Patents Issued in February 18, 2014
  • Patent number: 8651852
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for manufacturing a ball joint that are capable of reducing a torque applied between a ball stud and a ball seat. The ball joint manufacturing apparatus includes an upper mold having a shape configured to injection-mold a ball seat formed of a synthetic resin material and surrounding the outside of a spherical head part of a ball stud; a lower mold installed under the upper mold and having a molding surface for forming a portion of the ball seat; a fixing jig configured to fix the ball stud to a molding position of the upper mold and the lower mold; and a rotary member configured to rotate the fixing jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Central Corporation
    Inventor: Seong-Rok Kim
  • Patent number: 8651853
    Abstract: An equipment (10) for producing vessels (12), includes at least one variable pitch wheel (38) arranged between a blower (14) having a first pitch (P1) and a filler (16) having a second pitch (P2), and that includes transfer elements (40) controlled by control elements adapted for selectively varying the pitch between two successive transfer elements (40) between an initial pitch (P) and a final pitch (P?), the initial pitch (P) being for example equal to once or twice the first pitch (P1) and the final pitch (P?) being equal to the second pitch (P2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Pascal Dupuis, Daniel Nguyen Van
  • Patent number: 8651854
    Abstract: A continuous rotary injection molding machine, comprising a continuous extrusion-type injection system having an injection nozzle arranged downwards; a plurality of first injection runners, arranged horizontally, the injection nozzle of the injection system is located at a junction of the plurality of first injection runners; heating members, arranged around the plurality of first injection runners; plural groups of molding molds, arranged under the first injection runners; a plurality of second injection runners, arranged between the first injection runners and the mold cavities; and a plurality of injection switches, arranged on either the first injection runners or the second injection runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hunan China Sun Pharmaceutical Machinery Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Liangsheng Ai
  • Patent number: 8651855
    Abstract: A candle includes a vessel of some volume containing some smaller volume of at least one variety of wax beads, having a diameter of less than or equal to 2.35 millimeters and in most embodiments also including a particular fragrance and color pigment. The was beads topped with a solid wax topping. The solid wax topping may cover the entire exposed surface of the candle, holding the wax beads in place during shipping and use and holding the wick in a centralized location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Cagle, Hope M. Klein, Lauren O'Hara
  • Patent number: 8651856
    Abstract: A heat recovery method in the manufacture of anodes in an annular anode furnace includes conveying a first partial quantity of the hot air produced in a cooling zone by the waste heat of the anodes into a heating-up zone using a first suction device. A second partial quantity of the hot air produced in the cooling zone is conveyed to a heat exchanger that is realized independently of the annular anode furnace using a second suction device. The heat transfer medium that serves for operating the heat exchanger is primarily heated with the hot air withdrawn from the cooling zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Innovatherm Prof. Dr. Leisenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Leisenberg
  • Patent number: 8651857
    Abstract: A dental appliance for correcting tooth alignment. The appliance includes a body for seating on an arch of teeth. The body is at least partially elastically deformable and has a seated condition into which it is elastically deformable to be seated on an arch of teeth. The body is constructed, when seated on an arch of teeth, for applying, by virtue of said elastic deformation, a correction force on one or more misaligned teeth, at or adjacent a base of the crown of each misaligned tooth, in a direction in which each misaligned tooth is to be moved to correct its alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Clearsmile Holdings Pty Limited
    Inventor: Joseph Geenty
  • Patent number: 8651858
    Abstract: A method of creating a 3-D anatomic digital model for determining a desired location for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The method comprises the act of obtaining a first dataset associated with hard tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of obtaining a second dataset associated with soft tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of combining the first dataset and the second dataset to create a detailed structure of hard tissue and soft tissue having variable dimensions over the hard tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
  • Patent number: 8651859
    Abstract: An apparatus and method define a fit of a set of upper and lower teeth of a patient by generating a computer representation of the teeth; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the teeth using one or more keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Chishti, Andrew C. Beers
  • Patent number: 8651860
    Abstract: Dental preparation uses a tooth preparation guide custom-made for fitting with teeth of a patient. The preparation guide includes one or more guide channels for guiding a cutting tool. The preparation guide enables modification of the teeth as planned with high level of precision. A dental prosthesis for installing onto prepared teeth of the patient is provided before preparation of the teeth. The prosthesis includes features that are complementary to the prepared teeth. The prosthesis can be installed immediately after preparing the teeth using the preparation guide. With the high level of accuracy and precision in the preparation of teeth, no modification of the prosthesis would be needed for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Oh-Dal Kwon
  • Patent number: 8651861
    Abstract: A sulcus impression tip for injecting dental impression material for making dental impressions. The tip includes a body having a gripping portion and a discharge tip having a bore there through which permits a friction fit with the outside diameter of needle cannula. The needle cannula extends approximately 2 millimeters past a distal end of the discharge tip. The body further defines an angle for holding the gripping portion to permit the discharge tip and needle cannula to be positioned for easy access in the oral cavity by the dentist. The discharge tip is sized and shaped to separate the gum from the tooth in the selected region so that the needle cannula is positioned to permit exact positioning for placement of the dental impression material along the sulcus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc
    Inventor: Don E. Abel
  • Patent number: 8651862
    Abstract: A dental tool may include a head that may include a working portion and a neck. The neck may include a first end and a second end, and the working portion may extend from the first end. A handle may include a clamp and a socket. The socket may be configured to receive the second end of the neck. The second end may pivot within the socket to move the working portion and the neck relative to the handle. The clamp may be adapted to selectively fix the second end relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Solomon
  • Patent number: 8651863
    Abstract: The present invention is a dental implant system that has a band of connective tissue rings and grooves on an external surface of the dental implant system. The connective tissue band grooves have a depth of from greater than about 25 ?m to about 600 ?m. The dental implant system is designed to minimize tissue loss and to reduce the risk of bacterial infection in the implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Schroering
  • Patent number: 8651864
    Abstract: Shape memory dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory material sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rodo Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Young Seo, Jianhua Yang, Victor Chechelski, Jong Gil Park
  • Patent number: 8651865
    Abstract: A set of one-piece angled abutments, each abutment including an angled stump, a short intermediate cylindrical portion, and a lower threaded portion, wherein the placement of the starting point of the thread within the first round in the lower threaded portion of each abutment determines the angular orientation from 0° to 360° attained by the stump once the abutment is fully tightened to an implant located in the patient's mandible, the set has a variable number of abutments depending on the value of the constant angular offset chosen for spacing the beginning of the thread of each abutment included in the set, each set being defined by a constant angular offset with a value which is a divisor of 360 and the sets of abutments being accompanied by a circular box to easily select the abutment that attains the ideal angular orientation for a patient's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Vicente Gabriel Faus Badia
  • Patent number: 8651866
    Abstract: The specification describes one-piece dental implants comprising a threaded shaft, optionally a non-circular abutment and a head having a shape which is capable of accepting a keeper cap or an O-ring, or which is capable of accepting and retaining a dental wire. The implants have dimensions that permit their use in a non-surgical method of insertion into bone, and are useful in both prosthodontic and orthodontic applications. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Bulard, Stephen J. Hadwin
  • Patent number: 8651867
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dental crown formed of a thermoplastic polymer material, the crown comprising: a tooth shaped top surface; and flexible side surfaces, at least one of which includes an inwardly directed bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Uri-Dent Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Zilberman
  • Patent number: 8651868
    Abstract: Data from live events is incorporated into virtual simulations and games. The data may be obtained from various sensors and transferred over a network. However, should one of the participants be a threat, then portions of the virtual simulations and games may be disabled to protect the other participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Barrett M. Kreiner, Steven A. Wright, Christian Kuhtz
  • Patent number: 8651869
    Abstract: A game having two numerical dice, each numerical die having ten faces, each face labeled with a number such that each numerical die has a face labeled with each 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; two symbol dice, each symbol die having ten faces, each face labeled with a symbol; a plurality of creature cards forming a first deck of cards, each creature card has a front face labeled with at least a picture, a name, a card type, a rarity, an ability, and a spell symbol; and a plurality of spell cards forming a second deck of cards, each spell card has a front face labeled with at least a picture, a name, an ability, a series symbol matching one symbol on the symbol dice, an attack, and a defense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Angel L. Lassalle
  • Patent number: 8651870
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for teaching one of a plurality card counting systems in order to improve a player's chance of predicting favorable positions in connection with hands in the card game blackjack. A deck of cards is included with predetermined values attributed to the various cards to be used in teaching the various card counting systems in connection with blackjack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Will Cappelletti
  • Patent number: 8651871
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for identifying ranges of scores in thinking areas that are indicative of individuals that perform at top levels. A position within an organization is identified. One or more individuals are identified as people that perform at a top level in that position. Each of the identified individuals is evaluated against a full time equivalent at the position. Each of the identified individuals is also scored in particular thinking areas. In some embodiments, the scores are based on the answers given by the identified individuals to a questionnaire. Characteristics of various workers are prioritized as to their desirability in a person performing the functions of the identified position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gary A. Morais
  • Patent number: 8651872
    Abstract: An apparatus for didactic dentistry operations comprising a base structure conformed so as to define a supporting plane raised from the floor, and a dentistry simulation apparatus pivoted to the supporting plane, so as to be able to rotate with respect to the latter between a first operating position, in which the simulation apparatus extends laterally from the bulk of the supporting plane, and a second inactive position in which the simulation apparatus is substantially comprised in the bulk of the supporting plane. The simulation apparatus is pivoted to the supporting plane in correspondence with a median zone of the latter. The supporting plane comprises a housing seating which at least partly accommodates the simulation apparatus in the inactive position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Saratoga SpA
    Inventor: Bruno Bortolus
  • Patent number: 8651873
    Abstract: A Portal Assessment Design System includes a system for designing assessment models and assessments (e.g., standardized tests). In assessment design, specifications are organized around three basic elements: 1) what knowledge, skill or abilities are important to measure; 2) what is necessary evidence of that knowledge, skill or ability; 3) what performance situations are needed to elicit the required evidence from students and other assessment users. The system includes three modules (i.e., Domain Analysis, Domain Modeling, Conceptual Assessment Framework), each of which targets a specific phase of the design process, for designing an assessment in accordance with the three basic elements. The sequence of modules represents the structure of a design process that helps assessment developers work through successive stages or phases of assessment design, from the gathering of raw information to the creation of a complete set of specifications for an assessment product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Linda S. Steinberg, Robert J. Mislevy, Russell W. Almond
  • Patent number: 8651874
    Abstract: A transmission line with rotatable connector includes an insulated body, a connector a transmission line and a rotatable assembly kit. The insulated body includes a storage space. One end of the insulated body includes an opening slot and the other end of the insulating body includes a sliding slot. The connector is inside of the storage space. One end of the connector protrudes from the opening slot. One end of the transmission line is embedded in the storage space and electronically connected with the connector. The other end of the transmission line protrudes from the insulated body. The rotatable assembly kit includes a rotatable cylinder and a wire cover extending from one side of the rotatable cylinder. The rotatable cylinder is rotatably and pivotally connected to the rear of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: YFC-Boneagel Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Ming Ku, Chun-Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 8651875
    Abstract: A charge connector latching mechanism integrated into a vehicle's charge inlet is provided, where the latching mechanism includes a retractable latching pawl. The retractable pawl is configured to be positioned in at least a first, default position where the pawl extends through an inlet surface of the charge inlet, and a second position where the pawl is retracted and does not extend through the inlet surface. In the first position the retractable pawl prevents insertion of a charge connector into the charge inlet if the charge connector is uncoupled from the inlet, and prevents removal of the charge connector if the charge connector is coupled to the inlet. In the second position the retractable pawl allows insertion/withdrawal of the charge connector into/from the charge inlet. The front surface of the retractable pawl may include a nub configured to fit within a recess within the front face of the charge connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Andrew David Baglino, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian
  • Patent number: 8651876
    Abstract: Connector systems (10, 100) for electrically connecting two or more electrical components include a connector (14, 114) having one or more magnets (36a, 136a). Each magnet (36a, 136a) is attracted to another magnet (36b, 136b), or to a magnetically-attractable element on the other connector (14, 114) of the system (10, 100) when the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114) are mated. The magnetic attraction helps to maintain the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114) in a mated condition. The magnets (36a, 36b, 136a, 136b) can be oriented so that surface normals of pole faces (37a, 37b, 137a, 137b) of the magnets (36a, 36b, 136a, 136b) are angled in relation to a mating direction of the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Wojciech Mysliwiec, Mark Benoit, Richard Furness
  • Patent number: 8651877
    Abstract: A structure and method for manufacturing the same for manufacturing a contact structure for microelectronics manufacturing including the steps of forming first and second metal sheets to form a plurality of outwardly extending bump each defining a cavity. Symmetrically mating the first and second metal sheets in opposing relation to each other to form upper and lower bumps each defining an enclosure therebetween wherein the mated first and second sheets form a contact structure. Coating the contact structure with an insulating material, and fabricating helix shaped contacts from upper and lower bumps. The helix shaped contacts having first and second portions being in minor image relationship to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gareth Hougham, Gerard McVicker, Xiaoxiong Gu
  • Patent number: 8651878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for connection between power transmission system field equipment and control and protection equipment and comprising at least one input/output module (24). The module (24) comprises a box (34) enclosing a circuit board with at least one signal handling unit, at least one bus connector (36, 38) that stretches through a first side of the box, and a set of terminal blocks (40) for connection of field wires to the field equipment, where the terminal blocks are placed on a second side of the box. The at least one signal handling unit includes at least one unit for conversion of input and output signals to and from the field equipment and bus communication according to a bus communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Hans Björklund
  • Patent number: 8651879
    Abstract: A compact power adapter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a compact power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assemble the power adapter. According to one aspect, connectors can serve to electrically couple blades (or prongs) of a power adapter plug to a printed circuit board assembly internal to a housing for the power adapter. The connectors serve to couple AC power to the printed circuit board assembly where the AC power can be converted to DC power. The connectors also facilitate assembly of the power adapter in that reliable interconnections can be provided without wires, soldering or other custom assembly operations. In one embodiment, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Stiehl, Cameron Frazier, Jonathan Aase, Mathias W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8651880
    Abstract: An electrical power connector includes an electrically insulative housing defining multiple front mating portions, multiple rear partition plates, an accommodation chamber between each two adjacent partition plates corresponding to one respective mating portion, stepped stop portions in top and bottom sides in each mating portion and springy hooks suspending in top and bottom sides in each accommodation chamber, and pairs of conducting terminals mounted in the mounting chambers and having respective front mating end portions suspending in the mating portions with respective openings and positioning rods thereof the respectively kept in engagement with the springy hooks and stepped stop portions of the electrically insulative housing. The structural design enables the conducting terminals to have the advantages of low impedance, low power loss and high power transmission efficiency during application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aces Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Shen Wu, Hao-Jan Tuan
  • Patent number: 8651881
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided that is suitable for modifying the resonant frequency of ground terminals used in conjunction with high data rate signal terminals. Ground terminals may be interconnected with a conductive bridge so as to provide ground terminals with a predetermined maximum effective electrical length. Reducing the effective electrical length of the ground terminal can move the resonance frequencies of the connector outside the operational range of frequencies at which signals will be transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Kent E. Regnier, Patrick R. Casher, Jerry A. Long
  • Patent number: 8651882
    Abstract: An electrical junction box having a structure in which a lever of a lever type connector engages a connector hood and a deflection of a wall portion can be prevented without increasing of a resin amount. Latch projections protrude from a wall portion of the connector hood toward the inside of the connector hood. The latch projections engage guide grooves in a lever of a connector. A plurality of lightening holes are formed in the wall portion. The latch projections are supported on a solid part of the wall portion that is not provided with the lightening holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Kanazawa, Tatsuya Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8651883
    Abstract: A multicontact connector having a housing including cavities; contacts each having a portion received in one of the sockets and another portion projecting beyond a face of the housing; and a locking cap for locking the connector to a complementary connector, the cap being mounted on the housing and configured to slide relative to the housing between a locked position and unlocked position; and the cap projects beyond the face of the housing over a distance greater than the distance whereby the contacts project from the face of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Radiall
    Inventors: Patrice Becavin, Emmanuel Demaret, Sylvain Mougin
  • Patent number: 8651884
    Abstract: According to one general aspect, an apparatus includes a connector receptacle coupled to an electronic device. The connector receptacle is configured to receive a universal serial bus (USB) connector and a Micro SIM card. A connection member is disposed within the connector receptacle and configured to provide electrical communication between the Micro SIM card and the electronic device when the Micro SIM card is coupled to the connector receptacle. In some implementations, the electrical connector can also provide electrical communication between a USB connector and the electronic device when the USB connector is coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera
  • Patent number: 8651885
    Abstract: A board connector comprising: a contact comprising a first and a second clipping portion and for clipping therebetween a board which is inserted from the outside, a first beam portion supporting the first clipping portion, and a second beam portion supporting the second clipping portion; a housing that supports the contact; and an actuator that is fixed to the first beam portion, wherein the actuator has an action point portion that is formed more on a rear side in a board insertion direction than the first and second clipping portions and and that is pushed by the board at the time of insertion of the board, and the first clipping portion is elastically displaceable independently of the actuator in a direction away from the second clipping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Kenta Ashibu
  • Patent number: 8651886
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes mateable receptacle connector and plug connector. The receptacle connector includes a first insulative housing, a number of first contacts retained in the first insulative housing and a first metallic shell. The first metallic shell includes a pair of cantilevered claws extending downwardly from opposite sides thereof. When the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector along a bottom-to-top direction, the pair of cantilevered claws are deformable so as to clamp the plug connector in position and prevent the plug connector from falling off from the receptacle connector along a top-to-bottom direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alltop Electronics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Tai, Yung-Chih Hung
  • Patent number: 8651887
    Abstract: A coaxial connector's plug and socket as well as a coaxial connector are provided. The coaxial connector's plug comprises: a plug body (10) comprising a centre conductor (11), an insulator (12) provided around the centre conductor and a shell (13) provided around the insulator; a locking member (14) sleeved on the shell and comprising a supporting ring (141) and at least two claws (142) with their roots provided on the supporting ring; an unlocking sleeve (16) provided on the locking member and comprising an unlocking operation portion (161) and windows matching with the claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yingfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8651888
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a housing provided thereon with an opening through which a flat circuit device is inserted into the housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing, and a holding member formed in a body on the housing to be operative to hold the flat circuit device inserted in the housing and then to release the flat circuit device from holding by the holding member, wherein the holding member has a movable arm portion extending from an inside surface portion of the housing, and the movable arm portion is provided thereon with an engaging portion operative to engage with the flat circuit device inserted in the housing for holding the same and a releasing portion protruding from the movable arm portion through an aperture provided on the housing toward the outside of the housing and is operative to move the movable arm portion for disengaging the engaging portion from the flat circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaki Kurachi
  • Patent number: 8651889
    Abstract: The connector includes an electrically insulating one-part or multi-part housing, in which at least one contact element is arranged, which is accessible via a first opening of the housing by a contact element of a complimentary second connector, and which is connectable with an electrical cable that can be introduced through a second opening of the housing. The housing of the assembled connector, which is made from a first material, includes at least a first coupling element, which corresponds to at least one second coupling element that is included on a tubular element, which is manufactured from a second material which after processing includes a higher mechanical strength than the first material, and wherein the housing is releasably held within the tubular element by the releasably interlinked coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lapp Engineering & Co.
    Inventor: Johann Krech
  • Patent number: 8651890
    Abstract: An electric connector is described which provides direct contact between an electric conductor and a respective counterpart. The connection is locked in place by means of one or more spring clips, for example associated with a casing. In a variant a single common casing is provided for the direct connection between a plurality of electric conductors and respective counterparts, which may be contact elements which are also associated with respective electric conductors or bump contacts of a PCB. In a further variant the counterpart is also an electric conductor, in such a way that direct contact is produced between two electric conductors held in mutual engagement by one or more spring clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Davide Chiarelli
  • Patent number: 8651891
    Abstract: A hot line clamp employs a pair of jaw members which have clamp surfaces. The jaw members are coupled under the load of a compression spring. One jaw member has a ring which allows for relative angular positioning so that a clamp surface of the jaw member engages a shoulder of the second jaw member in a cocked position. When a torque is applied to the ring, the clamp members snap together to clamp over a hot line disposed between the clamp surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Balfour, Tom L. Ries
  • Patent number: 8651892
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for connecting two connectors to each other. The system includes a first connector having a first connector surface, and the first connector surface includes a transparent shape. Further, a second connector, having a second connector surface, includes a portion that includes a second connector color. Particularly, the second connector is configured to be inserted into the first connector, enabling a superimposition and alignment of the transparent shape with the portion of the second connector surface, thereby visually indicating a valid connection between the two connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Paul Arant
  • Patent number: 8651893
    Abstract: A connector arranged to prevent connection failure due to foreign matter trapped between contacts and a connectable object. The contacts have a first movable piece portion, the anterior end including a first contacting portion for contact with a flexible circuit, the posterior end pressable by a press member in a direction opposite the flexible circuit, a second movable piece portion, the anterior end including a second contacting portion for contact with the flexible circuit, the posterior end of first and second movable piece portions being integrally formed, and a springy piece portion for displacing the movable piece portions. Pressing the posterior end of the first movable piece portion by the press member causes the contacting portions to come into pressure contact with the flexible circuit. The contacting portions being brought into two-point contact with the flexible circuit by the press member pressing the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Iriso Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Ogura, Yasuyoshi Yoshikai
  • Patent number: 8651894
    Abstract: An electric meter socket for connecting electrical conductors thereto includes a meter socket block configured to receive at least one lug assembly. The lug assembly is configured to receive an electrical conductor and may include a lug and sliding nut. The lug includes a slide path that allows the sliding nut to be removed from the lug so an electrical conductor can be placed in the lug for connection to the meter socket. To prevent the sliding nut from sliding out of the lug until an electrical conductor is ready to be connected, the meter socket block includes at least one breakable tab that blocks the slide path, thus retaining the sliding nut within the lug. The breakable tab may be removed when an electrical conductor is ready to be connected. Methods of assembling a meter socket and of connecting electrical conductors thereto are also provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Fan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8651895
    Abstract: For the connection of a programming device to a hearing device an insertable plate (21) into the casing or frame of the hearing device is provided, comprising on one side contacts (29) to the hearing device electronics and on the other side contact pins (27), provided for the connection of a contact adapter/cable system of the programming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Paul Portmann, Erich Dittli, Bruno Gabathuler, Erdal Karamuk
  • Patent number: 8651896
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a connection member for secondary batteries to achieve the electrical connection in a battery pack including two or more cylindrical secondary batteries in a physical contact manner, the connection member including an outer circumferential contact part contacting an electrode terminal of a lower battery cell along the outer circumferential region of the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell, such that the outer circumferential contact part can be electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell in a surface contact manner and a central contact part contacting an electrode terminal of an upper battery cell or the central region of a sidewall of the battery pack for providing an elastic contact force to the entire connection member mounted between the electrode terminals of the respective battery cells or between the electrode terminals of the battery cells and the sidewall of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi-Hwan Kwon, Yongho Cho, Seunghyun Bang, Hakjun Lee, Hosang Kwon
  • Patent number: 8651897
    Abstract: The present invention includes a USB3 device with solderless USB3 connector interfaces, which comprises: a USB3 device main body that houses a carrier body made of rigid material; four interface pins in the outer row that conform to the USB2.0 standard; five interface pins in the inner row that conform to the USB3.0 standard; and a substrate and electronic circuitry; and a USB3 device sub-body that houses: a carrier body made of rigid material; and five interface pins that conform to the USB3.0 standard wherein each interface pin has an upper convex part and a lower concave part; the upper convex part and the lower concave part forms a spring coil pin; and the spring coil pin can withstand multiple times of compression; a top casing; a bottom casing; and a case assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kingston Digital, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Wei Chen, Chin-Tang Yen, Ke-Chun Chou
  • Patent number: 8651898
    Abstract: A connector includes an insulated body with a slot to receive therein a terminal module and a casing entirely enclosing the insulated body. An arm has at least two extensions respectively adapted to two oppositely formed sidewalls of the insulated body and each is provided with a boss formed on a distal end of the at least two extensions. At least two through holes are adapted to be defined in each of the two sidewalls of the insulated body to receive therein the bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced-Connectek Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Lin Duan, Sheng-Chan Lin, Wei Wan, Pei-Hsuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8651899
    Abstract: A lamp socket assembly and method of assembly. The lamp socket assembly includes an opening which extends through a wall of the housing to a terminal receiving cavity. A first terminal and a second terminal are positioned in the housing. The first terminal has a first lamp contact portion and a first contact mating portion. The second terminal has a second lamp contact portion and a second contact mating portion. A cover is positioned over the opening. The cover cooperates with the housing to isolate the first and second terminals from the environmental conditions to which the lamp socket assembly is exposed. The opening is dimensioned to allow the first and second terminals to be inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Brasil LTDA
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Sartori, Ednei Lopes, Jose Roberto Goldschmidt
  • Patent number: 8651900
    Abstract: A connector terminal includes a metal socket defining a top opening and a bottom through hole, a probe head having a lower stoppage portion stoppable inside the metal socket and supported on a spring inside and an upper contact portion extending out of the top opening of the metal socket, and a plug tightly plugged into the bottom through hole of the metal socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Po-Kai Hsu
  • Patent number: 8651901
    Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed having a housing having at least one row of terminal receiving passageways. Each passageway includes a locking latch. An overstress protection rib is positioned below each latch. A channel extends through a front wall of the housing and adjacent to the at least one row of terminal receiving passageways, and on the opposite side of the latch. A terminal position assurance member (TPA) has a pre-locked position with the TPA positioned forward of the latch allowing the latch to resile into the channel, and a fully locked position where the TPA is positioned underneath the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hoy Smith Beck, Jr., John Raymond Shuey