Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8995093
    Abstract: In an HDD actuator pivot bearing unit 10, an axial inner surface 22a of a shield cap 22 is formed into a stepped shape so that an axial minimum gap a1 with a shield member 14e of one bearing 14 is narrower than an axial minimum gap a2 with an outer ring 14b and so that an axial minimum gap a3 with a boundary position 14b3 between an axial end face of the outer ring 14 and an annular groove 14b1 is narrower than the axial minimum gap a2 with the outer ring 14. By doing so, the amount of air passing through an interior of the bearing can be reduced to thereby reduce outparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Nanasawa, Naoto Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8995094
    Abstract: A disk drive head gimbal assembly (HGA) includes a distal region that includes a load beam dimple having a protruding convex surface. The HGA includes a laminated flexure having a structural layer with a tongue disposed between two outrigger beams. A piezoelectric element is adhered to the tongue. The tongue includes an actuated portion to which a read head may be adhered, and that is rotated about an axis of rotation by expansion of the piezoelectric element. The tongue also includes a non-actuated portion that is not rotated by expansion of the piezoelectric element. The non-actuated portion of the tongue adjoins and forms a bridge between the two outrigger beams. The bridge includes a flexure dimple that protrudes from the tongue and has a concave surface that is in contact with the convex surface of the load beam dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yih-Jen Dennis Chen, Tzong-Shii Pan
  • Patent number: 8995095
    Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes an inner module comprising an array of data writers; and first and second outer modules flanking the inner module. The outer modules are identical, each outer module comprising an array of data readers. A number of active data readers in each outer module is less than a number of active data writers in the inner module. For the first outer module, one of the active data readers is aliened with one of the data writers positioned towards a first end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross. For the second outer module, one of the active data readers is aligned with one of the data writers positioned towards a second end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Peter VanderSalm Koeppe
  • Patent number: 8995096
    Abstract: Various embodiments may position a side shield adjacent to and separated from a stack sidewall of a magnetic stack with the side shield having a shield layer disposed between the stack sidewall and a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can be separated from a first portion of the shield layer by a diffusion barrier that decouples the permanent magnet from the shield layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Shaun Eric McKinlay, Eric Walter Singleton
  • Patent number: 8995097
    Abstract: A high voltage DC breaker apparatus configured to interrupt a fault current occurring in a high voltage DC conductor comprises a mechanical interrupter, at least one semiconductor device connected in series with the interrupter, an arrester connected in parallel with the semiconductor device and an LC-circuit connected in parallel with the series connection of the semiconductor device and the interrupter. A control unit is configured to, upon detection of a fault current, control switching of the semiconductor device at a frequency adapted to the values of an inductance and a capacitance of the LC-circuit for charging the capacitance by the fault current while making the current through the interrupter oscillating with an increasing amplitude and the interrupter to open for having the mechanical contacts thereof separated when current zero-crossing is reached for obtaining interruption of the fault current through the interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Per Skarby
  • Patent number: 8995098
    Abstract: Electrical distribution systems, equipment and wiring devices are required to have their wiring connections properly identified to ensure proper operation of connected loads as well as the safety of users, however, errors in installation do occur. Electrical wiring errors are commonly called miswire conditions. The current invention is an integrated system and method of miswire protection and annunciation of system conditions for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and other wiring devices, electrical systems and equipment. Electrical code and regulatory standards require certain wiring devices to include miswire protection with their standard features. These wiring devices, among others include Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) which are required to incorporate protection from miswire conditions with other electrical faults they are designed to protect circuits from, such as and including arc, ground, overload, short circuit, and surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: True-Safe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell E. Tomimbang
  • Patent number: 8995099
    Abstract: In an electrical cord reel, a rotatable member can rotate about a winding axis to spool and unspool a linear material. An input power connector can couple to an electrical power source. An output power connector on the rotatable member can couple to an electrical cord at least partially wound about the rotatable member. A switch is adjustable to allow or prevent electrical current flow from the input power connector to the output power connector. In an aspect, the electrical cord reel includes an electric cord comprising a first power wire, a second power wire, and a signal wire. A method of controlling the electric cord spool system includes energizing the first power wire and the signal wire. The method further includes determining a continuity of the signal wire. The method further includes de-energizing the first power wire when determining discontinuity of the signal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Great Stuff, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. A. Tracey, Mark Rosenau, Joseph M. Hill, III, Johnathan R. Tracey
  • Patent number: 8995100
    Abstract: There is provided an integrated circuit includes an output driver and a configurable electrostatic discharging (ESD) power clamp element according to embodiments of the present invention. The output driver includes a first semiconductor element having a first conductivity type and electrically connected to a first power rail; and a second semiconductor element having a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type and electrically connected to a second power rail. Specifically, the configurable ESD power clamp element is coupled between the first power rail and the second power rail to provide ESD protection when configured in a first hardware state, and forms a portion of the output driver when configured in a second hardware state, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Ming Chou, Kuo-Liang Pan, Chien-Feng Tseng, Yi-Chiu Tsai, Chien-Shao Tang, Hsin-Han Chen
  • Patent number: 8995101
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection circuit is coupled to a power supply rail and a ground supply rail of an integrated circuit and includes at least one shunt configured to couple the supply rails and a trigger configured to supply on an output a shunt control voltage to a control terminal of the shunt to set the shunt in a coupling state when an ESD event is sensed on one of the supply rails. The protection circuit further comprises a voltage booster arranged between the output of the trigger and the control terminal of the shunt to boost the shunt control voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Nicolas Demange
  • Patent number: 8995102
    Abstract: A display and an electrostatic discharge protection apparatus are disclosed, wherein the display includes a display module, a flex flat cable, a motherboard, and an electrostatic discharge protection apparatus. The flex flat cable is electrically connected with the display module and the motherboard; the electrostatic discharge protection apparatus is disposed between the flex flat cable and the display module. The electrostatic discharge protection apparatus has an isolation board and at least one isolation pad, the isolation board includes a first surface and a second surface, and at least one part of the first surface is attached to the flex flat cable; the isolation pad comprises a first isolation surface, and the first isolation surface is combined with the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Lu, Wen-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 8995103
    Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Utility Relay Company
    Inventor: Helmut Weiher
  • Patent number: 8995104
    Abstract: An electrical component package has integrated therein first and second pairs of electrodes, wherein the first pair of electrodes are electrically isolated from the second pair of electrodes. A thermally sensitive positive temperature coefficient (PTC) conductive element abuts the first pair of terminals. Also integrated in the package is an electrical heating element that abuts the second pair of terminals, and receives a drive current for generating heat that is transferred to trip the PTC conductive element. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Xingqun Li
  • Patent number: 8995105
    Abstract: A device control module for making a non-demand management system capable electrical device demand responsive to a demand management system includes a relay configured to be electrically connected to a power circuit of the electrical device to control power supply to a load device of the electrical device. The device control module includes a relay driver operated to open and close the relay and a controller operating the relay driver. The controller receives a demand state signal from the demand management system supplying power to the electrical device and operates the relay driver based on the demand state signal. The relay is configured to power off the load device of the electrical device irrespective of the main control operation of the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Charles David Fry, Brian Donald Stephenson
  • Patent number: 8995106
    Abstract: A surge suppression system provides surge protection both locally within the radio station building were the power plant and telecommunication equipment are located and remotely next to the radios and antennas located outside of the building on the communication tower. An external surge suppression unit provides a waterproof enclosure for both surge suppression devices and fiber optic connectors. A rack mountable surge suppression unit provides local in-line surge suppression protection for the electrical equipment located in the communication station. A unique surge suppression tray is hot swappable so that multiple surge suppression devices can be replaced at the same time without disrupting radio operation. Pluggable surge suppression modules can be used in both the external surge suppression unit and the rack mountable surge suppression unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Raycap, S.A.
    Inventors: Douglas Wayne Miller, Konstantinos Samaras, Kelly Rae Richards, Anastasios Fragkos, Daniel Joseph Sullivan, Megaklis Marathias
  • Patent number: 8995107
    Abstract: A modular lightning surge protection apparatus is applied to a single-phase three-wire power system with a line, a neutral, and a ground. The modular lightning surge protection apparatus includes a substrate, a surge protection unit, a first temperature fuse, and a second temperature fuse. The surge protection unit has a first surge protection element, a second surge protection element, and a third surge protection element to form a wye connection or a delta connection structure. Furthermore, the surge protection unit, the first temperature fuse, and the second temperature fuse are electrically connected on the substrate to form a small-scale modular circuit integration structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramate Technical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsun-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8995108
    Abstract: Provided is a coupling structure for airframe components that is capable of ensuring sufficient lightning protection capability. A conductive pattern part 40 made of a conductive material is formed around each fastener member 24 between wing surface panels 21A and 21B. The conductive pattern part 40 is formed, for example, around each of holes 21c and 21d on the plane on which the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B abut against each other. Then, the conductive pattern part 40 is pushed against both the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B by the fastening power of the fastener members 24, whereby electrical conduction between the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kawahara, Hideo Yamakoshi, Yuichiro Kamino, Atsuhiro Iyomasa, Toru Hashigami
  • Patent number: 8995109
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a monolithic ceramic electronic component includes the steps of preparing a first ceramic outer layer, stacking a plurality of inner electrodes and a plurality of ceramic green sheets on the first ceramic outer layer, forming an inner portion, applying first pressing in the stacking direction, forming an outer portion on the inner portion to form a second ceramic outer layer, applying second pressing in the stacking direction to form a multilayer body, cutting the mother multilayer body to obtain individual multilayer bodies, sintering the individual multilayer bodies to obtain ceramic bodies, and forming first and second outer electrodes on the outer surface of each of ceramic bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hironori Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 8995110
    Abstract: A laminated ceramic capacitor includes multiple dielectric layers, internal electrodes having Cu as the primary component and embedded between the dielectric layers, and external electrodes. The dielectric layers contain a primary component comprised of a CaZrO3 compound and auxiliary components that include Mn, B, Si, and Li wherein a primary phase comprised of the primary component, segregation phases containing Ca and at least one of the auxiliary components, and secondary phases containing at last Ca and Zr are formed. The ratio of Ca to Zr in the secondary phases is smaller than the ratio of Ca to Zr in the primary phase, and the number of secondary phases with a diameter of 100 nm or greater in a cross section of the dielectric layers averages 30 or less per 10 square ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Takeoka
  • Patent number: 8995111
    Abstract: A capacitor includes: an anode part that is drawn from an anode body of a capacitor element to an element end-face, to be formed over the element end-face; a cathode part that is drawn from a cathode body of the capacitor element to the element end-face, to be formed over the element end-face; an anode terminal member that is disposed in a sealing member; a cathode terminal member that is disposed in the sealing member; an anode current collector plate that is connected to the anode part, and is also connected to the anode terminal member; and a cathode current collector plate that is connected to the cathode part, and is also connected to the cathode terminal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Mori, Tatsuo Kubouchi, Takashi Nawano, Akihiro Furusawa, Junichirou Mukaeda, Yasushi Kodama, Shigeru Iizawa
  • Patent number: 8995112
    Abstract: At least one of a valve metal sintered capacitor anode body and a suboxide valve metal sintered capacitor anode body with a particle density of >88% of a theoretical density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: H. C. Starck GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Schnitter, Holger Brumm
  • Patent number: 8995113
    Abstract: In a method and a system for connecting a plurality of printed circuit boards (1) to at least one frame or carrier element (5), the following elements are provided: a plurality of printed circuit boards (1), which are designed to have at least one coupling element (4) on at least one edge (2, 3), at least one frame or carrier element (5) for coupling to a plurality of printed circuit boards (1) using coupling elements (6) that in each case complement at least one coupling element (4) of the printed circuit boards (1), wherein the printed circuit boards (1) can be coupled to the at least one frame or carrier element (5) by fitting the coupling elements (4, 6) of the printed circuit boards (1) and of the frame or carrier element (5), and wherein the at least one frame or carrier element (5) only surrounds or encloses the printed circuit boards (1) over a partial region of the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christoph Thumser
  • Patent number: 8995114
    Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture includes a lamp housing and a separate compact junction box, which contains a power supply that drives the lamp and serves in part to divide the interior cavity of the junction box into two separate wiring compartments. The junction box has two end walls spaced along an axis and a releasably secured cover The lighting fixture is particularly suitable for retrofit installations, especially where small aperture downlights are desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Shawn A Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8995115
    Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Euan Abraham, John M. Brock, Matthew P. Casebolt, Robert L. Coish, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley Joseph Hamel, Ron Hopkinson, Jim Hwang, Caitlin E. Kalinowski, Steven Keiper, Patrick Kessler, Eugene Kim, Chris Ligtenberg, Jay K. Osborn, John Raff, Nicholas A. Rundle, David J. Yeh
  • Patent number: 8995116
    Abstract: A docking station and an electronic apparatus using the same are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a portable computer and a docking station. The docking station includes a body, a base and a connector, and the portable computer is detachably connected to the docking station. The base is movably connected to the body. The connector disposed on the base is movable with the base relative to the body. The body is electrically connected to the portable computer via the connector, and thus the portable computer can move relative to the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chih Hung, Kuan-Ting Chen, Hsuan-Wu Wei, Ming-Chin Yang
  • Patent number: 8995117
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a lid assembly defining a lower edge and having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a display visible on the inner surface. The portable computer also includes a base defining a front and a back assembly and having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a keyboard on the upper surface. A pair of slots through the upper surface extends from adjacent the back toward the front. A hinge structure has first and second arms rotatably affixed to the base assembly adjacent opposite sides of the back and to the lid assembly at respective locations spaced apart from the lower edge. First and second rails are disposed within the base assembly adjacent the slots and first and second slide elements are slidably connected to the rails, extend through the slots, and are rotatably connected with the lid assembly at the lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hayashida, Joseph Edward Clayton, Lawrence Lam, Martin Philip Riddiford
  • Patent number: 8995118
    Abstract: Provided is a memory card. The memory card includes interconnection terminals for electric connection with an external electronic machine. The interconnection terminals may be spaced from the front side of the memory card by a distance greater than the lengths of the interconnection terminals. Alternatively, the memory card may include other interconnection terminals between its front side and the former interconnection terminals. The former and latter interconnection terminals may be used for electric connection with different kinds of electronic machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: JinTae Kang, Kisun Kim, Dongyang Lee, Doil Kong, Sunghoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8995119
    Abstract: Provided herein is a low cost high performance light weight hard drive cover that is injection molded. The hard drive top cover has a flange portion that applies pressure to an elastomeric seal preventing ingress of moisture dust and other contaminants into the sensitive components. The flange portion is reinforced with a plurality of metallic strips that are placed between pressure application locations embedded within the polymer flange. The viscoelastic creep response of the polymer flange does not contribute to relaxation of pressure on the elastomeric seal due to the presence of the metallic reinforcement strips. The metallic reinforcement strips may have a convex curvature between pressure application locations. The metallic reinforcement strip may have apertures for passage of injection molded polymer creating delamination free intimate bond between the polymer in the flange and the metallic reinforcement strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MMI Precision Forming Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Thijssen, Sudarshan Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 8995120
    Abstract: A drive assembly comprising a drive and a drive carrier. The drive carrier includes an active bar which comprises a plurality of drive holders and an engagement mechanism. The active bar of a drive assembly performs a plurality of drive assembly functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Haesung Kwon
  • Patent number: 8995121
    Abstract: A docking station for electronic apparatus includes a base, a hinge, a support, and a connector mechanism. The support is pivotally connected to the base through the hinge. The connector mechanism includes an angle transmission mechanism and a connecting module. The angle transmission mechanism is disposed in the base and includes a transmission device and a rotation part. The transmission device connects a pivot of the hinge and the rotation part so that the pivot can drive the rotation part to rotate through the transmission device. The connecting module is fixed on the rotation part and includes a connector exposed out the base through a window of the base. When an electronic apparatus is electrically connected to the connector, the support supports the electronic apparatus. Therefore, a user can adjust the support and the connector simultaneously, which reduces the time for connecting the electronic apparatus onto the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chia-Lian Yen
  • Patent number: 8995122
    Abstract: An electronic-device housing stores an electronic circuit and a cooling fan. The electronic-device housing includes a first surface having at least one opening to release heat outside. At least one projected portion projects toward an outside of the electronic-device housing, and when the electronic-device housing is installed on an installation surface so that the first surface is opposed to the installation surface and the projected portion comes into contact with the installation surface, a rotation moment acting on a gravity center of the electronic-device housing acts in a direction where the rotation moment causes the first surface to move away from the installation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuhiro Sano
  • Patent number: 8995123
    Abstract: A cooling and noise-reduction apparatus for a computing device disposable within a structure having a central air conditioning system is provided. The computing device includes a heat generating component, an enclosure having first and second inlets, a fan configured to drive coolant from the first inlet to the heat generating component, a vent operably interposed between the second inlet and the heat generating component and a controller coupled to the fan and the vent to respectively control operations thereof. The cooling and noise-reduction apparatus includes a ducting element configured to flexibly and fluidly couple the second inlet with the central air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Marten, Martin R. Naish, Brian Stewart, Sam Rogers, Paul Thorpe
  • Patent number: 8995124
    Abstract: A cover latch is provided for coupling a blade server cover to a blade server when the cover latch is in a locked state. Embodiments include a locking surface and a user interface; wherein when the cover latch is in the locked state, the locking surface engages a locking surface enclosure of the blade server cover; wherein when the cover latch is in an unlocked state, the user interface is rotated into the blade server and the locking surface is rotated outward from the blade server, wherein when the locking surface is rotated outward from the blade server, the locking surface is disengaged from the locking surface enclosure of the blade server cover; and a rotational limiter hole in the cover latch that surrounds a peg of the blade server, wherein the rotation of the locking surface and the user interface is limited by the rotational limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nadia Anguiano-Wehde, Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Seth D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8995125
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing of a single piece of material that has first and second spaced apart major walls that extend in lateral directions and at least three side walls extending perpendicular to the lateral directions between the major walls. The major walls and the side walls define an internal cavity, and the first housing defines an opening to the internal cavity opposite one of the side walls. At least one support member is within the internal cavity of the first housing adjacent a major walls a side wall thereof. At least one electronic component is contained within the internal cavity, and a first cover is removably affixed over the opening. At least one of the support member and the first cover contributes to a retention force applied on the at least one electronic component within the internal cavity of the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8995126
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for housing a device are described. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes a perimeter portion. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members and may be configured for engaging a third clasping mechanism, such as a locking comb or wedge feature. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: TreeFrog Developments, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Rayner
  • Patent number: 8995127
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device that has an interactive control panel and one or more electrical contacts includes a protective shell having a first member and a second member. The first member has a first coil arranged to convey electromagnetic energy with respect to a second, external coil. The second member is configured to join with the first case member to at least partially cover the electronic device. An aperture defined by the protective shell is aligned with the interactive control panel when the electronic device is at least partially enclosed by the protective shell. An electrical connection attached to the protective shell is configured to directly or indirectly convey electrical power received at the first coil to at least one of the electrical contacts of the electronic device to provide an electrical connection to the electrical source when the electronic device is received by the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis R. Richardson
  • Patent number: 8995128
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus according to an embodiment includes a case that can be provided on a mounting wall surface and places therein an electric reactor and a power conversion board for performing power conversion between a predetermined power generator and a commercial electric power system. The case is sectioned into a central area and first and second side areas that sandwich the central area therebetween. The electric reactor is arranged in the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Yasunori Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8995129
    Abstract: A back metal layer (16, 31) has a plurality of stress relaxation spaces (17). Each stress relaxation space (17) is formed to open at least at one of the front surface and the back surface of the back metal layer (16, 31). A region in the back metal layer (16, 31) that is directly below a semiconductor device (12) is defined as a directly-below region (A1), and a region outside the directly-below region (A1) that corresponds to and has the same dimensions as the directly-below region (A1) is defined as a comparison region (A21). The volume of the stress relaxation spaces (17) in the range of the directly-below region (A1) is less than the volume of the stress relaxation spaces (17) formed in the range of the comparison region (A21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Showa Denko K. K.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Iwata, Shogo Mori, Tomoya Hirano, Kazuhiko Minami
  • Patent number: 8995130
    Abstract: In a power supply unit, a printed circuit board is provided on which two or more different-shape components are mounted. Such components include semiconductor devices. The printed circuit board has a designated mounting surface of the board. The housing is also provided, which houses the printed circuit board and comprises a cooling member for cooling a first space formed between the mounting surface and an opposed surface in the housing. The opposed surface is opposed to the mounting surface. The cooling member is arranged at part of the opposed surface, the part of the opposed surface projects toward the semiconductor devices, and the opposed surface is opposed to the two or more types of different-shape components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hosoda
  • Patent number: 8995131
    Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided by the present disclosure that includes, in one form, a structural member having an upper skin, a lower skin, and a foam core disposed between the upper skin and the lower skin. At least one heat conducting array extends through the foam core and between the upper skin and the lower skin, the heat conducting array defining at least one upper cap, at least one lower cap, and a wall portion extending between the upper cap and the lower cap, the upper cap being disposed proximate a heat source. A heat conducting spreader is disposed between the lower cap of the heat conducting array and the lower skin of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Uchenna Ofoma, Bart Dean Hibbs, Ronald Olch, Justin B. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8995132
    Abstract: A new mounting structure is provided in which, when a heat sink is mounted (fixed) on a circuit board using a spring member, an anchor for fixing the spring member is formed in a very small size in plan view. In the present invention, at least one anchor for mounting a heat sink body on a circuit board is set in a projected state on the heat sink body side and both ends of a spring member are each directly or indirectly attached to an anchor, whereby the heat sink body is mounted on the circuit board. In the anchor, a main body section projecting on the circuit board is formed in a substantially circular shape or a polygonal shape. When the spring member is attached to the anchor, the spring member is attached to an attaching section in an externally fit state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Tetsuji Kataoka, Taijirou Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8995133
    Abstract: An electrical connection assembly includes a metal housing and an electrical module having a plurality of electrical components mounted on a component base. The base is supported on the housing. A socket conducts electrical current from a pin of a cable to the electrical components. A heat sink member conducts heat directly from the socket to the metal housing. An electrically insulating thermally conducting pad is positioned between the housing and an end of the heat sink member. A current sensor has a cylindrical body which surrounds a portion of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wieland, Kevin B. Larsen, John N. Oenick, Gregory K. Harmelink, Neal D. Clements
  • Patent number: 8995134
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for cooling an electrical component in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a power module including the electrical component for converting energy. The power module includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) including a first ceramic substrate for receiving the electrical component. The power module further includes a plurality of thermoelectric cells being coupled to the first PCB for discharging heat away from the electrical component. The power module further includes a second PCB including a second ceramic substrate being coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric cells, the first ceramic substrate and the second ceramic substrate for electrically isolating the electrical component from the first PCB and the second PCB and for providing thermal conductance from the electrical component through the plurality of thermoelectric cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Alberto Saez-Zamora, Xavier Jorda-Sanuy, Jordi Suarez-Jimenez, Jose Gabriel Fernandez-Banares, Xavier Perpina-Giribet, Miquel Vellvehi-Hernandez, Laurent Aubouy
  • Patent number: 8995135
    Abstract: In an electronic device in which a component connecting portion is mounted inside a case (1, 2), a protective cover (5) is mounted to the case to be rotatable and covers the component connecting portion. The protective cover has elastically deformable hooks (52) facing a direction (A1) parallel to a rotation center line thereof. On the other hand, the case has hook receivers (11a) engageable with and disengageable from the hooks. The protective cover may be removable from the case or may be loosely connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshinobu Ogatsu, Shinichi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8995136
    Abstract: A fiber panel system includes a chassis and at least blades configured to mount to the chassis. Each blade is moveable relative to the chassis between a retracted (closed) position and at least one extended position. Each blade may be locked into one or more positions relative to the chassis using one or more latching arrangements. Each latching arrangement includes two flexible arms. A stop member is disposed at a distal end of each flexible arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Kostecka, Steven J. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8995137
    Abstract: A modular mass storage system and method that enables cableless mounting of ATA and/or similar high speed interface-based mass storage devices in a computer system. The system includes a printed circuit board, a system expansion slot interface on the printed circuit board and comprising power and data pins, a host bus controller on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the system expansion slot interface, docking connectors connected with the host bus controller to receive power and exchange data therewith and adapted to electrically couple with industry-standard non-volatile memory devices without cabling therebetween, and features on the printed circuit board for securing the memory devices thereto once coupled to the docking connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: OCZ Storage Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Franz Michael Schuette
  • Patent number: 8995138
    Abstract: An assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel with a hinged mounting flange is provided. The panel includes first and second outer layers and a core having first and second portions positioned between the outer layers. The first portion has a large number of cavities and the second portion is substantially free of cavities. The second outer layer is bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer includes a first portion bonded to the first portion of the core by press molding and a second portion bonded to the second portion of the core to form the mounting flange pivotally connected to the first portion of the first outer layer. A component is mounted to the flange to pivot with the flange. A living hinge allows the flange and the mounted component to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the first outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 8995139
    Abstract: Provided is a circuit device in which encapsulating resin to encapsulate a circuit board is optimized in shape, and a method of manufacturing the circuit device. A hybrid integrated circuit device, which is a circuit device according to the present invention includes a circuit board, a circuit element mounted on a top surface of the circuit board, and encapsulating resin encapsulating the circuit element, and coating the top surface, side surfaces, and a bottom surface of the circuit board. In addition, the encapsulating resin is partly recessed and thereby provided with recessed areas at two sides of the circuit board. The providing of the recessed areas reduces the amount of resin to be used, and prevents the hybrid integrated circuit device from being deformed by the cure shrinkage of the encapsulating resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8995140
    Abstract: An electronic device having a jack hole to expose a jack, includes a circumferential wall is formed in a case to surround the jack, wherein two gap portions of the circumferential wall are formed to pass from the jack hole to the inside of the case, and wherein one gap of the two gap portions is smaller than the other gap of two gap portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Katsushige Kohri, Kensaku Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8995141
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first component electrically coupled to a second component. The first component and the second component are coupled by the base of a spring loaded connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nidhi Rathi, Edward A. Lilgegren
  • Patent number: 8995142
    Abstract: Provided is a power module invented for easy manufacturing and fatigue reduction at a soldered portion, and a method for manufacturing the same. The power module according to the present invention comprises a substrate where electronic parts are mounted by soldering, and a mold case housing the substrate and including bus bars for electrical connection with an external apparatus. The mold case comprises partition plates forming an electronic part mount area where electronic parts are mounted on the substrate, and a bonding area for bonding to the bus bars, a first resin cast to the electronic part mount area, and a second resin cast to the bonding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Saito, Hiroyuki Abe