Prong Cover Patents (Class 439/134)
  • Patent number: 10923836
    Abstract: A deformable shield for mitigating radio frequency interference with a male coaxial connector includes a flexible hollow body having opposed front and rear ends, a concave section of the body proximate the front end, defining an open mouth of the shield configured to receive a female coaxial port, and a bellows section of the body behind the concave section. The bellows section terminates at the rear end with another mouth configured to be fit upon the male coaxial connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Youtsey
  • Patent number: 9368966
    Abstract: A device that removably attaches to existing power supplies or adapters to provide power to one or more additional electronic devices, while not interfering or affecting the power being supplied to the primary or main electronic device by the power supply or adapter. The adapters, interfaces, connectors, cords and other components described herein may be used with any applicable electronic device, including portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device attaches to and provides power to a laptop computer power adapter, while simultaneously providing power to a USB port or interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Bradford Green
  • Patent number: 9306309
    Abstract: An OBD connector protective cover includes a clip provided with a pair of openable/closable lugs, a body cover that covers the entire clip including the pair of lugs, a key cylinder provided on a front of the body cover as opening/closing operation means for the pair of lugs and a socket provided on a rear face of the body cover as an opening for inserting a connection terminal section 101 of an OBD connector 100 into the body cover. The pair of lugs are closed through a key operation with the key cylinder, the connection terminal section 101 of the OBD connector 100 and the body cover are integrated together by the lugs holding the connection terminal section 101 of the OBD connector 100, and the body cover constitutes an obstacle to thereby disable access to the connection terminal section 101 from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ashikawa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Ashikawa
  • Patent number: 9105999
    Abstract: A lock device for electronic apparatus includes a lock body and a key member. The lock body includes a front end, a rear end, and a bottom side defined between the front and the rear end and having at least one retaining section provided thereon. The lock body is configured for inserting into a slot on an electronic apparatus. When the lock body is inserted into the slot, the bottom side of the lock body is located corresponding to a plurality of terminals in the slot with the retaining section abutted against inner sides of the terminals, so that the lock body is held in the slot to lock the same. The key member is configured for detachably engaging with a lock core structure of the lock body, so that the lock body can be inserted into and extracted from the slot only with the key member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Tigerex Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Hu Kung
  • Patent number: 8950223
    Abstract: A personal lock box with a timer comprising a hinged strongbox with an internal cavity that is large enough to contain small personal items therein. The lock box is controlled by an electronic circuit. The lock box further comprises a user interface, a timer, a power source, and associated circuitry. The user interface allows a user to activate the device, selectively program a locked time, and initiate a locked cycle during which time the lockbox cannot be opened. Additionally, the lock box comprises a retractable locking cord for securing the lock box to large items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Sean T. Joyce
  • Patent number: 8851909
    Abstract: The retractable universal electrical wall outlet is a wall outlet unit that is designed to include multiple ports for providing power to a variety of devices. The ports may include a telephone jack, a USB port, a DSL/LAN port, and a cable jack. The unit also incorporates therein a power switch, a safety switch, and a digital screen for displaying the amperage consumption and the temperature at the unit's location. A retractable member may be deployed to expose additional ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ali A. A. J. Shammoh
  • Patent number: 8770860
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes: a plug (10) including a body (11), an insert (12) and contacts (13) housed longitudinally in the insert, and a front face closed off by a first closure valve (15) positioned radially on the plug, a socket (20) including a body (21), a spacer (27), an insert (22) and contacts (23) housed longitudinally in the insert, and a front face closed off by a second closure valve (25) positioned radially on the socket, the body (11) of the plug being capable of getting inserted into the body (21) of the socket during a coupling, providing for a connection of the contacts (13) of the plug with the contacts of the socket, the first and second closure valves being capable of pivoting simultaneously and getting housed inside the plug and the socket during the coupling of the plug and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Souriau
    Inventors: Ronan Affre De Saint Rome, Alain Philippe
  • Patent number: 8519276
    Abstract: A raised access floor service box can have a plurality of entry points that are segregated from one another. Each of the plurality of entry points can be associated with a corresponding plurality of segregated chambers. At least one of the segregated chambers can be configured to be a secure chamber, which further can include a door to the chamber. The door to the secure chamber can include a lock that secures and prevents the door from opening when the lock is in a locked position, thus securing the cables and cable connections within the security chamber. In addition, the raised access floor service box can have connector ports that are only accessible within the security chamber. The raised access floor service box thus allows for various types of cables, with various levels of security, to be associated with a single raised access floor service box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott J. Isaacks, Steven M. van Beveren
  • Patent number: 8435071
    Abstract: A terminal block cover includes a base having a base surface configured to be secured against a terminal block. First and second spaced apart sidewalls extend from and adjoin the base. An outer wall is spaced apart from the base and is secured to the base by and adjoins with the first and second sidewalls. A lateral wall is arranged at a first lateral side and extends between and adjoins the first and second sidewalls, the outer wall and the base, which together provide at least one terminal pocket. An inner surface is provided on the outer wall facing the terminal pocket and has first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are at first and second distances respectively from the base surface, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. The second surface retains a terminal nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Grosskopf, Edward C. Allen
  • Patent number: 8415920
    Abstract: A charger has its one side provided with terminals. The charger is provided with a connector. The terminals and the connector are electrically connected with a charging circuit within the charger. The charger has a panel connecting piece for connecting to a socket panel. The present invention further provides a combination of a charger and a socket panel. The charger is combined with the socket panel, so that the user can use the charger easily. The problem that the user may not find the charger is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 8411445
    Abstract: An enclosure for outside plant equipment includes a base unit and first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) carried by the base unit and having a circuit side and opposing component side on which electronic components are mounted. A heat sink is connected to the first PCB at the circuit side and configured to dissipate heat from any electronic components mounted on the first PCB at the component side. A cover is attached to the base unit and has an inside surface covering the enclosure. A second PCB has a circuit side and opposing component side on which electronic components are mounted. The second PCB is supported by the inside surface of the cover. A heat sink is connected to the second circuit board at the circuit side and configured to dissipate heat from any electronic components mounted on the second PCB. A PCB finger connector interconnects the first and second PCB's at the component side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob D. McCleary
  • Patent number: 8313343
    Abstract: A terminal block cover includes a base having a base surface configured to be secured against a terminal block. First and second spaced apart sidewalls extend from and adjoin the base. An outer wall is spaced apart from the base and is secured to the base by and adjoins with the first and second sidewalls. A lateral wall is arranged at a first lateral side and extends between and adjoins the first and second sidewalls, the outer wall and the base, which together provide at least one terminal pocket. An inner surface is provided on the outer wall facing the terminal pocket and has first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are at first and second distances respectively from the base surface, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. The second surface retains a terminal nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Grosskopf, Edward C. Allen
  • Publication number: 20120264314
    Abstract: An electrical plug safety device (10) comprising a body (16) having apertures for receiving pins (14) of an electrical plug (12). A securing member 32 is provided within the body (16) to engage with a side of at least one of said pins (14) when the pins (14) are received in the apertures such that engagement between the securing member (32) and the side of the pin (14) restricts removal of the plug (12) from the body (16). When sufficient force is applied to the body (16) in a direction away from the plug (12), the securing member (32) is disengaged from the pin (14) and moves such that the securing member (32) will not re-engage with a pin (14) inserted into the body (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Darren Mark Cananzi, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Patent number: 8246363
    Abstract: A safety socket has an insertion block, a base and a conducting unit. The insertion block has an inner housing and two support frames mounted in the inner housing. The base has an outer housing covered on the inner housing and two guide arms mounted in the outer housing. The conducting unit is mounted between the support arms and between the guide arms. When two blades of a plug are plugged in the insertion block and pushed inwardly, the conducting unit is rotated to electrically connect with the two blades. Each one of the guide arms and the two blades is held between the conducting unit and the corresponding support arm to keep the plug from being unplugged arbitrarily. When the insertion block is pushed again, the conducting unit is rotated and the plug can be easily unplugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Ding-Ea Lo
  • Patent number: 8177565
    Abstract: The invention features an electrical connection apparatus capable of operatively attaching to an electrical appliance or electrical socket. The apparatus also includes at least two electrical connections which can communicate with each other to allow the flow of electrical charge therebetween. The apparatus can also be arranged to allow relative movement of the at least first and/or second electrical connection between a first position, wherein electrical charge can flow therebetween, and a second position, wherein the flow of electrical charge is prevented. The relative movement can take place over a pre-determined time period following actuation to provide a timing mechanism for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Logicor Limited
    Inventor: David Bowen
  • Patent number: 8142211
    Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein, R. Curtis Jennewine, Charlene A. Haley
  • Patent number: 8066522
    Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein, R. Curtis Jennewine, Charlene A. Haley
  • Patent number: 8057244
    Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein, R. Curtis Jennewine, Charlene A. Haley
  • Patent number: 8029298
    Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein, R. Curtis Jennewine, Charlene A. Haley
  • Patent number: 8029297
    Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein, R. Curtis Jennewine, Charlene A. Haley
  • Patent number: 8025509
    Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein, R. Curtis Jennewine, Charlene A. Haley
  • Patent number: 7985083
    Abstract: A system for engaging devices having connectable electrical connectors includes a first device and a second device. The first device has a first electrical connector exposed at a first surface that is contoured to define one or more recesses, each of which has a lip. The second device has a second electrical connector exposed at a second surface that is contoured to define one or more gripping elements, each of which fits into one of the recesses to grip one of the lips when the first and second electrical connectors are connected together. The first device also has a movable element that can be positioned such that when the one or more gripping elements are in the one or more recesses and gripping the one or more lips, the movable element blocks the gripping elements from being moved out of the recesses or away from the lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Phihong USA Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Hopwood, Chang Chun Feng
  • Patent number: 7722369
    Abstract: Lock devices for installation on a serial bus male connector plug that prevent access to, and connection of the plug to other devices, such as memory storage devices, have a housing with a receptacle which is installed onto the serial bus male connector plug to cover at least a portion of the male connector plug, and contain a locking mechanism and retaining member moveable between an unlocked position allowing disengagement and removal of the plug from the receptacle, and a locked position with plug securely engaged in the receptacle to prevent connection of the connector plug to a female serial bus connector of another device and unauthorized access to data stored in the memory of memory storage devices. The lock device may have a shackle and a cap-holding tether attachment and may be utilized with conventional security cables and locking devices to also prevent theft of the memory storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Donald P. Bushby
  • Patent number: 7715961
    Abstract: The method and system use onboard data stream mining for extracting data patterns from data continuously generated by different components of a vehicle. The system stores the data patterns in an onboard micro database and discards the data. The system uses a resource-constrained, small, lightweight onboard data stream management processor, with onboard data stream mining, an onboard micro database, and a privacy-preserving communication module, which periodically and upon request communicates stored data patterns to a remote control center. The control center uses the data patterns to characterize the typical and unusual vehicle health, driving and fleet behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Agnik, LLC
    Inventor: Hillol Kargupta
  • Publication number: 20100022109
    Abstract: Electrical connection apparatus is provided including engagement means to allow attachment of the apparatus to an electrical appliance or electrical socket in use and at least first and second electrical connection means which can communicate with each other in use to allow the flow of electrical charge therebetween. The apparatus further includes movement means arranged to allow relative movement of the at least first and/or second electrical connection means between a first position, wherein electrical charge can flow therebetween, and a second position, wherein the flow of electrical charge is prevented. The relative movement takes place over a pre-determined time period following actuation or on actuation of said movement means to provide a timing mechanism for the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: LOGICOR LIMITED
    Inventor: David Bowen
  • Publication number: 20080261420
    Abstract: Described is a safety power plug having electric plug prongs made of conductive material that exist having a insulated base portion housed inside the plug extending uniformly from and forming a nonconductive proximal portion, a conductive center portion and a distal nonconductive portion to allow the center conductive portion of the prong to be housed inside the female receptacle when a electrical connection is made thus preventing an electrical shock or fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Wayne Riddle
  • Patent number: 7429180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for restricting electrical connection to an electrical contact in a hard disk drive. A hard disk drive is provided which includes an electrical interface having a plurality of electrical contacts, and a restricting member. Access to at least one of the electrical contacts is restricted through the restricting member such that an electrical connection between the restricted contact and another electrical contact is avoided. The restricting member may be a shroud associated with the restricted electrical contact. The shroud includes an access passage which allows for an electrical connection between the restricted electrical contact and a contact on a self test rack. The shroud also prevents a shorting jumper from being placed on the restricted electrical contact, thus reducing the possibility of an inadvertent electrical connection between the restricted electrical contact and another electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Maxtor Corporation
    Inventor: Edward M. Gostling
  • Publication number: 20080233777
    Abstract: A receptacle shroud and shroud removal tool coact to selectively restrict unauthorized access to a channel-bound electrical receptacle. The receptacle shroud comprises a channel-engaging wall and a receptacle cover. The receptacle cover comprises a tool-receiving aperture. The channel-engaging wall is sized and shaped for snug insertion in a pedestal-bounding, structure-receiving channel. The channel-engaging wall is retained by friction forces at shroud-to-channel interfacing. The shroud removal tool comprises a shroud-engaging end and a handle end. The shroud-engaging end is insertable through the tool-receiving aperture. The handle end enables a user to manually impart shroud-removing forces to the shroud-engaging end, which shroud-engaging end transfers the shroud-removing forces to the receptacle shroud. The shroud-removing forces are operable to remove the channel-engaging wall from the structure-receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley C. Burchell
  • Publication number: 20080214022
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a vehicle connector lockout apparatus capable of being connected to the diagnostic port of a vehicle is provided. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses a raised protrusion, located in the common space below the two rows of pin spacing of the diagnostic port, as a locking point. The preferred embodiment provides a blocking mating connector with a pressure mechanism for clamping the mating connector to the protrusion. In the preferred embodiment the pressure mechanism is activated and released mechanically by operation of a key in a key lock which is an integral part of the mating connector, where rotation of the key to the locked position in the key lock applies pressure to the protrusion so as to clamp the blocking mating connector to the protrusion. A further embodiment of the invention provides a non-volatile microchip memory component to store information about the vehicle operator usable by medical personnel at the scene of a crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas M. Kowalick
  • Publication number: 20080102664
    Abstract: A card connector (100) for receiving a card, includes an insulative housing (10) receiving a number of terminals (20), a shield plate (40) assembled on the insulative housing, and a pair of supporting plates (70). The shield plate includes a pair of lateral walls (42, 43). The lateral walls define an inserting cutout opposite to the insulative housing along a card inserting direction. The supporting plates coupled with corresponding lateral walls of the shield plate, extends beyond the inserting cutout along a direction opposite to the card inserting direction, and each supporting plate forms an engaging portion (77) at the portion beyond the inserting cutout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Yung-Chang Cheng
  • Publication number: 20070281521
    Abstract: An arm (3) supporting a tension pulley (2) around which an endless torque transmitting member (B) is looped is supported by a fixed member (E) via a base member (7). A torsion coil spring (8) is interposed between the base member (7) and the arm (3). The base member (7) is brought into pressure-contact with the fixed member (E) by a tightening force of a bolt (6). A pivot shaft (5) is fitted onto the outer circumference of the bolt (6) so as not to cause a tip to contact the fixed member (E). By transmitting an axial force generated by tightening the bolt (6) to the base member (7) via a flange (5A) formed on the outer circumference of the pivot shaft (5), the distribution of a contact pressure between the fixed member (E) and the base member (7) is optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Kentaro Kawahara, Keisuke Azuma
  • Patent number: 7229322
    Abstract: An outlet extension unit adapted to plug into a conventional electrical wall outlet with wall plate comprising: a member having an upper end and a lower end, on one side at least one pair of outwardly projecting electrically conductive prongs adapted to plug into said conventional wall outlet and at least partially cover said wall plate, said prongs being in electric conducting communication with a rotatable electrical receptacle carried at said lower end which is adapted to receive at least one conventional plug of an electrical device, said extension unit having at least one pair of electrically non-conductive prong receiving openings therein on the side opposite said outwardly projecting electrically conductive prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Brian D. Bangert
  • Patent number: 7220137
    Abstract: A cover for a multiplex and multi-directional receptacle set in which each of a plurality of receptacles is provided on a lateral side thereof with an insertion socket formed integrally therewith and having a through hole; a plurality of covers same as the said cover can cover the receptacles and each has a bent strip extended laterally thereof; the bent strip has a conical engaging block on its tailing end. The engaging blocks are used to be directly engaged in the through holes of the insertion sockets to form connection; so that the covers are kept at the sockets to be opened or closed relative to the sockets. Thereby, the covers are easily and firmly assembled at the sockets to be convenient for operation of a user to open or close, and an effect of saving material can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Ta Hsing Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Ho Liu
  • Patent number: 7121853
    Abstract: The locking device for electrical plugs includes a housing for receiving the prongs of at least one electrical plug therein. The distal end of a rod is pivotally secured to the inner face of a rear wall of the housing, with the rod being received by holes formed in the prongs of the electrical plug. A support is mounted to the front exterior face of the housing and has a channel formed in its upper surface. The front face further has an opening formed therethrough for receiving the proximal end of the rod, which is further releasably received within the channel. A lock is mounted to the support for selectively and releasably locking the rod within the channel, thusly releasably locking the prongs to the rod within the housing. The locking device allows the prongs of electrical plugs to be secured within the housing in order to prevent theft and, further, as a safety precaution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: James C. Gast
  • Patent number: 7097473
    Abstract: A cable clip includes a housing defining an open space and outer grooves about the housing for mounting the cable clip into a mounting opening, the inner edge of the housing including trumpet flares around the edges of the ends and side to provide bend radius protection for cables passing through the clip and a gate closing off the open sided space. The gate may be attached to the housing by a living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Krampotich, Thomas C. Tinucci, John C. Holman
  • Patent number: 6997724
    Abstract: An aircraft battery lockout device is used to isolate the connector assembly for the aircraft's wiring harness from the battery power receptacle. In one embodiment the device comprises a cover, lock, and insulative material. The cover is locked onto the battery power receptacle. The insulative material provides electrical isolation between the locking device and the battery power receptacle. In a second embodiment the device is locked onto the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald J. Earl
  • Patent number: 6935871
    Abstract: A locking device for use with an electrical plug having a pair of spaced prongs, each prong having an aperture spaced from its free end portion, the locking device including a body member, a pair of spaced apart arm members, and an elongated member extending between the pair of arm members. The transverse member is adapted for insertably receiving the apertures associated with the plug prongs, one of the arm members being pivotally movable between a first position wherein sufficient space is provided for engaging the plug apertures with the free end portion of the elongated member and a second position wherein the plug prongs cannot be disengaged from the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Maurer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6921288
    Abstract: A semi-conductor module burn-in test apparatus having a plurality burn-in boards each of which is provided a plurality of module test sockets thereon and each test socket is coupled to an adjacent test socket by with a high current, open/short split power connector that can readily connected to or disconnected from said adjacent test socket by coupling together the power inputs of the adjacent sockets or uncoupling the previously coupled power inputs of adjacent sockets and thereby selectively altering the current carrying levels available to said adjacent test sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Blondin, Gene T. Patrick
  • Patent number: 6863550
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a self-ejecting cover for externally accessible electronic components. The system of the present invention includes a panel with an aperture for accepting an externally accessible component such as a communication connection. A self-ejecting cover with an engaging tab is disposed in the aperture. Upon connecting the panel to a device with a corresponding component the cover is ejected, if an external component is not included the cover remains in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, Vernon D. Erickson, Richard A. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6832921
    Abstract: A removable cap that has two safety prongs. A replacement outlet cover is also provided that has corresponding side slots to receive the safety clips. When the cap is inserted into the outlet, the safety prongs engage the side slots, which then hold the cap in place. Once the safety prongs are engaged, the removable cap must be compressed to remove the cap. This type of action is beyond the motor skills of small children, thus making the caps totally safe for use around children. Moreover, removing the caps is a simple task for adults, which makes them more likely to be used than more complicated covers and locks. The caps can be sold as a kit with a replacement outlet box cover for a low price. Power cords can also be made with the safety prongs to prevent them from being easily pulled out of outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Darren Stewart
  • Publication number: 20040253857
    Abstract: A connection cap includes: an insulative cap body for receiving conductors of a wire provided with a back wall and an opening at respective opposite ends thereof; an electrically-conductive conductor connection member which is provided within the cap body and is adapted to be connected to the conductors when the cap body is compressed radially in a state the conductors are received in the cap body; and an electrically-conductive resin material which is filled in a back wall-side portion of the cap body, and is extruded toward the opening to penetrate into interstices between the conductors when the cap body is compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadahisa Sakaguchi, Masanori Onuma
  • Patent number: 6802724
    Abstract: A connectorized inside fiber optic drop that facilitates the deployment of fiber to the home by connecting a fiber optic interface device to an optical network terminal, the inside fiber optic drop including a sheath, transition fittings, pigtails, fiber optic connectors, and a fiber optic strand. The sheath is positioned over a middle section of the fiber optic strand. The transition fittings are attached to the fiber optic sheath proximate to both ends of the drop. The pigtails attach to the transition fittings and enclose the fiber optic strand from the transition fittings to the ends of the fiber optic strand, where the fiber optic connectors are attached to the fiber optic strand and the pigtails. If the drop contains more than one fiber optic strand, then one set of pigtails with connectors is provided for each fiber optic strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn M. Mahony
  • Patent number: 6767228
    Abstract: This invention is an internal safety cover for use in electrical outlets that provides increased protection against electrical shock. The internal safety cover is designed to be slidably positioned inside the conductive members of an electrical outlet. One embodiment requires uniform force to both openings in the socket for the safety cover to slide and permit the plug to gain contact with the conductive members. Furthermore, the compression device can be adapted to eject partially inserted or withdrawn plugs. A latch mechanism embodiment may lock the safety cover in the closed position preventing access even with uniform force. This invention provides automatic safety protection from both improper foreign objects and partially inserted or withdrawn plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Irwin G. Katz
  • Patent number: 6764322
    Abstract: A power plug receptacle having a safety cover comprises a plurality of sockets each provided with a rotary safety cover. A socket and a safety cover are coupled through inserting a pivot post into a pivot hole and engaging a guiding pin into a guiding slot. A torsional spring provided within the socket resiliently ejects the safety cover into a position where the socket holes and the safety cover holes are misaligned. Therefore, the socket is automatically sealed, achieving the protective functions against foreign intrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Tsung-I Yu
  • Patent number: 6676421
    Abstract: An electrical plug locking assembly for preventing plugging a male electrical plug into an electrical outlet includes a block member of a first material and having a plurality of openings for receiving prongs of a male electrical plug. Arm portions of a second material are coupled to the block member. Further, a locking member is securable through the pair of arm portions extending from the block member. When secured to the arm portions, the lock member holds the arm portions in a position adjacent to a rear portion of a head of the male electrical plug when the prongs of the plug are inserted into the block member. Thus, the arms are held in a position preventing removal of the prongs from the block member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Sammie L. Bynes
  • Patent number: 6652307
    Abstract: The invention is a compact locking device for locking one or more standard male electrical plugs therein in order to prevent their removal and unwanted use. Each plug includes prongs with openings thereon. The device comprises one or more prong-receiving grooves and an elongated channel extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the receptacle, the elongated channel positioned transverse to the longitudinal direction of the grooves. After inserting the prongs of the plugs into the groves of the receptacle, a locking mechanism having an elongated prong-securing member coupled thereto is inserted into the channel and the elongated member, which is sized to fit through the prong openings, pierces travels through the channel and pierces each of the prong openings thereby securing the plugs within the receptacle. The locking mechanism is a common cylindrical lock that includes a locking flange on its exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Eliezer Tatz
  • Patent number: 6508654
    Abstract: The invention is a compact locking device with minimal moving parts for securing an electrical power cord with male prongs having holes without damaging the prongs of the plug. The device comprises a rigid body, inside of which is a lock assembly, an elongated member cooperatively engaged to the lock assembly and an inwardly biased generally V-shaped spring with two outer arm members, each including a knob thereon. The knobs are positioned to cooperatively engage the holes in the prongs when the lock is engaged, such as the insertion of a key, and the elongated member spreads the outer arm members of the spring. The knobs are separated from the holes when the lock is disengaged, i.e. the key is rotated towards its initial position. The body is shaped so that a third ground prong on the plug would not interfere with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Eliezer Tatz
  • Patent number: 6454579
    Abstract: A locking device for an electrical plug. The device has a housing and a cover which can be opened only with a coded key pad. The housing has internal contacts which allow the plug to be connected to a standard receptacle, or which allow the plug to be disconnected from the contacts in the housing to allow the plug to be electrically disconnected from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Carolyn E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6379166
    Abstract: A cable outlet box for in-wall installation is disclosed that is particularly well suited for optical fiber cable network applications. The outlet box is larger than conventional outlet boxes in the transverse direction, to allow optical fibers to be maintained with a bending radius that is greater than the optical fiber's minimum bending radius, the minimum radius beyond which damage to the optical fibers can result. The depth of the outlet box is selected to allow installation within walls without protruding from a wall. Cable retainers, about which an excess length of cable may be coiled, extend inwardly from the rear panel into the outlet box. An extension ring, similar to conventional extensions rings, but adapted to attach to the larger outlet box, extends through the wall panel thickness for recet of fixtures such as fiber optic connector strips, low voltage copper communications strips, audio, video, security or other such cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Randl Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hagarty, David L. Hagarty
  • Patent number: 6309246
    Abstract: A terminator cap is provided for terminating a wireless transmitter output connector, which is made from a composite material so as to provide an electrical impedance between an outer case and a center conductor of the output connector. A method is also provided for terminating a wireless transmitter output connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Telxon Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Keaton, Robert Vu, Rodney J. Poole, Martin Andrew Van Vuuren, Norman Epstein