Patents by Inventor Terry L. Pitts

Terry L. Pitts 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: 5626490
    Abstract: Invention relates to an improved strain relief member for use in a communication network outlet utilizing a card-edge type connector. The connector typically may comprise a housing having a through cavity containing a plurality of axially arranged terminal contacts, where each contact is composed of a pair of blades having a slot therebetween for receiving a conductor normal to the slot. The contacts are exposed to the rear of the housing, and a card-receiving opening communicates with the through cavity from the front of the housing. The rear portion of the housing is generally of a rectangular cross section having a uniform predetermined height. The improved strain relief member, constructed to be press fit onto the rear portion, comprises a dielectric housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a rear wall extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Terry L. Pitts, Mitchell E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5562493
    Abstract: An assembly for use in connecting data communications equipment to a data communications network includes a network wiring connector 2, mating modular network connector receptacle inserts 4, a cover 6 and a mounting frame 10. The mounting frame 10 is a one piece member, preferably stamped and formed from a flat metal blank. The mounting frame 10 has a flat rear panel 12 with slots 14 in which the wiring connector 2 is mounted. The insert 4 is an edge card member with a connector interface or receptacle 62 which is aligned with openings 72 in the cover to provide an accessible mating interface for a plug attached to the data communications equipment. Side supports 22 on the mounting frame 10 extend forward to support the front end of the insert 4 and provide latching engagement surface 26 cooperative with snap latches 74 on the insert 4. Frame mounting arms having intermediate sections 16 and distal mounting flange sections 18, 20 extend from the top and bottom of the central rear panel section 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker
    Inventors: Jess B. Ferrill, Mitchell E. Miller, Terry L. Pitts
  • Patent number: 5380223
    Abstract: This invention relates to a high density shielded electrical cable connector receptacle of the type for the transmission of signals from PCMCIA cards to network wiring. The receptacle comprises a housing insert for mounting a plurality of electrical contacts, a pair of hermaphroditic, metal shielding members adapted to lie contiguous with the housing insert, and a dielectric cover member for receiving the assembled housing insert and shielding members. The housing insert comprises a dielectric, elongated, first housing member having a connector mating portion, and a rear insert receiving portion, and a dielectric insert for receipt in the insert receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Edward K. Marsh, Terry L. Pitts, Randy G. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5122076
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic data connector is disclosed herein having latching members integrally connected to a connector body via a molded web of material thereby forming a hinge for the latching members. The forward end of the latching members include latching mechanisms thereon for mated interconnection with a like connector. A locking mechanism is insertable over the latching mechanisms to lock the latching members in place. The locking mechanism includes side walls which flank side edges of the latching members and an upper wall which extends over the latching members. The locking mechanism further includes bars extending integrally from the side walls of the locking member, and are positioned intermediate the latching members and the connector housing. The locking mechanism is movable between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Terry L. Pitts
  • Patent number: 5074803
    Abstract: A data connector is disclosed herein having a premolded one-piece insulative boot housing which is slidably receivable over a shielded subassembly to form a shielded data connector. The one-piece premolded boot housing includes integral latching arms pivotal relative to the housing portion via molded web hinges. The ends of the latching arms adacent the mating face of the connector include hermaphroditic latching members which are capable of latching to an identical electrical connector. A locking ring is receivable over the rearward side of the premolded boot housing and is movable between a locked and unlocked position. When in the locked position, transverse channels formed in the locking ring encompass free ends of the latching arms thereby preventing pivotal movement of the latching arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Curtis S. Chandler, Terry L. Pitts
  • Patent number: 4648066
    Abstract: A self-contained, portable memory module for transferring configuration data from one programmable panel controller to another. An internal replaceable lithium battery is provided for powering the memory integrated circuit chip when the module is not connected to a powered controller. The battery and module are interconnected by a three wire battery lead that can be plugged into the module in either direction. The module also has a hinged case with molded feet allowing the module to be stored upright on a flat surface to prevent damage to the internal lithium battery. The module further comprises a connector, recessed for protection from static electrical discharges, for interfacing the module to the controller, and a special battery connector which allows battery replacement without loss of the stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Pitt