By Metal Fusion Bonding Patents (Class 29/860)
  • Patent number: 6189769
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of arranging a plurality of wires of a cable at proper positions for soldering to corresponding terminals of a connector. An arrangement for preparing wires of a cable suitable for subsequent soldering to terminals of an electrical connector has a soldering head including a pair of bases and a pair of heating plates. The base has a plurality of slots for engaging with corresponding flanges of the heating plate. A plurality of equidistantly spaced receiving slots is formed in the heating plates for engaging with the corresponding wires of the cable. Thus, efficiency can be improved during mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Kuo
  • Patent number: 6185812
    Abstract: A method of making an electrically heated window from at least two plies of transparent glazing material, at least one ply of interlayer material and an electrically resistant heating area device extending over one of the plies includes laying at least one length of busbar strip on one of the plies to form part of a busbar, positioning a separate corner piece of busbar strip adjacent the length of busbar strip to form a corner of the busbar, and electrically connecting the corner piece and the length of busbar strip to one another. An electrical connection device is arranged to extend from the electrically resistant area heating device past the peripheral edge of the window to terminate outside the window. The plies of glazing material are then laminated together with the ply of interlayer material and the electrically resistant area heating device extending between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pilkington Glass Limited
    Inventors: Derek Charles Castle, Mark Andrew Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 6161282
    Abstract: A device and process for electrically connecting two electrical components or devices to each other by means of electrical, flexible conductors, in which the electrical conductors are prefabricated and then connected by means of a welding or soldering process to corresponding electrical connections of the component. In particular, a process and a device are for fixing the conductor ends and achieving an easy-to-handle embodiment of the conductor ends for producing the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Nieslony
  • Patent number: 6151776
    Abstract: An installation method for installing machines of different heights at an installation site includes provision of a flexible power cord of particular length, affixed to an upper region of each machine. The power cord is terminated in a power-rated male connector. At the intended installation location, the power cord origination location is identified, which is the location at which the power cord will originate after installation. An interface box having a NEMA female connector is installed at a location such that the female connector is at a radius from the power cord origination location which is less than the length of the flexible power cord. The interface box is installed, connected to a power source, and tested, before physical installation of the machine. At the time of physical installation of the machine, there is no delay attributable to hard-wiring of the power connections to the machine, and it is connected with the flexible power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas DiSaverio, James Robert Malia
  • Patent number: 6144883
    Abstract: A method of making an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, provides stability relative to the electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier. The structure of the electrode array facilitates bending of the array with the electrode contacts on the inside of the bend, yet deters flexing or twisting of the array in other directions. The electrode contacts preferably are each made from two strips of metal, arranged in a "T" shape (top view). During assembly, all of the "T" strips are held in position on an iron sheet. Two wire bundles are formed that pass along each side of each "T". The leg of each "T" is folded over to pinch at least one of the wires from one of the wire bundles therebetween. This pinched wire is then resistance welded to the strip. The sides of the "T" are then folded up and touch or nearly touch to form a ".DELTA." shape (side view). The wire bundles going to more distal electrodes pass through the ".DELTA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventor: Janusz A. Kuzma
  • Patent number: 6134778
    Abstract: For connecting a high voltage wire to an elongated terminal of an electrical device, a connector link is provided comprising a first hollow tubing having an open first end with an extending flattened portion of the tubing bent to form the wall of a second hollow tubing having an axis of elongation perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the first tubing. The second hollow tubing is interference fitted onto the terminal and an end of the high voltage wire is inserted into the open end of the first tubing. The wire end is soldered to the first tubing and the second tubing is soldered to the terminal. An abundance of solder is used for causing the solder to flow outwardly from the ends of the tubings to form a continuous well-wetted shape of solder having smooth and rounded surfaces for avoiding concentrated electric fields and attendant electrical discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: David L. Chandler
  • Patent number: 6125533
    Abstract: A method, machine and termination for connecting two or more insulated wire ends comprises placing them in a metal tube held between fusing electrodes. The electrodes are shaped to deform the tube and wires therein with the application of fusing pressure. During fusing, pressure builds first to press the assembly together, then heat and current are applied as the tube and internal wires are compressed. Fusing current first flows from a longitudinal region of the tube equally in both direction through the tube metal to soften the tube and distribute the fusing heat broadly. As the wire insulation is burned off or flows away, current also passes through the bare wire ends to aid the fusing process. For tinned copper tubes, some of the inside tin layer flows to wet copper surfaces and dissolve copper impurities. Some tin flows to seal small spaces between the fused wires. Some of the tin on the outside surface and inside surface of the tube may vaporize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Joyal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan S. Warner, Edward D. Riordan
  • Patent number: 6082607
    Abstract: Method and apparatus, by which the relative displacement between molten solder and a terminal pin is caused and further, a coating formed on an end portion of a coil is removed by molten solder and thus the terminal portion is firmly soldered to the terminal pin after removing the coating. In contrast, in the case of conventional soldering method, when a terminal pin, which is provided on a terminal base and has an end portion of a coil wound therearound, is dipped in molten solder contained in a solder bath, there is caused no relative displacement between the pin and the molten solder. Thus, sometimes, the coating formed on the coil still remains, so that the soldering connection between the terminal pin and the coil is not sufficiently achieved. However, in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention, the firm connection therebetween is achieved. Consequently, the reliability thereof is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tamagawa Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Itoh
  • Patent number: 6044545
    Abstract: In a stator winding method and a stator winding structure, the ends (4a) of windings (4) are caused to become entangled with terminals (6) through a longitudinal rod member (10) and form slack portions (4aA) when the longitudinal rod member is removed, whereby the vibration resistance and impact resistance of the windings can be improved as well as the break thereof can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tamagawa Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromi Ohshita
  • Patent number: 5979048
    Abstract: A method of simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of connectors involves:molding a resin to form a connector member assembly containing multiple connector members, each member having one or two opposite longitudinally elongated through-holes extending between front and rear faces of the member along opposite sides thereof;forming a first metal coating on the front and rear faces and on an inner surface of each through-hole;providing metal-platable and non-metal-platable regions on each first-metal-coated front and rear face;forming a second metal coating on the metal-platable regions to form conductive patterns and on each first-metal-plated inner surface to form a conductive inner surface;removing the first metal coating from the non-metal-platable regions to form non-conductive patterns;then detaching each connector member from the connector assembly, each detached member having one or two side faces containing the metal-plated inner surface of the one or two through-holes; andremoving the first and seco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignees: Polyplastics, Co., Inc., Sankyoukasei Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nishikawa, Tetsuo Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5966805
    Abstract: A connecting end portion of a planar circuit body and method of making same in which an end portion is directly formed into a terminal thereby improving conductivity and simplifying the connection. According to one embodiment, a connecting end portion of a flat cable is formed by laminating a rectangular circuit conductor with an insulating cover material, a terminal member is fixedly secured to the planar circuit conductor at an end portion of the circuit conductor with a conductive adhesive agent, and plated metal layer is formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Akiha, Hitoshi Ushijima
  • Patent number: 5953815
    Abstract: A device and method for making an electrical connection (40) has a body (42) constructed from an electrically-insulating material and the body (42) defines a plurality of channels (44). Each of at least some of the channels (44) forms a media bore (46) and a connector bore (50). The body (42) also forms a connection void (41) which intersects at least two of the channels (44) to form connection cavities (48) in those channels (44). Energy-transmitting media, such as wires (52), may be inserted into the media bores (50) such that each of the media extends into a different one of the connection cavities (48). Energy-transmitting means, such as pins (56), may be inserted into the connector bores (50) so that each of the energy-transmitting means extends into a different one of the connection cavities (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Volex Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Kaminski, Michael R. Butler, Stuart A. White, Diane M. White
  • Patent number: 5906044
    Abstract: The claimed invention provides an ultrasonic welding method, whereupon joint portions in which a copper foil portion and a twisted-wire electric cable are placed one upon the other in each groove of a resin casing, the grooves having a through-hole portion. In the through-hole portion, the copper foil portion and the twisted-wire electric cable are placed one upon the other. Welding is performed in a state in which the piled-up portion is sandwiched between a welding tip formed at an end of a welding head and an anvil. Thus, the joint portion between the copper foil portion and the twisted-wire electric cable invade and are invaded by a portion of the resin casing softened by welding heat. The joint portion is fastened not only by welding, but also by the solidified resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Fujii, Kazuhito Murakami
  • Patent number: 5896654
    Abstract: In particular to connect wires insulated with highly heat-resistant lacquer to terminal elements, the winding wire has hitherto been wrapped around a terminal element and connected mechanically and electrically at at least one connection point by the local application of energy with the removal of the insulation. During winding around the terminal element, the winding end is held under pretension and simultaneously vibrations, in particular in the ultrasonic region, are coupled into the winding wire/terminal element system at the connection point to apply energy. Preferably, the vibrations are coupled into the wire outside the connection point. As a result of the fact that the vibrations propagate via the tensioned wire and bring about a relative movement between winding material and terminal element, an insulating layer can be broken up at least partially and the electrical connection to the terminal element is made by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Moll, Peter Schoner
  • Patent number: 5857055
    Abstract: The optical fibers are enclosed in a protective metal tube in such manner as to impart surplus length to them, the tube being shaped from an initial strip, then laser welded, and optionally swaged as it advances in line. The method of obtaining the surplus length of a predetermined value consists in subjecting the tube as driven to subsequent stretching of a predetermined value by means of a capstan working at constant torque, thereby causing the fibers to advance in the welded tube, then in relaxing the stretched tube. Application to a line for enclosing optical fibers in a protective tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Alcatel Submarine Networks
    Inventors: Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois Libert, Renaud Le Gac, Walter Comello
  • Patent number: 5852872
    Abstract: An electrical joint is provided between first and second electrical leads having different inner diameters. It comprises an electrically conductive transition post including a disk-shaped a separation member, a first cylindrical mounting post having a first diameter integral with the separation member and extending away therefrom in a first direction, and a second cylindrical mounting post having a second diameter integral with the separation member and extending away therefrom in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. The separation member lies in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first and second mounting posts and has a diameter greater than that of either the first or the second mounting post. A first electrical lead is fittingly received on the first mounting post and a second electrical lead is fittingly received on the second mounting post. In each instance, the free ends of the electrical leads abut the separation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeryle L. Walter, Terry Sheetz
  • Patent number: 5806179
    Abstract: A cable header assembly for mounting a cable in an electronic device, the assembly including a connecting member fixedly connected to a plurality of wires of the cable such that the wires are maintained at a predetermined spacing. The connecting member includes an adhesive strip adhesively connected to the wires, an integral plastic member including a flat body and a plurality of clip portions which are snap-coupled to the wires or a heat sensitive strip which is melted onto the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Alps Electric (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Arman Hassanzadeh
  • Patent number: 5789725
    Abstract: A cable assembly (8, 80) including an electrical cable (10) having a flexible tubular jacket (12) and a reinforcing structure (14) attached to the outside of the jacket in a smooth sealing connection (30), and a method of using radio-frequency electrical energy, applied radially through the cable jacket (12) and the reinforcing structure (14), to make the connection (30). A shield conductor (26) inside the cable jacket (14) may be used as an RF electrode, with a second RF electrode (42, 44) circumscribing a portion of the cable (12) and the reinforcing structure (14) and shaping the outer surface of the connection. The RF energy may be used instead to activate an adhesive (108). An outer electrode (118) may be embedded in the reinforcing structure (116) in one variation of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: James Francis McIntire, Larry Duane Stopper, Robert Lee Beckman, Dan Alan Vance, Daniel B. Smith, Bruce Alan Barney
  • Patent number: 5768771
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for terminating the metallic shield of a high speed cable. The method includes the steps of providing a cable with an exposed portion of the metallic shield of the cable and a conductive terminating member having a plurality of positioning arms. Each arm is formable from an open position to a closed position. The metallic shields are soldered to a positioning arm while the arm is in its open position. Each arm is formed to its closed position to properly position the high speed cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael O'Sullivan, Daniel L. Dawiedczyk, Joseph W. Nelligan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5765281
    Abstract: A method of producing a press-connecting connector, in which even if the insert molding is effected by pouring a non-electrically conductive material while supporting press-connecting terminals by a fixing pin within a mold, an exposed portion, resulting from the trace of the fixing pin, is covered with the non-electrically conductive material. In the press-connecting connector, press-connecting terminals for press-connecting sheathed wires are positioned by a fixing pin provided in a mold, and are insert-molded in a non-electrically conductive material. An exposed portion, formed by the fixing pin at the bottom of the press-connecting terminals, is closed by pressing and fusing a plurality of hole closure pieces, molded at the same time, together. Therefore, the efficiency of the operation is enhanced, and also the production cost can be reduced, and the highly-reliable press-connecting connector can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kimihiro Abe, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5750928
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a flexible-core electrical cable whose end is stripped and carries a metal disk of diameter not exceeding that of the cable sheathing and having a central hole. The disk is fitted against the end of the sheathing with the core passing through the central hole. Conducting solder is applied to rigidify the flexible core and attach it mechanically to the disk. The invention is applicable to flexible-core high-voltage cables, in particular those used on high-voltage transformers fitted with conducting connection pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Bernard Escallier
  • Patent number: 5746616
    Abstract: A method for electrically attaching electrode wire to a conductor in a defibrillation lead is disclosed. The method comprises melting the end of the wire with a hydrogen torch to form a ball of metal, then crimping or welding the ball to the conductor or to a joining piece attached to the conductor. Also, a hydrogen torch (water welder) may be used to join two or more electrode wires to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. Mar
  • Patent number: 5724730
    Abstract: A method of protecting a conductive connecting part of a flat cable and a protecting structure of the cable are provided. The method includes a step of connecting conductors of the flat cable to conductors of relay wires at the conductive connecting part, a step of arranging a protective member at the exterior of an insulating cover part of the flat cable, a step of interposing the protective member between opposing molding dies and accommodating the conductive connecting part of the flat cable in a cavity defined by the molding dies in a leak-tight manner, and a step of supplying insulating material in the cavity for an insert molding. The protecting structure includes the conductive connecting part, the protective member and the insulating member for enclosing the conductive connecting part together with a leading end of the protective member. The insulating member is formed by insert molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5725400
    Abstract: The terminal portion 83 of a contact 82 is of a groove type, with a larger diameter than the lead wire diameter, and includes small holes 84 drilled and installed in the bottom of the groove. By such a construction, when the solder 19 flows in between the terminal portion 83 and the lead wire by the surface tension, the air between the terminal portion 83 and the lead wire discharges through the small holes 84, thus preventing formation of an air layer between the terminal portion 83 and the lead wire. The holes 84 permit solder to enter the holes to discharge the air, but are sufficiently small to prevent solder from flowing therethrough and dripping out of the groove. By observing whether or not the solder has flowed into the small holes 84 it is possible to confirm whether the solder has entered the clearance between the lead wire and the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignees: SMK Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Morikawa, Naoyuki Ono, Taketo Takata
  • Patent number: 5673480
    Abstract: An SCSI cable assembly (30) with a termination circuit included within one of the connector housings (44) is disclosed. The termination circuit is on a circuit board (52) that is retained within a cavity (68) between two solder nest halves (50). The solder nest halves (50) have a plurality of openings (70) that are in alignment with contact pads (54) on a surface of the circuit board (52). Solder segments (100) are arranged within the openings (70), and conductors (48) of a cable (32) are individually inserted into the openings in thermal engagement with the solder segments to form a solder nest assembly (40). An electrical connector having a plurality of contact leads (58) spaced similarly to the spacing of the openings (70) is assembled to the solder nest assembly so that each lead (58) is in thermal engagement with a respective conductor (48) in a respective opening (70). Each lead (58) is attached to a common carrier strip (104) which is a self regulating temperature heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Robert Buchheister, Jr., Robert Scata
  • Patent number: 5660461
    Abstract: A low cost LED array is formed from a plurality of modular units that are snapped together. Each modular unit consists of one or more U-shaped lead frame substrates which are overmolded with a thermoplastic insulator material. The lead frame substrates act as heat dissipators. The LEDs are then bonded onto the upper surfaces of the lead frame substrates. A reflector unit is separately molded and has one cone-shaped reflector for each light emitting diode. The reflector unit is aligned and affixed to the top of the lead frame unit such that the LED is disposed in the center of each cone. Each of the reflector units has several dovetail-shaped connectors which enable the completed module to be connected to adjacent modules to form the array. The modules are then electrically connected together in series or in parallel according to the particular application. The arrays may be used for plant growth or in photodynamic therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Quantum Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Ignatius, Todd S. Martin
  • Patent number: 5644103
    Abstract: A structure includes a baseplate, a circuit board parallel and adjacent to the baseplate, and an electronic component. The circuit board has an edge with a scallop formed in the edge, and the scallop is plated with a conductive material. The electronic component includes a power-dissipating surface and a pad for making electrical connection. The electronic component is mounted with the power-dissipating surface in contact with the baseplate and the pad electrically connected to the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: VLT Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Pullen, Walter R. Hedlund, III
  • Patent number: 5620782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a parallel processor packaging structure and a method for manufacturing the structure. The individual logic and memory elements are on printed circuit cards. These printed circuit boards and cards are, in turn, mounted on or connected to circuitized flexible substrates extending outwardly from a laminate of the circuitized, flexible substrates. Intercommunication is provided through a switch structure that is implemented in the laminate. The printed circuit cards are mounted on or connected to a plurality of circuitized flexible substrates, with one printed circuit card at each end of the circuitized flexible circuit. The circuitized flexible substrates connect the separate printed circuit boards and cards through the central laminate portion. This laminate portion provides XY plane and Z-axis interconnection for inter-processor, inter-memory, inter-processor/memory element, and processor to memory bussing interconnection, and communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Davis, Thomas P. Duffy, Steven L. Hanakovic, Howard L. Heck, John T. Kolias, John S. Kresge, David N. Light, Ajit K. Trivedi
  • Patent number: 5615824
    Abstract: A method of making a solder connection. An element bearing a solder mass is forcibly engaged with another element bearing a resilient metallic contact so that the contact wipes the surface of the solder mass and so that the contact is deformed and bears against the wiped surface. While the contact is in its deformed condition, the contact and solder mass are brought to an elevated bonding temperature sufficient to soften the solder, so that the contact penetrates into the solder mass under the influence of its own resilience. The contact bonds with the pure solder inside the solder mass, so that the effective bonding can be achieved even without flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fjelstad, Thomas H. DiStefano, John W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5604976
    Abstract: A biologically implantable percutaneous connector for providing optionally separable interconnection of a large number of small electrical conductors of an externally located electrical cable includes a mating face incorporating an array of exposed end surfaces of tiny conductive rods sealed in a supporting matrix of dielectric material which is supported in a connector body. Elastomeric anisotropic connector material is located between corresponding arrays of contacts to provide for repeated reliable electrical connection and disconnection. External surfaces of the implantable body of the percutaneous connector are coated with a bioactive material promoting integration of surrounding tissue into the surfaces of the implanted percutaneous connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignees: PI Medical Corporation, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: John J. Stobie, Edward M. Schmidt, Martin J. Bak, Scott S. Corbett, III, Thomas R. Clary, David Edell, Fredrick T. Hambrecht, William J. Heetderks, Conrad V. Kufta
  • Patent number: 5581878
    Abstract: An alternate polarity water cooled kickless cable utilizes semi-circular half terminal end members which have diameters abutting an insulator separator. The inner end of each terminal is provided with blind slots offset from each other along the abutting diameters. The slots are arranged for individual conductor strand fittings which are closely fitted and soldered in the appropriate slot. The slot arrangement is such that the good electrical contact is obtained on at least three sides and when the end members are secured together, the individual conductor strand terminations are captured within the slots so they cannot move transversely of the axis of the cable. A soft yieldable star or spur separator is employed between the terminations which has an enlarged center hole and a significant radius between each leg avoiding a sharp V-notch which would tend to pinch each conductor strand when the cable twists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Watteredge-Uniflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin F. Langhenry, Bruce Perin, Jr., James J. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5579575
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a solder connection between a plurality of elongate bodies, comprises:(i) forming an initial connection between the elongate bodies by inserting them into an induction heatable connecting element of a connector, the connector comprising a dimensionally heat-recoverable sleeve and, retained within the sleeve, the connecting element and a solder insert that is in thermal contact with the connecting element; and(ii) heating the connector (a) by subjecting the connecting element to an alternating magnetic field so that it is heated by induction thereby melting the solder insert, and (b) subjecting the sleeve to hot air and/or infrared radiation, thereby causing the sleeve to recover.The apparatus for applying heat to an elongate connector, comprises a first heat source which comprises an induction coil, and a second heat source arranged to generate hot air or infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Lamome, Jacques Delalle, Sylvain Briens
  • Patent number: 5577320
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to improve the performance properties of the cable terminal end assembly and to make its configuration compact. A cable having signal wires and a ground wire are arranged laterally in a casing which is provided with a coupling section for coupling to the electrical device. The signal wires and the ground wires are separated by an insulation plate, and extend out from the ends of the cable into the casing. Signal wires and ground wires are bonded, to specific respective contact strips disposed inside the coupling section. The electrical connections inside the casing are molded with molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Shinohara, Ken Yasuoka, Shigeru Ashida, Tsuyoshi Hirahara, Koji Ueda, Hideki Zako
  • Patent number: 5575681
    Abstract: Sheet metal contacts (20, FIG. 7) of a connector are terminated to conductors (16) of a flat ribbon cable in a highly secure joint for critical applications. The flat conductors of the cable lie facewise against flat rear ends of the contacts, within a connector housing rear portion. The housing rear portion has slots (46, 50) in its upper and lower walls for receiving welding electrodes to form weld joints (96) between the contacts and cable conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Z. Muzslay, Michael S. Finona
  • Patent number: 5555619
    Abstract: A transducer signal terminator for providing electrical connections between a plurality of read/write transducer lead wires and a preamplifier includes a substrate having a plurality of layers and has a plurality of intermediate strips. A plurality of head pads are located on the substrate to provide interconnection points. The intermediate strips have a plurality of electrically conductive pads with a hole therein, and each lead wire is electrically attached to a pad on the intermediate strip. Each intermediate strip is placed on the substrate such that each of the holes in the electrically conductive pads is aligned with one of the head pads on the substrate. An electrical connection is then formed between each head pad and a corresponding conductive pad of the intermediate strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Maggio, Tom Metzner, Steven Eckerd, Loren Skarky, Yoshiki Midori, Cal Hardie, Ray Yu
  • Patent number: 5541365
    Abstract: To provide a beam welding terminal structure which holds a connection member to be connected, such as a wire, from opposite sides thereof, and firmly welds the connection member by irradiation of a beam such as a laser beam, a beam welding terminal structure includes holding walls at opposite sides, and a connection member to be connected is welded to the holding walls by irradiation of a beam. A projection extends from at least one of the holding walls and beyond the connection member in a direction of the height. A rectangular wave-shaped base wall has longitudinal side portions, extending in a direction intersecting the connection member, and transverse side portions extending parallel to the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masuo Sugiura, Yutaka Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 5527994
    Abstract: A kickless water cooled cable includes six alternate polarity conductor strands and paired terminal lugs at each end which are semi-circular and mutually insulated along a diameter, the inner end of each lug including a projection having parallel flattened strand connecting surfaces. The projections are offset from each other along the diameter of insulation, the opposite offset surfaces providing a radially outer and a recessed inner connecting surface on the respective lugs. A single strand is connected to the outer surface while a dual strand termination is connected to the recessed inner surface, the single strand lying between the dual strand to form the alternate polarity conductor strands. The strands are separated by a star separator and enclosed in a hose through which water is circulated. The projections include angled inner ends to provide greater contact area, the dual strand termination includes an angled offset portion parallel to yet clearing the angled surface of the opposite lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: James J. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5527199
    Abstract: The electric lamp has a quartz glass lamp vessel (1) in the wall (2) of which metal foils (4) are embedded to which internal current conductors (5) and to a flat end portion (8) of which external current conductors (6) are connected. The end portions (8) are eccentrically flattened by means of stamps (20, 21) so as to have a plane (7) to which the center line (9) of the external current conductor (6) is substantially coincident. The occurrence of cracks and facture of the metal foils (4) is thereby counteracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Reiner Feder, Gunter Wermeester
  • Patent number: 5497936
    Abstract: A method is provided for soldering a coil winding to a terminal pin. A specific quantity of solder is applied onto the terminal pin, the terminal pin having a winding end wrapped therearound. The solder, for example, can be applied by immersing the pin end into a solder bath having a temperature only slightly above the melting point of the solder. Subsequently, the solder is melted with a welding torch under a protective atmosphere only at a power and time required to achieve a soft-soldering temperature. As a result thereof, a soldering free of fluxing agent and without the high thermal stress of a welding is possible. Other embodiments include placing a ring of solder onto the terminal prior to heating. Also, a predetermined length of solder wire can be brought into contact with the terminal pin prior to heating. The invention provides a guide tube device for such a purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erich Vojta, Horst Hendel
  • Patent number: 5488768
    Abstract: A method for electrically attaching electrode wire to a conductor in a defibrillation lead is disclosed. The method comprises melting the end of the wire with a hydrogen torch to form a ball of metal, then crimping or welding the ball to the conductor or to a joining piece attached to the conductor. Also, a hydrogen torch (water welder) may be used to join two or more electrode wires to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ventritex, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. Mar
  • Patent number: 5480325
    Abstract: A coaxial connector plug and method for securing a coaxial cable in the plug without the need for crimping, trimming, or soldering the tip of the plug. A preformed solder, solder paste, or any type of conductive adhesive is deposited in the closed tip of a coaxial connector plug. The center conductive cable is then inserted into the adhesive material of the closed tip and heated to melt or cure the adhesive material, thereby establishing an electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Tandy Corporation
    Inventors: Nam D. Tran, Peter D. Nguyen, Richard J. MacConnell
  • Patent number: 5473117
    Abstract: A method for electromagnetically shielding the end of a rigid cable (10) containing a large number of conductors to provide increased bending flexibility is disclosed along with a ground strap assembly (24). Ground strap assembly (24) is designed to shield a cable (10) that consists of a plurality of insulated conductors (18) surrounded by one or more conducting shields (14) (16) and outer insulating sheath (12). A portion of the outer insulating sheath (12) is removed to expose a protruding portion of conducting shield (14). The protruding portion of conducting shield (14) is folded back along a remaining portion of outer insulating sheath (12) thereby exposing the ends of the conductors. Ground strap assembly (24) comprises a braided conducting ground strap (26) that has a cable end portion (32) extending to a central portion (34). Central portion (34) extends to grounding portion (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Alcatel Network Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas V. Morgan, Troy W. Glover
  • Patent number: 5416969
    Abstract: A sliding contact producing method is provided wherein noble metal balls are easily positioned on a metal plate; the weld strength between the noble metal ball and the metal plate can be obtained sufficiently; and a noble metal mounting jig can be prevented from damage when the metal plate is beam-welded with the noble metal ball. While being received in the recess portions of a jig, the noble metal balls are respectively contacted with bowllike recesses formed in the base surface of the metal plate. YAG laser beam is irradiated on the metal plate to weld the metal plate with the noble metal ball. Then the metal plate is sheared in a determined shape to form resilient strips. The present invention can improve welding operation efficiency and the reliability of welded portions. Since the metal plate being wider than that of the resilient strip receives beam, the metal contact mounting jig can be prevented from damage due to beam welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akito Miura
  • Patent number: 5415242
    Abstract: In a process and device for making an electrically connection between two end sections of two cable ducts, each duct having one electrically conducting wire, embedded in a wall of the duct and enclosed on all sides it is suggested to fit a collar comprising separable elements around the end section of each cable duct, to connect the collars by an electrically conducting cable, to achieve electrical contact between the detector wire and the conducting cable and to clamp the separable elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignees: Kabelwerk Eupen AG, Cablerie d'Eupen S.A., Kabelfabriek Eupen N.V.
    Inventor: Rudolf Pelzer
  • Patent number: 5393951
    Abstract: A flexible laminated jumper is formed from a stack of half hard tempered copper sheets. Contact plates are clamped to opposite sides of one end of the stack, such plates being provided with short stress relief sections away from the end of the stack. The clamped end is positioned properly in a press welder so that the flat portion of the contact plates are gripped by graphite electrodes of a press welder. The gripped end of the stack is then press welded while the balance of the stack is cooled so that the heat from the press welding does not affect the temper of the sheets of the stack. This is preferably done by immersion in chilled water with the water level being in close proximity to the electrode. After the press welding, the entire stack is cooled and the still tempered stack is formed to the desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Watteredge-Uniflex, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5357084
    Abstract: The jumper cable assembly 10 in accordance with the invention includes at least a first layer 12 of insulating film, an array of electrical conductors 20, each having first and second connecting portions 22,24 at opposed ends thereof and a fusible electrically conductive material disposed on the connecting portions 22,24. Each conductor 20 is formed from a first conductive layer 26 having high electrical resistance and high magnetic permeability, and a second conductive layer 28 integrally joined thereto, the second layer having low electrical resistance and minimal magnetic permeability. Each of the conductors 20 defines a heater body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. McKee, Joseph M. Pawlikowski
  • Patent number: 5349131
    Abstract: An electrical wiring material having a cooling function is characterized by a long hollow conductive body within which operating fluid is internally confined. An electrical connection piece is provided at the end portions of the conductive body, or other portions thereof. When used to wire electronic apparatuses, resulting heat is radiated due to evaporation and condensation of the operating fluid within the hollow conductive body. The wiring material may be used to wind a transformer, particularly the low voltage side, to provide a self cooling transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Sotani, Kuniyoshi Satoh, Hajima Noda
  • Patent number: 5317804
    Abstract: An air cooled kickless cable used in welding has each end of positive and negative stranded rope sets cold formed in a rectangular tube with such rope ends within the tube being formed into a continuous compacted strand with the ropes of the set arranged parallel to the long axis of the rectangle. The rectangle of the tube forms a major flat side which is press welded to one end of a contact plate. The press welding also welds the strands to each other, the strands to the tube, and, in addition the tube to the contact plate. The rope sets are assembled in a spider separator, and twisted with the contact plates fastened together with insulation therebetween. The cable is provided with a perforated cover, end tubes and heat shrink end fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Watteredge-Uniflex, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5315324
    Abstract: A print cartridge contains a matrix array of electrodes which are energized to deposit a latent charge image. To make the cartridge, electrodes are fabricated on a sheet which is then deformed about a rigid spine. Certain electrodes are formed of plural segments, and the segments are electrically interconnected only after the sheet is deformed. This prevents strains introduced during manufacture from building up over large distances and pulling active electrode structures out of alignment. A preferred cartridge has an area of active electrodes, which is planar and undeformed. Lead-in electrodes extend through deformed regions of the sheet, and are conductively fastened to the active electrodes only after the sheet has been deformed about a rigid spine and the electrodes have attained a stable and unstressed position. The spine maintains the active electrodes in a precise plane, and accommodates pressure from spring-loaded electrical contacts without deflecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Delphax Systems
    Inventors: Igor Kubelik, Michael Simmonds
  • Patent number: 5290984
    Abstract: A device for positioning a cable end and an associated connector during inductive heat soldering of the connector to the cable includes a housing having a pair of terminals connectable to a source of radio frequency (RF) current. A connector positioning section positions the connector so that a heating portion of the connector is disposed in a heating region. An electrical conductor assembly is operable to electrically connect the pair of terminals when the pair of terminals are connected to the RF current source. The conductor assembly includes a first electrically conductive contact bar immovably connected to one of the terminals. A second electrically conductive contact bar is slidable between a first position wherein the first contact bar is electrically disconnected from the other of the terminals, and a second position wherein the first contact bar is electrically connected to the other of the pair of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Gerhard, Jr.