Patents Issued in March 13, 2018
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Patent number: 9917361Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable beam control antenna for a mobile communication system, the antenna comprising: a radome formed on the front surface at which a signal is emitted; multiple emitters vertically arranged in at least one row; a frame portion for supporting the radome and the multiple emitters; and a direction-changing module which rotates each of the multiple emitters vertically and horizontally with respect to a reference point in order to change the emission direction of the multiple emitters.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: KMW INC.Inventors: Young-Chan Moon, Sung-Hwan So, In-Ho Kim, Oh-Seog Choi, Hyoung-Seok Yang
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Patent number: 9917362Abstract: An antenna positioner, and methods of positioning using the antenna positioner, that may track a satellite are described. An antenna positioner may include a base and a mount rotatably coupled to the base to turn the mount about an azimuth axis. The mount may support an antenna element so that the antenna element can rotate about the elevation axis with respect to the mount. A center drive shaft for the elevation drive may pass through the hollow portion of the mount along the azimuth axis to drive a bevel gear set, a first gear of the set being coupled to the drive shaft and a second gear of the set being coupled to the antenna element, to rotate the antenna element about the elevation axis. Drive compensation is provided to counteract elevation rotation resulting from cross-coupling of the azimuth and elevation axes by the bevel gear set during azimuth rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Kevin M. Skinner, James W. Maxwell, Cole Dobson
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Patent number: 9917363Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for dynamically adjusting an angular orientation of cross-polarized antenna array elements to optimize select radio-frequency (RF) parameters. RF uplink signals are received from a plurality of mobile devices, and the signals are analyzed to determine parameters associated with signal strength and/or signal quality. Based on the determination, a first set of cross-polarized antenna array elements are deactivated and a second set of cross-polarized antenna array elements are activated, where the second set of antenna array elements has a different angular orientation relative to the first set of antenna array elements. Activation enables the second set of antenna array elements to transmit and receive communication signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Maneesh Gauba, Stephen R. Bales, Greg T. Nohalty, Matthew J Masters
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Patent number: 9917364Abstract: A network device communicates with one or another set of antennas depending on an orientation of the network device. The network device includes a first set of one or more antennas, a second set of one or more antennas, a processor, and memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor to cause the device to perform functions. The functions include (1) determining that an orientation of the network device is one of a first orientation and a second orientation; (2) if the determined orientation is the first orientation, then causing the network device to communicate using the first set of one or more antennas; and (3) if the determined the orientation is the second orientation, then causing the network device to communicate using the second set of one or more antennas.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Niels van Erven, Carlo van Niekerk, Michael Frey
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Patent number: 9917365Abstract: An apparatus may include two or more active antenna elements with a corresponding antenna pattern. The apparatus may further include a single radio frequency signal chain communicatively coupled with the two or more active antenna elements. The apparatus may also include multiple passive antenna elements in proximity to the two or more active antenna elements. The multiple passive antenna elements may alter the antenna pattern to form multiple simultaneous beams associated with the two or more active antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: BOISE STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Ahmed Umar Kauser, Hani Mehrpouyan
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Patent number: 9917366Abstract: An antenna device includes a base including a planar conductor disposed thereon, and a coil antenna. The coil antenna includes a coil conductor wound around a magnetic core. The coil antenna is arranged such that a coil opening of the coil conductor is closed to an edge of the planar conductor. A current passing through the coil conductor induces a current in the planar conductor. Thus, a first magnetic flux occurs in the coil antenna, and a second magnetic flux occurs in the planar conductor. Therefore, a third magnetic flux occurs in an area of the planar conductor. Accordingly, the antenna device achieves a small footprint, a small-sized communication terminal apparatus and a desired communication distance.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Teppei Miura, Nobuo Ikemoto, Jun Sasaki, Noboru Kato, Nobuhito Tsubaki
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Patent number: 9917367Abstract: An antenna device includes a power supply coil including wire patterns provided on or in magnetic layers and antenna coils including wire patterns provided on or in the magnetic layers. The power supply coil and the antenna coils include coil winding axes thereof coinciding with a lamination direction of the magnetic layers and generate magnetic field coupling to each other. The power supply coil is located on an inner side portion relative to the antenna coils when seen in the lamination direction. At least portions of the antenna coils are located on outer side portions relative to the power supply coil in the lamination direction. With this, an antenna device and a communication apparatus capable of communicating with a communication party reliably without forming an unnecessary communication path with a party-side coil are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kuniaki Yosui, Hirokazu Yazaki
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Patent number: 9917368Abstract: Package structures are provided having antenna-in-packages that are integrated with semiconductor RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit) chips to form compact integrated radio/wireless communications systems that operate in the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency range with radiation in broadside and end-fire directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alberto V. Garcia, Xiaoxiong Gu, Duixian Liu
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Patent number: 9917369Abstract: An antenna includes a planar ground plane, a planar exciter, and a plurality of passive elements. The planar ground plane and the planar exciter are disposed orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the antenna. The planar exciter is spaced apart from the ground plane. The planar exciter is configured to excite right-hand circularly-polarized electromagnetic radiation. The planar exciter is configured to excite first currents orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and substantially no current parallel to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of passive elements is symmetrically disposed azimuthally about the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the planar exciter. The plurality of passive elements is electromagnetically coupled to the planar exciter. The plurality of passive elements is configured to excite second currents parallel to the longitudinal axis and third currents orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anton Pavlovich Stepanenko, Andrey Vitalievich Astakhov, Dmitry Vitalievich Tatarnikov
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Patent number: 9917370Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is printed on a substrate with a first face and an opposing second face. The assembly includes at least one antenna disposed on the front face of the substrate and a balun disposed on the rear face of the substrate. A first microstrip on the front face is coupled to the antenna(s). A second microstrip on the front face is coupled a feed line. A coplanar strip on the rear face is electrically coupled to the second microstrip and electromagnetically coupled to the first microstrip.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Erin Patrick McGough, Thomas Goss Lutman
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Patent number: 9917371Abstract: The present invention provides a mid fed traveling wave antenna, which includes a signal feed point including a pair of terminals adapted for receiving a differential signal. The mid fed traveling wave antenna further includes a first transmission line branch extending from the signal feed point in a first direction, and a second transmission line branch extending from the signal feed point in a second direction, where each of the first transmission branch and the second transmission branch is terminated by a reflective termination. In at least one embodiment, the first transmission line branch and the second transmission line branch each have a respective length, where the length of the second transmission line branch is different than the length of the first transmission line branch.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Louis J Vannatta, Hugh K Smith
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Patent number: 9917372Abstract: An integrated circuit package comprises a dielectric material, a first stack comprising at least a first electrically isolating layer and a second electrically isolating layer arranged at a first side of the integrated circuit package, an electrically conductive material arranged on a second side opposed to the first side, and an integrated antenna structure for transmitting and/or receiving a radio frequency signal arranged between the first and second electrically isolating layers. The electrically conductive material is separated from the integrated antenna structure by at least the dielectric material and the first electrically isolating layer, arranged to partly overlap the integrated antenna structure and to reflect the radio frequency signal received by the electrically conductive material through at least the first electrically isolating layer and the dielectric material to the first side.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.Inventors: Ziqiang Tong, Ralf Reuter
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Patent number: 9917373Abstract: Antenna structures and methods of operating the same are described. One apparatus includes a metal housing that includes a first slot formed in a first portion of a wall of the metal housing and a second slot formed in a second portion of the wall. The apparatus includes a fin structure disposed within the metal housing. The fin structure includes fins that form a first sectorial cavity behind the first portion of the wall corresponding to the first slot and a second sectorial cavity behind the second portion of the wall corresponding to the second slot. Radio frequency (RF) circuitry is disposed on a circuit board disposed within the metal housing and is operable to radiate electromagnetic energy via the first slot and to radiate electromagnetic energy via the second slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eswarappa Channabasappa, Adrian Napoles
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Patent number: 9917374Abstract: A dual-Band phased array antenna with built-in grating lobe mitigation includes an array of radiating elements capable of working at both bands and arranged at distances small enough, avoiding grating lobes with respect to the lower band within the desired field of view. The radiating elements are arranged in planar subarrays that can be steered independently from each other and each of the subarrays has a different boresight normal vector, so that grating lobes in the upper band is mitigated.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: AIRBUS DS ELECTRONICS AND BORDER SECURITY GMBHInventors: Wilhelm Gruener, Peter Feil
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Patent number: 9917375Abstract: In-building dual-polarized antenna apparatus components, assemblies, and methods for manufacturing and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the dual-polarized ceiling mount antenna apparatus comprises a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) device and is constructed to meet one or more aesthetically-related design goals such as e.g., being visually appealing. Specifically, only the horizontally polarized antenna element of the exemplary MIMO apparatus is visible as the remainder of the MIMO antenna apparatus is hidden from view above a ceiling tile. Moreover, the radome of the horizontally polarized antenna element is manufactured from a substantially translucent polymer cover and includes a “thin” radiating mesh. Resident above the ceiling tile, and normally obscured from view, is a vertically polarized antenna element along with an optional reflector element.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Pulse Finland OYInventors: Heikki Korva, Kimmo Koskiniemi
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Patent number: 9917376Abstract: A method for generating an electromagnetic wave with an antenna array, the antenna array including at least one antenna, at least one circuit having parameters having an influence on the electromagnetic wave generated by the antenna array and connected to at least one antenna, and the method comprising: selecting a criterion to be met for the wave generated by the antenna array; determining desired decomposition coefficients of a wave in a basis giving the possibility of attaining the selected criterion; and calculating the parameters having an influence on the electromagnetic wave generated by the antenna array for each circuit of the antenna array so that the difference between the decomposition coefficients on the basis of the wave generated by the antenna array and the desired decomposition coefficients be minimal.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternativesInventors: Kawtar Belmkaddem, Lionel Rudant
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Patent number: 9917377Abstract: Disclosed is an antenna device in which an excitation phase changing unit (4) for changing the excitation phases of element antennas (2-1n) to (2-8n) by controlling phase shifters (3-1n) to (3-8n) dependently on preset phase values is disposed, and every time the excitation phases are changed by the excitation phase changing unit (4), a radiation pattern forming unit (12) shifts the phases of a sum signal and a difference signal, and forms a monopulse sum pattern by time-integrating the sum signal after phase shift and also forms a monopulse difference pattern by time-integrating the difference signal after phase shift.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Makoto Matsuki, Kazunari Kihira, Masataka Otsuka
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Patent number: 9917378Abstract: A terminal attaching/detaching device includes a housing, an engaging member, and a movable member. The engaging member is configured to move in a first direction toward a terminal inserted in the housing to engage with the terminal, and is configured to move from the terminal inserted in the housing in a second direction to disengage from the terminal. The movable member is configured to move in concert with the engaging member in the moving process thereof in the first direction, and is configured to move the engaging member from the terminal inserted in the housing in the second direction, so that the engaging member is disengaged from the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshihisa Yamada
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Patent number: 9917379Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a conduit coupler including a hub and a lock nut that thread on the hub. In one example, the lock nut includes a ground connection location including a linear wire retention slot. The ground wire can be retained in the linear wire retention slot by a grounding bracket secured at the ground connection location by a grounding screw. The grounding bracket can be captive relative to the grounding screw. The grounding bracket can include integrated spring washer functionality. The ground connection location can be provided on a tower of the lock nut.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Matthew Thomas Pernot, Joseph Edward Platt, Eric Perry Cheney, Andrew F. Scarlata
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Patent number: 9917380Abstract: A multipurpose wire connection device includes a base plate, a conductive plate, a wire fixation screw, a fireproof box, a support, and a dustpan-shaped housing. The support is disposed on the base plate. The fireproof box includes a rear panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, and an inserted plate. The wire fixation screw is mounted on the conductive plate. The housing is fixed on the bottom plate by a housing fixing screw. The multipurpose wire connection device prevents sparking and red burning of a ground screw when lightning current passes therein, due to corroded contact in long-term exposure to wind and rain. It avoids fire and explosion accidents. It avoids screw corrosion and facilitates ground resistance measurement. The multipurpose wire connection device can also be used for electrical relay, division, and branching. It prevents fire, explosion, rain intrusion, and rust development. It is easy to disassemble.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignees: State Grid Corporation of China, State Grid Shanxi Power Corporation Yuncheng Power, Shanxi Zhongzhou Electric Co., LTdInventors: Xiangyun Wang, Le Wang, Zao Wang, Jun Yang, Tian Zheng
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Patent number: 9917381Abstract: An electrical connector including electrical terminals along with a connector housing defining a first and second cavity, the first and second cavities configured to receive the terminals. The connector housing further defines a third cavity extending along a lateral axis. The electrical connector includes a terminal position assurance (TPA) device received within the third cavity. The TPA device is moveable from an terminal insertion position to a terminal locking position. The TPA device has flexible first and second primary locking features and rigid first and second secondary locking features configured to engage locking features of the terminals. Only the first primary and first secondary locking features engage the locking surface of the first electrical terminal and only the second primary and second secondary locking features engage the locking surface of the second electrical terminal when the TPA device is in the terminal locking position.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Patent number: 9917382Abstract: An adaptor assembly is provided. The adaptor assembly is structured to allow a cable of a first amperage to be coupled to, and placed in electrical communication with, a terminal of a different amperage. That is, an adaptor assembly includes a lug body and an adaptor body. The adaptor body is coupled to, and in electrical communication with, the lug body. The lug body includes a cable passage, wherein said cable passage has a cross-sectional area corresponding to a cable of a first amperage. The adaptor body includes a conducting surface, wherein said conducting surface has a surface area corresponding to a conductor terminal end mating surface of a second amperage.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: William George Eberts, Frank Joseph Stifter, Jr.
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Patent number: 9917383Abstract: Examples herein relate to printed circuit assemblies (PCA's). In one example, a PCA comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having an elongated cut-out, the cut-out defining a first and a second opposite elongated edges on the PCB, a movable bracket having a standoff established on a surface of the movable bracket, the movable bracket connecting to the first and the second opposite elongated edges and a platform connector established on the PCB.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LPInventor: Jui Lin Chen
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Patent number: 9917384Abstract: An interface card fastening module is provided for assembling an interface card to a housing and electrically connecting the interface card with a main board having an insertion slot corresponding to the interface card, and the opening of the insertion slot is substantially parallel to the main board. The interface card fastening module includes a stopping member and an engaging member rotatably disposed on the housing so as to be movable between a release position and an engage position. Therefore, upon assembling the interface card to the main board, additional riser card would be not required. As a result, the space for installing an adapting member can be saved, and more components may be received in the housing or the size of the housing may become smaller. In addition, since the adapting member is no more needed, the manufacturing cost and assembling hours for the adapting member can be saved.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: WISTRON CORPORATIONInventor: Li Liu
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Patent number: 9917385Abstract: A method for producing a composite window pane, particularly a motor vehicle windscreen, includes mounting guide pins and electronic components on traces of a printed circuit board and inserting the printed circuit board between a first and a second glass plate. The guide pins are inserted in passthroughs in the first glass plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Frank Ebert, Bernd Bersch
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Patent number: 9917386Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting a chip module to a circuit board includes an insulating body and multiple terminals. The insulating body has multiple receiving slots vertically running through the insulating body, and each receiving slot has a stopping portion. The terminals are respectively received in the receiving slots. Each terminal has a contact portion for urging upward the chip module. Each terminal has a soldering surface and a positioning surface that are separated. The soldering surface is soldered through a solder. The solder has bottom surface soldered downward to the circuit board. The positioning surface is positioned below the stopping portion to limit upward movement of the terminal or the positioning surface is positioned above the stopping portion to limit downward movement of the terminal. A height of the positioning surface is between the soldering surface and the bottom surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: LOTES CO., LTDInventor: Ted Ju
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Patent number: 9917387Abstract: In various embodiments, a connector for a lighting device is provided. The lighting device has a planar support with at least one electrical contact formation at an edge of the planar support. The connector includes a fork-shaped shell with a notch coupleable with said planar support edge with said planar support edge inserted in said notch, and an electrical contact structure on at least one side of said notch configured to provide electrical contact with an electrical contact formation on said edge inserted in said notch.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Osram GmbHInventors: Simon Bobbo, Lorenzo Baldo, Alberto Zanotto
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Patent number: 9917388Abstract: A cable includes a line and a coupling housing. The line includes a plurality of cores and a sheath. The sheath is radially outwardly disposed relative to the cores. Each of the cores has a conductor and an insulation surrounding the conductor. Each of the conductors is stripped of the insulation at an end of the cores. A coupling housing including a coupling ring, a pin housing, and a sealing element. The coupling ring embraces the pin housing and the sheath and is fixed to the sheath. The pin housing surrounds the stripped ends of the conductors. The sealing element is disposed between the coupling ring and the pin housing. The conductors are formed of a solid and coated steel wire and the stripped ends of the conductors are useable as pin contacts.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: MD ELEKTRONIK GmbHInventor: Hubert Dumpler
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Patent number: 9917389Abstract: A flat terminal for a socket of an electrical plug-and-socket connection comprising: a terminal body formed by a metal strip; a connecting end extending from one of the axial ends of the terminal body; a contacting lug extending from the other of the axial ends of the terminal body, said contacting lug being bent back such that a gap remains between the terminal body and the contacting lug to form a resilient contact surface; and a protection against over-bending protruding into said gap to stop a movement of the contacting lug towards the terminal body in a defined distance from the terminal body.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Erich Jaeger GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Klaus Markefka
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Patent number: 9917390Abstract: An electrical connector contact has a body for receiving a conductor and for receiving a male pin contact. A spring is configured for engaging the pin contact and includes a plurality of spring fingers positioned for forming a bore with the spring fingers bent radially inwardly and configured for securing a pin in engagement with the body. A sleeve is configured for engaging the body to overlie the spring. Indentations are formed in the body at discrete positions around the body and extend radially inwardly into the pin section. The spring includes tongues extending radially inwardly and configured for extending into the indentations for securing the spring with the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventors: Giuseppe Bianca, Leonid Foshansky
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Patent number: 9917391Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and two rows of terminals reversely-symmetrically arranged in the insulative housing, each terminal having a contacting portion, a securing portion, and a tail portion, each row of terminals comprising a first and a second grounding terminals and a first and a second power terminals, each row of terminals lacking two terminals to thereby form a first vacant space between the first grounding terminal and the first power terminal and lacking another two terminals to thereby form a second vacant space between the second grounding terminal and the second power terminal. For each row of terminals, the width of the securing portion of each of the first grounding terminal, the second grounding terminal, and the first power terminal is greater than that of each of the remaining terminals. Each row of terminals include a third power terminal disposed in the second vacant space.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Yao Zhang
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Patent number: 9917392Abstract: A cabled midplane includes a first support plate along a plane between a first connector set and a second connector set that connect to line cards on either side of the cabled midplane. The first connector set and the second connector set include connector slices. A wiring sub-layer includes cable slices to provide a connection between the first connector slice of a connector of the first connector set to the first connector slice of a connector of the second connector set, such that the first wiring sub-layer connects each connector of the first connector set, through one cable slice, to a connector of the second connector set. Additional wiring sub-layers are added, and a second support plate, parallel to the first support plate, is provided to encase and support the wiring sub-layers between the first support plate and the second support plate. Other apparatuses and methods are described.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Vladimir Tamarkin, Wayne Genetti, Keith Mease, Mark Wessel
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Patent number: 9917393Abstract: A two sealant two-phase wire connector having sequential sealant interfaces for preventing an electrical failure through interactive sealant sharing between a twist-on electrical wire connector having a spiral cavity containing a first waterproof sealant which is immersed in a tube that contains a second water proof sealant, wherein the first water proof sealant and the second water proof sealant each form an interface that shields an electrical connection from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: THE PATENT STORE LLCInventors: L. Herbert King, Jr., Paul James
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Patent number: 9917394Abstract: A cable connector cover includes, in one embodiment, a unitary body. The unitary body has a plurality of portions. The portions have different diameters for receiving a cable connector and establishing one or more seals.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, LLCInventors: Christopher Natoli, Noah Montena
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Patent number: 9917395Abstract: A lever-type connector 10 disclosed by this specification includes a housing (20), a lever (40), a cover (50) and a lever lock portion (23) provided to extend backward from a rear end (22) of the housing (20) and hold the lever (40) at a rear position by locking an operating portion (42). The cover (50) is composed of an upper cover (52) and a lower cover (51) to be assembled below the upper cover (52). The upper cover (52) includes an upper locking portion (56) configured to cover an upper lock receiving portion (24) provided on the rear end (22) of the housing (20) from above and lock the upper lock receiving portion (24) from front and the lever lock portion (23) is arranged along an upper surface of the upper cover (52).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Yutaro Yoshida
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Patent number: 9917396Abstract: A device connector (10) is mounted into a mounting hole (C1) on a case (C) of a device in a vehicle, and includes terminals (50) connected to wires (W). A synthetic resin housing (30) includes a wire introducing portion (32) and a fitting portion (31). The wire introducing portion (32) receives the wires (W) and the terminals (50) while the fitting portion (31) fits into the mounting hole (C1). A metal shield shell (60) accommodates the wire introducing portion (32) and includes a lower shell (62) for covering the entire outer circumferential surface of the wire introducing portion (32). A seal ring (72) fits on an outer surface of the wire introducing portion (32) and seals between the lower shell (62) and the wire introducing portion (32). Water drainage holes (77) vertically penetrate a stepped portion (69) of the lower shell (62) above the seal ring (72).Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kanji Horiuchi, Atsushi Okuda, Noriyuki Uematsu, Yoshitomo Tsujii
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Patent number: 9917397Abstract: A connector includes a contact in an elongated shape that is electrically conductive, and a housing that has an internal space is formed. The contact includes a contact portion, a connection portion, a fixing portion, and a protruding portion. The contact portion is to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive member when the contact is housed in the housing. The connection portion is electrically connected to a core wire of an electrical wire. The fixing portion is provided on a side opposite to the contact portion relative to the connection portion, and fixes a covering of the electrical wire. The protruding portion is provided on an end portion side of the fixing portion opposite to the connection portion so as to protrude. The protruding portion reduces the amount of movement of the contact inside the internal space of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetaka Taguchi, Kenji Okura, Mitsuru Iida, Chikara Ito
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Patent number: 9917398Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first component having a slot and an indentation and a second component having a hook and a protrusion. The hook is configured to engage with the slot by being inserted into the slot and being translated with respect to the slot. The protrusion is configured to at least partially depress as the hook is inserted into the slot and engage with the indentation when the hook is positioned to engage with the slot. The hook and the slot, when engaged, resist separation of the second component from the first component. The protrusion and the indentation, when engaged, resist disengagement of the hook from the slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: BAROBO, INC.Inventors: Graham G. Ryland, David Ko
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Patent number: 9917399Abstract: An electrical connector including a main body, a base portion, and a tapered end. The electrical connector extends axially in a first direction and an opposite second direction. The main body is configured to connect to an electrical cable. The base portion abuts the main body at a first end of the base portion and has an outer shoulder at a second end of the base portion. The tapered end extends and tapers from the outer shoulder in the second direction. The tapered end includes a plurality of resilient fingers separated by slots. The fingers extend away from the base portion in the second direction to a distal end of the fingers. The slots extend radially through the tapered end. The slots further extend axially in the first direction from the distal end through the outer shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. Gessford, Neil C. Clayton, Edward Larry Alexander, Jr., Domenic Anthony Lopresti, David Skoog
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Patent number: 9917400Abstract: The invention relates to a front housing of an electrical connector, particularly for sealed applications, said front housing being designed to be connected to a base and being configured to be at least partially received in a main housing of said electrical connector, said front housing comprising: at least one locking means configured to engage a corresponding locking zone of said main housing so as to lock said front housing to said main housing, and said front housing further comprising a plurality of contact sockets designed to each receive an electrical conductor to connect to said base. The invention further relates to a main electrical connector housing, to an electrical connector, to a base and to an electrical connector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Tyco Electronics France SASInventor: Eric Chatelus
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Patent number: 9917401Abstract: The second housing has a side panel extending in the mating direction and at least three second connector lock portions protruding from the outer surface of the side panel, the second connectors each being arranged in the transverse direction of the second housing and separated by an interval, and the first housing has a side panel extending in the mounting direction, a locking arm portion formed in the side panel and covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the side panel of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing are mated, and at least three first connector locking portions each formed in the locking arm portion in the transverse direction of the first housing and separated by an interval, and each engaging a second connector locking portion when the first housing and the second housing are mated.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Molex, LLCInventors: Teruki Nagase, Takuji Hanyu, Akihiro Shimotsu
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Patent number: 9917402Abstract: A connector includes a first-housing, a second-housing, a shroud, and a stacked-gear. The first-housing defines a guide-slot. The second-housing mates with the first-housing. The second-housing includes a linear-gear-rack extending from a second-outer-surface and engages the guide-slot. The shroud is moveable from an unmated-position to a mated-position. The shroud is longitudinally slideably mounted to and surrounding at least a portion of the first-housing. The shroud also includes a curved-gear-rack having a variable-pitch-radius. The stacked-gear is moveably mounted to the first-housing. The stacked-gear has a round-gear and a cam-gear having the variable-pitch-radius in communication with the round-gear. The round-gear engages the linear-gear-rack within the guide-slot. The cam-gear engages the curved-gear-rack such that the cam-gear moves in response to a movement of the shroud from the unmated-position to the mated-position.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Campbell, Wesley W. Weber, Jr.
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Patent number: 9917403Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing formed of a fixed housing and a movable housing movable relative to the fixed housing. The connector further includes a terminal. The terminal includes a connecting portion to be connected to the electrical circuit board and a contact portion to be contacted with the mating connecting member. The terminal further includes a fixed side held portion, a movable side held portion, and an elastic portion. The connecting structure further includes a regulating portion for regulating the elastic portion from elastically deforming within a specific elastic deformation range. The elastic portion is configured to have a specific elastic deformation range. When the electrical connector is connected to the mating connecting member, the spring force is smaller than a holding force between the contact portion of the terminal and the mating connecting member in a direction that the electrical connector is pulled out.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Kentaro Doi
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Patent number: 9917404Abstract: Embodiments of a connector cover are described, which are easily attached to a keyed electrical connector housing, and which prevent misconnection with a mating connector. One embodiment features a snap-on design, in which the cover simply snaps onto the keyed connector housing. A second embodiment is in the form of a two-piece cover, which snap together about the keyed connector housing. A third exemplary embodiment features a slip-on design, in which the cover slips onto the keyed connector housing. In another aspect, an electrical connector system is described, which includes the connector cover and first and second keyed electrical connectors.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Balboa Water Group, Inc.Inventors: Steven Kuo, Charles Joseph Heiden
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Patent number: 9917405Abstract: An electrical connector, for mating a mating connector having two metal elastic sheets, includes: an insulation body having a base portion and a tongue located at a front end thereof; an upper and lower rows of terminals fixed to the base portion, each terminal having a contact portion exposed from an upper or lower surface of the tongue; a middle shielding sheet, fixed to the base portion and tongue, and located between the two terminal rows; two snap-fit portions disposed at two sides of the middle shielding sheet and exposed from two sides of the tongue, where the two metal elastic sheets buckle the snap-fit portions to prevent disengagement; and an outer metal casing wrapping peripheries of the base portion and tongue. When the mating connector is inserted into the electrical connector after it's assembling, the two snap-fit portions are fixed to the mating connector to ensure stable high-frequency performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: LOTES CO., LTD.Inventors: Ted Ju, Wu Feng, Ya Jun Zeng, Nan Fang He, Jun Fan, Jin Ke Hu, Guo Sheng Zhou, Chin Chi Lin
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Patent number: 9917406Abstract: A contact module includes a dielectric holder holding signal contacts with mating portions and a shield structure providing electrical shielding for the signal contacts. The shield structure has first and second ground shields. The ground shields have mating portions extending forward of a mating end of the dielectric holder. The shield structure has a ground clip at least partially covering the mating end of the dielectric holder and extending between sides thereof to electrically connect the mating portions of the first ground shield and the mating portions of the second ground shield immediately forward of the mating end of dielectric holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignees: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION, TYCO ELECTRONICS JAPAN G.K.Inventors: Masaaki Iwasaki, Chad William Morgan, Yoshihiko Kodaira, Justin Dennis Pickel, Masayuki Aizawa
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Patent number: 9917407Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an output cord segment including an LVDS connector disposed in a housing and an HDMI connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Colleen Mischke, Maurice Alou, Philip Lee Ly
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Patent number: 9917408Abstract: A brush lead guide for a brush holder assembly configured to retain the leads extending from a brush in a desired position/orientation to ensure the leads do not interfere with movement of the brush within the brush holder. In some instances, the lead guide includes a first guide rail including a channel for receiving a first lead of the brush and a second guide rail including a channel for receiving a second lead from the brush. The lead guide maintains the leads in a position such that the leads are held within the width of the opening of the brush holder to ensure the leads do not interfere with movement of the brush within the brush holder during use of the brush holder assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cutsforth, Inc.Inventor: Robert S. Cutsforth
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Patent number: 9917409Abstract: A method for producing a crimp connection includes a mobile supply unit that can be connected with a crimping press station for storing and supplying crimp contacts to the crimping press station. The mobile supply unit is loaded with two supply rolls with crimp contacts that can be attached laterally to the mobile supply unit. Each supply roll is assigned to a respective coupling device by which the supply unit can be connected in two docking locations with the crimping press station and disconnected from the docking locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: KOMAX HOLDING AGInventor: Daniel Fischer
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Patent number: 9917410Abstract: Fiber amplifier and/or mode filter including a linearly birefringent LMA fiber coiled at a radius of curvature over a bend length to differentiate a fundamental optical mode from supported higher-order modes through bending losses. The LMA fiber may be a polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber having a variety of geometrical core shapes and cladding configurations. In some embodiments, the birefringent LMA fiber includes a radially asymmetric core that is angularly rotated over a length of the coiled fiber to ensure bending losses are experienced in orthogonally oriented higher-order modes associated with some orientation relative to the core orientation. In some embodiments, the fiber coiling is two-dimensional with bending occurring only about one axis. In some embodiments, an asymmetric core is pre-spun to a predetermined axial spin profile. In some embodiments, angular rotation of the core is achieved through mechanically twisting an un-spun fiber over a length of the coil.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: nLIGHT, Inc.Inventors: Matthieu Saracco, David N. Logan, Timothy S. McComb, Roger L. Farrow