Abstract: A brace for an orthodontic patient includes a set of appliances fixed to the patient's teeth and an arch member connected to the appliances. The arch member has a series of notches presenting narrowed sections, and the narrowed sections are received in slots of corresponding appliances. As such, the sections of the arch member in regions between adjacent notches are not constrained by the shape of the slots of the appliances. Preferably, the arch member is comprised of an aesthetic polymeric material such as a stain-resistant transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a thermoplastic wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size, shape and anatomy of each tooth from the occlusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer also acquires salivary components which, for an indeterminate amount of time, allows for DNA analysis testing or scent dog tracing. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator comprising a shaft section and a filler section fabricated of the same material and formed as a single unit. A handle section may be included and may be formed integrally with the shaft section and filler section as a single unit, or may be fabricated separately and attached to the single unit containing the shaft section and the filler section. An endodontic post is provided having a post section and a filler section fabricated of the same matrix material to provide a cohesive bond between the two sections.

Abstract: Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot.

Abstract: An entertainment device that includes an output generator that produces audible outputs is disclosed. The output generator produces outputs in response to user inputs. In one embodiment, the entertainment device includes several actuators that can be activated by a user. The output generator produces different outputs in response to different user inputs.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for movably connecting module layers of an electronic device to actuate one operational mode while limiting actuation of other modes. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction and a second module layer movably connected relative to the first module layer. Further, a third module layer is movably connected relative to the second module layer and movable in a second direction. Additionally, a limiting member is movably positioned relative to the module layers to be engageable with the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction, or to be engageable with the first module layer to prevent movement in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction.

Abstract: In a magnetic connector acquiring connection with a mating connector by magnetic force, a base member has a particular surface to be faced to the mating connector upon connection. An electrode terminal is fixed to the base member and adapted to be electrically connected to the mating connector. The base member has a magnetic force generating portion having a plurality of magnetic poles for producing the magnetic force. N and the S poles of the magnetic poles are alternately arranged along the particular surface in a predetermined direction. Thus, the connector is properly positioned relative to the mating connector by the magnetic force.

Abstract: An improved plug connection device has projections aligned parallel with the axial direction of the connectors, by means of which the connector unit is positioned or can be positioned perpendicularly to the plane of the printed circuit board. The connector unit has, on the side facing the printed circuit board, devices forming a support surface and/or boundary plane, on which the adjacent plane of the printed circuit board lies on the connector unit. The connector unit has on a side facing the printed circuit board, at least in sections, a free space (X1), provided with at least one recess and/or recesses. The recesses lie at a distance to the adjacent plane of the printed circuit board, and/or the outer contacts of the connectors are arranged transversely offset to one another in such a way that a free space (X2) is formed between the connectors. The free space (X1) and/or the free space (X2) serve as room for routing and/or populating the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for forming a space transformer (and a space transformer formed by the method) having a first plate and a second plate, the plates being separated by a frame, and electrical connectors for providing electrical connections between electrical contacts which are relatively closely spaced on the first plate and relatively more widely spaced on the second plate. The method comprises attaching first ends of wires to first electrically conductive regions on the first plate; forming insulating layers over the wires; forming electrically conductive coverings over the insulating layers; and connecting second ends of the wires to second electrically conductive regions on the second plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interconnecting an electronic module to a substrate through resilient wire conductors in an interposer arrangement. A carrier layer of insulating material with an array of apertures, arranged to align with both the electrical pads on an electronic module and electrical contacts on a substrate, each hold, for example, a resilient wadded wire connector. Each connector extends through the aperture provided and beyond the upper and lower surfaces of the carrier layer. Each resilient wadded wire connector and aperture is encapsulated with a elastomeric insulating material sufficiently deformable so as to allow said resilient wadded wire connector to deform upon application of a normal force from each side tending to depress the connector into its aperture. The encapsulation prevents loss or smear of a wadded wire connector when handling.

Abstract: A motherboard includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a connecting member. The connecting member movably connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board, and the connecting member is capable of adjusting a relative position of the first circuit board to the second circuit board.

Abstract: An electric connector, by which a chip module can be attached to a circuit board, comprises an insulating body further provided with a pair of metallic reinforcing plates on two opposite sides thereof, a plurality of conducting terminals and a retaining structure detachable from the insulting body that can retain the chip module within the insulating body. The retaining structure is a pair of driving rods pivotally connected to two sides of the insulating body that are not attached with the reinforcing plates. The electric connector assures more stable electric connection between the chip module and the circuit board and is difficult to deform due to its metallic reinforcing plates.

Abstract: A Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) device includes a PCBA mounted inside a plastic housing, which in turn is inserted and secured inside an outer case. The case is made of metal, and includes a handle portion that is integrally connected to a plug shell. The plug shell extends over a plug portion of the PCBA, which is mounted on a corresponding substrate portion of the housing, forming a structural arrangement similar to a conventional male USB connector plug, but without having the plug shell soldered to the PCBA. The case is, for example, sheet metal that is folded into a frame-like box for receiving the housing. The handle portion engages a cover portion of the housing such that plastic tabs are received in slots formed in the casing walls.

Abstract: An electrical connector box having a thin cross section by positioning the fuse receptacle and connector receptacles to the lateral sides of the case. An internal circuit block is located over the lower case; a relay module, on which multiple relays are installed on an insulator board, is located on the internal circuit block at the central region of the case; and a fuse module, on which multiple fuses are installed; and connector modules, on which multiple connector receptacles are respectively installed, are located externally around the perimeter of the relay module. An upper case covers the relay module, fuse module, and connector modules, and the fuse module and the connector modules are externally exposed in the horizontal direction between the lower case and the upper case.

Abstract: A flex film card edge connector includes a substantially planar substrate having opposite major surfaces joined at an edge; and a flexible film wrapped around the edge and supported on both of the major surfaces. A first and second set of conductive pads are arrayed along the edges on one and the other of the major surfaces. The flexible film has a span that extends around the edge without any electrical connection between the first set of conductive pads and the second set of conductive pads. A flex film cable assembly includes a flexible film configured as an elongated strip having first and second ends, and the flex film card edge connector at least one of the ends. Methods of manufacturing both the flex film card edge connector and the flex film cable assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an injector/ejector (in/ejector) and shelf structure grounded to a frame ground of a card, in which electromagnetic and electric waves generated in an electric or electronic device can be conducted outside.

Abstract: A card connector of the present invention includes a connector body, a cover member in combination with the connector body, contact terminals arranged in the connector body, and a card-ejection preventing mechanism provided in a card-inserting opening of the connector body, wherein the card-ejection preventing mechanism has a card-stopper cap adapted to be slidable along the card-inserting opening of the connector body, so that the ejection of a card due to the vibration or the shock is prevented and a contact portion is always brought into contact with a card pad section.

Abstract: A socket connector includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive the mating edge of the card edge module. A latch member is pivotably connected to the housing. The latch member is movable between an open position and a closed position. A biasing member is connected between the housing and the latch member. The biasing member biases the latch member toward the closed position.

Abstract: Power interconnect assemblies include a longitudinally extending base member including a plurality of longitudinally extending bus bar receiving channels configured to receive longitudinally extending bus bars. An interconnect module is configured to be coupled to the base member. The interconnect module is configured to receive a connector member that is configured to receive a pluggable connectorized cable from a power component. The base member is configured so that ones of a plurality of electrical connectors of the connector member may be coupled to corresponding ones of the bus bars with the bus bars inserted in the channels.

Abstract: A connector coupling structure includes first and second connectors including housings. A raised portion is formed at a front end side of an inner surface of the second connector housing. When the first and second connectors are coupled, the raised portion contacts an outer surface of the first connector housing, forming a clearance between the outer surface of the first connector housing and an inner surface portion of the second connector housing. An inner case is slidably received in one of the connector housings. A projecting portion is formed on a side of the inner case and a notching piece having a pawl is formed on the one connector housing to be releasably engageable with the projecting portion. When the terminals and terminal-inserting holes of the two connectors are connected with one another, the inner case slides so that the engagement of the pawl and the projecting portion is released.

Abstract: Provided is a waterproof construction of a rotary dial, which makes it possible to improve a waterproof property with a simple construction and is suited to a marine acoustic equipment.

Abstract: A surface contact card holder (100) includes a body (10), a receiving mechanism (14), a guiding mechanism (20), and a latching member (25). The receiving mechanism is provided on the body for receiving a surface contact card (30) therein. The receiving mechanism has an aperture (142) defined in one end thereof for insertion and withdraw of the surface contact card. The guiding mechanism is provided on the body and adjacent to the aperture. The latching member is slidably mounted with the guiding mechanism for opening and closing the aperture of the receiving mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes an expansion card having a slot cover, a chassis having a rear wall, the rear wall forming two opposite support tabs thereon, and a pivoting member pivotally mounted to the chassis between the two support tabs. The rear wall defines a through slot below the two support tabs for the slot cover covering thereon. At least one support tab forms a positioning portion thereon. The slot cover has a fixing portion thereon. The pivoting member has a locking portion for engaging with the positioning portion, and a retaining portion for pressing on the fixing portion of the slot cover. The mounting assembly further includes a positioning block securely attached to the chassis opposite to the rear wall of the chassis, and another pivoting member pivotally mounted to the positioning block for retaining another end of the expansion card.

Abstract: A chip card retaining mechanism for retaining a chip card (40) mounted in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing (10) having a battery compartment (14) defined therein. The chip card retaining mechanism includes a locking member (30). The locking member is securely mounted on the receiving portion. The locking member and a surface of the housing cooperatively form a receiving cavity therebetween for receiving the chip card therein and locking the chip card in the receiving cavity. A first end of the locking member and a surface of the housing cooperatively form an opening for inserting the chip card.

Abstract: A female connector (F) has a female housing (10) with a main body (11) and a lock arm (13) formed on an upper surface of the main body (11). A detector (40) is mounted on the upper surface of the lock arm (13) for movement between a standby position and a detecting position along a connecting direction of two connectors (F, M). Bulges (49) bulge out sideways from the opposite lateral edges of a resilient locking piece (41) provided in the detector (40). The bulges (49) engage an opening edge (29) of a locking hole (22) at the upper surface of the lock arm (13) to prevent the resilient locking piece (41) from being resiliently deformed down to insert a locking section (42) into the locking hole (22).

Abstract: A cable connector assembly (1) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises an insulative housing (10), a plurality contacts (20) disposed in the housing, a plurality of cables (40), a pair of upper and lower covers (51, 52) and a pair of locking member (60). The insulative housing defines a first retention cavity (111) extending in a front-to-back direction. The upper and lower covers, respectively, defines a pair of U-shaped second retention cavities (513) therein, respectively, the first retention cavities aligned with the corresponding second retention cavities in a front-to-back direction. The locking member received in the first and second receiving cavities, and comprises at least a pair of wings (611). The wings respectively corporate with the upper and the lower covers and exert forces to the upper and the lower covers along an up-to-down direction to hold the upper and the lower covers together.

Abstract: In a connector to be mounted to a board having a pair of first through holes and at least one second through hole, a pair of supporting portions is formed on a housing holding a plurality of contacts arranged in a first direction. Each of the supporting portions protrudes from the housing in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. First bosses protrude from the supporting portions to be inserted into the first through holes, respectively. At least one second boss is coupled to the housing to be inserted into the at least one second through hole.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling device for use in plug and receptacle style electrical connectors, fiberoptic connectors, pneumatic and hydraulic couplings or any other application where a secure quick-disconnect connection is desired. Under normal operation, the coupling device incorporates a sliding outer sleeve to activate and release latching features within the retention system, which engages with an appropriate mating receptacle. An emergency release feature is included to allow the coupling to disconnect at a selectable, predetermined axial pull-force on the rear of the coupler. The secondary release feature prevents damage to the components and, in many applications, increases personal safety, by providing an emergency release feature, while still maintaining standard coupling and decoupling functionality.

Abstract: An electrical connection arrangement for electrical connection of an electrical device with a bottom part for holding at least one device-side cable, with a top part for holding at least one connection-side cable and with a contact body for electrical connection of the device-side cable to the connection-side cable, the bottom part and the top part being formed essentially of an electrically insulating material. The connection is improved in that at least one fastening device for fastening at least one device-side cable is formed in the bottom part, that the contact body is located in the top part and has a first contact device and a second contact device, and that, in the joined position of the bottom part to the top part, the contact body makes contact with the device-side cable with the first contact device and makes contact with the connection-side cable with the second contact device.

Abstract: Providing a method of manufacturing a flat circuit body with terminals with small number of steps of process, a terminal pressure welding apparatus includes a pair of dies having respectively a recess, in which claws of a piercing terminal penetrating through a conductive area of a flat circuit body. The dies are slid in a direction intersecting to a direction of the claw piercing in the flat circuit body by cylinders as a slide unit. Thereby, the claws received in the recess abuts seriously and gradually on a second curved surface and a first curved surface provided in the recess so as to be bent smoothly and fixed on the flat circuit body.

Abstract: A self-aligning coupling apparatus incorporates a first connecting element having a body with a first set of accessory teeth and a second connecting element having a body and a second set of accessory teeth for engagement of the first set. A coupling ring joins the first and second element. The first set of accessory teeth includes spaced indexing teeth having an apex angle less than an apex angle of the remaining teeth of the first set and a height greater than the remaining teeth of the first set. The second set of accessory teeth is has an apex angle complementing the apex angle of the remaining teeth of the first set. The second set of accessory teeth have canals intermediate the teeth to receive the indexing teeth upon joining of the first and second element by the interconnecting coupling.

Abstract: A system includes a first bus coupler element, a second bus coupler element, and a visual element associated with the second bus coupler element and including a transparent media enabling the second coupler element to be visually aligned with the first coupler element.

Abstract: Embodiments of a digital cross-connect panel with tracer lamps for identifying telecommunications circuits are presented herein.

Abstract: A key management system comprises a sleeve; a plug cover having a part embedded into a rear end of the sleeve; an encoding chip connected to a positive conductive cambered sheet and a negative conductive cambered sheet; an insulating seat having an annular post; a conduit installed at a front side of the insulating seat; a retaining threaded ring installed around an outer periphery of the insulating seat; a front end of the conduit being inserted into the through hole of the retaining threaded ring; an insulating rubber plug installed at a front end of the conduit; a conductive head installed at a front end of the insulating rubber plug; and a conductive rod passing through the positive conductive cambered sheet, the insulating seat, the negative conductive cambered sheet, the conduit, the insulating rubber plug, and the conductive head.

Abstract: In an electrical connector for connecting first and a second connection objects through a plurality of contacts, a housing includes a front housing for receiving the first connection object and a rear housing coupled to the front housing in a first direction and for receiving the second connection object. The contacts include first and second signal contacts and a first and a second ground contacts. Front contacting portions of the fist signal contact and the first ground contact and front contacting portions of the second signal contact and the second ground contact are arranged on different rows in the front housing. Rear contacting portions of the fist signal contact, the second signal contact, and the first ground contact and rear contacting portion of the second ground contact are arranged on different rows in the rear housing.

Abstract: The electric power supply device for a slide structure includes: a casing which receives a wiring harness folded in a U-shape; a slider which holds a movable end of the wiring harness and slidably engages with the casing; and a harness supporting member which slidably contactually engages with a folded part of the wiring harness and includes a supporting plate body for supporting an inner side face of the wiring harness. The device prevents the wiring harness from hanging down or bending when the slide structure is moved, so that a smooth and secure slide operation is attained.

Abstract: At least one set of power transmission cable is electrically coupled to a power supply and an electronic device powered by the power supply. The power supply has a power output port. The power transmission cable comprises: a connector comprising a first connect part, a second connect part, and a third connect part vertical to the first connect part and utilized to insertedly joint to the electronic device; and an electrically-conductive line, which is electrically coupled to the second connect part and has an electric plug, wherein the first connect part is electrically coupled to the power output port of the power supply or separably and electrically coupled to the electric plug of the precedent electrically-conductive line to enable the user to determine the length and quantity of the power transmission cable to be connected according to the quantity of the electronic devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrical distribution submetering are provided. The electrical distribution submetering system includes a modular load sensing assembly including a plurality of load sensors. The load sensing assembly further includes a first cable having a first cable termination connector, an interface board including a plurality of electrical terminations, at least some of the terminations electrically coupled to a second cable having a second cable termination connector coupled to at least one conductor of the second cable, the second cable termination connector being complementary to the first cable termination connector such that the first cable termination connector and the second cable termination connector are configured to be electrically coupled.

Abstract: In a connector including a contact and a housing holding the contact, a fixing member is coupled to the housing. The fixing member has a pair of facing portions faced to each other in a first direction via a part of the housing. The facing portions are connected to each other by a connecting portion. Screw holes are formed in the facing portions, respectively. Each of the screw holes extends in the first direction.

Abstract: In a connector for connecting a coaxial cable having a center conductor and an outer conductor, a relay contact is connected between the outer conductor and a ground contact held by a housing. A signal contact is held by the housing and adapted to be connected to the center conductor. The relay contact includes a soldering portion and a connected portion coupled to the soldering portion. The soldering portion has a generally L-shaped section to define a recessed part and is soldered to the outer conductor in the state where the coaxial cable is received in the recessed part. The connected portion is adapted to be connected to the ground contact.

Abstract: A male compression-type coaxial cable connector having an adapter nut attached to a leading end of a tubular connector body portion. The connector body portion has a first axial conduit with a barbed ferrule coaxially mounted therein. The connector further comprises a compression sleeve having a second axial conduit slidingly disposed over a trailing end of the tubular connector body portion. A deformable compression ring is removably disposed within the second axial conduit. In use, the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted through the compression sleeve and compression ring and advanced into the connector body conduit until it can be advanced no further. Subsequent advancement of the compression sleeve over the connector body portion, with the assistance of a compression tool, forces the deformable trailing end of the compression ring radially inward to compress the cable jacket and braid thereby providing secure attachment of the connector to the cable.

Abstract: A connector has a female housing (10). A space (12S) is formed at the rear of the housing (10) for accommodating a seal (40) and terminal accommodating chambers (11A) extend forward from the space (12S). A rear holder (50) is mounted on the rear of the female housing (10) for holding the seal (40) in the space (12S). A lever (70) is mounted on the rear holder (50) and can generate a cam action for connecting the female housing (10) and a mating male housing (80). The lever (70) can be moved further after the housings (10, 80) are connected for moving the rear holder (50). Thus, the rear holder (50) compresses the seal (40) into engagement with wires that extend from the female housing (10).

Abstract: A HDMI type electrical connector assembly includes an insulative body comprising at least one top recess having at least one top tab, and at least one bottom tab; parallel conductors; a metal front housing formed by bending a metal sheet and comprising a front projected sheath including upper and lower flanges extended rearwards for fastening the insulative body and the rear member; a conductor mounting unit consisting of a rear member including two side protrusions, and upper and lower holding members together for pressing the rear member therebetween; and a plastic case comprising top and bottom shells each having a U section and comprising latches and holes disposed on both sidewalls such that the bottom and the top shells can be matingly coupled together.

Abstract: A connector includes a receptacle 1 to be mounted on a substrate 11 and a plug 5 adapted to be connected to the receptacle 1. The receptacle 1 has a shield case 2 provided with connection terminals 31 therein, and the plug 5 has a shield case 6 provided with connection terminals 71 therein. The shield case 6 of the plug 5 is adapted to be inserted into the shield case 2 of the receptacle 1 when the plug 5 is connected to the receptacle 1, at which the connection terminals 71 of the plug 5 are electrically connected to the connection terminals 31 of the receptacle 1. A tongue portion 23 is provided on a bottom surface of the shield case 2 of the receptacle 1 and a recess 63 is formed on a bottom surface 61 of the shield case 6 of the plug 5 so that the tongue portion 23 is fitted into the recess 63 when the plug 5 is connected to the receptacle 1, which serve as an erroneous insertion preventing and guiding mechanism.

Abstract: A connector whose guide sections are hardly damaged by a mating connector even if it is inserted into in a prying manner. A housing is formed with a receiving hole for receiving a plug-side connector, and two guide sections at opposite ends of the receiving hole in a contact arrangement direction, for guiding the plug-side connector in a fitting direction. A shell made of a metal plate is comprised of a first covering section that covers a first outer surface of the housing, substantially parallel to the contact arrangement direction, a second covering section that covers a second outer surface of the housing, substantially parallel to the contact arrangement direction, and two connecting sections that connect the first covering section and the second covering section, and covers opposite ends of a front of the housing.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic part incorporating connector in which an electronic part and a connecting part for connecting a lead of the electronic part to an electric wire are housed in a housing, wherein the housing is divided into a first housing for housing the electronic part and a second housing for housing the connecting part, and by connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other, the lead of the electronic part is connected to the connecting part.

Abstract: In a connector to be mounted to a connection object, an insulating housing holds a first and a second contact and has a receiving portion for receiving and holding a circuit board with an electronic element mounted thereon. The first contact has a first contacting portion to be contacted with a mating connector and a first elastic contacting portion brought into elastic contact with the circuit board. The second contact has a second contacting portion to be connected to the connection object and a second elastic contacting portion brought into elastic contact with the circuit board. Conductive first and conductive second connecting portions are disposed on the circuit board to be connected to the first and the second elastic contacting portions, respectively. In addition, a pair of ground patterns is disposed on the circuit board with the first and the second connecting portions interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A ring out system including a ring out holder and an electrical connector to be tested therewith. The holder has a plurality of ring out pins which are received into openings at the floor of each terminal passage of the connector, wherein continuity is impossible unless the terminals are properly at their locked position. For final ring out, a plurality of stabilizer pins of the holder enter stabilizer pin openings of the connector to provide terminal position stability during testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for crosstalk compensation in a jack of a modular communications connector includes a flexible printed circuit board connected to jack contacts and to connections to a network cable. The flexible printed circuit board includes conductive traces arranged as one or more couplings to provide crosstalk compensation.

Abstract: A connector for connecting electric cables, in particular in automatic test equipment, includes a housing provided with a cable contact side having a plurality of cable receptions each adapted for electrically connecting to an electrical cable, a pin contact side having a plurality of pin contact zones each adapted for electrically contacting to a spring loaded contact pin, and a plurality of jackets surrounding each a signal conductor electrically insulated from the jacket, where each signal conductor electrically connects one of the pin contact zones to one of the electrical cables.