Electrical Connectors Patents (Class 324/538)
  • Publication number: 20130234725
    Abstract: A new patch cord connection in a communications network may be automatically identified by using a plug insertion/removal sensor to detect the insertion of a first plug into a first connector port of a patch panel. An electrical cable diagnostic test is used to detect an insertion of a second plug into a first connector port on a network device. It may be inferred that a new patch cord connection has been established between the first connector port of the patch panel and the first connector port of the network device based on the consecutive detections of the insertions of the first and second plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan E. Enge
  • Patent number: 8533543
    Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the application, there is provided a system for testing, including a first chip, a second chip, and first and second connections. The first connection is configured to couple a first pin of the first chip to a first pin of the second chip, and to transmit an initial signal from the first chip to the second chip. The second connection is configured to couple a second pin of the first chip to a second pin of the second chip to return the signal as a returned signal to the first chip. The first chip comprises comparison circuitry configured to compare the returned signal with the initial signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jens Barrenscheen, Harry Siebert
  • Publication number: 20130230932
    Abstract: Various embodiments comprise apparatuses and methods for testing and repairing through-substrate vias in a stack of interconnected dice. In various embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes a number of through-substrate vias to couple to one or more devices, at least one redundant through-substrate via to allow a repair of the apparatus, and a pair of pull-up devices coupled to the through-substrate vias and the redundant through-substrate via to provide a high-data value to the first end of the respective through-substrate vias. A test register is coupled the second end of each of the through-substrate vias and the redundant through-substrate via to store a received version of the high-data value. A comparator compares the high-data value with the received version of the high-data value to test the through-substrate vias for short-circuit connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Venkatraghavan Bringivijayaraghavan, Jason M. Brown
  • Patent number: 8525525
    Abstract: The conductivity test jig includes: a jig main body; a holding member; a conductivity test unit; a conductivity member; an air cylinder; a jig main body; and a second air cylinder. The jig main body has a hole for receiving the connector. The holding member holds the connector in the hole. The conductivity test unit is detachably attached to the connector. When the conductivity test unit moves close to the connector, the conductivity member is electrically connected to the terminals of the connector. The air cylinder makes the conductivity test unit contact the connector, and removes the conductivity test unit from the connector. The push-out member is interposed between the connector and the jig main body in an insertion direction of the connector in the hole. The second air cylinder moves the push-out member in the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Sugiyama, Hiroshi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20130221981
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems for checking an electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer. In one embodiment, a trailer light checking system for a vehicle comprises a plurality of exterior vehicle lights and a terminal connection configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights to a respective trailer light. The trailer light checking system also comprises a lighting control system having a trailer connection checking mode configured to check the terminal connection by simulating manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights, such that a respective trailer light will actuate in combination with the simulated manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights if the terminal connection and the respective trailer light are functioning correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Richard MILLER, Brian Salazar
  • Patent number: 8519562
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a power coupler for a plug-in electric vehicle during a charging process, where the method may perform one of several alerts in the event that the vehicle stops receiving power. In an exemplary embodiment, the method performs a theft alert when the power coupler is physically unplugged or disconnected (this is intended to dissuade people from stealing the power coupler), and it performs a power loss alert when there is a loss of electrical power at the wall (this is intended to notify the vehicle owner when there is a power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, or any other condition that prevents the vehicle from being charged). By distinguishing between possible theft situations and simple power loss situations, the method can perform or issue an alert that is better tailored to the particular conditions that triggered it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James C. Gibbs, Christopher A. Kinser, Don K. St. John
  • Patent number: 8513953
    Abstract: A power supply device includes: a power supply; a first contactor and a second contactor that are connected between the power supply and a load; a voltage detection circuit that detects a voltage between a load side of the first contactor and a power supply side of the second contactor; and a control unit that sets the contactors to an open/closed state. In a state in which electrical power has not been supplied to the load, a voltage which is greater than zero and less than a voltage at the power supply is applied between a positive electrode and a negative electrode on the load side; and after controlling the contactors to an open state, the control unit makes a decision as to whether or not one of the contactors is welded based upon detection results of the voltage detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Myoen, Hiroyuki Yamai
  • Publication number: 20130207666
    Abstract: A position-measuring device for determining the position of two objects movable relative to each other, which during operation, generates data in the form of measured position values, and which is to be connected to a processing unit via a data-transmission channel in order to transmit data, the position-measuring device being able to be connected to the processing unit via a first pair of lines, or alternatively, via a first pair of lines and at least one further pair of lines. The position-measuring device is assigned a detection unit with which the presence or non-presence of at least one further pair of lines is detectable, when the position-measuring device is connected to the processing unit via the data-transmission channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
  • Patent number: 8487636
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including a step of determining that a pilot wire for transferring a pilot signal CPLT, which is output when a charging cable is connected to a plug-in hybrid vehicle and an external power source, to the ECU is broken, when output of the pilot signal CPLT is currently stopped and a voltage VAC of the external power source (absolute value of voltage VAC) detected by a voltmeter provided within the plug-in hybrid vehicle is greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noritake Mitsutani, Yoshinori Fujitake
  • Publication number: 20130176034
    Abstract: Detecting circuits 6a to 6e are connected in parallel to respective on/off mechanical contacts or on/off semiconductor devices of a motor contactor and/or a brake contactor of a driving circuit supplying driving electric power from a three-phase alternating-current power supply circuit to a three-phase alternating-current electric motor and a brake through the motor contactor and the brake contactor, respectively. The detecting circuits output pulse signals synchronized with the alternating current from the alternating-current power supply circuit. A signal processing circuit processes the pulse signals from the detecting circuits and detects a normal or abnormal condition of each on/off mechanical contact or on/off semiconductor device of the motor contactor and/or the brake contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KITO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Oyamada
  • Patent number: 8482292
    Abstract: A status detecting device that includes a first contact member, a second contact member, an applying component, a grounding component, a detecting component, and an executing component is provided. The applying component applies a predetermined voltage to the first contact member. The grounding component grounds the second contact member. The detecting component detects at least one of a potential between the applying component and the first contact member, or a potential between the second contact member and the grounding component. The executing component executes predetermined processing, based on a detection result from the detecting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Tsubota
  • Publication number: 20130169261
    Abstract: A device for classifying electrical contacting between a first connecting element of a battery and a second connecting element, which is directly or indirectly connected to an electrical load. A temperature sensor is provided for detecting the temperature of the first connecting element and/or of the second connecting element and a control device, which is coupled to the temperature sensor and which is configured, on the basis of a detecting signal of the temperature sensor, to classify the electrical contacting between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. A corresponding method and to a battery system, as well as a battery receiving system including such a device for classifying electrical contacting. Moreover, there is provided an electrical power supply system with such a battery system and such a battery receiving system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Guenter Anton Fendt, Manfred Kulesh
  • Patent number: 8471567
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting changes in resistance at a solder joint connecting a constant voltage source supplying a first voltage and a pin of an array package during operation of the array package includes: a test circuit for applying a second voltage different from the first voltage at a side of the solder joint opposite the constant voltage source; and a monitoring circuit for monitoring an output of the test circuit, wherein the test circuit is configured to output the first voltage when the resistance at the solder joint is below a threshold value, and to output a voltage other than the first voltage when the resistance at the solder joint is above the threshold value, and wherein the monitoring circuit is configured to indicate a failure of the solder joint connection when the voltage other than the first voltage is output by the test circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Robert R. Clarkson
  • Patent number: 8466688
    Abstract: A device for checking the attachment of a circuit board on a carrier, in particular a housing, has on each attachment point a pair of mutually associated electrically conductive contact surfaces and an electrically conductive connecting arrangement, which connects the circuit board mechanically to the carrier and at the same time connects the electrically conductive contact surfaces of the respective pair electrically to each other. At least one of the electrically conductive contact surfaces of a pair is situated on the circuit board. The other contact surface may likewise be situated on the circuit board or, for an electrically conductive carrier, even on the carrier. The respective pairs of conductive contact surfaces and the electrically conductive connecting arrangement form an electric circuit, which may be connected in a series circuit or a parallel circuit. An evaluation circuit checks whether the electric circuit thus formed is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Feucht, Andreas Arlt
  • Patent number: 8466697
    Abstract: A detection circuit arrangement in a plasma processing chamber having movable lower electrode is provided. The arrangement includes flexible connector having a first flexible connector end, a second flexible connector end and at least a slit. At least portion of the slit is disposed in a direction parallel to a line drawn between two flexible connector ends. One end is coupled to the movable lower electrode and another end is coupled to a component of the plasma processing chamber. Flexible connector provides low impedance current path between the movable lower electrode and the component of the plasma processing chamber. The arrangement also includes means for detecting current flow through conductor material disposed on one side of the slit. The means for detecting includes at least a coil wound around the conductor material and a detector circuit coupled to the coil for detecting the current flow interruption due to a tear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Seyed Jafar Jafarian-Tehrani
  • Publication number: 20130141113
    Abstract: Communications patching system and methods utilizing common-mode channel communications are provided for identifying patch panel ports to which a backbone cable is connected in a communications patching system, for identifying a patch panel port to which a horizontal cable terminating at a telecommunications outlet is connected in a communications patching system, and for identifying the physical location of first and second connectors of a patch cord in a communications patching system having multiple patching zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
  • Publication number: 20130120000
    Abstract: There is provided a connector inspection system. A connector housing to be inspected includes reference flat surfaces formed by straight extending in an insertion direction of a connecting terminal in a top side outer peripheral region of a terminal receiving part so as not to overlap with a mounting range of a packing attachment surface, and an inspection jig includes guide flat surfaces for slidably making surface contact with the reference flat surfaces in the case of inserting a detecting pin into a hole for inspection of the connector housing, and a position and a direction of insertion of the inspection jig into the connector housing are regulated by sliding contact between the reference flat surfaces and the guide flat surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kousuke Kida
  • Publication number: 20130120690
    Abstract: To reliably detecting cable connection errors such as a reverse insertion or an oblique insertion of a cable, an LED board and an LED driver circuit board are connected by an FFC, a voltage dividing resistor is mounted on the LED board. A connection detection section is connected to one end of the voltage dividing resistor via a first transmission line of the FFC, connected to another end of the voltage dividing resistor via a transmission line of the FFC, and connected to the dividing point of the voltage dividing resistor via a third transmission line of the FFC. At least the third transmission line is configured not to pass through a center of the FFC, or the resistance values of the resistor and the resistor are different. A connection state of the FFC based on a voltage of the dividing point is detected via the third transmission line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Tsujii
  • Publication number: 20130115817
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring contacts of a first connector includes detecting mating of a second connector with the first connector and in response to the detection, sending a command over one of the contacts and waiting for a response to the command. If a valid response to the command is received, the system determines the orientation of the second connector. The response also includes configuration information for contacts in the second connector. The system then configures some of the other contacts of the first connector based on the determined orientation and configuration information of the contacts of the second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8427171
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting battery connection failures relies upon measuring battery cell body temperature and battery connector temperature at a measured current. The difference between these two temperatures is calculated using a software driven comparator. The comparator compares the difference as measured against a predetermined safe difference for the measured current. If the measured value exceeds the predetermined safe value an alarm is given. In one embodiment of the invention the difference between the two temperatures is compared to a predetermined safe difference independent of current measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Carkner
  • Publication number: 20130076371
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically conductive adhesive, comprising an adhesively acting, curable and electrically non-conductive matrix material and a phase of electrically conductive carbon nanotubes distributed in the matrix material. According to the invention, the carbon nanotubes are present in a plurality of individual macrostructures, and each macrostructure consists of a plurality of agglomerated carbon nanotubes forming and electrical contact among each other. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of producing such an electrically conductive adhesive, and a method for electrically conductive bonding of two components and for checking the quality of an adhesive bond formed in such a manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TuTech Innoovation GmbH
    Inventor: Samuel Buschhorn
  • Patent number: 8405404
    Abstract: An assembly (1) for detecting an electric discontinuity that includes an exciter (6) connected, via at least one capacitor, to two contacts (2, 3) normally connected between them by an electrically conducting member (4). The circuit outside the exciter defines a resonating circuit having an impedance that changes upon the opening of one of the contacts. The frequency of the detection circuit, which varies between two values corresponding to the two open or closed states of the contacts, is used by an electronic processing module (8) that generates a dysfunctional signal upon opening of one of the contacts. The invention can be used in numerous fields, such as transport, handling, storage, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie
    Inventor: Sebastien Vanaud
  • Publication number: 20130063153
    Abstract: A system (10) and method (200) are disclosed for detecting electrical connectivity. The system includes at least one power distribution conductor (18) and at least one electrical power pad (20) comprising a detection pad (28) that is electrically isolated from a remaining portion of the respective at least one electrical power pad (20). A measured parameter at the detection pad (28) provides an indication of electrical connectivity between the at least one power distribution conductor (18) and the respective at feast one electrical power pad (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Anisha Anand, Gordon J. Chambers, John Hua, Orville H. Orr
  • Publication number: 20130049765
    Abstract: An in-situ unplug detector circuit detects when a cable is disconnected or unplugged. Detection does not have to wait for normal signaling to pause, such at the end of a frame or timeout. Instead, detection occurs during normal signaling. When the cable is disconnected, the transmitter no longer drives the load at the far end of the cable, and thus can drive the near end to a higher high voltage and to a lower low voltage. The increased voltage swing is detected by a detector at the near end that amplifies the transmitter output to the cable. A fast detector has a higher bandwidth and faster response time than a slow detector, and generates a fast detect signal that crosses over a slow detect signal. When the cable is disconnected, the fast detect signal again crosses over the slow detect signal, and decision logic activates an unplug signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: PERICOM SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Hung-Yan Cheung, Michael Y. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130049766
    Abstract: A measuring device is provided: the measuring device including: a power supply configured to provide electric power to a chip via at least one of a chip connection and a chip-carrier connection; a chip arrangement receiving portion configured to receive a chip arrangement, the chip arrangement including a chip and a chip-carrier connected to the chip via one or more chip-to-chip-carrier connections; a detection portion including a plate; a detection circuit coupled to the plate and configured to detect an electrical signal from the plate; wherein the plate is configured such that it covers at least part of at least one of the chip, the chip-carrier, and the chip-to-chip-carrier connection; and wherein the plate is further configured such that at least part of the at least one of the chip, the chip-carrier, and the chip-to-chip-carrier connection is uncovered by the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Franz Schoenberger, Johann Koelz, Ming Xue
  • Patent number: 8384394
    Abstract: A communication apparatus including: a frame; a transmission line connectable to a public line network; a print circuit board including a frame ground terminal portion and configured such that a dielectric strength between the transmission line and the frame ground terminal portion takes a specific value in a state in which elements are connected to between the transmission line and the frame ground terminal portion via conductor patterns. The frame ground terminal portion includes: a first land formed on a first conductor pattern formed on a face of the print circuit board, a surge protection element being connected to the first conductor pattern; and a second land formed on a second conductor pattern formed on the face, elements different from the surge protection element being connected to the second conductor pattern. The first and second lands contacts the frame by fixing of the print circuit board to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadahiro Kunii
  • Patent number: 8373542
    Abstract: This is an all-in-one radio frequency identification system for goods inventory and sale management, comprising at least one tag, an antenna unit and a multi-port reader comprising a micro control unit, a reader and a multiplexer. The tag is attached on each article. The antenna unit is RF coupled to the tag. The multiplexer built-in the multi-port reader is electrically coupled to the antenna unit. The reader built-in the multi-port reader is capable of transmitting RF signals, accessing commands and receiving tag signals from the multiplexer. The micro control unit is electrically coupled to the multiplexer and the reader to receive and process the reading signal and provide inventory and sale management functions and applications. Therefore, the all-in-one radio frequency identification system provides not only inventory and anti-theft functions but also information for consumer behavior research, and capable of doing stand alone operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Claridy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Lee
  • Patent number: 8373422
    Abstract: A system including an interface and a plurality of solder joint testing modules. The interface is configured to receive test configuration data to configure each of a plurality of integrated system test (IST) modules. Each of the plurality of solder joint testing modules is configured to, based on the test configuration data, i) apply a pulse having a predetermined amplitude and width to a solder joint associated with a respective one of the plurality of IST modules, ii) monitor a resultant waveform that is generated in response to the pulse, and iii) determine an integrity of the solder joint in response to the resultant waveform. Each of the plurality of solder joint testing modules and the respective ones of the plurality of IST modules are located on a same system on chip (SOC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Saeed Azimi, Son Hong Ho
  • Patent number: 8368405
    Abstract: A voltage indicating assembly for medium and high voltage systems includes a semiconductive cap configured for mounting on a test point, the test point including a test point terminal element configured to capacitively receive a voltage associated with a electrical component, where the electrical component is mounted in a first location. The semiconductive cap includes a contact element mounted therein configured to electrically communicate with the test point terminal element when the semiconductive cap is mounted on the test point. A cable is electrically coupled to the contact element. A remote test point assembly is electrically coupled to the cable in a second location remote from the first location, and the remote test point assembly includes a remote test point terminal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Publication number: 20130027054
    Abstract: A monitoring system for connector pins exposed to conductive/corrosive fluids and/or corrosive environments includes a first sensing portion having a pin monitoring section configured to measure a pin current flow of at least one conductor pin, and transfer a first signal. A second sensing portion produces a second signal indicating by a contactless determination the presence of a fastener providing physical connection between an interface member and a component. A decision logic device receives the first and second signals, compares the pin current flow to a predetermined range of values, and isolates electrical power to the conductor pin when the first signal indicates the pin current flow is outside the predetermined range of values. A sensor body created of a non-ferrous material and connected to the component includes a first insert member having the conductor pin and a second insert member defining a sensor sensing proximal presence of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Harris Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130027053
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has an internal power bus, parallel power connections for connecting the power bus with an external power supply and a test module. The test module includes a sensor for producing first and second differential sensor signals that are functions of voltages at spaced positions in one of the parallel connections produced by current in the parallel connection. The test module includes first and second balanced differential pair comparators that receive first and second reference signals and produce a first comparator signal that is a function of the relative values of the first differential sensor signal and the first reference signal, and a second comparator signal that is a function of the relative values of the second differential sensor signal and the second reference signal. The test module includes an output element that produces an output signal that is a function of the first and second comparator signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Lini LEE, Feng Liu, Ruijie Peng
  • Publication number: 20130021040
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve an internal pulse generator for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead having a lead connector end on a proximal end of the lead. In addition, implementations involve testing of the medical lead at the proximal lead connector end to ensure proper placement of the lead, and an interface device for facilitating the connection of the proximal lead connector end to a testing device. The interface device may provide for one or more electrical connection points disposed on a connector sleeve. The connection points provide electrical communication between the lead connector end of the lead and one or more leads of a testing device in such a manner as to minimize potential damage to the lead connector end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Li Jin, Hanson Chang, Keith Victorine, Tyler Strang, Armando M. Cappa
  • Publication number: 20130009649
    Abstract: A wire harness continuity inspection method includes: specifying a first certain electrical wire and a second certain electrical wire of which one end is connected to the other end of the first certain electrical wire, described in the first region-based connector/wiring information, and regarding them as a single electrical wire; referring to auxiliary device-based wiring information to obtain a first terminal of a first electrical component and a second terminal of a second electrical component connected by a circuit line, which are described in the auxiliary device-based wiring information; referring to the region-based connector/wiring information to specify a first electrical wire of which one end is connected to the first terminal of the first electrical component, described in the region-based connector/wiring information; and determining whether the terminal connected to the other end of the first electrical wire is identical to the second terminal of the second electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki Sasaki, Yasuhiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8350575
    Abstract: An electrical connection defect detection system to detect whether an electrical connection between an under-test pin of an under-test device and a signal line of a circuit board is normal is provided. The electrical connection defect detection system comprises a signal provider providing a test signal to the under-test pin through the signal line, a detection module, an electrode board and a plurality of grounding paths. The electrode board comprises a detection surface to be adapted to a surface of the under-test device opposite to the under-test pin to make the detection module detect a capacitance value associated with the electrode board, the under-test pin and the signal line larger than a threshold value when their connection is normal. The grounding paths are connected to one of not-under-test pin groups respectively to further connect to the ground potential. An electrical connection defect detection method is disclosed herein as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Test Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Wei Tsai, Shang-Tsang Yeh
  • Patent number: 8339143
    Abstract: Provided is a lens connector-testing device including a base, a circuit tester, a probe, and a positioning unit. The positioning unit includes a positioning housing, a lift block, an insulating plate, a press spring, a latch member and a supporting seat. The positioning housing has a lift-guiding groove. The insulating plate is fixedly connected to an upper end of the lift block. A lower end of the lift block is slidably received in the lift-guiding groove. A holding space is defined between the insulating plate and the positioning housing. The supporting seat is disposed on the positioning housing and has at least one electrical contact. The latch member has a fixing section, a hooking section, and a pressing section. The lift block has a projecting portion matched with the hooking section of the latch member. The press spring is located between the pressing section and the positioning housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng UEI Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-yuan Fang, Feng-chi Lee, Kuo-chuan Chiu
  • Patent number: 8339144
    Abstract: A test fixture for testing positioning of a connector includes a support, a housing mounted on the support, a movable block received within in the housing, a power module set inside of the movable block, a conductive block mounted on the power module, a probe element aligned with the conductive block, and a light-emitting element electrically connected to the power module and the probe element. The movable block is movably mounted on the support, and includes an extending portion. When the connector is precisely positioned in a slot of an electronic device and the extending portion is inserted into the slot of the electronic device, the movable block is resisted by the connector to be driven to move such that the conductive block contacts the probe element, thereby turning on the light-emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Hong-Wei Ren
  • Patent number: 8324907
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of monitoring an electrical connection, the method comprising monitoring a temperature of the electrical connection, monitoring a level of current passing through the electrical connection, and determining, in response to monitoring temperature and current, whether the temperature of the electrical connection exceeds a temperature threshold associated with the level of current passing through the electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventor: William Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8324908
    Abstract: An electrical connection defect detection device to detect whether an electrical connection between an under-test pin of an under-test device and a signal line of a circuit board is normal is provided. The electrical connection defect detection device comprises a signal provider providing a test signal to the under-test pin through the signal line, a detection module and an electrode board comprising a detection surface and at least one array of through holes. The detection surface contacts a surface of the under-test device to make the detection module detect a capacitance value associated with the electrode board, the under-test pin and the signal line larger than a threshold value when their connection is normal. The through holes are placed along the edges of the electronic board and are electrically connected to a ground potential to perform a capacitive shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Test Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Wei Tsai, Shang-Tsang Yeh
  • Patent number: 8313341
    Abstract: Guide element (3) for a connector device (1), which element has a first and a second end (3a, 3b). The element (3) is adapted to be attached to a PCB (printed circuit board) (2) of the connector device. Further, the guide element comprises a first bevel (33) at the first end (3a), the surface of which is provided with a plurality of recesses (36), which recesses are adapted to receive a plurality of conductive connector tongues (4) of the connector device (1). Further, a connector device (1) for establishing a connection between a test device and a test system, a connector arrangement (11) for test procedures comprising at least one connector device (1) and a method of manufacturing a connector device (1) is comprised as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Björn Falk
  • Publication number: 20120286798
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and devices for testing a connection between speakers and a power amplifier. The disclosed methods and devices solve a problem that, upon a connection test for a power amplifier which has a booster power source, when a midpoint potential of the power amplifier and the voltage of the speaker connection terminal are compared, and it is determined that short-circuiting occurs on a ground side when the potential of the speaker connection terminal is lower than the midpoint potential, a wrong test is conducted if a midpoint potential is higher than a battery voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuyama, Taro Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20120285455
    Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a retention portion, and a connector portion. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The retention portion is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The connector portion is for connecting delivery tubes to the mask. The connector portion is configured such that the connector only couples with compatible components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher M. Varga, Stephen J. Birch, Thomas Dillingham
  • Patent number: 8299803
    Abstract: A monitoring system for connector pins exposed to conductive/corrosive fluids and/or corrosive environments includes a first sensing portion having a pin monitoring section configured to measure a pin current flow of at least one conductor pin, and transfer a first signal. A second sensing portion produces a second signal indicating by a contactless determination the presence of a fastener providing physical connection between an interface member and a component. A decision logic device receives the first and second signals, compares the pin current flow to a predetermined range of values, and isolates electrical power to the conductor pin when the first signal indicates the pin current flow is outside the predetermined range of values. A sensor body created of a non-ferrous material and connected to the component includes a first insert member having the conductor pin and a second insert member defining a sensor sensing proximal presence of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Mackey, Scott E. Bartholomew, Duncan G. Harris
  • Publication number: 20120268137
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a connector connection terminal capable of reducing manufacturing cost of a connector and a probe, and preventing erroneous contact between the connection terminal and a continuity check pin at the time of a continuity check, and a connector using the same. Therefore, a connector connection terminal includes a fixed piece to be fixed to a base of the connector, a coupling portion extending upward from the fixed piece, and a movable piece extending from the coupling portion in the direction facing the fixed piece, and the connector connection terminal arranged side by side in the base further includes an extending portion for the continuity check provided in an end of the fixed piece, and a projection for the continuity check provided at an upper side of the movable piece or the coupling portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Satoshi Takamori, Seiji Shimada, Shunsuke Akahori
  • Patent number: 8294473
    Abstract: A cable detector includes one or more peak detectors that detect when a termination impedance is missing from the output of a line driver. A peak detection signal is asserted when signals on a transmission line exceed a threshold level. A fault condition is asserted when the peak detection signal is asserted for a sufficient length of time to indicate that an actual fault is detected. The time period required for detecting a lost or missing line termination is longer than the time periods for any one of the pathological conditions to avoid a false positive detection. After the peak detection signal is de-asserted, the fault condition will be maintained until another sufficient length of time has expired without a peak detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Karl Butler, Vijaya Ceekala, Jim Wieser
  • Publication number: 20120262185
    Abstract: A wire harness continuity inspection method according to the invention includes: a referring step of referring to auxiliary device-based wiring information to specify a first terminal of a first electrical component and a second terminal of a second electrical component connected by a circuit line, which are described in the auxiliary device-based wiring information; a first specifying step of referring to region-based connector/wiring information to specify a first electrical wire of which one end is connected to the first terminal of the first electrical component, described in the region-based connector/wiring information; and a first determining step of determining whether the terminal connected to the other end of the first electrical wire is identical to the second terminal of the second electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki Sasaki, Yasuhiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8286010
    Abstract: A system includes a high-current junction, a voltage sensor, and a controller. Power connectors of two components are electrically connected at the high-current junction, where a high current passes between the two components at the high-current junction. The voltage sensor detects a voltage at the high-current junction. The controller performs a predetermined action in response to the voltage sensor detecting the voltage at the high-current junction being greater than a predetermined threshold voltage. The system may be a data center rack. The high-current junction may be the junction at which an alternating current (AC) input receives AC power from AC mains. The high-current junction may alternatively be the junction at which a power supply receives the AC power from the AC input to generate direct current (DC) power to provide to data center rack components insertable within the data center rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randhir S. Malik, Cecil C. Dishman, Thomas S. Mazzeo
  • Publication number: 20120249159
    Abstract: A back end of the line (BEOL) fuse structure having a stack of vias. The stacking of vias leads to high aspect ratios making liner and seed coverage inside the vias poorer. The weakness of the liner and seed layers leads to a higher probability of electromigration (EM) failure. The fuse structure addresses failures due to poor liner and seed coverage. Design features permit determining where failures occur, determining the extent of the damaged region after fuse programming and preventing further propagation of the damaged dielectric region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Filippi, Griselda Bonilla, Kaushik Chanda, Stephan Grunow, Naftali E. Lustig, Andrew H. Simon, Ping-Chuan Wang
  • Patent number: 8278948
    Abstract: An electronic device has a chassis, and a printed wiring board (PWB) having a hole. A fastener is installed in the hole thereby securing the PWB to the chassis. A pair of conductive traces is formed in the PWB. A cap, being an amount of conductive glue, covers a part of the fastener and fills an electrically insulating gap between the two traces, to thereby form a conductive path that connects the two traces. A sensing circuit is coupled to the traces, to detect a change in impedance of the path and signal a tamper event alert. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120242347
    Abstract: A checking circuit for a serial port connector includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a third inverter, and a first light emitting diode (LED) and a second LED with different colors. An input of the first inverter is connected to a transmitted data pin of the serial port connector. An output of the first inverter is connected to an anode of the first LED. An input of the second inverter is connected to the transmitted data pin of the serial port connector. An output of the second inverter is connected to an input of the third inverter. An output of the third inverter is connected to an anode of the second LED. Cathodes of the first and second LEDs are grounded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-SEN HU, TING GE
  • Patent number: 8269507
    Abstract: This invention describes a device for testing a surface mounted connector using a test probe assembly that utilizes a vacuum to force the test wires and the test probe's wire array into intimate contact with the connector to be tested. The wires are directed through a wire module assembly and have a wide spacing at one end, and a narrow spacing corresponding to the spacing required for the specific units to be tested at the opposite end. The wires are kept in contact with the unit under test by the use of spring loaded test connectors and vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: James Hall