Patents by Inventor Wesley W. Weber
Wesley W. Weber 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).
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Publication number: 20240120716Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices providing for the robotic installation of vehicle electrical systems are described. A vehicle wiring harness includes first and second cables, a robotic gripping arm, and at least two pairs of stiffeners coupled to the cables to define folding points and corresponding segments that enable robotic folding and unfolding of the wiring harness. In other examples, a wiring harness is coupled to a plurality of electrical connectors carried by a carrier plate of an electrical control unit connection system (ECU), which is installed by robotically mating the plurality of electrical connectors carried by the carrier plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Christopher REIDER, Jeffrey S. CAMPBELL, Wesley W. WEBER, Andreas URBANIAK, Marcel FRUEND, Kurt P. SEIFERT, Marc Sohn
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Publication number: 20240079803Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector housing. The connector housing includes a first side having a first opening. The first opening includes a first planar surface within the connector housing. The connector housing includes a second side having a second opening. The connector assembly includes a terminal with an attachment portion and a conductive member. The conductive member includes a tanged portion. The attachment portion includes a socket opening accessible through the second opening of the connector housing. The connector assembly includes a stuffer insertable into the first opening of the connector housing. The tanged portion of the terminal is engageable with the stuffer to urge the conductive member toward the first planar surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Duane Brantingham, Wesley W. Weber, Jeffrey S. Campbell
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Publication number: 20230087909Abstract: A self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system for an electronic module comprises a mechanical mount assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to a base frame and defining a mount connection position assurance (CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein, and an electrical connection assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly and comprising a modular electrical connector (i) being electrically connected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii) defining a connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electrical connector with a corresponding electrical connector integrated into or attached to the electronic module when the electronic module is secured in the mechanical mount assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: David R. Peterson, Jared Bilas, Kurt P. Seifert, Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR., Christian Schaefer
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Patent number: 11523530Abstract: A self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system for an electronic module comprises a mechanical mount assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to a base frame and defining a mount connection position assurance (CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein, and an electrical connection assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly and comprising a modular electrical connector (i) being electrically connected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii) defining a connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electrical connector with a corresponding electrical connector integrated into or attached to the electronic module when the electronic module is secured in the mechanical mount assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: David R. Peterson, Jared Bilas, Kurt P. Seifert, Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr., Christian Schaefer
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Publication number: 20220376436Abstract: Self-aligning mounting systems and methods for an electrical connectors and controllers of an electrified vehicle include a dock member configured to be fixedly attached to a frame of the electrified vehicle and to at least temporarily secure the electrical controller therein and at least one floating electrical connector floatably mateable with the dock member such that the floating electrical connector is movable by a tolerance distance amount along each of at least first and second perpendicular axes that are each parallel to the base portion of the dock member, and configured to, during securement of the electrical controller within the dock member along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, electrically connect a first connection portion of the floating electrical connector to a corresponding other electrical connector, such as an inline electrical connector or an electrical connector in a bottom surface of the electrical controller housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR.
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Publication number: 20220302619Abstract: Electrical connector systems and methods create an electrical connection between a flexible circuit (FC) and a metal terminal of another connector. A reliable electrical connection is achieved with a low-cost tin contact plating, by an automatic FC to metal terminal wiping action with contact force, during the connector to FC assembly process. The connector to FC assembly process is also well suited for automated robotic assembly, which can save costs compared to manual assembly/installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Duane L. Brantingham, Kurt P. Seifert, David R. Peterson, Joon Lee
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Patent number: 11394145Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a housing that is configured to receive a planar first substrate, The first substrate includes an electrically conductive first contact region. The electrical connector assembly is further configured to receive a planar second substrate that includes an electrically conductive second contact region defining a ridge protruding from a surface of the second substrate. The housing is configured to align the first contact region with the second contact region. The electrical connector assembly also includes a force application device applying a compressive contact force to the first and second substrates, thereby putting the first contact region in intimate compressive contact with the second contact region.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220123499Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latching member and at least one outer detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be removably connected with the connector body, wherein the deflectable latching member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The CPA device is slidably positioned adjacent the connector body and moveable from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position, wherein the CPA device interacts with the at least one outer detent feature located on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body towards the corresponding mating connector body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR.
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Patent number: 11309660Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latching member and at least one outer detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be removably connected with the connector body, wherein the deflectable latching member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The CPA device is slidably positioned adjacent the connector body and moveable from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position, wherein the CPA device interacts with the at least one outer detent feature located on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body towards the corresponding mating connector body.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210212231Abstract: A self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system for an electronic module comprises a mechanical mount assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to a base frame and defining a mount connection position assurance (CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein, and an electrical connection assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly and comprising a modular electrical connector (i) being electrically connected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii) defining a connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electrical connector with a corresponding electrical connector integrated into or attached to the electronic module when the electronic module is secured in the mechanical mount assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: David R. Peterson, Jared Bilas, Kurt P. Seifert, Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR., Christian Schaefer
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Publication number: 20210091497Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a housing that is configured to receive a planar first substrate, The first substrate includes an electrically conductive first contact region. The electrical connector assembly is further configured to receive a planar second substrate that includes an electrically conductive second contact region defining a ridge protruding from a surface of the second substrate. The housing is configured to align the first contact region with the second contact region. The electrical connector assembly also includes a force application device applying a compressive contact force to the first and second substrates, thereby putting the first contact region in intimate compressive contact with the second contact region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR.
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Patent number: 10923844Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly includes a circuit board substrate and a circuit board trace having a circuit board contact region configured to be in intimate contact with a cable contact region of a cable circuit trace contained in flat cable. The circuit board contact region defines a plurality of ridges protruding from a circuit board substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Inventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200295487Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly includes a circuit board substrate and a circuit board trace having a circuit board contact region configured to be in intimate contact with a cable contact region of a cable circuit trace contained in flat cable. The circuit board contact region defines a plurality of ridges protruding from a circuit board substrate surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR.
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Patent number: 10637176Abstract: A connector assembly includes a conductor retainer that is configured to relieve retain a conductor within a connector body of the connector assembly. The conductor retainer causes the conductor to helically twist at least 90 degrees about a longitudinal axis. A helical channel may be defined in the conductor retainer to cause the conductor to helically twist. Multiple conductors may be terminated within the connector assembly and the conductor retainer may define multiple helical channels. Some of the helical channels may have a right hand helical twist while others have a left hand helical twist. A method of manufacturing a connector assembly with these features is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Patent number: 10637171Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing that is configured to receive a planar first substrate having an electrically conductive first circuit trace with a first contact region, such a flat cable. The housing is further configured to receive a planar second substrate having an electrically conductive second circuit trace with a second contact region, such as a printed circuit board or another flat cable. The housing is configured to align the first contact region with the second contact region. The connector also includes a force application device configured to apply a compressive contact force to the first and second substrates, thereby putting the first contact region in intimate compressive contact with the second contact region. The connector may also include an moveable actuating member that is configured to selectively increase the compressive contact force applied to the first and second substrates via interaction with the force application device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Jeffrey S. Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Patent number: 10446968Abstract: A connector assembly includes an electrical-terminal, a housing, and a lock-reinforcement. The a housing defines a cavity configured to receive the electrical-terminal. The housing includes a locking-finger overlaying the electrical-terminal configured to lock the electrical-terminal within the cavity. The locking-finger has a rib protruding from the locking-finger having a first-surface and a second-surface. A tip of the locking-finger includes a locking-ramp projecting from the locking-finger configured to engage a perimeter-edge of a lock-slot defined by the electrical-terminal. The lock-reinforcement is disposed within the cavity and configured to slideably engage both the first-surface and the second-surface of the rib after the lock-reinforcement is moved from a pre-stage-position to a seated-position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Wesley W. Weber, Jr., Jeffrey S. Campbell
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Patent number: 10290970Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector body, a flexible elongate conductor, such as an electrical cable, that is terminated within the connector body, and a strain relief device attached to the connector body. The strain relief device has a clamping collar configured to surround a portion of the conductor. The clamping collar comprises a first half ring and a second half ring, each having first ends that are separable to allow the strain relief device to be fitted over the conductor. The first and second half rings each have second ends joined by a hinge feature. The clamping collar further includes means for limiting rotation of the first and second half rings about the hinge, such as a first arm extending from the first half ring and a second arm extending from the second half ring. The first arm is configured to contact the second arm, thereby limiting the rotation.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Delphi Technologies, LLCInventors: Wesley W. Weber, Jr., Ronald A. Puhl
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Patent number: 10186807Abstract: A connector includes a first-housing, a second-housing, a shroud, and a stacked-gear. The stacked-gear is moveably mounted to the first-housing. The stacked-gear engages a first-gear-rack on the second-housing and a second-gear-rack on the shroud. The second-housing is mated with the first-housing when the shroud is moved along a mating-axis of the connector. The stacked-gear engages at least two teeth on the first-gear-rack and on the second-gear-rack when the second-housing is mated with the first-housing. A rotation of the stacked-gear is greater than ninety degrees when the shroud is moved from an unmated-position to a mated-position. The stacked-gear initially engages a first-side of a first-tooth of the first-gear-rack when the first-housing receives the second-housing. A uniform mating-force is maintained as the shroud is moved from an unmated-position to a mated-position.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Delphi Technologies LLCInventors: Jeffrey Scott Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180351294Abstract: A connector includes a first-housing, a second-housing, a shroud, and a stacked-gear. The stacked-gear is moveably mounted to the first-housing. The stacked-gear engages a first-gear-rack on the second-housing and a second-gear-rack on the shroud. The second-housing is mated with the first-housing when the shroud is moved along a mating-axis of the connector. The stacked-gear engages at least two teeth on the first-gear-rack and on the second-gear-rack when the second-housing is mated with the first-housing. A rotation of the stacked-gear is greater than ninety degrees when the shroud is moved from an unmated-position to a mated-position. The stacked-gear initially engages a first-side of a first-tooth of the first-gear-rack when the first-housing receives the second-housing. A uniform mating-force is maintained as the shroud is moved from an unmated-position to a mated-position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, JR.
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Patent number: 10109952Abstract: A connector includes a first housing, a second housing, a mate assist slider, and a cam gear. The first-housing has a first outer surface. The second housing is configured to mate with the first housing, and the second housing includes a pin extending from a second outer surface. The connector also includes a mate assist slider moveable from an unmated position to a mated position. The connector also includes a cam gear mounted to the first outer surface. The cam gear moves in response to a movement of the mate-assist-slider from the unmated position to the mated position. The cam gear has a cam slot with an inertial detent. A vibratory feedback is provided to an assembler indicative of a properly positioned connector housing when the pin is moved past the inertial detent.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Delphi Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Scott Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.