Patents by Inventor Thomas Bernhard Pabst

Thomas Bernhard Pabst 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: 9325113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector arrangement including a plug connector and a socket connector that may be suited for use with an electronically adjustable damper of an automobile. The socket connector is rotatably arranged in a socket connector housing and has an outer casing. The outer casing includes a guideway formed therein that is configured to receive a corresponding guide element of the plug connector. The guideway has a funnel shaped portion configured to receive the guide element. The guide element rotates the socket connector into a correctly aligned orientation with regard to the plug connector upon contacting the funnel shaped portion when the plug connector is inserted into the socket connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Harald Pankau, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Patent number: 8944858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical 90° power terminal, comprising an elongated wire connection member, and a terminal element. The wire connection member is provided with a wire fastening portion and a fastening portion for the terminal element comprising a circular opening, and the terminal element has an essentially cylindrical shape and comprises a terminal end and a connecting end adapted to be received in the circular opening of the fastening portion. When connected with each other, the terminal element and the elongated wire connection member are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg, S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Rainer Schmidt, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Publication number: 20140357114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector arrangement including a plug connector and a socket connector that may be suited for use with an electronically adjustable damper of an automobile. The socket connector is rotatably arranged in a socket connector housing and has an outer casing. The outer casing includes a guideway formed therein that is configured to receive a corresponding guide element of the plug connector. The guideway has a funnel shaped portion configured to receive the guide element. The guide element rotates the socket connector into a correctly aligned orientation with regard to the plug connector upon contacting the funnel shaped portion when the plug connector is inserted into the socket connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Harald Pankau, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Patent number: 8882543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a power transmitting arrangement adapted to house an electromagnetically shielded conducting element. The electromagnetic shielding device has essentially the form of a sleeve and further includes a weakened portion, which is adapted to be contracted for establishing an electrical connection between the device and the shielding of the conducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 8827729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector system. The electrical connector system includes a first connector to be mated to a corresponding counter connector and it is further adapted to be connected to a signal circuit for activating an electrical power source upon switching. As a safety feature, the connector system further includes a connector position assurance (CPA) member assigned to the first connector, which is movable, whereby an end position is not reachable if the first connector is incorrectly mated to the counter connector. The CPA member is adapted to interact with the signal circuit if placed in said end position so that it activates of the electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Thomas Schwerin, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Publication number: 20130210292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical 90° power terminal, comprising an elongated wire connection member, and a terminal element. The wire connection member is provided with a wire fastening portion and a fastening portion for the terminal element comprising a circular opening, and the terminal element has an essentially cylindrical shape and comprises a terminal end and a connecting end adapted to be received in the circular opening of the fastening portion. When connected with each other, the terminal element and the elongated wire connection member are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FCI AUTOMOTIVE HOLDING
    Inventors: Rainer Schmidt, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Publication number: 20130084741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a power transmitting arrangement adapted to house an electromagnetically shielded conducting element. The electromagnetic shielding device has essentially the form of a sleeve and further includes a weakened portion, which is adapted to be contracted for establishing an electrical connection between the device and the shielding of the conducting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FCI Automotive Holding
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Michael Gunreben
  • Publication number: 20130078835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector system. The electrical connector system includes a first connector to be mated to a corresponding counter connector and it is further adapted to be connected to a signal circuit for activating an electrical power source upon switching. As a safety feature, the connector system further includes a connector position assurance (CPA) member assigned to the first connector, which is movable, whereby an end position is not reachable if the first connector is incorrectly mated to the counter connector. The CPA member is adapted to interact with the signal circuit if placed in said end position so that it activates of the electrical power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: FCI Automotive Holding
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Thomas Schwerin, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Patent number: 7766685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug connector arrangement with a plug, having first catch arms arranged parallel to the plug-in direction and a secondary locking, as well as a mating plug with shoulders, behind which catch lugs engage in a final plugged-in position on the first catch arms. The secondary locking is released from a pre-catch position by the mating plug during the plug-in process and, on reaching its final catch position, is held back by the first catch arms until the catch lugs thereof are locked behind the shoulders of the mating plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Hans-Otto Geltsch, Olaf Hoernlein, Harald Pankau
  • Publication number: 20080268694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug connector arrangement with a plug, having first catch arms arranged parallel to the plug-in direction and a secondary locking, as well as a mating plug with shoulders, behind which catch lugs engage in a final plugged-in position on the first catch arms. The secondary locking is released from a pre-catch position by the mating plug during the plug-in process and, on reaching its final catch position, is held back by the first catch arms until the catch lugs thereof are locked behind the shoulders of the mating plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Hans-Otto Geltsh, Olaf Hoernlein, Harald Pankau
  • Patent number: 7367837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector (1) for flat flex cables (2), with a housing (3), in which is provided: at least one introduction opening (4) for one end of a flat flex cable, spring contacts (5) for connecting the at least one flat flex cable (2) with contacts (6) or with another flat flex cable (7) and at least one strain relief (8). The strain relief (8) has a slide (9), which is introduced into the introduction opening (4) above the flat flex cable (2), the flat flex cable (2) being bent by a rib (10) on slide (9) into a recess (11) in the bottom of introduction opening (4) until the slide (9) locks into its final position on housing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Patent number: 7309249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for joining two conductors, including a first semi-housing and a second semi-housing that can be moved from a position in which said second semi-housing is in a pre-locked state with the first semi-housing into a final locked position. The inventive connector also comprises an electrically conducting clamp which contacts and interconnects the two conductors in the final locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Hans-Otto Geltsch
  • Patent number: 7172455
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in connector for connecting two flat strip conductors, including at least one spring element which provides the required normal contact power for the connection of the two flat strip conductors. The spring element contacts the two flat strip connectors and produces the electric contact between the two flat strip connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Hans-Otto Geltsch
  • Patent number: 7144256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector arrangement, between a flexible ribbon cable (1) and a component (5) of an electrical circuit, whereby the flexible ribbon cable (1) has a stripped conductor region on one side of the end for connection, comprising a housing (2) in which the flexible ribbon cable end is clamped and in which an elastic element (3) subjects the stripped end to pressure. The component (5) comprises a socket (4) for the housing (2), in which the housing (2) may be clipped and with contact strips (6) arranged therein against which the stripped regions of the flexible ribbon cable (1) are pressed, when the housing (2) is in the terminal position thereof within the socket (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Hans-Otto Geltsch
  • Patent number: 7084346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrically connecting a conductor to a contact, according to which the electrical conductor that is coated with an insulation is first inserted between two legs of the contact, whereupon a welding device is placed against both legs and the welding process is carried out by turning on the welding current. The insulation of the electrical conductor is destroyed due to the heat delivered during the welding process, resulting in a permanent mechanical and electrical connection between the conductor and the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Patent number: 7063561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping connector for at least two aligned flexible ribbon cables, said connector including a base body, spring elements for pressing together the surfaces to be brought into contact, and a counter body. The base body and the counter body can be fixed to each other in a pre-locking position and a final locking position. The respective skinned partial regions of at least two flexible ribbon cables are pressed against each other in order to bring the same into contact. The sides of the base body and the counter body, facing the flexible ribbon cables, are provided with complementary recesses or projections by which means the flexible ribbon cables can be guided to form a cable grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Thomas Bernhard Pabst