With Distinct Securing Means Patents (Class 439/127)
  • Patent number: 11535334
    Abstract: An electrical switch device for a human-powered vehicle comprises an electrical switch unit and a connecting part. The electrical switch unit is configured to generate a signal in response to a user input. The connecting part is provided on the electrical switch unit so as to electrically connect an additional electrical switch device to the electrical switch device. The electrical switch device is configured to selectively transmit the signal from the electrical switch unit and an additional signal from the additional electrical switch device to an operating device configured to operate the electric component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Akihiko Syouge, Takuma Sakai, Kazuma Mori, Yasuyuki Komada, Takehiko Nakajima, Noor Ashyikkin Binti Mohd Noor
  • Patent number: 10366827
    Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine includes a coil main body portion, a connecting portion, and a conducting member. A convex surface forming portion, which is a portion constituting an inner peripheral convex surface, is disposed in the connecting portion. The convex surface forming portion has an outer peripheral concave surface. The connecting portion has a boundary portion which is a boundary between the convex surface forming portion and other portions in the axial direction. In the convex surface forming portion, at least a part of a region where the outer peripheral concave surface is formed has a portion having an area, in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction, equal to or smaller than that of the boundary portion. A thickness of the convex surface forming portion is equal to or thicker than that of the boundary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsunori Akimoto
  • Patent number: 8656575
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting rotational movement of a nut of a first cable connector that is threadingly engaged with a mating second cable connector wherein the nut has at least one recess in its outer surface, and is rotatably mounted on a fixed housing of the first cable connector, includes a step of removably securing a component to at least a portion of the housing. The component includes at least one first element matingly engageable with at least one corresponding second element positioned on the housing. The method further includes a step of matingly engaging the component with the at least one recess on the nut via a projection rigidly mounted on the component, thereby securing the nut to the component and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bulow
  • Patent number: 8655548
    Abstract: A bicycle component control apparatus is basically provided with a controller and a detecting member. The controller is configured to control an operation of an electrical bicycle component by selectively outputting a control parameter. The detecting member detects an electrical connecting state between the controller and a manually operated input member for changing a setting of the electrical bicycle component. The controller outputs a predetermined control parameter based on the electrical connecting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8550829
    Abstract: A power outlet includes a casing, a middle-layer support and at least one safety shield device. The middle-layer support includes at least one conductive plug bush and provides guiding jacks corresponding to the position of the conductive plug bush. The safety shield device has a left shield, a right shield and a spring. Each left and right shield extends a shield foot from the underside, respectively. The middle-layer support further includes sliding platforms for movement of the left shield and the right shield. The sliding platform has location holes for insertion of the shield feet. When the left shield and right shield lock, two shield feet respectively match against an opposite inner edge of two location holes on the sliding platform. When the left shield and right shield open, the guiding jack on the middle-layer support exposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8061338
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus is provided for mating an ignition coil to a spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Gibboney, Francis Martin Donahue
  • Patent number: 7559794
    Abstract: A connector is provided to be connected to a solenoid embedded in a hole formed on a housing of a device to be attached. The connector is provided with connector electric terminal members which can be engaged with electric terminal members of the solenoid, and a case which stores the connector electric terminal members, is removably attached to the solenoid and covers an opening edge part of the hole. The structure of the connector requires lower process cost for ensuring waterproof and corrosion resistance of the solenoid, compared with a conventional structure. Optionally, a seal between the case and opening edge part of the hole and a diode between the connector electric terminal members and electric terminal members of the solenoid is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiko Taguchi, Yoshihiro Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7514299
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a chip package structure is provided. A circuit substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a through hole connecting the first surface and the second surface is provided. A chip having an active surface and bonding pads disposed on the active surface is provided. The chip is fixed on the circuit substrate, wherein the second surface is opposite to the active surface and the bonding pads are exposed to the through hole. Bonding wires connecting the bonding pads and the first surface are formed through the through hole. A film having an opening is formed on the first surface. The bonding wires, the bonding pads, the through hole, and part of the first surface are exposed by the opening. An encapsulant is formed to encapsulate part of the active surface, the bonding wires, and part of the first surface. The film is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignees: ChipMOS Technologies Inc., ChipMOS Technologies (Bermuda) Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hung Lin, Shih-Wen Chou, Yu-Tang Pan
  • Patent number: 7175448
    Abstract: A connector block assembly has a connector block and a plurality of end fittings which are attached to at least one wire. Each end fitting is secured to the connector block by being inserted into the connector block and then being rotated to trap the end fitting within the connector pin. Once assembled onto a conductor pin, the conductor pin prohibits rotation of the end fitting with respect to the connector block and thus the disassembly of the end fitting from the connector block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Berning
  • Patent number: 7165982
    Abstract: A plug-in connector for a diesel-engine glow plug has a housing centered on an axis and fittable with the glow plug and a plurality of contacts in the housing. A first latch on the housing is displaceable when the housing is fitted to the glow plug between an unlocked position permitting the housing to be installed on and removed from the glow plug and a locked position for fixing the housing to the glow plug. A second latch on the housing is displaceable between an unlocked position permitting the first latch to move between its locked and unlocked positions and a locked positions holding the first latch in its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hirschmann Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Häfele, Werner Jäger
  • Patent number: 6668810
    Abstract: An ignition coil assembly of the type which is directly mounted onto an associated internal combustion engine spark plug. The coil assembly includes a spark plug boot section made of a highly elastic material with an inside cylindrical passageway. The inside passageway features ribs which engage a high voltage connection coil spring positioned in the passageway to make an electrical connection between the coil and spark plug high voltage terminals. The spring has a generally constant outside diameter outer section except its end segments have a reduced diameter where they contact the high voltage terminals. The passageway ribs retain the spring in position prior to its installation and after its removal from the associated spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard William St. John, William Douglas Walker, Todd C. Sexton, Rick S. Burchett, Alex William Widiger, Francis Martin Donahue, III
  • Patent number: 6609508
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus for mounting a component in an aperture formed in a mounting surface includes an elongated base member having opposite ends. At least two generally parallel side members each extend from an associated one of said base member ends. Each side member includes a free end. A component having a flange with at least two slots formed therein receives an associated side member in each of the slots. A locking means extends from said side members adjacent said free ends. As the component is inserted in the mounting surface aperture, force is applied to move the free ends of the side members toward each other to permit the locking means to pass through the aperture in the mounting surface. When the force is removed, the locking means and the flange engage opposite sides of the mounting surface to releasably retain the component in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Christopher Sexton
  • Patent number: 6475002
    Abstract: An automobile spark plug ignition conduit having an insulation terminal cap of a flexible, compressible moisture proof insulating material of a generally annular cross-section, a first open end for receiving an insulated electrical ignition wire, a second open end adapter to be placed over a ringed sleeve on the spark plug or distributor cap wire terminal and retained thereon, wherein the cap has an annular recess formed on the internal surface of the cap with concentric bands, to engage the hollow cap. The device keeps ignition wires from becoming disconnected due to engine and road vibrations. It is especially useful in racing environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Delsole
  • Patent number: 6467447
    Abstract: A sparkplug boot keeper assembly interconnects between a heat shield and an ignition wire boot of a spark plug. A spring clip is pre-assembled internally to the heat shield which then engages a bottom portion of the spark plug after the spark plug is threaded to a head of an engine block. During assembly, as the heat shield moves axially inward over the spark plug, the pre-assembled spring clip rasps over a hexagonal portion of the spark plug and snap fits to the bottom portion. An outward facing surface of the boot is engaged to a compressed spring which in turn is engaged to an outward wall of the heat shield. Either a rotation, or an axially outward withdrawal force placed upon the heat shield, will radially expand the spring clip permitting disengagement of the heat shield and spring clip assembly from the stationary spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James C Holmes, Suzanne Christine Nadasky, Rhoda A Taylor, Harry J. Slaven
  • Patent number: 6406306
    Abstract: A plug cap which prevents the occurrence of depressions on a spark plug screw thread and in a cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap includes a spring pin having a straight section which engages a groove in the conductive cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap also has an identifying part on its exterior which indicates the direction in which the straight section is oriented. The plug cap is installed on the spark plug in a way which orients the straight section of the spring pin in a direction parallel to the principle vibration axis of the engine. The base of the plug cap groove may also be cut to a width which dampens the effect of vibrations causing translation of the straight section within the groove. The groove sidewalls may be angled to aid in removal of the plug cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Masanori Shimazoe, Akihiko Kajihara
  • Patent number: 6371775
    Abstract: A synthetic resin fastening cap which allows a connecting cap at the end of a plug cord to move in a broad angle range on the wiring terminal of a distributor of an automobile. The fastening cap is provided with a cord lead-out opening by cutting away approximately one-half of the skirt portion of the fastening cap in the circumferential direction so that the plug cord is led out of the fastening cap. The head portion of the fastening cap has a predetermined thickness so that a recess that is set at the same dimension as the height of a projection of the connecting cap is formed in the head portion and the projection of the connecting cap is inserted in this recess for preventing the connecting cap from slipping out of the fastening cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Seiwa Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Nakatsuka
  • Patent number: 6358071
    Abstract: An electrical connection between a high voltage terminal and a spark plug head. A case contains a high voltage terminal connected to a high voltage source. A connector portion extends from a bottom portion of the case, which in turn is secured to an insulator boot for attachment to a spark plug. The high voltage terminal has a nipple extending within the connector portion. A leaf spring member engages the nipple and is positively retained thereto. The head of the spark plug is inserted into the connector portion and engages the leaf spring member. The resilient characteristics of the leaf spring member provided by the interaction of the leaf spring member and the connector portion enable a compact yet positive connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Viorel N. Moga
  • Patent number: 6340303
    Abstract: To provide a high tension connection portion structure for an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, which may prevent an instantaneous breakdown of the connection even if an external force is applied to a high tension connection portion, may enhance a connection property of the high tension connection portion by suppressing a sliding movement between metal terminals of the connection portion and may be applied to the path of a minute current such as an ionic current or the like, a connecting structure of a high tension connection portion used in an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, includes: a first high tension connection terminal 2; a second high tension connection terminal 4 for electrically connecting with the first high tension connection terminal 2; a locking mechanism 2a provided between the first high tension connection terminal 2 and the second high tension connection terminal 4 for restricting the separation therebetween in the axial direction; and a spring member 7 dis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Hamada, Shingo Morita, Shigemi Murata, Mitsuru Koiwa
  • Publication number: 20010034146
    Abstract: Multiple annular electrical connectors are each positioned floatably through a respective aperture of a tray. A shield plate is secured over the tray by bolts which thread into a cylinder head. The shield plate has holes centered above the apertures for access to spark plugs disposed below. Each annular electrical connector is centered about an annular pressure sensing device which encompasses the spark plug. The inboard side of the electrical connector is in electrical contact with the outboard side of the sensing device beneath the tray. Insulated wires extend between the tray and shield plate from each electrical connector and connect to a common panel mounted electrical connector at one end of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Edward M. Bungo, Mark C. Sellnau, Anthony Joseph Corso
  • Patent number: 6280210
    Abstract: A one-piece electrical connector for connecting an insulated conductor to a generally cylindrical conductive terminal post includes a first connector portion formed as an open-ended cylindrical shell segment of about the same axial length as the terminal post and having an inner circumference to snugly completely encircle the terminal post. The shell has a sidewall deformation intermediate the segment ends for retaining the connector on the post. A second connector portion grips the insulated conductor piercing the insulation and making electrical contact with the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Garrett Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Sikora, Walt Strasser
  • Patent number: 6273733
    Abstract: There is provided a structure of a connecting part between an ignition plug and an ignition cable which makes it possible to make a connection between a connection terminal on the ignition cable and an end terminal on the ignition plug with more reliable security. A first elastomeric bushing is fitted into an upper end side of a plug tube formed of a ceramic material, and a second elastomeric bushing is fitted into the lower end of the plug tube. The portion of the ignition cable K near the high voltage terminal T is held by the first bushing so that the high voltage terminal is held at a predetermined position in the plug tube. Thus, when the second bushing is fitted over an insulator of the ignition plug, the high voltage terminal and the end terminal are secured in a positive electrically connected condition within the plug tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehito Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6210183
    Abstract: An improved spark plug and spark plug boot combination used with an internal combustion engine. The spark plug and spark plug boot combination provide for ease in securing the spark plug boot to the spark plug when the spark plug is mounted on the engine. Also, the plug and boot combination provide for ease in removing the spark plug boot from the spark plug which heretofore was difficult to remove because of the boot sticking to the sides of the plug. Further, the combination reduces “flash over” and reduces static electricity with improved engine performance and fuel economy. The spark plug includes external threads formed in a ceramic housing of the plug. The boot includes internal threads formed inside a boot housing for releasable engagement of the external threads on the ceramic body of the spark plug. The boot also includes a spark plug wire connector having “snap-in” connector ribs. The connector ribs are used for releasable receipt in one end of the boot housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Walter E. Sacarto
  • Patent number: 6193528
    Abstract: A spark plug connector (10) includes a cap (22) that mounts a terminal (30) for relative rotation with respect to a lock body (50) and outer heat shield (12). The lock body has an oval opening (58) aligned about a snap ring (48) of the terminal. When the cap member and terminal are in one rotated position, the snap ring is allowed to expand and be either installed or disconnected from the spark plug post (20). The oval minor axis is dimensioned such that when the cap and terminal are rotated approximately 90°, the snap ring abuts the lock body (50) about the oval opening and is prevented from expanding to lock the terminal (30) to the spark plug post (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Rea, Terry Chapin, Suzanne Christine Nadasky, Justin E Bruno
  • Patent number: 6192873
    Abstract: A stick-type ignition coil to be directly connected to a spark plug via a spring. A high tension case containing a high tension terminal and a spring is integrally connected to the bottom end of a high tension generating portion of the ignition coil. The high tension terminal and the spring are separately supported in the high tension case before the spark plug is connected to the ignition coil. When the spark plug is connected, the spring is compressed and contacts the high tension terminal, thereby making electrical contact between the ignition coil and the spark plug. Since the spring and the high tension terminal are supported on separate positions in the case, the spring can be properly compressed without being distorted or jammed between the high tension terminal and the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Adachi, Kazutoyo Osuka
  • Patent number: 6089885
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a spark plug connector which includes an electrically insulating housing having a spark plug receptacle. A contact element for electrically connecting to the connecting tip of the spark plug is mounted in the spark plug receptacle. The contact element can be displaced by the connection tip of the spark plug against a restoring spring force. The spark plug connector of the invention can be cost effectively manufactured and provides a reliable electrical insert connection. To make the spark plug connector, the housing is made of an elastic material and a clip spring, which is embedded in the housing material, is provided as a contact element. The legs of the clip spring have respective segments in a contact plane lying perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. These segments are accessible for establishing a contact and delimit the smallest diameter of the spark plug receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Nickel
  • Patent number: 5957706
    Abstract: An ignition cable terminal assembly connects an ignition cable to a stud terminal of a spark plug. The assembly includes a metal sleeve that has a crimp barrel at an upper end, an intermediate compression ring, a lead-in below the compression ring and an inwardly directed stop ring below the lead-in. A lock sleeve inside the metal sleeve, has a plurality of spaced longitudinal channels in an inner cylindrical surface that communicate with an annular cavity at an upper end. The longitudinal channels include lock channels that have lock ledges at the cavity and release channels between the lock channels. Upper and lower ring gears are inside the lock sleeve. The lower ring gear engages the top of the stud terminal and has radial teeth that slide in the channels of the lock sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William Thomas Phillips, Jr., Lawrence Gene Pelanda
  • Patent number: 5810610
    Abstract: To realize a simple and inexpensive connection of a high-voltage resistive cable and a high-voltage part without providing a special facility. A C-shaped fittable member 11 the opposite ends of which have inwardly acting restoring forces is provided. A groove 13 is formed on the outer surface of a right end portion of a connection part 2. Rectangular through holes are formed in a part insertion portion 1a fitted with the connection part 2 in two positions facing the groove 13. The fittable member 11 is cut in positions in the vicinity of the opposite ends thereof. The left sides of cut portions are bent inward to form projections 16a, 16b. By fitting the fittable member 11 on the part insertion portion 1a, the projections 16a are fitted and locked in the groove 13 through the through holes of the part insertion portion 1a so as to prevent the connection part 2 from coming out of the part insertion portion 1a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinao Kobayashi, Yuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5799633
    Abstract: An electrical insulator in accordance with the present invention includes a body, a ventilation passage, a bore, and a duckbill-shaped valve. The ventilation passage which extends between a first opening and a second opening in the body. The bore also extends through the body and is spaced from the ventilation passage. The duckbill-shaped valve comprises at least two walls. The walls are connected on opposing sides of the second opening and at an angle with respect to the body and each other so that the walls engage each other and define a space above the second opening and below the walls. A slit is formed between the walls. The portion of the walls at the slit normally remain in contact with each other until a cracking pressure is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Lexington Insulators
    Inventor: John Miller
  • Patent number: 5791918
    Abstract: There is provided a spark plug connector for connection to a spark plug having an elongated terminal with a grooved portion, comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis and an internal bore extending along the axis; a means for fixedly positioning a wire within the body closely adjacent to the bore; a locking member reciprocably mounted to the body so as to be selectively movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the terminal can be inserted into the bore to contact the wire and in the second position the locking member engages the grooved portion of the terminal to lock the terminal in position with respect to the wire and body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: William E. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5649830
    Abstract: A boot on an ignition lead is gripped by a holder which is received in a tubular stem. The position of the holder relative to the stem can be adjusted to adapt the assembly for use in different engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Lemark Auto Accessories Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Phillip Ellsom, Martin Barrie Tillsley
  • Patent number: 5618193
    Abstract: A terminal portion (11) of a spark plug (10) and a connecting terminal (22) of an ignition coil (20) are connected through a coil spring (30) serving as a conductive member which in turn is covered with an insulating member (40) having a cap (41), a sleeve (47) and a bushing (48) and extending from the terminal portion (11) to a high-tension tower (21). A first air vent hole (44) is defined by an upper surface of a collar portion (42) of the cap (41) and a bottom surface of an ignition coil body (23) in intimate contact with the upper surface, and a plurality of reservoir spaces (45) having a greater volume than the first air vent hole (44) are formed in circumferentially spaced apart relation along the first air vent hole (44). A second air vent hole (46) is formed in the cap (41) for communication between the first air vent hole (44) and the interior of a plug hole (H).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Nippondenso Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Nakajima, Tadashi Fujita, Tetsuya Miwa
  • Patent number: 5421736
    Abstract: A construction for retaining an electrically conductive coiled spring which is inserted into a hollow of a high-voltage terminal subjected to a high voltage in an engine ignition system so as to electrically connect a head terminal of a spark plug or an ignition coil and the high-voltage terminal, the construction comprising: a first stopper which is formed on a side wall of the hollow of the high-voltage terminal so as to project into the hollow and is brought into contact with an insertion end of the coiled spring so as to retain the insertion end of the coiled spring; and a second stopper which is radially fitted around an outer surface of the side wall of the high-voltage terminal and is formed with a tongue piece and a projection; wherein the tongue piece is inserted between neighboring coil windings of the coiled spring in the hollow from a slit of the high-voltage terminal, while the projection is brought into engagement with a hole of the high-voltage terminal so as to be inserted between further neig
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Imanishi, Keiichi Nakajima, Tadashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 5382170
    Abstract: A coupling construction for coupling a high-voltage terminal of an ignition coil for use in an internal combustion engine and an electric conductor with each other. The high-voltage terminal is inserted into the electric conductor. An engaging ring engages the peripheral surface of the electric conductor. An engaging convex portion of the engaging ring projecting inward toward the high-voltage terminal through a through-hole engages the engaging concave portion of the high-voltage terminal due to the contraction of the engaging ring. After the high-voltage terminal and the electric conductor are coupled with each other, a moving sleeve engages the peripheral surface of the engaging ring, thereby preventing the diameter of the engaging convex portion of the engaging ring from expansionarily increasing more than a predetermined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisao Imanishi
  • Patent number: 5344328
    Abstract: To be utilized to maintain a spark plug in electrical engagement with an electric boot, a spark plug keeper having a ring-shaped base adapted to receive a lower portion of the spark plug therein and to bear against the underside of a hex nut included on the spark plug, the spark plug being in electrical engagement with an interior of a boot. The ring-shaped base further includes at least one upstanding finger which is internally barbed and is made of a flexible material and at its upper end is provided with a cable that is drawn tightly thereabout such that the boot will be maintained in electrical engagement with the spark plug, the ring being formed of a strong, yet flexible material such that the cable will substantially tighten the outstanding fingers, and more particularly the internal barbed surface about the spark plug boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Timothy Suggs
  • Patent number: 5302131
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a connector cap for linkage between an electrical cable and an elbowed high-voltage output shaft (1; 20; 35, 35') of an ignition device (2; 19). To that end, it includes locking means (8; 14; 22; 31; 32) for locking it counter to a movement in a direction parallel to the cable axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Sagem Allumage
    Inventors: Pierre Heritier-Best, Franck Sauzedde
  • Patent number: 5258684
    Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine has a center electrode and at least one side electrode defining between them a spark gap. The end of the center electrode opposite the spark gap is in the form of a rod carrying a connection piece for connection to the ignition circuit. The connection piece, which is made of a metal which is a good conductor of electricity, is force-fitted on the end rod of the center electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Eyquem
    Inventor: Michel Matesco
  • Patent number: 5188537
    Abstract: A slippage preventer for an ignition cable terminal comprises a holder cap 11 for covering a head of a grommet 3, a holder body 10 having an opening 10a into which the grommet is inserted and for covering a lower hanging portion, and locking means provided on the holder body 10 for engaging with a fitting portion provided on said ignition tower so that the holder body is secured to the ignition tower. The holder cap 11 is rotatably supported on the holder body 10. The preventer has a very simple construction and can set a direction of the grommet 3 to be attached to an ignition tower irrespective of the kind of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, deceased, Yuji Kawai
  • Patent number: 5166574
    Abstract: A gas-filled discharge tube in which a cylindrical protection terminal is fitted to a gas-charging pipe passed through an electrode, and the electrode, the gas-charging pipe and the protection terminal are connected by electrical conductive binder filled in a clearance of these elements. A high-tension cable device in which at least one of a connector terminal or a power supplying terminal is formed with a concave part fitted, contacted with a connection part of an additional function parts such as a series-gap forming discharge tube. A high-tension cable device has a concave part covering an entire connection part of the additional function part and has a threaded part at an inner surface. An outer surface of the connection part of the function part corresponding to the concave part is formed with a threaded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yagi, Seiichi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 5127840
    Abstract: A spark plug connector for connecting an ignition cable to a recessed contact button of a spark plug comprises a boot assembly and a terminal assembly. The boot assembly includes a thermoplastic tubular boot that has an internal suspended terminal support tube and an external arm for securing the spark plug connector to an engine head. The boot assembly also includes an insert molded elastomeric seal that provides spark plug and ignition cable seals at the respective ends of the boot. The terminal assembly comprising a pin terminal, a pin terminal retainer and a coil compression spring. The pin terminal retainer includes a sleeve that is disposed in the terminal support tube and a forward latch tang that prevents withdrawal of the terminal assembly from the boot assembly. The pin terminal in the sleeve of the pin terminal retainer and an enlarged head that serves as the electrical contact that is pushed forwardly by the compression spring to engage the recessed contact of the spark plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Bezusko, Kenneth B. Germ
  • Patent number: 4997380
    Abstract: An electrical connector of the type comprising a conducting part having one end for receiving an electrical cable and one end suitable for connection to a terminal, said connection end being constituted by an elastically deformable split ring of shape adapted to the shape of the terminal, and extending the cable axially, the connector also including a rigid insulating sleeve suitable for sliding axially around the cable and the conducting part between a first position where it is disengaged from the ring in order to enable it to be put into place on the terminal or removed from the terminal, and a second position where it is engaged on the ring in order to clamp the ring on the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Societe d'Application des Ferrites - Musorb Route d'Argentan
    Inventors: Christian Etienne, Jacques Soccart
  • Patent number: 4983882
    Abstract: An ignition amplifier device for the secondary circuit of an ignition system comprises the series connection of a spark gap having an electrode spacing of between 0.05 and 0.2 mm with a condenser. The so formed series connection is shunted to the electrodes of the spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Isotec AG
    Inventor: Arnold Mayring
  • Patent number: 4906202
    Abstract: An ignition cable terminal assembly comprises an elongated hard plastic pipe which has an elastomeric head cover and an elastomeric seal sleeve. The elastomeric head cover has a handle portion which is reinforced by conformations at the top of the hard plastic pipe so that the elastomeric head cover is not damaged when the assembly is pushed on or pulled off a spark plug. The lower end of the hard plastic pipe has an internal shoulder and a pull bar which engage the ignition terminal housed in the pipe so that the electrical and mechanical connection between the ignition terminal and the ignition cable is not stressed when the assembly is pushed on or pulled off the spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Germ
  • Patent number: 4790767
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a spark plug cable to the high voltage output terminal of a distributorless ignition system. The connector has a tower member having a cup-shaped electrode which electrically connects the spark plug cable's electrical terminal with the high voltage output terminal of the distributorless ignition system. An insulator boot encloses the end of the spark plug cable and engages the tower member to form a watertight seal. A retainer, circumscribing a portion of the insulator boot, has a pair of latches which engage a radial flange provided on the tower member to lock the insulator boot to the tower member to maintain the watertight seal and hold the spark plug's electrical terminal securely in the tower member's cup-shaped electrode. A lock tab provided on the retainer engages a notch provided in the insulator boot to lock these two components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Prestolite Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sturdevan, Michael E. LaCanne
  • Patent number: 4770642
    Abstract: A connector for terminating the distributor end of ignition cables includes a conductive insert fitted within an outer boot. A spring-lock barrel of the conductive insert is arranged within a generally cylindrical head portion of the boot and a wire-piercing prong which extends radially outwardly from the barrel extends generally centrally into a cylindrical neck portion of the boot. The neck portion has a hinged cover with insulation piercing prongs to prevent axial withdrawal of a cable from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: James S. Van Hoose