal-receiving passages are formed in the housing through the mounting face. A row of filter-receiving pockets are formed in the housing through the mounting face respectively in alignment with the passages, and with one side of each pocket communicating with its respective passage. A slot is formed in the mounting face of the housing and extends along the row of pockets in communication with opposite sides thereof. A plurality of terminals are mounted into the passages. A plurality of filters are inserted into the pockets through the mounting face, with one side of the filters respectively engageable with the terminals. A single shorting bar is inserted into the slot in the housing through the mounting face and into engagement with opposite sides of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert M. Fuerst
  • Publication number: 20090258543
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and to header systems having such connectors. In one embodiment an electrical connector also known as a header can have two aligning and locating pegs for cooperating with alignment holes of the housing of a control module to accurately and precisely position header in a respective bay of the control module. The pegs of each header can have either unique cross-sectional shapes which can be reflected in respective alignment holes of housing, or can be uniquely positioned on the header which positioning is matched on the holes of the housing to permit each header to be accurately and precisely seated along the x-axis and the y-axis in only one bay and in only a desired front back orientation, or both. In this fashion, the terminals of the header, including its pins, are in position to engage openings in a PCB or other connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank Keyser, Robert M. Fuerst
  • Publication number: 20090053936
    Abstract: A filter connector includes a dielectric housing having a mounting face. At least one row of terminal-receiving passages are formed in the housing through the mounting face. A row of filter-receiving pockets are formed in the housing through the mounting face respectively in alignment with the passages, and with one side of each pocket communicating with its respective passage. A slot is formed in the mounting face of the housing and extends along the row of pockets in communication with opposite sides thereof. A plurality of terminals are mounted into the passages. A plurality of filters are inserted into the pockets through the mounting face, with one side of the filters respectively engageable with the terminals. A single shorting bar is inserted into the slot in the housing through the mounting face and into engagement with opposite sides of the filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert M. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 7442085
    Abstract: A filter connector such as one suitable for suppressing electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference or both is provided according to an assembly approach that reduces cost. Included is a unitary spring plate that overlies the plug portion of the filter connector and biases the filter components up against the terminals of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Fuerst, Duane M. Fenci, Russel L. Mackowiak
  • Patent number: 7025626
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for removably interconnecting first conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of second conductors without the use of conductive terminals. The assembly includes a male connector having a relatively rigid male body member with an edge about which the flexible circuit is wrapped, and with the first conductors of the circuit facing away from the body member at the edge thereof. An adapter or other female connecting device includes a first receptacle for receiving the male connector inserted edge-first into the first receptacle. A second receptacle receives the second conductors in position for engaging the first conductors of the flexible circuit at the edge of the male body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Fuerst, Yves LePottier
  • Patent number: 6794580
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the interconnection of the conductors of a flat circuit. A flat circuit substrate is provided with a plurality of conductors thereon. A dielectric film on the substrate substantially covers the conductors. An opening is formed in the film to selectively expose the conductors. A layer of solder material is preapplied to the exposed conductors in the opening. Therefore, the opening can be juxtaposed with a mating conductor to facilitate interconnecting the conductors by an appropriate soldering process using the preapplied solder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Prashant P. Joshi, Robert M. Fuerst
  • Publication number: 20040115985
    Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically terminating a flat flexible circuit and includes a relatively rigid body member on which the flat flexible circuit is positioned. A relatively yieldable backing structure is attached to the body member beneath the flat flexible circuit. A relatively rigid cover member is securable to the body member over the flat flexible circuit. The cover member includes a pressure surface engageable with the flat flexible circuit to clamp the circuit into engagement with the yieldable backing structure to provide strain relief for the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Yves LePottier, Robert M. Fuerst, David A. Pfaffinger, Jonathan D. Lohman
  • Patent number: 6726504
    Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of discrete terminal pins. The connector includes a dielectric housing having a front mating face and a rear terminating face. A plurality of terminal pin-receiving passages are provided in the mating face. A flat circuit-receiving receptacle is provided in the terminating face in communication with the passages. A circuit carrier or spring member is insertable into the receptacle of the housing and includes an attachment portion for attaching the flat flexible circuit of the carrier with the conductors of the circuit facing away from the carrier toward the terminal pin receiving passages. Insertion of the pins in the passages causes the pins to engage the conductors of the circuit. The circuit carrier or spring member includes a spring loaded mouth into which the terminal pins are inserted into engagement with the conductors of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Fuerst, Yves LePottier, Brian Richard Moser
  • Patent number: 6723928
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a flat flexible dielectric substrate less than 0.050 inch thick and having a generally round hole of a given diameter. A substantially square or polygonal terminal pin is inserted into the round hole in the substrate. The pin has a given cross-dimension between opposite diametral corners thereof greater than the diameter of the round hole. The difference between the cross-dimension of the pin and the diameter of the round hole is on the order of 7% to 67% of the diameter of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Christopher Berg, Harry N. Etters, Robert M. Fuerst, Todd A. Hester, Fred Love Krehbiel
  • Publication number: 20040055784
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the interconnection of the conductors of a flat circuit. A flat circuit substrate is provided with a plurality of conductors thereon. A dielectric film on the substrate substantially covers the conductors. An opening is formed in the film to selectively expose the conductors. A layer of solder material is preapplied to the exposed conductors in the opening. Therefore, the opening can be juxtaposed with a mating conductor to facilitate interconnecting the conductors by an appropriate soldering process using the preapplied solder material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Prashant P. Joshi, Robert M. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 6688911
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for removably interconnecting first conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of second conductors without the use of conductive terminals. The assembly includes a male connector having a relatively rigid male body member with an edge about which the flexible circuit is wrapped, and with the first conductors of the circuit facing away from the body member at the edge thereof. An adapter or other female connecting device includes a first receptacle for receiving the male connector inserted edge-first into the first receptacle. A second receptacle receives the second conductors in position for engaging the first conductors of the flexible circuit at the edge of the male body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Fuerst, Yves LePottier
  • Publication number: 20040000579
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a flat flexible insulating substrate having an opening therethrough. A flat conductive terminal is deposited on one side of the substrate at the opening. A portion of the terminal is formed through the opening so that the terminal has opposite ends at opposite sides of the substrate. One end of the terminal forms a contact portion thereof, and an opposite end of the terminal forms a land portion for receiving a solder ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert M. Fuerst, David A. Pfaffinger
  • Patent number: 6652311
    Abstract: A polarizing system is provided in a connector for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary connecting device. The flat flexible circuit has a longitudinal center-line and a pattern of polarizing holes therein asymmetrical to the center-line. A connector body member positions the flat flexible circuit thereon and has an asymmetrical pattern of polarizing posts insertable into the polarizing holes of the flat flexible circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Yves LePottier, Robert M. Fuerst, David A. Pfaffinger, Jonathan D. Lohman
  • Publication number: 20030087549
    Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of discrete terminal pins. The connector includes a dielectric housing having a front mating face and a rear terminating face. A plurality of terminal pin-receiving passages are provided in the mating face. A flat circuit-receiving receptacle is provided in the terminating face in communication with the passages. A circuit carrier or spring member is insertable into the receptacle of the housing and includes an attachment portion for attaching the flat flexible circuit of the carrier with the conductors of the circuit facing away from the carrier toward the terminal pin receiving passages. Insertion of the pins in the passages causes the pins to engage the conductors of the circuit. The circuit carrier or spring member includes a spring loaded mouth into which the terminal pins are inserted into engagement with the conductors of the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Robert M. Fuerst, Yves LePottier, Brian Richard Moser
  • Patent number: 6558186
    Abstract: A keying system is provided in a connector assembly for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary connecting device. The assembly includes a first connector having a body member for positioning the flat flexible circuit thereon. A second connector mates with the first connector and includes a pattern of keying projections insertable into a corresponding pattern of keying holes in the flat flexible circuit on the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Yves LePottier, Robert M. Fuerst, David A. Pfaffinger, Jonathan D. Lohman
  • Publication number: 20030073345
    Abstract: A keying system is provided in a connector assembly for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary connecting device. The assembly includes a first connector having a body member for positioning the flat flexible circuit thereon. A second connector mates with the first connector and includes a pattern of keying projections insertable into a corresponding pattern of keying holes in the flat flexible circuit on the first connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Yves LePottier, Robert M. Fuerst, David A. Pfaffinger, Jonathan D. Lohman
  • Publication number: 20030060079
    Abstract: A polarizing system is provided in a connector for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary connecting device. The flat flexible circuit has a longitudinal center-line and a pattern of polarizing holes therein asymmetrical to the center-line. A connector body member positions the flat flexible circuit thereon and has an asymmetrical pattern of polarizing posts insertable into the polarizing holes of the flat flexible circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Yves LePottier, Robert M. Fuerst, David A. Pfaffinger, Jonathan D. Lohman
  • Patent number: 6520810
    Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnection to conductors of a flat circuit, wherein the conductors are in a pattern of varying widths. A dielectric housing has a receptacle with an opening communicating the receptacle to the exterior of the housing. A plurality of terminal blocks of conductive material are positionable in the receptacle. The terminal blocks have varying sizes with corresponding varying planar surfaces exposed at the opening in the housing for engaging the conductors of the flat circuit. The blocks are arranged in the receptacle so that they present a pattern of varying sized planar surfaces matching the pattern of varying width conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Yves LePottier, Robert M. Fuerst