Abstract: A rotary connector is provided which includes a rotatable case having an inner cylindrical shaft, a fixed case having an engaging portion engaged with an end portion of the inner cylindrical shaft and coupled with the rotatable case with a clearance therebetween, and a spirally wound flat cable housed in the fixed and rotatable cases, the flat cable being allowed to loosen and tighten to thereby permit a predetermined number of rotations of the rotatable case relative to the fixed case. A projection protruding radially inward is provided at the engaging portion, such that a radially extending clearance is defined between the projection and the end portion of the inner cylindrical shaft.

Abstract: The power brush block assembly (26) and a communication signal brush block assembly (28) are mounted to a rotating gantry portion (20) of a CT scanner in sliding communication with a stationary slip ring (16). The power communication brush block includes a plurality of like mounting blocks which when interconnected together in alignment define a locator aperture (64') and a shaft aperture (26') in radial alignment. A brush (70) includes a tip (72) and a shaft (76) around which a coil spring (100) is slidably received. The brush and spring assemblies are slidably received through the locator aperture until the brush tip is in sliding communication therewith and the shaft is in sliding communication with the shaft aperture. A retainer (102) prevents the spring from propelling the brush completely through the locator aperture. An electrical lead (104, 104') has a friction connector (106) which is connected to one end (78) of the brush shaft and connected at its other end with an electrical contact (88, 88' ).

Abstract: The invention is a flexible interconnection which is used to transmit electrical signals across a rotatable mechanical coupling in a mechanical system. The mechanical system includes a first member defining a first surface and a second member defining a second surface. The first and second members are coupled for rotation in a plane of rotation about an axis. The first and second surfaces are juxtaposed. The interconnection includes a flexible cable which is fixedly attached to a first point on the first surface and a second point on the second surface. A "U" shaped portion of cable is formed between the two points of attachment. The "U" shaped portion has a first longitudinal portion which is substantially parallel to the plane of rotation, a second longitudinal portion which is substantially parallel to the plane of rotation, and a curved portion connecting the first and second longitudinal portions.

Abstract: An electrical contact apparatus having a first set of roller contacts and a second set of plate contacts separately positioned on surfaces that move relative to one another. The roller contacts have conductive rollers that are electrically coupled to a terminal. The plate contacts have flat conductive surfaces that are coupled to opposing terminals. As the roller contacts are moved past the plate contacts, the conductive rollers abut against, and roll along, the flat conductive surfaces of the plate contacts; thus completing the desired circuit.

Abstract: An assembly for guiding cables or tubes between a stationary part and a part which follows the movements of a bidirectionally rotatable body is provided, wherein the cables or tubes are arranged in two oppositely turning loops on both sides of the axis of rotation of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus having a stationary part and a movable part, with an electrical conductor running between one or more components on each part, includes a mechanism for winding and unwinding the electrical conductor as the movable part is moved relative to the stationary part. The mechanism includes a rotatable drum onto which, and from which, both the electrical conductor and a cable can be wound or unwound in opposite winding directions. By exerting a tensile force on the conductor, the conductor can be unwound from the drum while the cable is being wound onto the drum. Conversely, the cable can be unwound from the drum while the conductor is being wound onto the drum, given a tensile force on the cable. If both the cable and the conductor are mechanically connected to the movable part, the forces acting on the movable part during winding or unwinding of the conductor balance substantially to zero.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has base and pedestal members designed to connect an electronic device and accessory, and includes spring-loaded pins cooperating with recesses to maintain a selected rotational position therebetween, while permitting manual rotation of the pedestal member relative to the base member.

Abstract: A spring carbon brush which can be slid into a holder is blocked in the corresponding feed position on the holder when acted on by forces opposed to the direction of feed by a catch or expansion device in such a way that it can only move in the direction opposed to the direction of feed by overcoming an additional, preferably gradual, elastic force.

Abstract: An electrical contact structure for making and maintaining an electrical connection through a rotatable tool head is provided. A low cost contact probe assembly can be incorporated into the drive of various conventional tightening tools to extend onto the head of a fastener to make and maintain electrical contact therewith while the head is being operated upon by the socket or gripping means of the tightening tool. This contact probe assembly includes an insulated and shielded electrically conductive tube.

Abstract: A gauge for a vehicle has a spontaneous light-emission type pointer with a built-in light-emitting device. The pointer is fixed to a pointer shaft rotatably driven in accordance with a measured value. A solid circuit member for supporting a light-emitting device and for coupling the light-emitting device to the pointer shaft is fixed to the pointer. The solid circuit member has a first plated conductive layer for electrically connecting one of the terminals of the light-emitting device to the pointer shaft, and a second plated conductive layer for electrically connecting the other of the terminals to a spring abutment fixed to the pointer shaft in an insulating fashion. The solid circuit member is connected to a power source for lighting the light-emitting device. Consequently, a number of parts required for supplying power to the light-emitting diode can be reduced.

Abstract: A clock spring is used in a steering system for automobile cars and comprises a stationary member and a movable member provided rotatably relative to the stationary member, both of which are electrically connected to each other by using cables. The cables are received in the receiving portions formed by the stationary member and the movable member, and a spacer having an opening is rotatably provided between the stationary member and the movable member. The cables are wound in one of the cable receiving portions, the remaining portions of the cables being passed through the opening and wound in the other receiving portion in the reverse direction. Guide members are rotatably supported in the opening so that the cables are respectively wound on the free ends of the guide members to form half loops.

Abstract: A low-voltage lighting fixture comprises a pair of parallel electrical conductor rails, and an electrical current collector shoe slidingly mounted on the conductor rails. The collector shoe comprises a pair of collector heads slidingly mounted on the rails and a socket carrier electrically conductively connected to the collector heads and comprised of two electrically conductive socket sections electrically insulated from each other by an insulating element positioned between the socket sections. The socket carrier is mounted between the collector heads for rotation about an axis extending perpendicularly to the rails, and there is a socket for a lamp on the socket carrier.

Abstract: A wiring system for modular structures, such as prefabricated panels, which utilizes a novel disc stack connector. The connector comprises a stack of alternating conductive and insulative discs which are held in place by a rod traversing a central aperture in each disc. A primary supply cable may be attached to the disc stack connector, allowing parallel connections to secondary cables. Connector heads on the cables have several prongs for engaging the conductive discs. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive discs are smaller than the insulative discs, and one insulative disc is made larger to provide keying with a slot in the connector heads (i.e., the heads are polarized). The connector and cables are located out of sight within the raceways of the prefabricated panels.

Abstract: A rotary antenna connector includes a rotary shell rotatably fitted with a stationary shell. A plurality of radial grooves in the stationary shell are engaged by balls resiliently urged between the rotary and stationary shells. Engagement of the balls in the grooves holds an angular position of the antenna connector until the holding force is overcome by sufficient external manual torque.

Abstract: An electrical contact structure for making and maintaining an electrical connection through a rotatable tool head is provided. A low cost contact probe assembly can be incorporated into the drive of various conventional tightening tools to extend onto the head of a fastener to make and maintain electrical contact therewith while the head is being operated upon by the socket or gripping means of the tightening tool. This contact probe assembly includes an insulated and shielded electrically conductive tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-voltage lamps that have bar-shaped shades that are used outdoors, especially as indicating lights at night. There may be a plurality of shades that are joined together by coupling elements so that the user may select the precise position of the lamp relative to the object being illuminated.

Abstract: An electrode device including an insulating body, at least one conductor mounted on the insulating body, and an insulating member mounted on the conductor and supporting high voltage slip-ring electrodes to which high voltages are applied.

Abstract: An hermaphroditic electrical connector comprising a pair of substantially identical body members. The two body members are arranged to be releasably secured together to electrically connect plural electrical contacts of one member to respective electrical contacts of the other member and for maintaining such electrical connections while enabling the two connector members to be pivoted with respect to each other about a longitudinal axis through a predetermined angular range.

Abstract: A booster cable assembly includes a plurality of booster cables stored in a container unit on independent reels. The reels are controlled to automatically rewind the cables after use, and to control unwinding and rewinding so that the proper sequence of connection and disconnection will be followed during a jumping procedure.

Abstract: A chair for conducting the electrostatic charge of an occupant to the floor on which the chair rests, with the chair seat carried on a support unit which permits rotation of the seat and adjustment of the height of the seat above the floor. The support unit includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve moving vertically relative to the outer sleeve, and an electrical resistor connected between the inner and outer sleeves and in sliding contact with at least one of the sleeves, typically by means of a spring finger strip mounted in a groove of a bushing or collar.

Abstract: An assembly is provided including two members capable of relative rotation about a common axis, and with electrical interconnections extending between the two members, the assembly, being for example, part of a gimbal system, wherein the electrical interconnections may be divided into two groups, selected such that, because of the voltages, and/or currents, carried by the electrical interconnections, it is desired that the electrical interconnections of one group are screened electrically from the electrical interconnections of the other group, by a screen which does not extend along the whole length of either group.

Abstract: A rotary coupling for transmitting torque across a plurality of flexible electrical wires is disclosed herein. The coupling generally comprises a tubular assembly for resisting flexure loads applied to the coupling that has a fixed portion and a rotatable portion, and a shaft member concentrically disposed within the tubular assembly for transmitting torque. First and second connectors are mounted around the inner wall of the fixed and rotatable portions of the tublular assembly, respectively and the second connector mechanically mounts the rotatable portion of the tubular assembly with the shaft member. A plurality of flexible electrical wires are disposed between the inner wall of the tubular assembly and the outer wall of the shaft member. Each of these wires includes a slack poriton which is loosely wound around the shaft member and connected at either end to the first and second connectors, respectively.

Abstract: A rotary coupling for conducting rotational movement across a plurality of electrical wires is disclosed herein which applies a minimum amount of stress on the wires. The coupling generally comprises first and second concentrically disposed tubular members rotatably movable with respect to one another and a skirt member circumscribing one of the tubular members which defines a recess for receiving U-shaped slack portions present in each of the wires. In operation, the U-shaped slack portions extend into and retract out of the recess whenever the coupling members are rotated relative to one another. The rotary coupling effectively transmits torque and high electrical currents in environments where the use of slip rings is undesirable, such as outer space, and is particularly useful within a movable support arm which connects a solar panel to the main body of a space facility.

Abstract: A swivel connector for interconnecting a wireline cable with a logging tool includes an elongated tubular body member having a cavity for supporting one or more slipring assemblies. An elongated shaft is disposed partially in said body member and extends from a lower end thereof and is supported on rolling element bearings. The shaft is connected to the rotors of the slipring assemblies while the stator members of the slipring assemblies are held stationary in relation to the body member by an elongated axial key. Flexible electrical conductors from the wireline cable are connected to the stator and flexible conductors are connected to the slipring rotors and extend through an axial passage in the shaft toward a plug for connecting the conductors to the logging tool.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly is structured within a mechanical pivot connection between a hollow post and a transverse hollow arm. Contact rings concentric with the post interact with brush contacts mounted within the arm.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a movable carriage mounted with a printing mechanism that reciprocates along a printing line on a platen, and a control unit, which is provided on a printer body in a stationary manner and sends control signals to the printing mechanism for its various operations. A flexible member connected to the carriage and the control unit for transmission of the control signals. For this purpose, the flexible member is connected at one end to the printing mechanism. The flexible member has a first end portion at a proximity of that end, which is clamped by a connecting member pivotally supported on the carriage. This connecting member can swing to permit free deformation of the flexible member which is caused by the movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A pan and tilt mechanism for a surveillance camera that can pan through two full revolutions. A bell crank has one arm in the path of rotation of a pair of switches, and the bell crank can be shifted to extend the opposite arm. Each arm can be shifted by one switch, but will actuate the other switch to reverse the pan motor. The electrical cord for the mechanism and the camera is wound about the axis of rotation so the cord stays neat and undamaged through all rotation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A current-conducting bearing or contact bearing includes contact-making surfaces of a bearing bolt and a shaft fashioned as an axial cone and a hollow cone, respectively. With a suitable choice of materials of the current conducting parts, such as special bronzes, an allowable current load of up to 200 amperes per square cm is possible, compared to 4 amperes per square cm in the case of hard carbon and 25-30 amperes per square cm in the case of bronze carbon of traditional brushes in slip rings of electric machines.

Abstract: A wireless slip ring assembly includes inner and outer subassemblies mounted together for undergoing rotation relative to one another. The inner subassembly includes a sleeve composed of axially spaced annular slip rings and a printed circuitboard mounted within the sleeve having spaced longitudinal sides connected at longitudinal edges and spaced conductive paths defined on the longitudinal sides and extending to the edges. The conductive paths are spaced from interior sides of the slip rings except at the longitudinal edges of the circuitboard, where each conductive path is electrically and rigidly connected to one slip ring.

Abstract: A hinged electrical connector comprises a receptacle connector (RC) and a tab connector (TC) that are hingedly connected together by hinge members (3, 4, 5a, 6), the connectors having coplanar receptacle contact sections (12) of receptacle contacts (7) electrically engaged with tab contact sections (14) of tab contacts (8) and conductor-engaging sections (9,10) electrically engaged with conductive areas of circuit boards (11a, 11b) enabling the boards to be moved between angular positions and maintained thereat.

Abstract: A separable connector for mounting printed circuit boards which permits easy removal or swiveling for repair or replacement. The connector has a chassis or surface mounting header having a plurality of solder connections to interconnect with main circuits. The header has sockets with latches for receiving mounting pins on a cylindrical connector securely attached to a printed circuit board with rivets and solder connections. The cylindrical connector has wrap-around contacts on a cylindrical shaft mating with concave contacts on the header which maintain electrical contact as the circuit board swivels.

Abstract: A device having two separate sets of contacts and a pivotal axis allowing 360.degree. of rotational freedom between the two sets of contacts. The device is designed to provide the release of radial mechanical energy, stored in a coiled cord due to repeated twisting action, and imparted to the cord from the device attached to the cord. The device provides for continuous electrical connection between the two sets of contacts, by providing unique rotary contacts which allow interruption-free electrical continuity during the full 360.degree. of rotation. The device provides for a minimal degree of friction, to allow for the rapid and thorough release of radial energy, and also provides minimum contact-wear, to allow for optimum electrical continuity and to provide for a long, useful life.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an anti-skid hydraulic braking system comprises a bulkhead connector extending through an aperture in a sidewall of the brake fluid reservoir, a connector harness mounted along the inside of the reservoir sidewalls extending from the bulkhead connector to three solenoid assemblies mounted on the reservoir floor, and a solenoid connector on each solenoid assembly in engagement with the connector harness. The solenoids extend through floor apertures into the master cylinder to respective hydraulic lines extending to brake cylinders in the wheels, one of the solenoids handling both rear wheels. The bulkhead connector mates with a connector outside the reservoir which is terminated to a wire harness connected to the on-board microprocessor to relay current to the solenoids when data from individual wheel speed sensors is processed to determine that a particular wheel is about to skid.

Abstract: An arrangement for distributing a cable assemblage between a stationary part and a part which is arranged for limited rotation relative to the stationary part, the cable assemblage comprising at least one power cable and at least one signal transmission cable. The arrangement includes a centrally located tubular element mounted on the stationary part and a housing which surrounds the tubular element and which is connected to the rotatable part. The signal transmission cable extends axially through the tubular element and is folded or deflected through about 90.degree., and extends out through an opening provided in the element and is then loosely wound helically for a number of turns around the outer surface of the tubular element. The cable then extends out through an opening in the surrounding housing and is again folded or deflected through 90.degree., so as to extend substantially axially along the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A proximity switch including a base assembly rotatably carries a sensing head formed of a support part rotatable about one axis extending through a base assembly for positioning a sensing face on a complementary sensing part in any one of four planes parallel to the one axis. A pivot between for the support and sensing parts enable the sensing face to be placed in a plane transverse to the one axis by rotation about a second axis at 45.degree. to the one axis. Flexible connections extend along the one axis and stops between the sensing and support parts avoid undue twisting of the connections. An annular printed circuit board supported by the base assembly and a plurality of fine wires carried on an elastomeric member supported in the support part provides separable multiple connections between each conductor on the board and the flexible connections.

Abstract: A power and signal transfer unit has a stator assembly and a rotor assembly for a control moment gyroscope and for overcoming the problem of electrical noise in a slip ring by using a slip ring having a flexible cable. A stator assembly has a frame member and having a plurality of brushes. A rotor assembly includes a rotor member, and includes a flexible cable having a plurality of conductors, each conductor being connected at an inner terminal to the rotor member and being connected at an outer terminal, and includes a slip ring member rotatably supported by the frame member for rotation relative to the frame member and having a plurality of conductive portions, each conductive portion being respectively connected to an outer terminal and being in contact with on of the brushes.

Abstract: An electrically lighted jump rope is disclosed with a flexible tube of light transmitting material and handles rotatably mounted thereon at each end. A tube fitting and handle fitting at each end are coupled together for rotation relative to each other about an axis of rotation extending axially of the tube. A battery is disposed in one of the handles and a lighting circuit including a plurality of LEDs extends into the tube. The battery is connected to the lighting circuit through brushes and slip rings on the tube and handle fittings.

Abstract: A multi-directional speaker system for use in combination with a sound source comprising an adjustable speaker support structure to operatively support a plurality of speakers each operable within a discrete frequency range and an electrically conductive path to feed electric signals from the sound source to each of the plurality of speakers wherein the adjustable speaker support structure includes a lower rotatable speaker support and an upper pivotal speaker support coupled thereto to operatively support a lower and upper speaker respectively and the electrically conductive path includes a lower conductive interface to receive electric signals from the sound source and intermediate and upper conductive interface each electrically coupled to the lower conductive interface to feed electric signals therefrom to the lower and upper speakers respectively.

Abstract: A device for rotatably supporting a temperature probe disposed in an oven for heating a material. The probe has one end provided with a plug and another end for insertion into the material for detecting the temperature thereof. The device includes a socket section secured to one of the wall surfaces of the oven chamber, the socket section nonrotatably supporting a contact mechanism which in turn rotatably and disengageably supports the plug while the contact mechanism receives signals from the temperature probe through the plug.

Abstract: A phase-adjustable coaxial cable connector is provided which adjusts the length of the phase path of the system without changing the length of the connector. The electrical path length is adjusted by relative rotation of electrical conductors in the connector.

Abstract: A device for transmission of signals between two units which are movable relative to each other without having to use rotating slip rings or the like. The signal transmitting conductors are disposed close to a point on the center axis of a rotating holder for the signal source. This results in minimum fatigue of the conductors, which in turn permits a long life of the conductors. The signal source is journalled in the holder and can be prevented from rotating around its center axis. The device can also be used to transmit a medium such as a coolant between two units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt/swivel mechanism for supporting a display monitor. The mechanism includes separate tilt ball and pedestal assemblies which may be snapped together without the use of tools. In like manner, any one of various monitors may be snapped onto the tilt ball assembly to provide a complete data display system.

Abstract: A mounting bracket apparatus adapted for movably mounting a spot light or the like on a vehicle. A ball support is formed of substantially identical hemispheres is positioned on the vehicle. First and second substantially identical socket assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the ball member and operably connected. One of the socket assemblies mounts the spot light while the other mounts a user manipulative handle. This arrangement enables a combination of desired tilt and rotational movement to provide a continuous range of movement of the spot light.

Abstract: An assembly to eliminate slack in a length of cord (20, 120) extending between axially spaced first (12, 112) and second (14, 114) cylindrical members. The cord (20) is wrapped in coiled lengths (22, 24, 122, 124) on the interior side walls (18, 19, 118, 119) of each member (12, 14, 112, 114). A control means (34, 134) acts between the members (12, 14, 112, 114) and coiled lengths (22, 24, 122, 124) to coil the cord (20, 120) onto one coiled lengths (22, 24, 122, 124) while uncoiling the cord (20, 120) from the other coiled length (24, 22, 124, 122). A guide means (36, 136) guides the cord (20, 120) onto and off of one of the coiled lengths (22, 24, 122, 124) while rolling means (38, 138) hold the coiled lengths (22, 24, 122, 124) in position to eliminate slack.

Abstract: A twist capsule includes a rotor and a stator which are rotatable relative to one another. Two portions of a flexible cable are fixed to the rotor and the stator with an intermediate cable portion therebetween. The intermediate cable portion is arranged in either a "Z" configuration or a helical wrap to prevent coiling and sliding of the cable on itself as the twist capsule rotates. The ends of the cable extend from the capsule for connection to external wiring.

Abstract: Brushgear for miniature motors comprising a pair of brushes each having brush shoes, made of electrically conduction metal strips, for making sliding contact with a miniature motor commutator, in which each brush shoe is bent into a V shape in cross section; ends of the feet of the V-shaped brush shoe being adapted to make sliding contact with the commutator, and the sliding positions of the brush shoes of the two brushes are disposed apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the commutator and/or in an inclined state in the axial direction of the motor rotating shaft at a predetermined angle with respect to the tangential direction of the commutator.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic electrical connector comprising a pair of substantially identical body members releasably secured together to electrically connect plural electrical contacts of one member to respective electrical contacts of the other member and for maintaining such electrical connections while enabling the two connector members to be pivoted with respect to each other about a longitudinal axis through a predetermined angular range. The means for securing the two connector members together comprise a post and a recess on each body member aligned with the longitudinal axis to enable the post of one member to be readily snap-fit within the recess of the other member. Each of the two body members includes spaced-apart ribs which, when the two members are connected together, are interleaved to define plural internal spaces. Each space houses a pair of engaging contacts and is generally isolated from the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A twist capsule conducts signals between an input and an output which are rotatable relative to one another through one or more flat cables which are fixed to both the capsule rotor and the capsule stator. Each flat cable is folded over onto itself to form a rolling loop which propagates around the axis of the capsule in response to rotation of the rotor. The propagation of the rolling loops is equal to half the rotation of the rotor disk allowing capsule rotation of up to 175 degrees in either direction, or 350 total degrees.

Abstract: To provide for electrical connection of electrical components through a rotating shaft in a manner facilitating assembly and disassembly of the connection for replacement of the components, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes an insert disposed within an insulator both of which are fixed within the rotating shaft in proximity to an opening therein, electrical terminals or contacts associated with each of the electrical components in spaced relation thereto, and a conductive bushing extending through the opening in the rotating shaft in electrically isolated relation thereto. Additionally, the connector assembly includes an externally threaded fastener for releaseably securing the electrical terminals or contacts and the conductive bushing to the insert in the insulator to electrically interconnect the electrical components in a manner accessible externally of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A rotary electrical connector apparatus for receiving and transmitting electrical energy. The apparatus comprises a hollow housing having opposite ends and a centrally located longitudinal axis of rotation and each opposite end has an opening. A spindle has a first section and a second section. Means on the housing and spindle cooperate to mount the spindle and housing for rotation about the longitudinal axis independently of each other. A plurality of electrical conducting means through the spindle rotate with the spindle. Each of the electrical conducting means comprises a first portion contiguous to the outer surface of the spindle's first section and a second portion extending longitudinally through the spindle's second section. A plurality of electrical contact means each having opposite ends is mounted for rotational movement with the housing. Means at one end of each electrical contact means engage the contact means with electrical energy receiving means.