Patents by Inventor Steven A. Neu

Steven A. Neu 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: 20220159836
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing, a circuit board, and a plurality of cables, each including a plurality of conductors. The circuit board is disposed in a cavity of the housing and includes an upper major surface, an opposing lower major surface, a front edge, and a rear edge opposite the front edge. The circuit board includes conductive front pads disposed on the upper and lower major surfaces proximate the front edge, and conductive rear pads disposed on the upper and lower major surfaces proximate the rear edge and electrically connected to the front pads. The rear pads form first and second rows of rear pads on each of the upper and lower major surfaces, with the first row disposed proximate the rear edge and the second row disposed between the first row and the front pads. The plurality of conductors are terminated at the first and second rows of the rear pads on the upper and lower major surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Steven A. Neu, Dennis L. Doye
  • 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: 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: 10290954
    Abstract: An electrical contact terminal includes a base portion for positioning and retaining the electrical contact terminal within a connector housing, an insulation displacement connecting portion extending upwardly from the base portion and comprising a pair of spaced apart arms defining an opening therebetween for receiving and making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and a contact portion extending downwardly from the base portion and configured to float when the electrical contact terminal is retained and positioned within a connector housing. The contact portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arcuate base portion. The first arm extends downwardly and includes a first end attached to the base portion and an opposite second end. The second arm extends downwardly and includes a free first end closer to the base portion and an opposite second end farther from the base portion. The second arm is configured to deflect when making electrical contact with a mating contact pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 10069244
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative connector housing including a longitudinal bottom wall defining a plurality of contact openings for receiving a plurality of contacts, first and second side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall at opposing sides thereof, first and second end walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall at opposing ends thereof, first and second pairs of latch openings at opposing ends of the bottom wall, and first and second protrusions extending upwardly from the bottom wall and disposed between respective first and second pairs of latch openings. Each latch opening extends through the bottom wall and through a side wall and is configured to allow a latch to eject a mating connector by moving within the opening Each of the protrusions is configured to engage a corresponding opening in a latch of a mating connector cover or strain relief assembled to the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Neu, Alexander R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 10069243
    Abstract: A board mount electrical connector (3) includes an insulative connector housing (1100) including a longitudinal bottom wall (1102) defining a plurality of contact openings (1104) for receiving a plurality of contacts (1200), first and second side walls (1106, 1108) extending upwardly from the bottom wall at opposing sides thereof, first and second end walls (1110, 1112) extending upwardly from the bottom wall at opposing ends (1102c, 1102d) thereof, first and second pairs of latch openings (1114, 1116) at opposing ends of the bottom wall, and first and second protrusions (1154, 1156) extending upwardly from the bottom wall and disposed between respective first and second pairs of latch openings. Each latch opening extends through the bottom wall and through a side wall and is configured to allow a latch to eject a mating connector by moving within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Neu, Alexander R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 10063006
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative connector housing including a longitudinal body portion and first and second pairs of opposing end portions. The body portion has a plurality of contact openings extending therein in an insertion direction for supporting a plurality of electrical contact terminals. The first and second pairs of opposing end portions extend from opposing ends of the body portion in the insertion direction. At least one end portion in each pair of opposing end portions includes a ridge extending in the insertion direction for guiding a cover latch along a side surface of the ridge and guiding a strain relief latch along an opposing side surface of the ridge. The ridge has an inclined top surface for resiliently deflecting a cover latch and an inclined side surface for resiliently deflecting a strain relief latch. The ridge has an end portion for latching onto a cover latch and a strain relief latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • Publication number: 20180198230
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative connector housing including a longitudinal body portion and first and second pairs of opposing end portions. The body portion has a plurality of contact openings extending therein in an insertion direction for supporting a plurality of electrical contact terminals. The first and second pairs of opposing end portions extend from opposing ends of the body portion in the insertion direction. At least one end portion in each pair of opposing end portions includes a ridge extending in the insertion direction for guiding a cover latch along a side surface of the ridge and guiding a strain relief latch along an opposing side surface of the ridge. The ridge has an inclined top surface for resiliently deflecting a cover latch and an inclined side surface for resiliently deflecting a strain relief latch. The ridge has an end portion for latching onto a cover latch and a strain relief latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • Patent number: 9948026
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative connector housing including a longitudinal body portion and first and second pairs of opposing end portions. The body portion has a plurality of contact openings extending therein in an insertion direction for supporting a plurality of electrical contact terminals. The first and second pairs of opposing end portions extend from opposing ends of the body portion in the insertion direction. At least one end portion in each pair of opposing end portions includes a ridge extending in the insertion direction for guiding a cover latch along a side surface of the ridge and guiding a strain relief latch along an opposing side surface of the ridge. The ridge has an inclined top surface for resiliently deflecting a cover latch and an inclined side surface for resiliently deflecting a strain relief latch. The ridge has an end portion for latching onto a cover latch and a strain relief latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • Patent number: 9876285
    Abstract: An electrical contact terminal includes a base portion for positioning and retaining the electrical contact terminal within a connector housing, an insulation displacement connecting portion extending upwardly from the base portion and comprising a pair of spaced apart arms defining an opening therebetween for receiving and making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and a contact portion extending downwardly from the base portion and configured to float when the electrical contact terminal is retained and positioned within a connector housing. The contact portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arcuate base portion. The first arm extends downwardly and includes a first end attached to the base portion and an opposite second end. The second arm extends downwardly and includes a free first end closer to the base portion and an opposite second end farther from the base portion. The second arm is configured to deflect when making electrical contact with a mating contact pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • Publication number: 20170302008
    Abstract: An electrical contact terminal includes a base portion for positioning and retaining the electrical contact terminal within a connector housing, an insulation displacement connecting portion extending upwardly from the base portion and comprising a pair of spaced apart arms defining an opening therebetween for receiving and making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and a contact portion extending downwardly from the base portion and configured to float when the electrical contact terminal is retained and positioned within a connector housing. The contact portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arcuate base portion. The first arm extends downwardly and includes a first end attached to the base portion and an opposite second end. The second arm extends downwardly and includes a free first end closer to the base portion and an opposite second end farther from the base portion. The second arm is configured to deflect when making electrical contact with a mating contact pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • Publication number: 20170256868
    Abstract: An electrical contact terminal includes a base portion for positioning and retaining the electrical contact terminal within a connector housing, an insulation displacement connecting portion extending upwardly from the base portion and comprising a pair of spaced apart arms defining an opening therebetween for receiving and making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and a contact portion extending downwardly from the base portion and configured to float when the electrical contact terminal is retained and positioned within a connector housing. The contact portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arcuate base portion. The first arm extends downwardly and includes a first end attached to the base portion and an opposite second end. The second arm extends downwardly and includes a free first end closer to the base portion and an opposite second end farther from the base portion. The second arm is configured to deflect when making electrical contact with a mating contact pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • Publication number: 20170250726
    Abstract: A wireless connector is disclosed that includes a first communication device configured to wirelessly transmit, by radiative coupling, a modulated signal including a carrier signal modulated with a digital signal. The wireless connector also includes a second communication device configured to receive the modulated signal. The first and second communication devices are coupled to one another through at least one wired connection that carries a signal used to demodulate the modulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, Zulfiqar A. Khan, Alexander W. Barr, Steven A. Neu
  • Patent number: 9728864
    Abstract: An electrical contact terminal includes a base portion for positioning and retaining the electrical contact terminal within a connector housing, an insulation displacement connecting portion extending upwardly from the base portion and comprising a pair of spaced apart arms defining an opening therebetween for receiving and making electrical contact with an electrical conductor, and a contact portion extending downwardly from the base portion and configured to float when the electrical contact terminal is retained and positioned within a connector housing. The contact portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arcuate base portion. The first arm extends downwardly and includes a first end attached to the base portion and an opposite second end. The second arm extends downwardly and includes a free first end closer to the base portion and an opposite second end farther from the base portion. The second arm is configured to deflect when making electrical contact with a mating contact pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Steven A. Neu, Steven Feldman
  • 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