Patents Issued in June 1, 2010
  • Patent number: 7726970
    Abstract: A temporary or long-term provisional crown includes a shell having a top wall defining an occlusal surface, a buccal sidewall, a lingual sidewall, and opposite mesio-distal sidewalls, connected to the top wall and buccal and lingual sidewalls and spaced apart to define a central cavity to fit over a prepared tooth. A quantity of resin is disposed in the central cavity of the shell and is preferably shaped to conform to a prepared tooth. A partial opening is preferably arranged in one or more of the mesio-distal sidewalls to permit resin to protrude mesio-distally from the cavity to contact an adjacent tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: CrownBeav LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Worthington
  • Patent number: 7726971
    Abstract: A dental post includes a composite material such as long fibers embedded in a resin matrix, and is able to transmit visible radiation when it is lit by a dental lamp to ensure polymerization of a product for setting in a tooth's root canal. The post, which has a specific color determined at ambient temperature before insertion into said canal, and which contains at least one thermochromic substance able to provide said specific color, loses its color when in place in the canal. A method for forming the dental post and a kit including a plurality of dental posts and drills are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Societe de Recherches et Techniques Dentaires-R.T.D.
    Inventors: Manh-Quynh Chu, Pierre-Luc Reynaud
  • Patent number: 7726972
    Abstract: A liquid metal rotary connector for a vehicle steering mechanism utilizes a conductive alloy comprising Gallium, Indium, Tin and Zinc to electrically couple stationary and rotary terminals of the connector. The alloy is a liquid at ambient temperatures, and has a melting point of ?36° C., though testing has shown that it operates satisfactorily at temperatures as low as ?40° C. In a preferred arrangement, the rotary connector provides a two-wire connection through which power is supplied from the steering column to the steering wheel, and electronic modules located in the steering column and the steering wheel support bi-directional data communication through voltage and current modulation of the supplied power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Brandenburg, Shing Yeh, Mark W. Gose
  • Patent number: 7726973
    Abstract: The power cord assembly preferably includes an electrical outlet socket adapted to electrically coupled to the existing power source. The electrical outlet socket may have a first group of electro-conductive plates statically affixed to an outer surface thereof. A power cord is also provided, which remains physically spaced from the electrical outlet socket. An adaptor may be removably coupled directly to the power cord. Such an adaptor preferably has a second group of electro-conductive plates statically affixed to an outer surface thereof. The present invention further includes a mechanism for continuously transmitting an electric current from the electrical outlet socket through the adaptor and to the power cord while the first and second groups of electro-conductive plates are abutted against each other. The adaptor remains intermediately positioned between the electrical outlet socket and the power cord during continuous transmission of the electric current to the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jocelyn Perry
  • Patent number: 7726974
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for a conductive magnetic coupling system. The system includes a signal supply component that provides electrical and/or data signals to a signal consumption component that utilizes the signal to provide an output. The two components are magnetically coupled together such that the magnetic coupling mechanisms not only provide the bonding mechanism for securing the components to one another, but also provide the electrical and communicative continuity that allows for the transfer of electrical and/or data signals between the two components. Aspects provide for the repositioning of the signal consumption component along any section of a signal supply component configured as a magnetic track system. Aspects further provide for a flexible, fluid impermeable signal supply component in which a signal consumption component is repositionable along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Illumitron International
    Inventors: Ashok Deepak Shah, David Diehl Roberts, III
  • Patent number: 7726975
    Abstract: A lithium-ion battery cell includes at least two working electrodes, each including an active material, an inert material, an electrolyte and a current collector, a first separator region arranged between the at least two working electrodes to separate the at least two working electrodes so that none of the working electrodes are electronically connected within the cell, an auxiliary electrode including a lithium reservoir, and a second separator region arranged between the auxiliary electrode and the at least two working electrodes to separate the auxiliary electrode from the working electrodes so that none of the working electrodes is electronically connected to the auxiliary electrode within the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John F. Christensen, Jasim Ahmed, Sungbae Park, Aleksandar Kojic
  • Patent number: 7726976
    Abstract: An electrical interconnect includes a contact array having an insulator holding a plurality of contacts. Each of the contacts include a conductive polymer column having first and second opposite contact tips for interconnecting first and second electronic packages, wherein each of the contacts are individually shielded from adjacent ones of the contacts. Optionally, a frame may be provided on the insulator and positioned between each of the contacts, wherein the frame defines a shield concentrically surrounding each of the contacts. The frame may be conductive and non-coplanar with, and parallel to, the insulator, wherein the frame is electrically isolated from the contacts and provides shielding between adjacent ones of the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Mason, Wayne S. Alden, III
  • Patent number: 7726977
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1) includes four pieces of insulative housing segments (21) having a number of electrical contacts (3) received therein. Each insulative housing segment includes two engaging edges (213) for attaching with another adjacent two insulative housing segments, the at least one engaging edge having at least one connect portion (215) formed thereon. At least one joining member (4) connects the connect portions of the at least two insulative housing segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuo-Hsiu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7726978
    Abstract: An electrical connector for use with an electronic package, includes an insulative housing with a number of contacts receiving in the insulative housing and a fastening mechanism assembled to the insulative housing adapt to secure the electronic package to the electrical connector. The fastening mechanism includes a cover with a base plate and a pair of sidewalls extending downwardly from the base plate. The cover has an opening in the center of the base plate and a number of pressing portions extending into the opening for pressing the electronic package contact with the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Nan Liao
  • Patent number: 7726979
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having sidewalls and end walls for defining a receiving groove, a number of contacts retained in the insulating housing, the contact including a mating beam extending into the receiving groove and a retaining beam retained in the sidewall. The contact further includes a tail portion extending out of the insulating housing from the retaining beam and a soldering portion formed on a tip end of the tail portion. The soldering portion is located between a highest point and a lowest point of the contact so that the height of the electrical connector upon a PCB can be reduced, which can also reduce the mating-height of the electrical connector after mating with a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Gao-Bing Lei, Nan Hu
  • Patent number: 7726980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a socket for a baseless vehicle light. The light includes a lens, a circuit board having plural through holes, and a socket. The socket possesses a plugging groove, two plugging holes formed in the plugging groove, a slot bored in each plugging hole, two terminals respectively inserted into one of the plugging holes, a conductive pin located at one end of each terminal to extend through the slot to connect with the circuit board, and plural connecting members set on one side to correspondingly engage with the through holes. A waterproof resin is injected into the lens to cover on the circuit board and the socket to keep the circuit board positioned in the lens. Thus, a plug of an vehicle is, not cut off, directly plugged into the socket, enabling the light conveniently installed in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Lucidity Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ren Wang
  • Patent number: 7726981
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric connection box capable of reducing cost and capable of constituting small-sized formation by devising a structure of engaging a cover. The electric connection box including an electronic device and connected to a wire harness so as to electrically connect the electronic device and the wire harness includes a synthetic resin member including a mold stripping hole used for molding the synthetic resin member, and a cover including a engaging portion engaged with the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Kubota, Keisuke Ozawa, Tomohiro Sugiura, Katsuyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7726982
    Abstract: Embodiments of electrical connectors include features that facilitate circulation of air through and around the electrical connectors. The air can cool the power contacts of the electrical connectors, thereby allowing the power contacts to operate at higher currents that would otherwise be possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Viet Ngo
  • Patent number: 7726983
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals assembled to the insulative housing and a pair of fastening elements assembled to the insulative housing. The insulative housing comprises an elongated base portion and a pair of retaining slots respectively disposed at two sides thereof. The base portion defines a mating face and an engaging face opposite to the mating face. A pair of fastening elements are assembled to the pair of retaining slots of the insulative housing, each fastening element comprises a fixing portion received in the retaining slot and a resilient arm disposed outside of the retaining slot and opposite to the fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu Zhu
  • Patent number: 7726984
    Abstract: Apparatus to electrically connect a first electrical contact to a second electrical contact includes opposed upper and lower elastomer layers formed on either side of an electrically insulating intermediate layer together forming a laminate interposer structure having a thickness. An electrically conducting elastic column to provide a localized conductive path is formed through the thickness of the laminate interposer structure. The upper and lower elastomer layers provide compliance between the upper and lower elastomer layers and the elastic column, and the intermediate layer provides reduced compliance between the intermediate layer and the elastic column relative to the compliance between the upper and lower elastomer layers and the elastic column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Frank E. Bumb, Jr., Nicholas Langston, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7726985
    Abstract: A shielded electric cable assembly comprises a shielded electric cable and a shield terminal. The shield terminal comprises a ferrule of one-piece construction having an inner ferrule portion and an outer ferrule portion that is radially spaced from the inner ferrule portion and attached to the inner ferrule portion by an end wall. The inner ferrule portion is disposed between an inner insulation jacket of the shielded electric cable and an exposed end portion of an intermediate conductive layer surrounding the inner insulation jacket. The outer ferrule portion is crimped about the exposed end portion of the intermediate conductive layer to crimp the inner ferrule portion tightly around the inner insulation jacket and to clamp exposed end portion of the intermediate conductive layer between the inner ferrule portion and the outer ferrule portion of the one piece ferrule. A conductive cylindrical shell is attached to the one-piece ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Gladd, Anthony Raschilla
  • Patent number: 7726986
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulating housing (1) having four side walls interconnecting with each other and defining a receiving space (10) therein. Only one of the side walls defines a plurality of terminal grooves therein and a plurality of terminals (22) are mounted in said terminal grooves. A metallic shell (4) covers on the insulating housing and said shell (4) has a first resilient arm (431) extending in a first direction with a first contacting portion (4311) bending outwardly, and a second resilient arm (432) extending in a reverse direction toward the first resilient arm with a second contacting portion (4321) bending outwardly. The first and second resilient arms (431, 432) space away from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to said first direction, and said first and second contacting portions (4311, 4321) offset with each other in said first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7726987
    Abstract: A card fixer is suitable to assist a card to be fixed in a slot of an electronic device. The card fixer includes a body and a clipping structure, wherein the body has a first side and a second side parallel to the first side. A hook is disposed on the first side of the body. The clipping structure extends out of the second side of the body for clipping the card thereon. When the clipping structure of the card fixer clips the card and the assembly of the card fixer with the card is inserted into the slot, the hook is locked on an inside wall of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 7726988
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a plug assembly for mating with a header. The plug assembly includes a plug housing and a lever, where the lever includes gear teeth which cooperate with a tooth on the header in a rack and pinion fashion. The lever is locked to the plug housing when the lever is poised for the plug housing to be inserted into the header. A release member on the header releases the lever from the locked position allowing the lever to be rotated to the position where the lever gear teeth mesh with the header tooth, to draw the plug assembly into the header. A cam on the lever also contacts a contact surface in the header, which pre-lifts the plug assembly during disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Galen M. Martin
  • Patent number: 7726989
    Abstract: An apparatus for signal and/or current transmission between terminals which can move in relation to one another and which are fitted, on the one hand, on a fixed stator and, on the other hand, on a rotor of a cassette that can rotate about a common axis with the stator. At least one flat ribbon cable, which is equipped with electrical conductors, runs in turns and forms a wound body (W), is arranged within the cassette between the terminals, the ends of the flat ribbon cable being connected to contact parts (19, 20) for the purpose of connecting ongoing cables. In order to accommodate the complete wound body (W) for its protection during transport and/or during storage, a pot-like cover (22) is provided which engages around said wound body and is fitted detachably to an essentially disc-shaped carrier (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Alexander Steinert, Frank Schroer
  • Patent number: 7726990
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a receiving hole for accommodating a mating plug, a first set of and a second set of switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), and a flexible terminal (27) positioned between the switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The flexible terminal (27) has a retaining portion (270), a flexible arm (271) bent from the retaining portion (270) and a contact portion (275) formed on the flexible arm (271). The switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) abut against the plug in a left-to-right direction. The flexible terminal (27) abuts against the mating plug in an up-to-down direction to provide a great insertion force in order to reach a good inserting or pulling feeling of the mating plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Xi Wang, Hong-Qiang Han, Lun-Song Hu, Zi-Qiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 7726991
    Abstract: A card connector, comprising: an insulative housing having a base, a first passageway and a second passageway defined adjacently in the base; a plurality of contacts held within the base, the contacts having contact sections extending beyond the base; a pair of detecting switches including a stationary switch and a movable switch respectively located in the first passageway and the second passageway communicating with each other; the movable switch including a planar section abutting against a bottom wall of the second passageway, and a slanted spring arm attached to planar section, the slanted spring arm defining a contact end; a wedge-shaped block extending into the second passageway with a wedgy surface defined thereon, the slanted spring arm constantly contacting with said wedgy surface such that there is no portion of said spring arm electrically engages with the stationary switch when said contact end is pushed by an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhong-Jun Ma, Nan Hu
  • Patent number: 7726992
    Abstract: A RF connector comprising: an insulative housing defining a space section; an upper fixed contact and a lower movable contact are disposed on two opposite sides of the housing in a first direction, each of said upper fixed contact and said lower movable contact including a contact section in the space section and a solder tail exposed outside of the housing, the lower movable contact having on two opposite sides a pair of bending ends disposed which is a lying U-shape; and an upper case mounted upon the housing and defining a plug insertion passageway; and a metallic shell enclosing said upper case and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Leland Wang, Shih-Chi Hsiao, Jin-Liang Du, Jun Zhou, Zheng-Wang Wu, Shuo-Bin Ru
  • Patent number: 7726993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting an item of equipment and two cables, one of which carries electrical data and the other of which carries pneumatic data. The device comprises an electrical socket and a pneumatic socket, both mounted on an item of equipment, an electrical plug secured to a cable, the electrical plug being intended to be connected to the electrical socket, and a pneumatic plug secured to a cable, the pneumatic plug being intended to be connected to the pneumatic socket. According to the invention, when the pneumatic plug is in a connected but unlocked position, the electrical plug cannot be plugged in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Marc Simeon, Jean-Philippe Pineau, Jean-Claude Brizion
  • Patent number: 7726994
    Abstract: An electrical connector for a helmet-mounted night vision system including a receptacle assembly and a mating plug assembly. The receptacle assembly is configured to be mechanically coupled either directly or indirectly to a helmet and electrically coupled to a night vision device that is mounted to the helmet. The plug assembly is configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a battery pack. The plug assembly and the receptacle assembly are configured to be releasably mated together in at least two different orientations for releasably mounting the battery pack to the helmet and supplying power from the battery pack to a night vision device that is mounted to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ITT Manfacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Willey
  • Patent number: 7726995
    Abstract: A connector includes substantially H-shaped contacts; fixtures fixing the connector to a substrate on longitudinal ends; a housing having a ceiling portion covering contact portions of the contacts, a protection wall at the end of the ceiling portion on the fitting opening side for preventing raising of the ceiling portion on being accidentally forced upward, extension walls at the longitudinal ends for holding the fixtures, and slits each between the extension wall and a bearing for a pivoting member; and the pivoting member having an actuating portion, urging portions, and anchoring holes and mounted on the housing such that between the connection portions and the pressure receiving portions of the contacts the urging portions perform a compact pivotal movement with rotation axis moving. The connector is mounted on one side surface of the substrate to achieve more reduced overall height and superior operationality of the pivoting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: DDK Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Suzuki, Koguchi Yasuyuki
  • Patent number: 7726996
    Abstract: A compression seal for a coaxial cable connector has a main body with an upward facing surface or flange on the outer surface thereof, the upward facing surface or flange facing away from the main body. The outer surface of the main body also has at least one first portion having a first diameter and at least one second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. The compression seal may also have an outer body that receives the main body and also engages a connector at both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Gilbert Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Andrew Burris, William Bernard Lutz
  • Patent number: 7726997
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for a cable having a plurality of insulated conductors comprises a body having a respective recess for receiving a terminating pin each of the conductors. A respective spigot sealingly engages within each of the recesses and has a passage for receiving an associated one of the terminating pins. Furthermore a seal is associated with each of the spigots for sealing the spigot relative to the associated terminating pin. The provision of a separate spigot for each of the conductors and for sealing engagement within a respective recess in the body enables the spigots to be sealingly fitted to the conductors prior to each spigot being introduced into its recess and sealingly engaged therein. This provides improved insulation of the conductor and increased creepage distance between the mating electrical parts and the outer surface of the housing of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Oilfield Equpiment Development Center Limited
    Inventors: Steven Charles Kennedy, Michael Andrew Yuratich, Trevor Alan Kopecky, Alan Thomas Fraser
  • Patent number: 7726998
    Abstract: A high voltage electrical connector that includes a male interconnect, a female interconnect and a locking pin assembly. The male interconnect includes a contact pin with a locking groove and the female interconnect includes a socket with an axial bore, a transverse passage and an opening connecting the bore to the passage. The locking pin assembly is installed in the passage and has a recessed section and a cylindrical section. The locking pin assembly is movable between a first position, wherein the bore is unobstructed and the contact pin can be freely inserted and removed, and a second position, wherein the cylindrical section of the locking pin extends into the bore. After the contact pin is inserted in the bore and the locking groove aligned with the opening, the locking pin assembly is moved from the first position to the second position and secures the contact pin in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Norman Siebens
  • Patent number: 7726999
    Abstract: An electrical connector set having mating male and female connectors is provided with a first lock preventing separation, the first lock consisting of standard bayonet slot on one member and a mating key on the other member and a secondary locking mechanism consisting of a rotatable spring lock ring affixedly carried by one of the members and is positioned interior a rotatable and axially movable collar carried by the associated member. The spring ring has at least one radially urged spring finger and the collar has at least one opening dimensioned to receive the spring finger. The spring ring includes an increased thickness area in an axial dimension which is engaged against an undersurface configuration of the collar so that as the collar is rotated with respect to the spring ring it will undergo axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Van-System S.r.l.
    Inventor: Augusto Vanzo
  • Patent number: 7727000
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical connector assembly adapted to isolate shock forces during mating. Such an electrical connector assembly may include a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a first guide module. The second electrical connector may be adapted to mate with the first electrical connector. The first guide module may be located adjacent to the first electrical connector and may include an opening for receiving a first guide post. There may be no direct mechanical attachment between the first electrical connector and the first guide module. Such an arrangement, may isolate the first electrical connector from any forces created by the mating of the guide post with the opening of the guide module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Minich
  • Patent number: 7727001
    Abstract: A receptacle for an electrical connector assembly is provided and includes a housing having a contact retention portion for holding an electrical contact. The contact retention portion includes a connector face for engaging a plug assembly and a side proximate to the connector face. The receptacle also includes a guide post that is located adjacent to the side and extends along the side toward the connector face. The guide post includes a base and a tip. The guide post also has a curved contour and a planar side that extend from the base to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Percherke, Richard Wayne Grzybowski, Michael Allen Blanchfield
  • Patent number: 7727002
    Abstract: An electrical disconnect has a pair of selectably engageable enclosures each including a housing and one or more terminals supported therein. The terminals each have a spring finger at an outer end opposite wire ports in the cap to receive a stripped end of a wire in a push-in engagement. The terminals are releasably engageable in overlapping relation in an engagement zone. The housings have wire receiving receptacles therein which reside in the engagement zone when the enclosures are joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Bethurum, Mark B. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7727003
    Abstract: A power tool having a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a power cord connected to the motor, and a cord protector operably engaging the power cord. The cord protector comprising at least one elastically-deformable biasing member engaging the power cord and exerting a biasing force upon the power cord in response to a load being applied to the power cord and recovering to an initial position in response to removal of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Warren A. Ceroll, Daniel Puzio, Robert S. Gehret, Richard C. Nickels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7727004
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for analyzing a communications link between two components on a common PCB. The communications link has a pair of through-board conductors connected by a first conductive etching on one side of the PCB. The communications link further has second etchings on an opposite side of the PCB respectively connecting each of the through-board conductors to one of the components. The first conductive etching can operably be open-circuited and connectors of an analyzer can be fitted to the through-board conductors to test the communications link between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: David Louis Spengler, Bill A. Pagano
  • Patent number: 7727005
    Abstract: A key coded power connector and a system and method for making key coded power connections are disclosed. A power connector such as a power adapter connector is configured with either a visual keying system, a physical keying system, or both. The physical keying system prevents a user from connecting a host device to a connector of the power source which does not support that host device. The visual keying system provides the user with an early indication that the particular device is not supported by a power source. The user can visually compare a marking key on the host device with the making key on the power connector and determine whether or not the power source is capable of outputting sufficient power to operate the device. The visual and physical keying systems prevents a user from improperly connecting a host device to a power source which does not support that device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 7727006
    Abstract: A connector adapted for receiving a flexible printed circuit board therein includes an insulating housing defining a mouth, a plurality of electric terminals each having a base portion and an actuator pivoted in the mouth. Each side wall of the mouth defines a first locating trough and a second locating trough. The electric terminal has a contacting arm and a connecting arm respectively extended from the base portion, and a bearing arm and a holding arm respectively extended from the base portion. The actuator has a pressing bar at an edge thereof and two piloting portions. The pressing bar is located between the bearing arms and the holding arms. The piloting portions are slid into the corresponding second locating troughs from the first locating troughs to act on the bearing arms so as to make the contacting arms incline toward the corresponding connecting arms for further clipping the flexible printed circuit board therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7727007
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a battery includes a base and a bracket. The bracket is configured for receiving the battery. The bracket is rotatably mounted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Patent number: 7727008
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connector for conveying an electrical signal from a device, in particular a cardiac device, to an organ of a human or animal body, in particular a heart, comprising a first electrically conducting wire and a second electrically conducting wire, wherein the wires are joined together in an electrically insulating sleeve, a first electrode, which is electrically connected to the first wire, and a second electrode, which is electrically connected to the second wire; wherein the first and second electrodes are constructed to deliver an electrical signal at the organ, wherein the first electrode forms an electrically conducting sleeve around a conducting part of the first wire and around a non-conducting part of the second wire, wherein at least the edges of the electrically conducting sleeve formed by the first electrode are at least partially embedded in the electrically insulating sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: European Custom Manufacturing B.V.
    Inventor: Rogier Eric Emile Eijck
  • Patent number: 7727009
    Abstract: A light emitting element assembly for mounting to a panel. The assembly includes a housing configured to receive a light emitting element therein. In addition, the assembly includes a bezel having at least one latch arm extending from a surface of the bezel, wherein the bezel is configured to detachably engage a surface within the housing. The bezel is further configured to retain the assembly in a position relative to the panel. The assembly also includes a mounting structure having the light emitting element operably mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada ULC
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Goto
  • Patent number: 7727010
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) for connecting a sheet-like connection member includes an insulating housing (1) provided with a plurality of conductive terminals (2, 3) and a pair of retaining members. The housing defines a pair of slots (15) each with an upper groove (153) and a lower groove (154) at a front portion thereof. The retaining members (4) are embedded in the slots (15), and each comprises an upper arm (441) retained in the upper groove (153), a lower arm (442) received in the lower groove (154) and a soldering portion (42) extending from a bottom edge thereof. The lower groove (154) runs though the housing in an insertion direction of the retaining members (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tian-Hong Liu, Chi Zhang
  • Patent number: 7727011
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a clutching mechanism for a coax connector. The device comprises an extended nut having a standard connector contained within. The extended nut comprises internal threads and a first clutch face and the internal standard connector comprises a connector body having a second clutch face. In operation, the first clutch face and the second clutch face are engaged by forcing the nut toward the connector body/cable, thereby serving as an interlocking mechanism. The device further comprises a compression sleeve between the nut and the connector body, serving to secure the cable to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Montena, David Jackson
  • Patent number: 7727012
    Abstract: The invention provides a connector for coax cable with a snap bearing providing the interface between the inner body and the outer body. A concave surface below the snap bearing, which is retained by a pair of shoulders, allows the snap bearing to elastically deform during assembly of the connector to thereby reduce the risk of plastic deformation of the components while allowing significant improvements in overlap at the interface of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Montena, Shawn Chawgo
  • Patent number: 7727013
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement between a coaxial connector body and an outer conductor of a coaxial cable that includes an annular contact groove provided in a bore of the connector body. The contact groove has a groove bottom, a connector end sidewall and a cable end sidewall. The connector end sidewall is angled to transition between a groove bottom width that is less than a groove top width. A spring contact has a non-deformed state width seated within the contact groove. The non-deformed state width is greater than the groove bottom width and less than the groove top width. In a non-deformed state the spring contact contacts the connector end sidewall, without contacting the groove bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Paynter
  • Patent number: 7727014
    Abstract: A coaxial connector (1, 1?, 1?) for being mounted on a panel (300) includes a metallic bracket (10, 10?, 10?) defining a receiving space (11, 11?, 11?) therein, an insulative member (20, 20?, 20?) mounted on the metallic bracket and a contact terminal (30, 30?, 30?) received in the securing portion. The insulative member has a securing portion (21, 21?, 21?) received in the receiving space and defining a passage (210, 210?, 210?), and a mounting portion (22, 22?, 22?) integrated with the securing portion for being mounted on the panel. The contact terminal is received in the passage of the securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Man Zhu, Xiao-Guo Zhang, Xue-Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 7727015
    Abstract: A cable termination assembly for coaxial cables is made up of one of a plurality of different forms of connector bodies each having a thin-walled outer sleeve with a generally convex surface portion at a selected location along the length of the sleeve and which enables its use with a number of different compression member configurations to effect positive sealed engagement with one end of a cable, a plurality of axially spaced sealing rings at different selected locations along the inner surface of the outer sleeve, and different selected forms of compression members each including an inner connector sleeve-engaging wall surface which is of uniform diameter throughout its substantial length, one with a slight concavity at its leading end to facilitate pre-assembly onto the connector sleeve, and one with a combination of concave and convex surface portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Randall A. Holliday
  • Patent number: 7727016
    Abstract: In a plug for an electrical plug connection, having a contact carrier joined together of an upper part and a lower part, the upper part and the lower part having plug chambers that are aligned with one another, and the plug chambers of the lower part having electrical contacts for contacting by electrical contacts of a mating connector that reach through the plug chambers of the upper part, having a matting seal for sealing the plug chambers and having a pressure plate pressing on the matting seal, it is provided that the matting seal is situated between the upper and lower parts of the contact carrier, and the pressure plate is integrated into the upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mohamed Lamdiziz, Chris Schimmel
  • Patent number: 7727017
    Abstract: An electrical connector having a plurality of connector units each having a pair of columns of edge coupled differential signal pairs separated by a ground shield terminal. The ground shield terminals each face a different signal pair of terminals in an adjacent column. Notwithstanding the different size and configurations of the ground and signal terminals, the terminals have mounting tail portions that are disposed in a uniform array different from the arrangement of the body portions of the terminals of the connector unit. The mounting tail portions are of a reduced length which benefit the electrical performance of the connector where it meets its supporting circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Peerouz Amleshi, John Laurx, David Brunker, Kent Regnier
  • Patent number: 7727018
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided. The electrical connector assembly includes a cage member configured for mounting in an opening in a panel. The cage member has a compartment for receiving a pluggable electrical component therein. The cage member includes a latch for cooperating with a latch element of the pluggable electrical component. An EMI gasket is mounted on the cage member such that the EMI gasket is electrically connected to the cage member. The EMI gasket is configured to engage the panel when the cage member is mounted in the opening in the panel. The EMI gasket includes a latch interface that engages the latch such that the latch interface is electrically connected to the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Edward John Bright, Matthew Ryan Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7727019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board connector capable of establishing an electrical connection between circuits on a circuit board and a mating electrical connector at a mating side of said circuit board connector. The circuit board connector includes a connector housing accommodating a plurality of terminals for establishing said electrical connection and an electrically conductive shell at least partially enclosing said connector housing. The shell includes a top wall and a rear wall, wherein said rear wall is connected to said top wall and is arranged opposite to said mating side. The shell further has a first and second extension connected to opposite sides of said rear wall and bent with respect to said rear wall to extend towards said mating side. First and second mounting posts are connected, respectively, to said first and second extension and third and fourth mounting posts are connected to said rear wall, wherein said mounting posts are arranged for mounting said shell on said circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Gert Droesbeke, Robert Van Den Heuvel, Nico Van Stiphout, Bernard Vuillaume, Michel Fonteneau