Coupling-actuated Switch Patents (Class 200/51.09)
  • Patent number: 11951854
    Abstract: This disclosure details exemplary portable power systems for vehicles. The portable power systems may be configured as a secondary battery pack that is removably stored within a front trunk of a vehicle. The portable power systems may include a plurality of individually removable battery units that can be used to extend vehicle driving range or power electrically powered devices that are separate from the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the portable power system is stored in the vehicle and an electrically powered device is connected to the portable power system, the vehicle may be controlled in a Following Mode in which the vehicle is autonomously moved to follow an operator of the electrically powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Gould, Vivien J. Martinage
  • Patent number: 11937386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front plate for a housing of a control installation, having a feedthrough for a plug connector. The front plate has at least one compensation element for compensating a tolerance-related offset (VA, VR) between the plug connector and the feedthrough (10) is disposed in the feedthrough and/or adjacent to the feedthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Zebhauser, Christian Zwinger, Christian Anfang
  • Patent number: 11895449
    Abstract: Power pedestals that are configured with an internal metering assembly that includes a meter socket allows for remote monitoring of power usage. The power pedestals also include a display that can display information regarding parameters of the power pedestals and/or current users. The power pedestals can include transceivers and can wirelessly communicate with mobile devices of various users and a remote monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, Jason D. Easton
  • Patent number: 11833443
    Abstract: A connection unit includes: a body having peripheral edges; magnets, at least one of which being disposed on each side of the peripheral edges of the body; and electrode terminals, at least three of which being disposed on the each side of the peripheral edges of the body. An outer surface of the body has a curved surface. The electrode terminals are disposed along the curved surface or the surface having the polygonal cross section of the outer surface. The electrode terminals disposed on the peripheral edges of the body have either: one positive electrode terminal and two negative electrode terminals, or one negative electrode terminal and two positive electrode terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ZEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Midori Yamaai, Naomi Shiga, Masayoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11837823
    Abstract: A switch includes an insulating barrier that blocks an electrical conductivity path between a plug prong and a contact of an electrical receptacle. It further includes a switched alternative conductivity path between the plug prong and the contact of the electrical receptacle. A portion of the switch is inserted into the electrical receptacle. The switch receives the plug prong, and the switch is substantially flush with a wall that includes the electrical receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Lunar Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Holveck
  • Patent number: 11791591
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to connector systems, magnetic plug assemblies and methods for mating a magnetic plug assembly with a plurality of receptacles. In one example, a magnetic plug assembly comprises a moveable member comprising an aperture and one or more magnets. A plug tip extends through the aperture, and one or more biasing elements urge the moveable member and the one or more magnets toward a distal end of the plug tip, with the moveable member being moveable relative to the plug tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chee Kiong Fong, Sujuan Tang, Leonardo Gilbert Del Castillo, Richard F. Johnson, Edward C. Giaimo, III, Thomas K. Mehrkens, Kurt David Wrisley, Christopher Alan Schafer, Akash Atul Shah, Mohammed Nadir Haq
  • Patent number: 11749469
    Abstract: A coaxial switch includes a conductive housing defining a central bore and a front plane that is oriented transverse to the central bore, a switch assembly including a stationary contact including a stationary engagement end, a stationary coupling end opposite the stationary engagement end, a movable contact including a movable engagement end, a movable coupling end opposite the movable engagement end, and a planar conductor engagement region positioned adjacent to the movable engagement end, where the movable engagement end is positionable in an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a dielectric front pad positioned between the conductive housing and the movable contact, where the dielectric front pad defines a central aperture through which the planar conductor engagement region has an unobstructed line of sight with the front plane of the conductive housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS RF LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Edmond Flaherty, IV
  • Patent number: 11688971
    Abstract: A connector including a plug configured to mechanically mate with a socket to establish a connection from a first conduit to a second conduit. The plug is configured to mechanically engage the first conduit and the socket is configured to mechanically engage the second conduit. In examples, the plug is configured to insert into a socket well of the socket. The connector includes an electromagnet configured to energize and produce a magnetic field when the plug mechanically mates with the socket. The electromagnet is configured such that the magnetic field generates an electromagnetic force on a plug armature of the plug to help sustain the mechanically mating of the plug and the socket. The connector may include a user device configured to provide an output indicating when the plug is mechanically mated or unmated with the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Bellco S.R.L.
    Inventors: Niccolo Chelli, Giuliano Giganti
  • Patent number: 11588267
    Abstract: Examples provide an electrical safety plug including a nonconductive plug body. A set of pins conform to a set of pin connector slots in an electrical outlet. A tether is threaded through a tether connection aperture in an anchor couple. A first inter-locking device on the anchor couple removably attaches to a second inter-locking device on a return couple having an attachment member. The first interlocking device disengages from the second interlocking device to separate the anchor couple from the return couple during use. The anchor couple attaches to a part of a case during use create tension in the tether. The tension pulls an electrical harness in a direction of an attachment point of the tether. The nonconductive plug body covers the set of pin connection slots and the tether pulls the electrical harness away from a base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Willson
  • Patent number: 11417977
    Abstract: A circuit board with a connector connection for the direct contacting with a connector, wherein the connector connection is formed on the front side of the circuit board with a contact pin that is arranged centrally in a blind hole while forming a circular ring-shaped cylindrical insertion space and that has an inner hole with a first contact zone of an inner conductor for contacting an inner conductor of the connector. A second contact zone of an outer conductor is arranged in the insertion space for contacting an outer conductor of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: IMS CONNECTOR SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Kevin Kreklow
  • Patent number: 11356752
    Abstract: A telecommunications panel includes a panel frame and a ground wire secured to the panel frame. The ground wire extends longitudinally along the panel frame. The ground wire may be arranged such that modular jacks presses against the ground wire when the modular jacks are received in the panel frame. The ground wire can be made of a tin plated conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Yi Teh Shih
  • Patent number: 11351667
    Abstract: A tool basic module, in particular for a stand-alone use, includes a drive unit, a main output, and a coupling device. The coupling device includes a mechanical interface and an electrical interface. The mechanical interface is configured to establish a mechanical drive connection between the main output and at least one attachment device. The electrical interface transmits at least one of a high power and a high current, and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the at least one attachment device and the main output. The electrical connection is coupled to the mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Junkersdorf, Istvan Szell, Thomas Hampel, Asmir Rojo, Timo Etzel, Juergen Gairing
  • Patent number: 11329437
    Abstract: An insertion detection device for plug pins in a socket and a safety socket. A connecting rod trigger assembly of the insertion detection device forms a linkage structure with a first elastic conductive connector. When the connecting rod trigger assembly moves from the conduction section to the disconnection section, it can ensure that the first elastic conductive connector and the second conductive connector are disconnected. Even if the first elastic conductive connector is deformed due to prolonged insertion of plug, it can be separated from the second conductive connector by moving the connecting rod trigger assembly, and its internal circuit is always in disconnected state. At least three insertion detection devices of the safety socket correspond to two pins of live wire and neutral wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Feifan Hu
  • Patent number: 11316298
    Abstract: Provided is a safety socket, including a first conductive seat, a second conductive seat, a first terminal, a first insulator, a second terminal, a second insulator, a first conductive sheet and a second conductive sheet. The first conductive seat includes a first elastic body. The first elastic body includes a first elastic connecting portion and two first elastic pieces. Both ends of the first elastic connecting portion are respectively integrally formed with the bottom ends of the first elastic pieces. The second conductive seat includes a second elastic body and a second socket terminal. The second elastic body includes a second elastic connecting portion and two second elastic pieces. Both ends of the second elastic connecting portion are respectively integrally formed with the bottom ends of the first elastic pieces. The elastic body can be reset by its own elastic force without a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: DONGGUAN KEBEN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng Ding, Li Qin Ye, Chen Yuan Cheng, To Yung, Yu-Hung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 11258199
    Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a connector body formed with a terminal portion, a locking body slidably coupled to the connector body, and a spring including a first leg portion fixed in position inside the connector body and a second leg portion making contact with the locking body. The spring is configured to apply a restoring force to the locking body in a direction in which the second leg portion is moved away from the first leg portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventors: Hyun Chul Baek, Jae Yup Jung, Ju Won Seo, Do Hyeoung Kim, Joo Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 11088496
    Abstract: The invention relates to the novel ornamental and utilitarian features of a module/adapter (e.g. male-to-male power adapter) for safety connecting the output interface of a backup power source (such as the outlet of a generator) with an electric circuit (such as a female duplex power outlet of a typical home). Such connection requires a male-to-male adapter which would be unsafe without the disclosed safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen R Tarte, Michael E Stalzer
  • Patent number: 11063384
    Abstract: A connector includes a first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly, wherein the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly are fitted with each other. The first connecting assembly includes a first inner core and at least two first electric wires, and each of the first electric wires is electrically connected in a first end portion of the first inner core. The second connection assembly includes a second inner core and at least two second electric wires, and each of the second electric wires is electrically connected in a first end portion of the second inner core. A second end portion of the second inner core is provided with a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is inserted in a second end portion of the first inner core, so that the first electric wire is in an electrical communication with the second electric wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Dianqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 10985490
    Abstract: A safety socket is provided, comprising: a neutral-wire conductive base, a live-wire conductive base, an insulator, a neutral-wire wiring terminal, a live-wire wiring terminal, and a live-wire connection piece. The insulator is disposed between the neutral-wire conductive base and the live-wire conductive base. The contact of the neutral-wire wiring terminal is close to the contact of the first end of the neutral-wire conductive base. The live-wire wiring terminal is disposed between the live-wire conductive base and the insulator. The two contacts of the live-wire connection piece are respectively close to the contact of the second end of the live-wire conductive base and the contact of the live-wire wiring terminal. The invention can prevent electric shock when a conductive non-plug foreign body is inserted to provide high safety. The overall structure of the invention is simplified and easy to assemble, to achieve reducing manufacturing costs, and facilitating mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Dongguan Keben Electrical appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng Ding, Li Qin Ye, Chen Yuan Cheng, To Yung, Yu-Hung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10985508
    Abstract: A water-proof and explosion-free reception safety receptacle includes a base having a first conductive member and a second conductive member. At least one conductive unit is connected between the first and second conductive members. A cover is mounted to the base. The at least one conductive unit includes a first seat and a second seat. Two micro switches are respectively connected between the first conductive member and the first seat, and between the second conductive member and the second seat. The at least one conductive unit includes a button switch which is biased by a resilient unit and protrudes through a hole in the cover. When plug is inserted through slots of the cover, the button switch is pushed by the plug to activate the micro switches to form a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Pu-Shih Hsu
  • Patent number: 10916904
    Abstract: A power connection assembly for an appliance includes a receptacle that has an inner wall. The inner wall defines a cavity. A channel is defined by the inner wall and is in communication with the cavity. A power cord is configured to be at least partially received by the cavity of the receptacle. A cap is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position and is configured to at least partially encase the power cord. A protrusion extends radially from the cap. A switch is positioned proximate the channel and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The protrusion is received by the channel and is configured to move the switch to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robin A. Reese, Erich A. Kirchner, Kristian N. Engelsen, Janglih J. Lin
  • Patent number: 10897113
    Abstract: A lamp cap can include: a metal shell; an insulating base disposed on the metal shell; an elastic connecting mechanism disposed on the insulating base, wherein the elastic connecting mechanism can include a first metal element connected to the insulating base, a second metal element disposed opposite to the first metal element, and a spring disposed between the first metal element and the second metal element and configured for supporting the second metal element and electrically communicating the first metal element and the second metal element, a main part of the second metal element can extend into the metal shell, when the main part of the second metal element is pressed by a threaded portion of a bulb, the spring can be compressed and the second metal element is movable relative to the insulating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: NINGBO WELL ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Guolin Yu
  • Patent number: 10854999
    Abstract: Angled electrical header connectors comprise a housing with a first electrical terminal port and a second electrical terminal port oriented apart from one another. A first electrical terminal is disposed within the first electrical terminal port, and a first electrical insulator is interposed between the first electrical terminal port and the first electrical terminal. A second electrical terminal is disposed within the second electrical terminal port, and a second electrical insulator is interposed between the second electrical terminal port and the second electrical terminal. A passage exists between the first electrical terminal port and the second electrical terminal port, and one of the first electrical terminal or the second electrical terminal extends into the electrical terminal port of the other of the first electrical terminal or the second electrical terminal to make an electrical-mechanical connection therebetween in situ within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew G. Price, Michael S. Glick, Charles L. Phelps
  • Patent number: 10840651
    Abstract: An artificial lighted tree is presented with power routed through the trunk and three-wire safety grounding. The tree comprising a fused plug having improved safety features comprising: a body portion surrounding respective first ends of a first, a second and a third electrical wire, the body portion further comprising a fuse holder embedded within an upper region of the body portion, and a fuse adapted to be releasably secured within the fuse holder via releasable securing means, a live blade in communication with the first end of the first electrical wire, a neutral blade in communication with the first end of the second electrical wire, a ground pin receptacle in communication with the first end of the third electrical wire, wherein the body portion surrounds and maintains the live blade, neutral blade, and ground pin receptacle in spaced apart orientation corresponding to polarized sockets on an electrical wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: National Christmas Products LLC
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 10724341
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods pertaining to a moveable well construction apparatus to be electrically energized via an electrical power transmission path extending between a stationary power source and the moveable well construction apparatus. The path comprises cables and connectors. A system comprises a detector operable for generating information indicative of whether the path is properly installed. The system permits the path to be electrically energized when the detector-generated information indicates the path is properly installed, and prevents the path from being electrically energized when the detector-generated information indicates the path is not properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nick Paul Krippner, Carlos White, Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 10574010
    Abstract: A socket includes a socket base, a first conducting plate, a second conducting plate, a cover, and a conducting assembly. The socket base is provided with a first driving device and a second driving device. The first conducting plate is received in the socket base and connected to the first driving device. The second conducting plate is received in the socket base and connected to the second driving device. The cover is connected to the socket to be turned between a first position and a second position. The conducting assembly has a first clamping member and a second clamping member to received pins of a plug therein. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are connected to the cover, and the first clamping member is associated with the first driving device and the second clamping member is associated with the second driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Wei Shiang Huang
  • Patent number: 10524377
    Abstract: A power distribution unit (“PDU”) comprises a housing, a power module mechanically connected to the housing, at least one outlet module separately and mechanically connected to the housing, and a communications module mechanically connected to the housing. The PDU includes busbars that are electrically connected to the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Josiah Daniel Smith, George Chen, John Douglas Carroll, Long Larry Le
  • Patent number: 10522956
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electronic device including an electronic apparatus and an electric connector. The electronic apparatus includes an electric connection port. The electric connection port includes a concave trench, a first and second conductive strips are disposed in the concave trench. The first conductive strip and the second conductive strip respectively extend along an extending direction of the concave trench. The electric connector includes a first and second elastic contacts which are exposed and protruded outward. When the electric connector is plugged into the electric connection port, the first elastic contact is in contact with the first conductive strip, and the second elastic contact is in contact with the second conductive strip. The electric connection port may accommodate the electric connector, so that the electric connector may be selectively plugged to any position on the electric connection port along the extending direction of the concave trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yi-Wei Lee, Hsien-Tsung Lee, Shih-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 10498074
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical coupler includes a source housing with a source surface and a load housing with a load surface. Both housings have through-holes for inserting and attaching tubes. One end of a first tube is insertable into the other tube. The source and load housings carry sets of plural electrical terminals that are brought into electrical contact with each other when the housing surfaces engage and they are oriented in a complementary topographic combination, such as the beveled slots of the source housing receiving the beveled inserts of the load housing. Spring-loaded plural electrical terminals extend from the bottom of the slot in the source housing and from the end of the insert in the load housing. A pivoting, sliding latch holds the source housing to the load housing, and a cam system assists in separating the source and load housings and their respective tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Warehouse
    Inventor: James W. Gibboney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10404005
    Abstract: A plug receptacle comprises a receptacle housing having a passage configured to receive at least a part of a plug of a plug connector, a front side having a first opening and a top side having a second, elongated opening that intersects the first opening, the passage opening to the front side via the first opening and to the top side via the second opening. The plug receptacle comprises at least one plug receptacle cover that is configured to move between a cover position and an elevated position. In the cover position, the at least one plug receptacle cover covers the second opening at least partially. In the elevated position, the at least one plug receptacle cover is elevated outwards along its entire length, so that the at least the part of the plug partially extends through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Niko Eiden, Ville Vehkaperä
  • Patent number: 10377256
    Abstract: A center server includes a receiver that receives position information transmitted from an electric vehicle that can be charged externally, a processing unit and a storage device. The position information is on a charging facility at which the electric vehicle has been charged. The processing unit determines a standard or specification of the charging facility based on the position information received by the receiver, and associates standard/specification information indicating the standard or specification of the charging facility with the position information on the charging facility, and stores the associated information in the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junichi Nishida
  • Patent number: 10372171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from a terminal main body and capable of comprising: a keyboard main body having key buttons formed on one surface; an accommodation part formed on the one surface so as to accommodate at least a portion of the terminal main body; and a cover formed so as to be rotatable from the one surface such that the cover covers at least a portion of the accommodation part in a closed state and exposes the accommodation part in an open state. In addition, the keyboard according to the present invention is preferably formed such that the keyboard main body is turned on or off according to the opening or closing of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sangchul Lee, Boram Noh
  • Patent number: 10333262
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a socket for cooperating with a magnetically conductive prong to provide a power supply connection. The socket includes: an electrically conductive contact member for receiving the magnetically conductive prong; a spring sheet body, a first end of the spring sheet body being fixed, and a second end of the spring sheet body being provided with a magnetic component at a position corresponding to the electrically conductive contact member; a power supply connecting portion for connecting with a power supply; and a first electrically conductive portion being arranged on the spring sheet body and located at a position corresponding to the power supply connecting portion, the first electrically conductive portion being located between the first end of the spring sheet body and the second end of the spring sheet body, and the first electrically conductive portion and the power supply connecting portion being connected through an electrically conductive connecting wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Wang, Weiqing Guo
  • Patent number: 10305225
    Abstract: An electrical connector for use with coaxial cables includes a plunger urged to protrude from a case by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Holland Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Holland
  • Patent number: 10236646
    Abstract: A coaxial connector has a selectively engageable radio frequency interference shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Holland Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Holland
  • Patent number: 10205280
    Abstract: A connector includes a cavity, a detecting portion, and a door. The cavity includes a first interface, the detecting portion is set in the cavity, and the door is set at the first interface. A first door first end includes a metal portion, such that when an external device enters in the cavity through the first interface by pushing the door, the metal portion is coupled to the detecting portion, and the detecting portion outputs a first control signal accordingly. When an external device is inserted into the connector, a power is supplied to the connector, when the external device is not inserted into the connector, the power is not supplied to the connector, thus achieving the purpose of energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: NANNING FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chi-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 10193278
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exchangeable module for a computer system, comprising a module body, which can be secured at a predetermined installation position inside the computer system, a cable connection leading to the outside from the module body, at the end of which connection is arranged a plug connector, so that the module can be electrically coupled with another component of the computer system, and a safety device, by means of which the plug connector is mechanically connected to the module body, wherein the safety device is configured such that when a pulling force is applied to the module body, the cable connection is not subject to the pulling force. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Gerhard Mühsam
  • Patent number: 10160324
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station detects a property of a charging cable connected to the electric vehicle charging station and determines, based on the detected property, an ampere capacity of the charging cable. The electric vehicle charging station automatically sets a maximum amperage output of the electric vehicle charging station to not exceed the determined ampere capacity of the charging cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: CHARGEPOINT, INC.
    Inventors: David Baxter, Carl F. Hagenmaier, Darren Chin-Ho Kim, Price B. Terzis, Charles R. Geber, Craig T. Matsuno
  • Patent number: 10128585
    Abstract: An audio jack connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals fastened to the insulating housing, and a switch terminal assembly mounted to the insulating housing. The switch terminal assembly includes a first switch terminal having an elastic arm, and a second switch terminal. A tail end of the elastic arm is connected with a first touch portion. A connecting portion connected between the tail end of the elastic arm and the first touch portion is fastened with an insulating block. The second switch terminal has a second touch portion. An audio plug connector is inserted into the audio jack connector. After contact portions of the plurality of the conductive terminals contact corresponding docking positions of the audio plug connector, the audio plug connector pushes against the insulating block to move downward to make the first touch portion abut against the second touch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiao-Dong Xu, Ji-Ping Zhong, Qing-Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 10122123
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a plug and receptacle. The receptacle may be configured to receive power and may include two or more sockets configured to electrically couple to two or more pins of the plug. A shorting contact included in the receptacle may be configured to contact two sockets of the two or more sockets. Further, shielding ribs included in the receptacle may be configured to block the shorting contact from contacting the two sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arkadiy Tsfasman, John Werner, Byron Green, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Robert Mullady, William Brodsky
  • Patent number: 10074250
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for monitoring connection between a male plug and a female receptacle. The male plug has a sheath enclosing a plurality of conductive pins. The sheath contains a tongue having a first retracted configuration when the male plug is outside the female receptacle and a second displaced configuration when the male plug is inserted in the female receptacle. In the second displaced configuration, the tongue engages at two conductive pins, thereby creating a closed electric circuit. An alarm module monitors the electric current flow within the electric circuit, and responsive to detecting an interruption in the electric current flow, the alarm module transmits an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Chung-Ping Lee, John N. Figh, Jr., Lucas P. Swartwood, Bruno M. L. Telles, Ryan G. Bernosky
  • Patent number: 10069250
    Abstract: The present invention provides a receptacle connector including: a grounding portion configured to ground a connection object; and a ground connection terminal that is configured to be switchably held in a first state in which the ground connection terminal is electrically separated from the grounding portion, or in a second state in which the ground connection terminal is electrically brought into conduction with the grounding portion. The ground connection terminal is switched between the first state and the second state in operative association with interlining of the plug connector and the fitting portion. In the first state, the grounding terminal and the grounding portion are electrically separated. In the second state, the grounding terminal and the grounding portion are electrically brought into conduction with each other through the ground connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Minoru Sato, Koji Omori
  • Patent number: 10062997
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of contacts over-molded in the insulative housing, each of the contacts including: a conductive member comprising a base portion and a contact portion projected from the base portion and exposed out of the insulative housing for being electrically connected with a mating connector contact; and a connecting member electrically connected with the conductive member. The connecting member includes a soldering portion soldered with the base portion, an elastic portion for connecting to a printed circuit board, and a connecting portion connected between the soldering portion and the elastic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Zhen-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 10038283
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle is selectively coupled to a power plug, and the power plug includes a plurality of prongs insertable into the electrical receptacle. The electrical receptacle includes a contact configured to be engageable with one of the plurality of prongs, a power relay in electrical communication with the power source and the contact, and a switch electrically coupled to the power relay. The switch is moveable between a first position and a second position. The switch is biased toward the first position. The power relay is configured to disable electrical communication between the power source and the contact when the switch is positioned in the first position. The power relay is also configured to enable electrical communication between the power source and the contact in response to the one of the plurality of prongs slidably engaging the switch to move the switch into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis Alan Oddsen
  • Patent number: 10033144
    Abstract: An electrical outlet that is configured with rotating receptacles so as to facilitate the accommodation of large electrical plugs simultaneously. The electrical outlet includes a housing having a plurality of walls configured to form an interior volume. A first receptacle and a second receptacle are rotatably secured on the front wall of the housing. The first receptacle and the second receptacle include rotation rings having a plurality of notches circumferentially formed thereon. A plurality of keepers are present and are operable to engage the rotation rings. The first receptacle and the second receptacle include connection assembly that are configured to electrically couple the first receptacle and second receptacle to a conducting bar disposed at the rear of the housing. The connection assemblies include a union manufactured from copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Brenda Patterson
  • Patent number: 10026630
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an improved retention and insulation features for lamps used as a source of heat radiation in a thermal processing chamber. In one embodiment, a process chamber is provided. The process chamber includes a lamp assembly for thermal processing of semiconductor substrates, the lamp assembly has a lamp electrical connector and a first laterally operative element, a lamp assembly housing having a passage for receiving the lamp assembly, a power distribution assembly having a receptacle for receiving the lamp electrical connector and delivering power to the lamp electrical connector, and a spacer plate disposed between the lamp assembly housing and the power distribution assembly, wherein the spacer plate has a passage contoured to allow passage of the lamp electrical connector therethrough, and the spacer plate has a retention feature configured to engage or disengage the first laterally operative element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Dongming Iu, Joseph M. Ranish, Oleg V. Serebryanov
  • Patent number: 10014624
    Abstract: A connector may include a plurality of contacts electrically connected to a mating connector and separated from one another. At least one of the contacts may include a magnet, and a conductive housing for surrounding at least one side of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-Sung Chun, Seung-Ki Choi, Ju-Nyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9989200
    Abstract: An LED lighting tube including a heat-dissipating tubular envelope having an LED assembly directly affixed to an inner surface of the heat-dissipating tubular envelope and a safety switch included on at least one end cap on an end of the heat-dissipating tubular envelope. A method of preventing shocks to an individual inserting or removing an LED lighting tube from an electrical socket by an individual inserting or removing the LED lighting tube including a safety switch on an end cap from an electrical socket, providing power to the LED lighting tube only when the safety switch is activated, and preventing shocks to the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Argo Import-Export Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhang Yingchun
  • Patent number: 9898247
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided which includes a housing, a connecting member having a first conductive pattern formed on an inner surface thereof, and a processor configured to control a function of the electronic device according to a rotation of a plug corresponding to an alignment between the first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern formed on the plug when the plug is inserted into a hole of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shin-Ho Kim, Hwan-Woo Shim
  • Patent number: 9899762
    Abstract: An electrical outlet receptacle includes a neutral side having a neutral blade opening and a neutral port aligned with the neutral blade opening. The neutral port is configured to receive a neutral blade of an electrical plug. A neutral contact is aligned with the neutral port. The receptacle further includes a hot side having a hot blade opening and a hot port aligned with the hot blade opening. The hot port is configured to receive a hot blade of an electrical plug. A hot contact is aligned with the hot port. A connector bar having a neutral tab extending into the neutral side of the receptacle is located between the neutral port and the neutral contact, and a hot tab extending into the hot side of the receptacle is located between the hot port and the hot contact. The neutral tab and the hot tab are offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Steven Levine
  • Patent number: 9887492
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a guide part to which a male terminal is inserted, a connection part exposed on the guide part so as to make contact with a terminal member of the male terminal in a state where the male terminal is inserted, a cover member provided on the guide part so as to cover the connection part, while making contact with the connection part, in a state where the male terminal is not inserted, and a spring configured to urge the cover member toward an opening of the guide part in the state where the male terminal is not inserted. The cover member is moved, upon inserting the male terminal, to a side of the guide part opposite to the opening so as not to cover the connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hideaki Umehara