Abstract: A cover for an electronic device is provided that may include a connector housing integrally molded with the cover. The connector housing may define a cavity configured to receive a connector plug therein, and a plurality of connector springs may be configured to contact the connector plug when the connector plug occupies the cavity. The plurality of springs may be protected and, as such, may not be visible when the cover is removed from the electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method comprising using a link to couple an electronic device to a host, wherein the electronic device is operable in at least one of a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation; while the electronic device is operating in the first mode of operation, supplying, to a first component of the electronic device, power received from a power source; and while the electronic device is operating in the second mode of operation, (i) supplying, to the first component of the electronic device, power received from the host via the link, and (ii) not supplying, to the first component of the electronic device, power received from the power source.

Abstract: Out of resilient contact pieces (21) provided on a shorting terminal (20), contact portions (24) to come into contact with specific terminal fittings (10) to be shorted by the shorting terminal (20) are provided on a front side of the shorting terminal (20) in a connecting direction to a mating connector (M). A shorting terminal accommodating chamber (46) provided in a housing (40) is open forward in the connecting direction to the mating connector (M). The shorting terminal (20) can be accommodated into the shorting terminal accommodating chamber (46) from front in the connecting direction. Front press-fit portions (34) to be press-fitted to wall portions (48A) of the housing (40) forming the shorting terminal accommodating chamber (46) are provided at positions of the shorting terminal (20) juxtaposed with the contact portions (24) in a width direction.

Abstract: A seal cover includes a cover main body (10) shaped to cover an opening of a case and to be attached to a surface of the case. A seal ring holder (20A) is on the underside of the cover main body (10) and is arranged to fit into the opening. A seal ring (25) is on the outer peripheral surface of the seal ring holder (20A) and closely contacts the inner peripheral surface of the opening. An interlock connector (40) projects from the seal ring holder (20A) for connecting to the waiting connector and sets an energizing circuit in an energized state or a non-energized state upon being connected to or separated from the waiting connector. The interlock connector (40) is mounted on the seal ring holder (20A) to be movable in a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction to the waiting connector.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a case, a board disposed inside the case and including a board main body section, a plurality of internal devices that are disposed inside the case at different positions to the board in plan view of the board and that are thicker than the board, a board extension portion that extends out from the board main body section between the plurality of internal devices, a board-side connection terminal that is provided to the board extension portion and is employed to connect to one of the internal devices or to an external device external to the case; and an internal device-side connection terminal that is provided to the internal device and is connected to the board-side connection terminal.

Abstract: A magnetic power connector and an electronic system using a magnetic power connector are disclosed, wherein a magnetic element of the magnetic power connector is magnetically attracted to a matching magnetic connector to ensure a stable contact. In addition, the electrical conductive path created between the contact elements does not pass through any elastic elements, thereby avoiding heating and improving the lifespan of the elements. Furthermore, sealing can be disposed in the gaps between the connector elements to make the connector waterproof. In addition, a trigger signal can be generated by establishing an electrical connection between a signal contact element and the conductive element in the magnetic power connector so as to achieve the purpose of identification or control, thereby avoiding the functional failure caused by the damage of the contact element of the matching magnetic connector.

Abstract: An improved electrical outlet providing a lockable electrical connection between a male plug and the outlet to securely retain the plug. The method to secure and retain the plug imparts minimal stress to the outlet and to the male plug so as to not substantially decrease the durability of either. The outlet decreases the shocking potential to a user or unwitting child by remaining un-energized when idle, and prohibits movement from its idle position until the outlet has received the plug terminal prongs. The shape of the movable receptacle assembly and its corresponding cavity blocks a child from contacting the outlets power source with a metallic object, while making the power source available to the receptacle assembly when initiated by the user. The outlets locking action steps secure and energize the plug simultaneously during the locking action steps in a user friendly manner.

Abstract: A power supply circuit disconnection device includes: a first connector housing (10); a second connector housing (20); a lever (30); a main circuit switch (SW1) that is switched off at a first operation position of the lever, and is switched on at a connector fitting operation position and second operation position of the lever; a signal circuit switch (SW2) that is switched off at the first operation position and connector fitting operation position of the lever; a first lock portion (LK1) that locks the lever at the second operation position; a second lock portion (LK2) that locks the lever at the connector fitting operation position; and a lock release operation portion capable of releasing, by an operation thereof, a lock state of the second lock portion.

Abstract: With a simple configuration, plastic deformation of contacts can be prevented while avoiding increase in size, and occurrence of failure in electrical connection due to dust can be well prevented. In an elastic beam-like member of a first-side contact extending like a cantilever in an insulating housing, a bent extending part which substantially increases the span length of the elastic beam-like member is formed to be bent to have a curved shape at a root part serving as a part coupled to a fixing base part. A through hole is formed in a region including at least part of the bent extending part to ensure flexibility while enhancing elasticity of the contact, thereby preventing permanent deformation of the contact. Meanwhile, dust which has entered the equipment is caused to fall through the through hole, thereby ensuring electrical conductivity well.

Abstract: Cavities (13A) in which first terminal fittings (30A) are accommodated are at one side of shorting terminal accommodating chambers (17) arranged between cavities (13) in a height direction. Second cavities (13B) in which second terminal fittings (30B) are at the other side in the height direction. An escaping portion (23) is formed on a partition wall (22) between the shorting terminal accommodating chamber (17) and the second cavities (13B) in which the second terminal fittings (30B) are accommodated and allows resilient contact pieces (41) deformed by a short releasing portion (84) to escape. A front holder (70) is mounted on the front surface of a housing (10) and includes insulating portions (75) for insulating between the resilient contact pieces (41) and the second terminal fittings (30B) by being located at the side of the second cavities (13B) at the other side of the escaping portions (23) in the height direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a metallic shell surround the insulative housing, a plurality of contacts and two detect modules retained to the metallic shell. The insulative housing is formed with a base and a tongue extending forwardly from the base. The shell and the insulative housing define a receiving cavity therebetween. The detect module have a detect pin, respectively, the detect pins extend into the receiving cavity through the shell and electrically connecting with each other via a shell of a mating plug.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing for safely breaking electronic communication with a smart card on removal from the electronic device. A safeguard structure rotates with respect to the housing to cover the smart card when inserted, and a switch breaks communication between the smart card and the electronic device when the safeguard structure is rotated away from the housing to enable removal of the smart card. The breaking of communication safely prevents damage to, or corruption of, data in the smart card upon removal from the electronic device.

Abstract: An electric through-wall terminal having a housing and a contact device, at which a plug zone is provided for accommodating a test- and/or connection plug. A first conductor terminal is provided which is connected with a first contact unit of the contact device. A second conductor terminal is connected with a second contact unit of the contact device. The housing comprises plug-in apertures on two sides from each of which a test- and/or connection plug can be inserted into the plug zone for contacting the first and second contact units.

Abstract: A card connector includes a main body having a receiving space, a plurality of terminals attached to the main body, a card ejecting mechanism including a levering member pivoted adjacent to the rear of the receiving space and an actuator movable inward and outward, and two detective terminals below the actuator, forming a switching circuit with the actuator for controlling electrical connectivity of the terminals. The actuator is configured to rotate the levering member. When the actuator is at the outward position, the plurality of terminals in enabled; when the actuator is moved beyond a triggering position, the plurality of terminals is disabled.

Abstract: The present relates to a washable interconnection patch, a connection assembly, and an intelligent washable garment equipped therewith. The patch receives and interconnects wires to a cable. The patch comprises two matching pieces interlocking together so as to define there between two opposite apertures. One of the apertures is adapted to receive and hold the wires, and the other aperture is adapted to receive and hold the cable. One of the two matching pieces defines on an interior face a channel to interconnect the wires to the cables. The connection assembly comprises a male connector and a female connector. The male connector defines a series of independent connection points along a length thereof. The female connector is adapted to receive the male connector, and defines along a length of an inner surface thereof a series of contact points. When the male connector is inserted within the female connector, the connection points and the contact points are aligned and in contact together.

Abstract: An improved electrical outlet providing a lockable electrical connection between a male plug and the outlet to securely retain the plug. The method to secure and retain the plug imparts minimal stress to the outlet and to the male plug so as to not substantially decrease the durability of either. The outlet decreases the shocking potential to a user or unwitting child by remaining un-energized when idle, and prohibits movement from its idle position until the outlet has received the plug terminal prongs. The shape of the movable receptacle assembly and its corresponding cavity blocks a child from contacting the outlets power source with a metallic object, while making the power source available to the receptacle assembly when initiated by the user. The outlets locking action steps secure and energize the plug simultaneously during the locking action steps in a user friendly manner.

Abstract: A coaxial connector includes an insulation housing having a receptacle opening portion for receiving a coaxial plug; an outer conductive member; a first terminal disposed below the receptacle opening portion; a second terminal disposed below the first terminal; and an insulation member disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal includes a first contact portion for contacting with a central conductive member of the coaxial plug. The second terminal includes a second contact portion for contacting with the central conductive member. The first terminal further includes a third contact portion, and the second terminal further includes a fourth contact portion for contacting with the third contact portion when the coaxial plug is not inserted into the insulation housing.

Abstract: A receiving module is disclosed for building into a switching cabinet, with a primary circuit mating contact element.

Abstract: An electrical series terminal having a terminal housing, conductor connector elements, and current bars, the current bars each having a connector section and a first contact section, the connector sections being assigned to a conductor connector element and the first contact sections together forming a resilient contact region to receive the plug of the test or power plug. A switchable transverse bridge is producible by each current bar having a second contact section, two further current bar pieces being arranged in the terminal housing, and a recess being formed in a current bar piece for insertion of a branch of a jumper. A current bar piece is assigned to a respective current bar so that the second contact section of a current bar is connected to the assigned current bar piece when no plug is inserted and is spaced from the assigned current bar piece when a plug is inserted.

Abstract: A connector for connecting an electric-power-transmission power cable to an electric device installed in a vehicle, includes a device socket, a cable plug that is plugged in or unplugged from the device socket, and a detection switch that is electrically turned on or off by a mechanical contact point provided on the device socket and a mechanical contact point provided on the cable plug. The device socket includes a contact terminal of the detection switch. The cable plug includes a plug housing that is electrically grounded by being connected to the device socket and a cover plate that covers an opening of the plug housing. The cover plate includes an insulative plate body and a contact conductor that contacts with the contact terminal of the detection switch. The plate body and the contact conductor are integrally molded.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a metallic shell surround the insulative housing, a plurality of contacts and two detect modules retained to the metallic shell. The insulative housing is formed with a base and a tongue extending forwardly from the base. The shell and the insulative housing define a receiving cavity therebetween. The detect module have a detect pin, respectively, the detect pins extend into the receiving cavity through the shell and electrically connecting with each other via a shell of a mating plug.

Abstract: There is provided a housing comprising an electrically powered device and electrical connecting means. The (electrical connecting means of the) housing fits an interface means of an electrical power supply. The housing is provided with one or more protruding elements movable between an idle position and a depressed position. In the idle state the one or more protruding elements prevent an electric current from passing between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device. The interface means comprise a front side which interacts with the one or more protruding elements by pushing the one or more protruding elements into the depressed state, thereby enabling an electric current to pass between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device exclusively when the housing has been properly installed.

Abstract: A power source circuit shut off apparatus shuts off a circuit of a battery assembly in which plural battery cells connected in series are arranged in parallel. The power source circuit shut off apparatus includes a housing, a pair of bus bars that is arranged in the housing and is connected to the adjacent battery cells respectively, a switch section that is adapted to conduct electrical connection or disconnection between the pair of bus bars, and a retaining member which is formed on the housing and is configured to be retained to a resin frame part of a side surface of the battery cell.

Abstract: A coaxial connector includes an insulation housing having a receptacle opening portion for receiving a central conductive member of a coaxial plug; an outer conductive member for detachably attaching an outer conductive member of the coaxial plug; a connection member; a switching spring member capable of being elastically deformed downwardly; and an insulation member fixed to the connection member or the switching spring member so that the insulation member is situated between the connection member and the switching spring member. The switching spring member is pushed and displaced so that the switching spring member is disconnected from the connection member when the coaxial plug is inserted into the insulation housing. The connection member is pushed to displace the switching spring member through the insulation member so that the switching spring member is disconnected from the connection member when the coaxial plug is inserted into the insulation housing.

Abstract: Described is an electric power socket for receiving an electric plug having a plurality of axially parallel plug pins, the power socket including: a rear portion housing a set of electrical connections for making electrical contact with the corresponding plug pins; a fixed portion including a set of guides for reception of the corresponding plug pins; an axially fixed rotatable body retained in a circular cavity, biased to an electrically inactive position and rotatable through an extent of travel to an active position, the rotatable body including a front wall through which extends a corresponding set of apertures to receive the plug pins; and a detent for cooperating with at least a first one of the plug pins in the active position and to resist rotation of the rotatable body toward the inactive position, wherein each aperture remains in registration with a corresponding one of the guides through the extent of travel; and the rotatable body returns under bias to the inactive position if the plug pins are wi

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector system. The electrical connector system includes a first connector to be mated to a corresponding counter connector and it is further adapted to be connected to a signal circuit for activating an electrical power source upon switching. As a safety feature, the connector system further includes a connector position assurance (CPA) member assigned to the first connector, which is movable, whereby an end position is not reachable if the first connector is incorrectly mated to the counter connector. The CPA member is adapted to interact with the signal circuit if placed in said end position so that it activates of the electrical power source.

Abstract: A card connector includes an insulating housing having two side walls of which an inside defines an inserting fillister, electrical terminals including a switch terminal which has a first contact arm and a first contact tail protruding from a free end of the first contact arm, and an upper shielding shell covered on the insulating housing and having two side plates of which one is die-cut to form a connecting slice inserted in the inserting fillister. A bottom of the connecting slice is bent inward to form a ground slice. The card connector utilizes the cooperation of a controlling switch of an electronic card and the first contact arm to control connection and disconnection between the first contact tail and the ground slice so as to further control a write procedure of the electronic card, wherein the controlling switch is movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A USB connector comprises a special USB plug and a USB receptacle mateable with the special USB plug. The special USB plug has a plug ground contact and a plug contact portion as a part of the plug ground contact. The USB receptacle has a plurality of contacts including a ground contact, a detector and a holding member. Each of the contacts has a contact point. Especially the ground contacts has the contact point configured to be brought into contact with the plug ground contact while the detector has a detecting portion configured to be brought into contact with the plug contact portion. The holding member has a plate portion formed with a principal surface. The holding member holds the contacts so that the contact points project from the principal surface of the plate portion while holding the detector so that the detecting portion projects from the principal surface of the plate portion.

Abstract: A plug-and-jack for use with an electronic device that is configured to ensure circuitry of the device is protected from electrostatic discharge. In one case, the jack is an audio jack designed to protect high gain circuitry of the device against electrostatic discharge from the leads of an audio plug. The jack includes a mechanical switch that only connects the high gain circuitry to the appropriate portion of the audio plug once the audio plug is fully inserted. At the same time, the mechanical switch also connects the high gain circuitry and corresponding portion of the audio plug to an electrostatic discharge circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and method for detecting a card connection status. An apparatus for detecting a card connection status is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a switch component operable to change an electric connection status with a contact terminal of a card connector responsive to a change of a connection status between a card and the card connector; a detection circuit operable to generate a detection signal indicating the electric connection status between the switch member and the contact terminal; and a controller operable to determine the connection status between the card and the card connector based on the detection signal from the detection circuit. The corresponding method, detection circuit, and card connector are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extension cord with environmental condition sensing ability has a plug for connecting to a power source, and includes a main body, a sensor unit, and a current control unit. On the main body, there are provided a first socket group and a second socket group, which are electrically connected to the power source via the plug. The sensor unit is electrically connected to the second socket group for sensing an environmental condition and thereby generating a signal. The current control unit and the sensor unit together form an electric circuit, and the current control unit receives the signal generated by the sensor unit and turns on or cuts off electric current being supplied to the second socket group according to the received signal.

Abstract: A subminiature coaxial micro switch connector includes a metal casing, an upper insulating cover, a resilient terminal, an immovable terminal and a lower insulating cover; the upper insulating cover, resilient terminal, and immovable terminal thereof are provided without bent thicknesses; the resilient terminal and the immovable terminal are plate-shaped structures to effectively decrease the thicknesses thereof such that the volume of the coaxial micro switch connector is reduced greatly to ease fabrication job and promote efficiency of the production.

Abstract: In a charging system, an interlock switch is configured to be turned on when a power switch of a vehicle body is turned off and turned off when the power switch is turned on is disposed between a negative terminal of a battery and a second negative input portion. A first positive output portion and a second positive output portion are connected to each other with a coil of a relay circuit installed in the charger body interposed therebetween. A relay switch of the relay circuit in which on and off operations are switched by the coil is connected to the first positive output portion.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide for reliable detection of electrical and optical audio plugs. One example may detect an optical audio plug by employing one or more mechanical detect switches. These switches may include a first contacting portion and a second contacting portion that are separated from each other when an audio plug is inserted into the audio jack. The second contacting portion may include one or more arms to contact a surface portion of the first contacting portion. The first contacting portion and the second contacting portion may be biased such that they tend to stay in contact with each other as the first contacting portion begins to be deflected by the insertion of an audio plug, thereby wiping dust or debris from between the first contacting portion and the second contacting portion.

Abstract: Electrical connection systems and methods are disclosed. An electrical system includes an electrical plug and an electrical receptacle. The electrical plug has at least one prong having at least one opening. The electrical receptacle has at least one socket, an electrical contact positioned within the at least one socket, a light source positioned to transmit light through the at least one socket, and a photodetector positioned to receive the light transmitted by the light source through the at least one socket. The electrical receptacle further has a microprocessor programmed to selectively couple the electrical contact with the power source based on the light received by the photodetector.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture integrally forms a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad.

Abstract: A lamp system used in a light string system comprises a light assembly and a socket assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, a base in communication with the light source, and a bypass activating system. The socket assembly comprises a socket adapted to receive the light assembly and a bypass mechanism having a first position and a second position. The bypass mechanism is in the first position when the light assembly is not seated in the socket assembly. When the bypass mechanism in the first position, current flows across the bypass mechanism. When the light assembly is inserted into the socket assembly, the bypass activating system of the light assembly moves the bypass mechanism into the second position, and current flows through the light source instead of the bypass mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer removably attaches a robotic tool to a robotic arm. The changer includes a tool module connected to the robotic tool, and a master module connected to the robotic arm. To attach and detach the robotic tool, the changer couples and uncouples the tool module and the master module. A master electrical signal module (ESM) affixes to the master module and a tool ESM affixes to the tool module. In accordance with design requirements, the changer applies the same power supply to both the master ESM and the tool ESM. The changer, however, selectively suppresses application of the power supply to the tool ESM, while maintaining application of the power supply to the master ESM, during the coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. In doing so, the changer enables such coupling and uncoupling, while also preventing the formation of transient electric arcs.

Abstract: Sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for connecting an electric-power-transmission power cable to an electric device installed in a vehicle, includes a device socket, a cable plug that is plugged in or unplugged from the device socket, and a detection switch that is electrically turned on or off by a mechanical contact point provided on the device socket and a mechanical contact point provided on the cable plug. The device socket includes a contact terminal of the detection switch. The cable plug includes a plug housing that is electrically grounded by being connected to the device socket and a cover plate that covers an opening of the plug housing. The cover plate includes an insulative plate body and a contact conductor that contacts with the contact terminal of the detection switch. The plate body and the contact conductor are integrally molded.

Abstract: A coaxial connector and a method for providing a normal force in an electrical connector. The coaxial connector includes a first terminal having a first contact portion and a second terminal having a second contact portion. Before an external device is inserted into the coaxial connector for the first time, the first contact portion and the second contact portion form a first relative positional relationship. After the external device is disengaged from the coaxial connector, the second contact portion urges against the first contact portion upwards to form a third relative positional relationship. The third relative positional relationship is different from the first relative positional relationship.

Abstract: An audio jack for receiving an audio plug includes a connection hole with a position detection portion and a first audio channel contact portion therein. When the audio plug is inserted into the connection hole to the linking position, a first audio channel connection portion of the audio plug contacts the position detection portion and the first audio channel contact portion. The position detection portion and the first audio channel contact portion respectively have a first distance and a second distance to an opening of the connection hole, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A patch cord for an intelligent patching system is provided. The patch cord is a ten-wire patch cord having a patch panel plug and a switch plug. The patch panel plug contains ninth and tenth wire contacts that interface with ninth and tenth wire contacts of an intelligent patch panel port. The switch plug is provided with a plunger-style switch that enables the intelligent patch panel to determine when the switch plug is plugged into a switch port. The switch plug is also provided with LED's and circuitry that controls the LED's.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging plug for connection to a charging socket of a device which is intended to be charged, for example, a motor vehicle which is at least partially driven by electrical energy, or a device which provides charging energy. In order to prevent the charging plug from prematurely becoming defective as a result of corrosion or electro migration, there is provision according to the invention for a switching device of the charging plug to be arranged partially inside and partially outside an enclosed conduction chamber.

Abstract: Instability of an electric connection state due to solder-wicking from a board connecting part of an electrically-conductive shell can be prevented with a simple configuration. A recessed part recessed toward a fixed contact and a movable contact is provided in the board connecting part of the electrically-conductive shell attached to an insulating housing. An excessive amount of a solder material or flux that is used at the board connecting part of the electrically-conductive shell and tries to rise along the wall surfaces of the board connecting part or the electrically-conductive shell is stored in the recessed part. The acting force of the rise is reduced by a reverse-tapered inclined surface constituting a wall surface of the recessed part. Furthermore, the length of the rise of the solder material and flux is extended by a curved wall surface of the recessed part. Thus, so-called solder-wicking is configured to be prevented well.

Abstract: A waterproof electrical socket connector includes a connector housing and a plurality of contact members. The connector housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to and configured to cover the first housing portion. The first and second housing portions define a cavity and an opening configured to permit extension of a plug into the cavity. Each of the contact members includes a terminal portion disposed outwardly of the connector housing, a contact portion for establishing electrical contact with the plug, and an embedding portion that interconnects the terminal portion and the contact portion and that is embedded in the first housing portion by insert molding.

Abstract: A light unit includes a bulb having a light source with lead wires and a separator, a switch member that includes a support member and a pair of spring terminals, and a socket having two or more conductive terminals and adapted to receive the bulb and the switch member. The switch member is adapted to cause the pair of spring terminals to contact one another to form an electrical short circuit across the pair of conductive terminals and the light source when the bulb is completely or partially removed from the socket. The lead wires form an electrical connection across the conductive terminals and the separator breaks contact between the pair of spring terminals when the bulb is seated in the socket.

Abstract: A card connector includes a housing including an insertion part into which a card is to be inserted; and a switch mechanism including a movable terminal and multiple fixed terminals. The movable terminal is configured to deform elastically in response to being pressed by the card upon the insertion of the card into the insertion part. The fixed terminals are provided in a direction in which the movable terminal is displaced by the elastic deformation. The movable terminal is configured to be in contact with or out of contact with at least one of the fixed terminals based on the amount of displacement of the movable terminal according to the presence or absence of the card in the insertion part and the shape of the card.

Abstract: A method for using a connector with terminals for connecting to a circuit card. The connector includes a socket having a casing with an aperture for receiving the circuit card therein and electrically conductive terminals. The terminals include an elongated portion and a substantially L-shaped portion joined together by a U-shaped portion. The elongated portion has a proximal end and a distal end, and includes a support section and a bending section between the proximal end and the distal end. The U-shaped portion is disposed at the distal end of the elongated portion. The terminal continues from the U-shaped portion to approximately halfway towards the proximal end of the elongated portion and turns away from the elongated portion thereby forming the substantially L-shaped portion. The L-shaped portion ends in a lip section curving towards the proximal end of the elongated portion.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus—such as a bed, stretcher, cot, chair, operating table, or the like—includes at least one electrical connector having at least one magnet integrated therein for magnetically retaining the connector with a complementary connector. The connector and the complementary connector may be designed such that they are retained together substantially only by magnetic forces, rather than frictional forces. Multiple magnets may be included within the connectors such that the connectors only couple together in a specific orientation. The connector may connect the patient support apparatus to a mattress positioned thereon, to a wall outlet, to a removable footboard or headboard, to a removable pedestal, or to other devices. The connector may include an internal safety switch that turns on a high voltage connection only when a low voltage connection is established.