Patents by Inventor Vincent Regnier

Vincent Regnier 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: 20170012392
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical plug connector for a safety restraint system, preferably for an airbag ignition system, including at least two contact terminals disposed within the plug connector and a shorting clip, that is configured to short circuit the at least two contact terminals in an uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. The shorting clip includes at least two shorting tongues. Each shorting tongue is electrically connected with a respective contact terminal. Each shorting tongue further includes at least one electrical contact surface and at least one of the shorting tongues includes an actuating member. The actuating member is provided with an actuating surface that is configured to interact with a separator device. The contact surfaces are not arranged within the same plane as the actuating surface(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: LUKASZ KOT, BARTLOMIEJ SIWEK, PETER NUETZEL, MICHAEL GUNREBEN, VINCENT REGNIER
  • Publication number: 20170005436
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag connector system comprising an airbag squib connector adapted to be mated with a corresponding airbag squib socket, whereby the airbag squib connector comprises a connector housing with a connection tube. The connection tube is provided with at least one reversed locking arm adapted to lock the airbag squib connector to the airbag squib socket, whereby the reversed locking arm extends from a flexible torsion element provided at an insertion sided end of the connection tube in a direction essentially opposing the insertion direction of the airbag squib connector into the corresponding socket. Thereby, the flexible torsion element is adapted to deform and thereby enable a deflection of the reversed locking arm upon insertion of the airbag squib connector into the airbag squib socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier, Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9537267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors, for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is configured to be separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg SARL.
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Bernhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 9520674
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly for airbag restraint systems. The connector assembly comprises a connector housing and secondary locking means assigned to the connector housing. The secondary locking means is arranged movable relative to the connector housing and can be moved from an open position to a locked position. Further the secondary locking means comprises two separate locking members wherein each of the two separate locking members is configured to be independently movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Vincent Regnier, Rene Lehmann
  • Patent number: 9409536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly in particular for airbag connection systems, including a connector housing and a secondary lock. The housing is further provided with a spring, such that the secondary lock is movable between a first and a second position and the spring forces the secondary lock into its second position when the connector housing is fully mated with a corresponding mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg SARL
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20160181731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grounding clip for an airbag ignition system adapted to be mounted to an airbag retainer insert. The clip comprises a first grounding contact in form of a spring tongue, adapted to contact a grounding contact of a squib connector and a second grounding contact adapted to contact an electroconductive part of an airbag squib. The clip comprises a flat base connecting the first and second grounding contacts with each other, wherein the spring tongue has a straight portion that extends perpendicular from the flat base and wherein the free end of the spring tongue comprises a bent portion that is not perpendicular to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: RENE LEHMANN, VINCENT REGNIER, FRANK ODORFER, BARTLOMIEJ SIWEK
  • Publication number: 20160013583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly for airbag restraint systems. The connector assembly comprises a connector housing and secondary locking means assigned to the connector housing. The secondary locking means is arranged movable relative to the connector housing and can be moved from an open position to a locked position. Further the secondary locking means comprises two separate locking members wherein each of the two separate locking members is configured to be independently movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Vincent Regnier, Rene Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20150232055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly in particular for airbag connection systems, including a connector housing and a secondary lock. The housing is further provided with a spring, such that the secondary lock is movable between a first and a second position and the spring forces the secondary lock into its second position when the connector housing is fully mated with a corresponding mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20150219708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors, for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is configured to be separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Bernhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 9054457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug-connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is adapted for being separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Berhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 9039438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector system comprising a plug connector and a retainer configured to be inserted into a corresponding holder. The plug connector comprises a connector housing and a latching arm assigned to the connectorhousing, whereby the plug connector is configured to be mountable with the retainer. The connector system comprises a deflection portion for causing the latching arm to deflect upon mounting of the plug connector with the retainer. The deflection portion is shaped such that the deflection provides increasing resistance against further movement of the plug connector. The connector system further comprises a release portion configured to enable a release deflection of the latching arm. The release portion is shaped so the release deflection does not provide resistance against further movement of the plug connector. Still further, the connector system comprises a latching portion configured to allow the latching arm to lock the plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20140287611
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag connector system comprising an airbag squib connector adapted to be mated with a corresponding airbag squib socket, whereby the airbag squib connector comprises a connector housing with a connection tube. The connection tube is provided with at least one reversed locking arm adapted to lock the airbag squib connector to the airbag squib socket, whereby the reversed locking arm extends from a flexible torsion element provided at an insertion sided end of the connection tube in a direction essentially opposing the insertion direction of the airbag squib connector into the socket. Thereby, the flexible torsion element is adapted to deform and thereby enable a deflection of the reversed locking arm upon insertion of the airbag squib connector into the airbag squib socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier, Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140045361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector system comprising a plug connector and a retainer configured to be inserted into a corresponding holder. The plug connector comprises a connector housing and a latching arm assigned to the connectorhousing, whereby the plug connector is configured to be mountable with the retainer. The connector system comprises a deflection portion for causing the latching arm to deflect upon mounting of the plug connector with the retainer. The deflection portion is shaped such that the deflection provides increasing resistance against further movement of the plug connector. The connector system further comprises a release portion configured to enable a release deflection of the latching arm. The release portion is shaped so the release deflection does not provide resistance against further movement of the plug connector. Still further, the connector system comprises a latching portion configured to allow the latching arm to lock the plug connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20120112762
    Abstract: The present invention relates to squib connectors for instance for airbag ignition systems, which allow the electrical or electronic monitoring of the correct coupling of a squib plug-connector with its corresponding counterpart. According to the invention, a squib connector has at least two terminals having corresponding signal lines. In order to allow an electrical monitoring of the correct coupling of the plug connector, the terminals are in electrical contact with each other in the uncoupled or incorrectly coupled condition of the plug connector. This electrical contact between the terminals is adapted for being separated upon correct coupling to a corresponding counter-connector either automatically or by an actuating action. The disconnecting of the terminals may then be monitored by any suitable monitoring means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Odorfer, Vincent Regnier, Berhard Kuehnel, Michael Gunreben
  • Patent number: 7997940
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for an airbag ignitor including a) a socket member having a mating aperture, an internal side wall portion having a locking slot, and a bottom wall portion having at least one pin contact extending therefrom; and b) a plug member adapted for mating with the socket member by insertion in the mating aperture and including a plug body and a plug nose, the plug nose including (i) at least one socket contact aperture for receiving a socket contact corresponding to a respective pin contact, and (ii) a resilient locking device adapted for engaging in the locking slot and locking the plug member in the socket member, wherein the plug member includes an annular gasket seal around the plug nose and under the plug body to seal the aperture between the socket member and the plug member when they mate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20090209138
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for an airbag ignitor including a) a socket member having a mating aperture, an internal side wall portion having a locking slot, and a bottom wall portion having at least one pin contact extending therefrom; and b) a plug member adapted for mating with the socket member by insertion in the mating aperture and including a plug body and a plug nose, the plug nose including (i) at least one socket contact aperture for receiving a socket contact corresponding to a respective pin contact, and (ii) a resilient locking device adapted for engaging in the locking slot and locking the plug member in the socket member, wherein the plug member includes an annular gasket seal around the plug nose and under the plug body to seal the aperture between the socket member and the plug member when they mate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent Regnier
  • Patent number: 7108539
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector, particularly for airbag activation systems, comprising locking tongues (2), which are oriented in the direction of plugging-in and provided for locking the plug connector (1) inside a mating connector (3), and comprising a secondary locking system (4). This secondary locking system (4) has secondary locking tongues (4a, 4b) that are joined to the plug connector (1) in a fixed manner. When locking tongues (2) engage inside the mating connector (3), said secondary locking tongues elastically spring into the space (5) between locking tongues (2) and the plug connector body (6) while engaging therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Patent number: 6946162
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for providing a semitransparent metallic aspect to a rigid component of a cosmetic case or analogue, made of transparent plastic material capable of being metal-coated. Said method is characterized in that it consists in depositing by physical vacuum vapour phase deposition a metal film sufficiently thin not to be opaque, and in covering said thin film with varnish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rexam Beaute Mettallisation
    Inventors: Bruno Halot, Vincent Regnier
  • Publication number: 20040248454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector, particularly for airbag activation systems, comprising locking tongues (2), which are oriented in the direction of plugging-in and provided for locking the plug connector (1) inside a mating connector (3), and comprising a secondary locking system (4). This secondary locking system (4) has secondary locking tongues (4a, 4b) that are joined to the plug connector (1) in a fixed manner. When locking tongues (2) engage inside the mating connector (3), said secondary locking tongues elastically spring into the space (5) between locking tongues (2) and the plug connector body (6) while engaging therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier
  • Patent number: 6634903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug connector with a first lower housing part in which contact ends are arranged in a plug, crimp plates to the back end of which a flat conductor strip is crimped and the front end of which is connected with the contact ends, possibly with the interposition of a choke or another electronic component, a second housing part which is inserted as a cover on the first housing part and a third housing part inserted on the first housing part on the side of the cable. According to the invention, a strain relief clamp is provided, which clamps the flat conductor strip essentially in the shape of a U, on the end of the housing part on the side of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Michael Gunreben, Vincent Regnier, Bernhardt Kuhnel