Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
  • Patent number: 8668486
    Abstract: An extruder die designed to produce a spiral corn-based snack food product with consistent, tight spiral pitch and the resultant food product. The extruder die has a center post parallel to the flow path along with three cone-shaped receiving ports arranged in a cloverleaf pattern around the center post. The die has three curved slots on the output side of the die which are in fluid communication with the cone-shaped receiving ports. At the distal end of each of these slots is a semi-circular tip. The tip has a diameter larger than the width of its associated slot. Further, the tip is located at the apex of a cone-shaped receiving port with which it is in fluid communication, thus providing for the highest flow velocity of the extrudate through the tip. The resultant flow profile produces the consistent spiral shape of the snack product produced by the die design described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Shalaka Narwankar, Richard James Ruegg
  • Patent number: 8668487
    Abstract: A micro-pattern transferring stamper includes a supporting base material and a microstructure layer formed on the supporting base material, the microstructure layer is a polymer of a resin composition that mainly contains a silsesquioxane derivative containing a plurality of polymerizable functional groups, and one or plural kinds of monomer elements containing a plurality of polymerizable functional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ishii, Masahiko Ogino, Noritake Shizawa, Kyoichi Mori, Akihiro Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 8668488
    Abstract: A process for the combustion of a liquid in a combustion chamber includes atomizing liquid sulfur using a rotary atomizer and introducing the liquid sulfur into the combustion chamber. The liquid sulfur is charged onto an inside of a cup. The cup is rotated so as to form a liquid film on the inside of the cup and so that parts of the liquid film are radially flung off from an edge of the cup edge into the combustion chamber. The rotational speed of the cup is varied so as to control a thickness of the liquid film in the cup to between 200 and 1000 ?m. The liquid sulfur is evaporated and subsequently burnt in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Outotec Oyj, Saacke GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Daum, Wolfram Schalk, Jean Claude Hein, Thomas Schueller, Ludwig Emich, Bernhard Rieger, Dieter Sterner, Johann-Peter Arning
  • Patent number: 8668489
    Abstract: An ignition system for a multi-burner heat exchanger assembly, a furnace, and a method using same are disclosed. The assembly may include a plurality of adjacent heat exchanger tubes, with a burner associated with each tube. All the burners may be lit with a single igniter and no source of secondary air. To do so, each of the burners may be provided so as to generate a swirling exit flow of combustion gases. One or more carryover tubes may also be connected between adjacent pairs of heat exchanger tubes or adjacent pairs of burners. The swirling flow generated by the burners causes hot combustion gases to move through the carryover tubes to thus carry the flame from one burner to the next. Not only can a single igniter be used, but a single flame sensor as well, while at the same time reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Chiappetta, Scott A. Liljenberg, Meredith B. Colket, Shiling Zhang
  • Patent number: 8668490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for igniting a gas flow by means of remote control. The aim of the invention is to maintain the current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is opened and the escaping gas ignited by the actuation of an electronic control unit (5) fed by a voltage source. Said thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is maintained open by a safety pilot magnet (18) by means of a holding current from the voltage source until a thermocouple (22) provides the required holding current once the gas flow has been ignited or a defined holding time is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Happe, Jürgen Blank
  • Patent number: 8668491
    Abstract: Regulating device for gas burners for providing a gas/air mixture, with a mixing device for mixing a gas flow with a combustion air flow to provide the gas/air mixture, wherein at least one gas valve is positioned in a gas line which conducts the gas flow, which is adjusted in dependence upon a measurement signal of an electric or electronic sensor, wherein the sensor determines the differential pressure between the gas line and a reference pressure. The mixing device may be formed as a Venturi nozzle, in which the gas flow and the combustion air flow are mixed, wherein the reference pressure for the sensor is a device in which the reference pressure prevails, and the device is connected via a connecting line to the Venturi nozzle downstream of the mixing region of the Venturi nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell Technologies SARL
    Inventors: Jos Praat, Enno Vrolijk
  • Patent number: 8668492
    Abstract: A removable, candle wick for its ability to be removed from a body of meltable wax and replaced on the same body of meltable wax or placed on a different body of wax. Being anchored on a metal wick tab allows wick to be placed on top of a flat wax surface with stem portion being ignited with a flame. As wax melts the wick tab sinks into the wax and can be extinguished and removed from wax before wax hardens and then placed in a container and reused as desired. The wick will burn wax completely and evenly, and after burning a body of wax, entirely extinguished and placed on a new body of wax to start a new burning. The wick will burn as long as it comes in contact with a meltable body of wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jacqueline Elaine Carroll
  • Patent number: 8668493
    Abstract: The interdental cleaner includes a source of liquid (22) and a control system (42) including a manual pump (26), for moving a selected amount of liquid, suitable for a single use, into a liquid pathway and there to a mixing chamber (53). A source of pressurized gas (30), such as a CO2 cartridge, is used to preload a selected amount of gas into a gas chamber (52). The control system includes a spring-loaded button (18), which upon operation results in the manual pump (26) being operated, forcing the selected amount of liquid into the mixing chamber, and then upon release, permits the pressurized gas in the gas chamber to enter the mixing chamber, breaking up the liquid therein into droplets and a liquid stream, and propelling the resulting liquid out of a nozzle portion (14) of the cleaner into the interproximal area of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Bart Gottenbos, Luciana Opran, Petrus Henricus Le Leeuw, Dirk Brokken, Arjan Leo Van Der Sande
  • Patent number: 8668494
    Abstract: An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, a pivot, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The pivot connects the body to the nose and includes a groove configured for a ball bearing that is passed through a channel formed within the pivot and the body. Also, the channel is parallel to the rotational axis of the shaft. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Angstrom Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris J. Carron, David G. Grither
  • Patent number: 8668495
    Abstract: A ceramic and metallic dental abutment for use with a dental implant is disclosed. The abutment can generally include a body having a base region, a coronal region, and a transgingival region disposed between the base and coronal regions. The body regions can define a longitudinal axis. The base region can include an anti-rotational feature such that, when engaged with the dental implant, an anti-rotational connection exists. The coronal and transgingival regions can include a ceramic exterior surface. The abutment can further include a metal contact portion having an annular shape and positioned to engage the dental implant. The metal contact portion can include a conical outer contact surface, disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, to match an angle of a chamfer of the dental implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramiro Sanchez, Christopher M Gervais, Jeffrey Bassett
  • Patent number: 8668496
    Abstract: A training system is provided. The training system may have a handheld computing device configured to receive a data input from an input device. The input device may be a sensor capable of measuring a condition relating to the training. An analysis module in electronic communication with the handheld computing device is configured to interpret the data input from the input device and configured provide a feedback output related to the execution of the goals of the training system. Based on this feedback, a trainee or trainer may adjust the training program to enhance the trained skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Troy Nolen
  • Patent number: 8668497
    Abstract: A free fall simulator includes a self-contained air circuit and a hover chamber in which persons can hover as a result of an air stream directed vertically upward. A lower opening is located at a lower end of the hover chamber and an upper opening is located at an upper end of the hover chamber. A substantially closed air guide channel includes at least one fan. The channel connects the lower opening and the upper opening of the hover chamber. At least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening allow for exchanging air within the air guide channel. The simulator includes redirecting lamellae which redirect an air stream within the air guide channel in corner areas or areas of high curvature, wherein at least one air outlet opening is disposed within the redirecting lamellae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Indoor Skydiving Bottrop GmbH
    Inventors: Boris Nebe, Manuel Dohr
  • Patent number: 8668498
    Abstract: System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality, to assist a user of a mobile device with interior design. Through the use of real-time object recognition features, logos, artwork, products, locations, etc. can be recognized in a real-time video stream and can subsequently be matched with data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper design elements for a space, such as a kitchen. The proper design elements may be based off of several factors regarding the design space, include the dimensions of the space, the location of windows, doors and outlets, geographic and positional data, other space features, current design elements, architectural features, décor, and style data of the space, etc. This invention provides a virtual area with design elements, such that a user may view the area and determine the proper décor for the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Erik Stephen Ross
  • Patent number: 8668499
    Abstract: A connector to be mounted on a substrate includes a first pad and a second pad formed on the surface, including a first contact including a first contacting portion to be in contact with the first pad when the connector is mounted on the substrate; and a second contact including a second contacting portion to be in contact with the second pad when the connector is mounted on the substrate, the first contact and the second contact being configured such that the first contacting portion slides on the first pad in a first direction while the second contacting portion slides on the second pad in a second direction opposite to the first direction, when the first contact and the second contact are pushed toward the first pad and the second pad, respectively, while the connector is being placed on and fixed to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Koki Takahashi, Koki Sato, Mitsuru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8668500
    Abstract: A connection terminal for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object and including a metal plate having a resilient property, an insulating layer covering at least a part of the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on at least a part of the insulating layer, first and second fixing parts configured to be fixed to corresponding adjacent pads of the second connection object, and first and second connection parts configured to contact corresponding adjacent pads of the first connection object. The first fixing part and the first connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The second fixing part and the second connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The first and the second connection parts are faced outward to the first connection object. The first and the second fixing parts are faced outward to the second connection object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8668501
    Abstract: An electrical assembly connector for connecting a flexible assembly having a plurality of flexible assembly electrical contacts to a rigid assembly having a connector receptacle with a plurality of attachment element electrical contacts. The connector comprises an intermediary device configured to electrically connect the rigid assembly and the flexible assembly. The intermediary device has a plurality of connector electrical contacts. The intermediary device electrical contacts are exposed on a first base side and on a second base side of the intermediary device. The intermediary device electrical contacts exposed on the second base side are configured to mechanically and electrically couple to the flexible assembly electrical contacts, and the intermediary device electrical contacts exposed on the first base side are configured to electrically and mechanically couple to the attachment element electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Derick Esquivel, Willis Williams
  • Patent number: 8668502
    Abstract: An electrical assembly used for connecting an IC package, includes at least an upper and a lower layer stacked with each other, wherein the upper layer is formed with an opening for receiving a socket connector. The socket connector has contacts electrically connected to conductive traces respectively provided on the upper and the lower layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Chih Chang, Chih-Pi Cheng
  • Patent number: 8668503
    Abstract: A mechanical device for electrically connecting a first flexible assembly to a second flexible assembly comprises a wafer and a housing. The wafer has an insulator core and a plurality of wafer electrical connectors. The core has a first base side and an opposed second base side. The wafer electrical connectors include a first set of wafer electrical connector contacts exposed on the first base side and a second set of wafer electrical connector contacts exposed on the second base side. The wafer electrical connector contacts are adapted to electrically connect with each of the flexible assembly electrical contacts. The housing retains the wafer, the first flexible assembly terminal, and the second flexible assembly terminal in such a way that each of the first flexible assembly electrical contacts is removably secured and electrically connected to one of the wafer electrical connector contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Willis Williams, Derick Esquivel
  • Patent number: 8668504
    Abstract: A threadless light socket assembly allows a light bulb to be changed by pushing or pulling the light bulb into or out of the socket provides an outer insulator housing and an insulator cap which carrying a ground socket in a medial channel that grounds a light bulb base to a power supply. Plural spring biased thread locks protrude into center of the ground socket and are staggered in height to align with threads defined in a light bulb base. A positive contact is in the socket assembly supplies positive power from a power supply to the light bulb base. The threadless light socket has interchangeable components to allow installation in new and existing light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dave Smith Chevrolet Oldsmobile Pontiac Cadillac, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Cofini
  • Patent number: 8668506
    Abstract: A charging receptacle having a barrel and a base configured to facilitate interconnecting electrical elements of a cordset with a vehicle charging system. The barrel may be configured to facilitate alignment of the electrical elements and the base may be configured to facilitate mounting the charger receptacle to a vehicle or other device having a system reliant on electrical energy provided through the cordset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John Stack, John F. Nathan, Slobodan Pavlovic
  • Patent number: 8668507
    Abstract: A lamp holder connector includes a lower holder having a bottom board with two positioning pillars protruding upward thereon, and an upper holder covered on the lower holder to together define a receiving chamber. An electrical terminal is fastened in the receiving chamber, and has a base plate with two positioning holes opened therein for inserting the positioning pillars therein, and a pair of clamping plates connected with two opposite side edges of the base plate and facing each other for clamping one end of a lamp therebetween. A top end of each positioning pillar projects upward beyond a top side of the base plate and then is pressed downward by an external jig to have a deformation and form a blocking eave so as to tightly clip the base plate between the bottom board and the blocking eave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Proconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 8668508
    Abstract: A connector includes a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector includes first contacts made of a conductive material, and a first movable part made of an insulating material, wherein the first contacts have respective first contact portions of a convex shape, and the first movable part is connected to the first contacts to be movable together with the first contact portions, wherein the second connector includes second contacts made of a conductive material, and a second movable part made of an insulating material, wherein the second contacts have respective second contact portions coming in contact with the first contact portions, and the second movable part is connected to the second contacts to be movable together with the second contact portions, and wherein the first contact portions and the second contact portions are configured to come in contact with each other, thereby establishing electrical coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Koichi Kiryu, SeungSeok Beak, Kimiyo Takahashi, Mitsuru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8668509
    Abstract: A wet-mateable connector for making a connection underwater comprises a male component 10 having a male pin 14 and a female component 20 having a female socket 24 for receiving the male pin. The male component has a male wiper seal assembly 16 which moves between a decoupled and a coupled position during coupling of the male component 10 and female component 20 so as to wipe at least a portion of the male pin 14. A latch 42a, 48 is provided which is arranged to latch the male wiper seal assembly 16 to the female component 20 during coupling such that when the male and female components are decoupled, the male wiper seal assembly 16 is returned to the decoupled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: RMSpumptools Limited
    Inventor: Eric Chaize
  • Patent number: 8668510
    Abstract: A tubular component of a drill stem comprises a first end including a first threading, a second end including a second threading, and a substantially tubular central zone, the component further comprising a device for electrical connection with another component, mounted on at least one of the ends, and a cable for the transmission of signals between the first end and the second end, connected to the connecting device, the connecting device including at least one conductor provided with an electrically insulated link portion and an electrical contact portion; a dielectric to isolate the insulated link portion; and an annular sealing surface defining a protected zone, said electrical contact portion being disposed in the protected zone, the annular sealing surface being disposed at the surface of the insulated link portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vam Drilling France
    Inventor: Gabriel Roussie
  • Patent number: 8668511
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic electrical connector assembly comprises a first connector (10a) and an identical second connector (10) to mate with each other, each connector comprising: an insulating housing (20) having a base portion (21), a pair of fixing arms (24) molded two side of the base portion and locating two ends of the diagonal of the base portion separately. and several terminal slots (22) on the base portion; and a number of terminals (5) retained in the terminal slots of the insulating housing; the fixing arms of the first connector engaging with same side fixing arms of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jing-Jie Guo
  • Patent number: 8668512
    Abstract: A safety socket of the present invention has one or several groups of socket holes, lock mechanisms, and release mechanisms. Plug can be inserted into the socket holes. The lock mechanism can engage the plug for preventing unexpected removal of the plug. The release mechanism is used for operating the lock mechanism for releasing the plug. The release mechanism has a button which is arranged at aside of the socket holes. Thus, the button would not be hidden by the plug. User can approach to the button easily. Operation condition of the safety socket is then facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Chi-Tsai Chang
  • Patent number: 8668513
    Abstract: Fixtures, apparatuses, and related methods are provided that provide for a non-Edison connection for receiving a lamp housing of a lighting device having a non-Edison connector. The fixture can include a fixture housing and a non-Edison socket securable to the fixture housing. The fixture can also include an engagement device for engaging a lamp housing of a lighting device that has a non-Edison connector upon insertion of the lamp housing into the fixture housing and engaging the non-Edison socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard, James Michael Lay, Gary David Trott
  • Patent number: 8668514
    Abstract: Connector modules have complementary profiles configured for sliding engagement. Modules bearing a first profile may be mounted in series, such as on a rail, on a frame or component. Modules bearing a second profile may similarly be mounted in series, such as on a rail, so that rails bearing modules with the first profile may slide into rails bearing modules with the second profile. Contacts in connectors of the module are configured to facilitate sliding engagement. Male contacts are biased to protrude, but travel into connectors in which they are mounted during sliding until aligned with corresponding female contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Justin I. Morosi
  • Patent number: 8668515
    Abstract: An electronic module (100) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing defining a recess area and a printed circuit board (3) disposed in the housing. A slider member is (61) assembled to an exterior surface of the housing and defining a pair of arm portions (612) formed on a front end thereof. And a gasket (5) is assembled to the recess area and defining a pair of curved portions (543) located above two free ends of the pair of arm portions. Whereby movement of the slider by a user along a front to rear direction, the two free ends of the pair of arm portions respectively raise up the pair of curved portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 8668516
    Abstract: An identifiable plug and a plug assembly having the same are disclosed. The identifiable plug includes a power input port, a power output port, a storage unit, a signal transmission unit and a processing unit. The power output port is configured to insert into a plug of electronic equipment. The power input port is connected with the power output port. The processing unit is configured to transmit an identification information stored in the storage unit via the signal transmission unit. When the identifiable plug is assembled with an electric socket, the electric socket is capable to read the identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 8668517
    Abstract: A plug apparatus has a first holding portion holding a stack connecting conductive wire, a second holding portion separated from the first holding portion and holding a stack connecting conductive wire, and a fixing portion to which the first and second holding portions and are removably fixed, wherein the first and second holding portions and are fixed to the fixing portion and the stack connecting conductive wires and are electrically connected to each other in a first state in which a plug grip is mounted, and the first and second holding portions and are allowed to separate from the fixing portion and the electrical connection between the stack connecting conductive wires and is broken in a second state in which the plug grip is dismounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8668518
    Abstract: A data bus structure for the terminal blocks, comprising: a main body to be plugged into a support rail for the terminal blocks; said main body comprising a plurality of slots formed therein; and at least 2 conductive pieces to be inserted in said slots of said main body to form guiding rail. The data bus structure provides a data bus for a plurality of terminal blocks for the transmission of electricity and signals, as well stable supports to the terminal blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dinkle Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang-Tsai Wu
  • Patent number: 8668519
    Abstract: Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8668520
    Abstract: A card connector is adapted for being mounted to a circuit board defining a mounting cavity. The card connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving room passing through a top and a front thereof, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing and electrically projecting upward into the receiving room, a shielding shell enclosing the insulating housing, and a plurality of fastening blocks. A pair of side walls is formed at two opposite sides of the receiving room. The fastening blocks are apart secured to outsides of the side walls. The card connector is mounted in the mounting cavity of the circuit board, and the fastening blocks are fixed on the circuit board around the mounting cavity. Because the fastening blocks are not easily deformed, the card connector can be firmly fixed in the circuit board and avoids being slanted downward in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Proconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ya-Hui Hsu, Ta-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 8668521
    Abstract: A contact is formed of paired contact pieces, a coupling part coupling the contact pieces, and a connecting part extended from the coupling part, and the connecting part has a plate surface lowered by one step from the coupling part in a direction in which the contact pieces project. A body includes a body main structure, a body extension part mounting thereon the connecting part, and a body inner-lid part projected from the body extension part and to be bent. A shell includes a shell main body, a shell extension part supporting the body extension part, a shell inner-lid part projected from a side wall of the shell extension part, and a shell outer-lid part. A central conductor of a coaxial cable is interposed between the body inner-lid part bent with the shell inner-lid part and the connecting part, thereby being connected to the connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8668522
    Abstract: An electrical connector can be provided having a plurality of connector pins, and an electrically conductive connector housing with a bottom wall and a receiving opening for receiving a counter-connector. A plurality of pin receiving openings formed in the bottom wall accommodate a dielectric insert. At least one of the connector pins extends through the dielectric insert and is fastened by the dielectric insert within the respective pin receiving opening. A slide-in module can be provided with such an electrical connector, and a method for producing such an electrical connector may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Milena Becker, Gregor Slatosch, Dieter Acker, Michael Hirzler
  • Patent number: 8668523
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly comprises an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2), a cable (6) electrically connected with the contacts, and a metallic shell (3) enclosing the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion. The metallic shell comprises a bottom shell (32) and a top shell (31) combined with each other, the top shell includes a frame shaped portion (321) in the front thereof and a shielding portion (322) connected with the frame shaped portion unitarily, and the frame shaped portion is located in a vertical plane perpendicular to an upper surface of the shielding portion, the bottom shell is inserted into and enclosed in a frame shaped opening (324) disposed in the frame shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 8668524
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first insulating housing having an erect base board and an erect tongue board extending forwards from a front of the base board, flat terminals molded in the first insulating housing and having a contact portion and a first soldering tail which vertically projects under the base board, a second insulating housing assembled to a right side of the base board, and spring terminals molded in the second insulating housing and having a contact arm and a second soldering tail which vertically projects under the second insulating housing. The contact portions are exposed in a front of a right side of the tongue board and arranged at regular intervals along a vertical direction. The contact arms elastically project sideward out of the right side of the tongue board and are arranged at regular intervals along the vertical direction behind the contact portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rong-Qin Lan, Li-Jun Xu, Ming-Han Lin
  • Patent number: 8668525
    Abstract: A method of forming a colored appearance suitable for forming a colored appearance for a conductive casing of a connector is provided. The conductive casing has a body and at least one lead. The lead extends from the body. The method of forming a colored appearance includes the following steps. A surface of the conductive casing is roughened. A conductive metal layer is formed on the roughened surface of the conductive casing. A shielding layer is formed on a part of the conductive metal layer located on the lead. A colorful conductive layer is formed on the conductive casing. The shielding layer and a part of the colorful conductive layer located on the shielding layer are removed to expose the part of the conductive metal layer on the lead. Therefore, the conductive casing has a colored appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Tu, I-Cheng Chuang
  • Patent number: 8668526
    Abstract: A percutaneous cable includes a cable body having a first end and second end, the cable body including a sheath adapted to traverse a patient's skin. The cable includes a plurality of conductors disposed within the cable body configured to transmit power and control data between a system controller and two implantable pumps. The cable includes a first connector disposed at the first end of the cable body and coupled to the plurality of conductors, the first connector configured to connect the cable body to the system controller. The cable includes a second connector disposed at the second end of the cable body, the second connector comprising a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Thoratec Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher James Cotter
  • Patent number: 8668527
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of upper and lower contacts fixed in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a base and a tongue portion extending from the base along a first direction. Each of the upper contacts includes a first planar soldering section situated adjacent to a bottom face of the base. Each of the lower contacts includes a second planar soldering section situated adjacent to the bottom face of the base. The lower contacts are assembled to the insulative housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in order that the second planar soldering sections can be kept coplanar with the first planar soldering sections through controlling insertion depth of the lower contacts along the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Ming Zhang
  • Patent number: 8668528
    Abstract: Split jack assemblies are constructed with a tubeless pin block. Elimination (or split) of the tube, or more particularly, a tube that is an integrally formed part of the pin block form the pin block allows for the use of a tubeless pin block design that results in a jack assembly having smaller overall dimensions than a conventional jack assembly constructed to accommodate a plug of the same dimensions. The tubeless pin block can be used in conjunction with a tube sleeve or with a curved surface of a housing for an electronic device, or both to provide a plug receptacle of the split jack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Ian P. Colahan, Daniele De Iuliis, Trent K. Do
  • Patent number: 8668529
    Abstract: A contact terminal includes: a contact pin; and a plate spring configured to support the contact pin, wherein a portion of the plate spring is connected to a circuit board, wherein the contact pin can be connected to a counterpart while being supported by the plate spring, thus ensuring a stable connection structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-Min Park, Sung-Jun Hwang
  • Patent number: 8668530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector system for a plug connection between electrical conductors, wherein the plug connector system accommodates plug modules with electrical contacts contained therein, wherein said plug modules are first inserted laterally into a region of a holding frame, wherein a plug insert is arranged in the same and locked in place, and then subsequently slid 90° sideways in the holding frame and held in place. The housing frame is designed as a self-supporting part of the plug connector system, for the purpose of accommodating the plug modules, and can provide protection from external influences by means of a surrounding housing. In addition, in contrast to conventional arrangements used to date in plug connectors, the plug modules can be inserted into the holding frames from both sides, meaning in the direction in which the connection is made, or also in the opposite direction, and can be removed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Riepe, Martin Schmidt, Nicole Spilker
  • Patent number: 8668531
    Abstract: A terminal 1 which maintains electrical connectivity between a mating terminal and contact spring pieces, reduce size and firmly fixes the contact spring pieces at a terminal main body, includes the conductive, rectangular tube-shaped terminal main body 3 into which the mating terminal 2 is inserted, the plurality of one conductive contact spring pieces 18 extending from one wall 5 to the other wall 6 of the terminal main body and tilted relative to a mating terminal insertion direction, and a plurality of the other conductive contact spring pieces 19 extending from the other wall to the one wall and tilted relative to the insertion direction. The one and the other contact spring pieces 78, 79 are arranged alternatively along the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, Hajime Kato, Yuichiro Matsumoto, Masayuki Kataoka, Tsuyoshi Mizushima
  • Patent number: 8668532
    Abstract: A connector for a Low Profile (LP) fuse which has an increased fixing force, so as to prevent a secured LP fuse from being separated by external forces, such as vibration of a vehicle, etc. The connector for a Low Profile (LP) fuse includes a body, a rear member, and a pair of supporting arms. The body is adapted for insertion into a body receiving passageway of a fuse box. The body includes a lower end electrically connected to an electric wire. The rear member extends from the body into the body receiving passageway, while the pair of supporting members are bent from opposite sides of the rear member. The pair of supporting members extend parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp Korea Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul-Sub Lee, Sang-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8668533
    Abstract: A waterjet based propulsion system and method that utilizes more than one waterjet outlet port and controls the selective application of power to the waterjets with a splitter gearbox thereby improving the efficiency of the marine craft at low and high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Twin Disc, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Rolla
  • Patent number: 8668534
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, William Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Patent number: 8668535
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, mostly watercraft in appearance, has a single drive system that accelerates, propels, steers, reverses, and brakes the vehicle on land or in the water. This control is effectuated by one or both twin control levels positioned to the left and right of the vehicle operator. Rear mounted propulsions units include a paddlewheel and tire combination, which operate independently and are rotatable in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Scroggs
  • Patent number: 8668536
    Abstract: A fish tail propelled water vessel uses a pair of back and forth reciprocating pedals to rotate a flywheel back and forth, the paddle blade of the vessel attached to the flywheel so that the reciprocating flywheel swishes the blade through the water in side to side fashion thereby propelling the vessel. A cable attaches each pedal to its respective side of the flywheel in order to cause rotation of the flywheel. A pedal cable helps balance the pedals thereby assuring smooth pedaling of the device. Holding one of the pedals forward of the alignment point with the other pedal, holds the blade to that side, thereby steering the vessel to the opposing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Burnham