Concentric Patents (Class 439/21)
  • Patent number: 11476627
    Abstract: A rotatable power plug assembly is disclosed, which comprises: a first connection module, a second connection module and a plug module, wherein the second connection module is connected between the first connection module and the plug module. According to the present invention, the first connection module comprises a first base that is disposed on a housing of the power device, and there are two first conductive pins and two second conductive pins provided on the first base. Moreover, the plug module comprises two prongs and two electrical units electrically connected to the prongs. The two electrical units contact with the first conductive pins and two second conductive pins through the second connection module. By such arrangement, the rotatable power plug assembly according to the present invention has multiple advantages, including: comprising elements and units can be simply assembled, modular design, high durability, and high security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: CHANNEL WELL TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-An Pan
  • Patent number: 11458299
    Abstract: A lead body for implantation includes a first set of conducting sections, a second set of conducting sections, a strain relief coupler having a axial length with a plurality of tines extending along the axial length and extending radially thereby defining a plurality of axially-extending channels, a plurality of joints located within the plurality of channels, each joint coupling one conducting section from the first set of conducting sections to one conducting section from the second set of conducting sections, and an outer layer at least partially surrounding the first and second set of conducting sections, the plurality of joints and the strain relief coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical Components LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Cass, Paul Noffke, Alan Carlson
  • Patent number: 10931051
    Abstract: A connector comprises an adapter and a first receptacle adapted to be assembled onto a first end of the adapter. The adapter includes an outer contact, an inner contact, and an insulator between the outer contact and the inner contact. The first receptacle includes a first outer terminal in electrical contact with a first end of the outer contact, a first inner terminal in electrical contact with a first end of the inner contact, and a first insulative body between the first outer terminal and the first inner terminal. The first outer terminal includes a plurality of first elastic contact structures. Each of the first elastic contact structures has an elastic arm and a first contact point formed on the elastic arm. The first contact point is adapted to elastically electrically contact an inner wall of the first end of the outer contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yunhe Wang, Zhigang Song, Jiahui Chen, Lin Ni, Songhua Liu
  • Patent number: 10840657
    Abstract: A power outlet for a vehicle trim panel comprises an electrical socket having first and second bezels. The second bezel includes a pin that extends toward the first bezel and an adapter assembly is disposed within the electrical socket between the first and second bezels such that a first conductive plate of the adapter assembly is aligned and in contact with a second conductive plate on the pin. The adapter assembly has a base with a plurality of terminals disposed within the base and a faceplate, wherein the adapter assembly is rotatable about a center axis of the electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas, Silvia Lopez Portela, Alejandra Sofia Herrera Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10797456
    Abstract: An outlet relocation assembly includes a male electrical outlet that can be plugged into a female electrical outlet on a wall that is blocked by furniture. A ring is rotatably positioned around the male electrical outlet. An arm is coupled to and extends away from the ring such that the arm is oriented parallel to the wall in which the female electrical outlet in the wall is positioned. A female electrical outlet is pivotally coupled to the arm. The female electrical outlet on the arm can be spaced from the female electrical outlet in the wall thereby facilitating the female electrical outlet on the arm to be extended beyond the furniture. Moreover, the female electrical outlet on the arm is in electrical communication with the male electrical outlet to supply electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: David Fyock
  • Patent number: 10667373
    Abstract: A streetlight sensor platform comprising a sensor module which is coupled to a controller section having a lower portion for interfacing with a receptacle of a streetlight and an upper portion for receiving the sensor module. The sensor module is coupled to the controller section without the need for tools allowing easy installation and replacement. The sensor can be utilized for intelligent lighting and event notification such as public safety, emergency vehicle alerts, traffic monitoring, alerts and dynamic lighting applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: LED Roadway Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Cartmill, Gregory P. Jacklin, Tristan Laan, Sean Roddick, Mark Neary, Damon Langlois, Simon H. Lightbody
  • Patent number: 10602858
    Abstract: A rack assembly for storing and dispensing spices is disclosed. The rack assembly comprises a base, a spindle couple to the base, a plurality of rods coupled to the spindle, a plurality of platforms mounted on the spindle, and a plurality of containers. Each container is placed on the platform and coupled to the rod. Each container comprises a wheel provided within. The wheel is coupled to the rod. Each rod is actuated to operate the wheel to dispense spices stored in the container. The rack assembly comprises a control unit communicatively coupled to the plurality of rods. The control unit is used to select an amount of the spice required. After selecting, the control unit instructs the rod to actuate and to operate the wheel to dispense the spice stored in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Jamila Hunter
  • Patent number: 10320209
    Abstract: A primary device for connecting to a secondary device is provided, including at least three electrical contacts, a voltage source, and a controller, wherein each electrical contact has an associated high switch connected between the contact and the voltage source, and an associated low switch disposed between the contact and electrical ground, and wherein the controller is connected to each of the switches and is configured to sequentially close pairs of switches to connect the voltage source to the device during an orientation operation, each pair of switches comprising a high switch associated with one of the contacts and a low switch associated with another of the contacts, and is further configured to record a voltage difference between the contacts associated with a plurality of pairs of the switches, and to determine an orientation of the secondary device relative to the primary device based on the recorded voltage difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Johnny Luke Grzan, Kang Liat Keng, Raphael Holzherr
  • Patent number: 10186822
    Abstract: A housing and a power cable for supplying power to components within the housing wherein the power cable is attached to the appliance via a rotatable connection, the rotatable connection comprising a male connector having two longitudinally spaced connectors separated by a separator and a female connector comprising two longitudinally spaced receptacles. The two longitudinally spaced receptacles may be substantially identical and may be shaped to receive the longitudinally spaced connectors and may have a base portion and two upstanding portions forming a U-shape. The two upstanding portions may have a first straight section that extends from the base portion and may have a second section which extends from the first section and is adapted to receive a longitudinally spaced connector and may have a third section which extends from the second section and provides an opening into which a longitudinally spaced connector can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Benjamin James Hogan
  • Patent number: 10116103
    Abstract: This invention teaches a connector design that has the capability to safely disconnect the power flowing through the connector when misalignment of the two connector halves is detected. Monitoring contactors disposed on different locations on the connector and are made to carry or not-carry (depending the contact position in the connector), a pilot signal generated by one of the connector halves. The presence or absence of the pilot signal on the individual contacts is monitored by the other connector half. A safe and automatic power disconnects ensues when the two connector halves misalign. This happens well before the primary power contact disengage. The clever design detects not only in-plane misalignments, but also out of plane misalignments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Satyajit Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 10063051
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket box. The socket box includes a base, a socket insert, a facia insert and an internal electrically conductive substrate. The socket insert comprises a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is provided with a plurality of apertures which are sized and spaced so as to receive the pins of an electrical plug, and wherein further the lower surface is provided with a plurality of sprung electrical contacts. The socket insert and electrically conductive substrate are supported and held in spaced relationship to one another by the facia insert such that the sprung electrical contacts are compressed against the electrically conductive substrate, and wherein further the facia insert in turn is supported by the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Barry Foley
  • Patent number: 9859670
    Abstract: A rotatable universal socket is provided, including a socket body on which a penetration hole is disposed, a socket unit disposed on the socket body and internally disposed with a plurality of conductive sheets. A plurality of plug holes is disposed on the socket unit, each plug hole is a universal plug hole, each of plug holes corresponds to each of conductive sheets, and the plurality of conductive sheets is electrically connected to a pin plug which extends from a rear side of the socket unit. The rotary disc is rotationally disposed between the socket body and the socket unit, a plurality of socket holes is disposed on the rotary disc, each socket hole has a specification different from the others, and the plurality of socket holes selectively correspond to the penetration hole and the plurality of plug holes, so that plugs with various different specifications can be plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 9663185
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal with cadence sensor is disclosed and comprises a pedal shaft, a frame, and a cadence sensor. The pedal shaft is fastened at a crank of a bicycle. The frame is pivotably installed at the pedal shaft. The cadence sensor is arranged at the frame and the cadence sensor includes a G-sensor and a power supply coupled to the G-sensor. The cadence sensor is arranged at the frame. The cadence sensor is cooperating with the frame and the cadence information may be gained through the G-sensor. The cadence information may be transmitted to a bicycle computer or a smart mobile device. A cadence data may be resulted by program operation. The cadence data may be provided to analyze and apply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 9054476
    Abstract: A rotary appliance base assembly for supporting an appliance includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. A platform is operationally coupled to the base so the platform supports an appliance. A column is coupled to the platform. An electrical outlet is coupled to the column so the appliance is operationally coupled to the electrical outlet. A tubular coupling member is coupled to the column. The electrical outlet is operationally coupled to the tubular coupling member. A power cord is coupled to the base. An end of the power cord is operationally coupled to the tubular coupling member so the power cord remains stationary when the platform is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Jason L. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20150110253
    Abstract: A rotor of a computed tomography apparatus has a rotatable mechanical support frame for mechanical retention of electrical components and electrical connection elements for electrical connection with electrical components of the computed tomography apparatus, with the electrical connection elements arranged in at least one backplane bus. A rotating unit and a computed tomography apparatus embody such a rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Friedrich Distler, Sultan Haider, Hans-Juergen Mueller
  • Patent number: 8961191
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electronics in a pedal spindle. The electrical connector may have a plurality of concentrically-spaced electrical contact pads and a spindle connector. The electrical contact pads may fit within the pedal spindle and electrically connect to the electronics in the pedal spindle. The spindle connector may have a housing and a plurality of electrically conductive elements, such as pins, extending from the housing. The housing may be sized and shaped to mate with an end of the pedal spindle proximate to the electrical contact pads. The electrically conductive elements or pins may each contact one of the electrical contact pads when the housing is mated with the end of the pedal spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hanshew
  • Patent number: 8920177
    Abstract: A rotating electrical plug includes a hollow shell, a bottom cap attached to one side of the hollow shell, a rotary member detachably inserted into an opposite side of the hollow shell to selectively force respective locating notches thereof into engagement with locating blocks in the rotary member, an electrode holder coupled to the rotary member to hold electrodes in the hollow shell, an elastic member mounted in a sleeve of the electrode holder, and a fastening device affixed to the end cap to hold down the elastic member. Thus, the rotating electrical plug has a simple structure, and allows adjustment of the installation angle positively and safely to fit different electrical sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Serene House International Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Jen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8858236
    Abstract: A rotatable electrical plug assembly for a volatile material dispenser includes a support block having first and second opposing lateral sides and electrical plug pins extending from the support block and including terminals connected to the plug pins. The plug assembly further includes a wire extending from one of the terminals toward the first side of the support block, wherein the wire forms a loop between the terminals and the first side and further extends toward the second side of the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse Richard
  • Patent number: 8390247
    Abstract: A device for a plug in vehicle includes a cord with a ball-like covering that allows it to be dropped. The cord bounces when dropped, and no damage is caused. There is also an electrical actuator that is based on when the vehicle is in a mode that allows it to be charged. When the vehicle is in the charge mode, the actuator either magnetically attracts the cord, or tightens against the cord to hold it more tightly If the vehicle is put in reverse, for example, the actuator is deenergized, and the cord is less tightly held, facilitating its disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: David M. Harris, Scott C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20120309209
    Abstract: present invention provides a night lamp which the holder is rotatable along the plug, comprises a shell and a plug, said shell is assembled by a front holder and rear holder, a joint for installing the bulb is positioned on the top of said shell, and the laminated electrodes for electrical connection between the bulb and the holder is solid mounted inside said joint; a rotatable plug unit is installed on the back of said rear holder, and said plug unit also comprises an annular jammer, which is fixed on said shell by screws, the plug unit is connected to said shell by said annular jammer which also makes the plug unit become rotatable, thus, user can rotate said shell and the bulb which is installed on it to meet desirable angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jinhui Zhou
  • Patent number: 8197196
    Abstract: A bushing assembly for a turbine vane includes a bushing, housing, and a flexible conductor. The bushing includes a bore for receiving a trunnion of the vane and a first conductor extending from the bushing. The first conductor is adapted to be connected to a heater element disposed on the vane. The housing is positioned over the bushing, and the bushing is rotatable relative to the housing. The housing includes a second conductor extending from the housing for connection to an electrical power source. The flexible conductor is electrically connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, such that an electric current is transmitted from the second conductor to the first conductor to provide an electric current to the heater element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Michael Davis, Billy T. Wood, Gregory William Reimels, Louis Bruno Lorenzi
  • Patent number: 8167622
    Abstract: A power plug with a freely rotatable delivery point is disclosed, wherein a relative orientation between a delivery point element (e.g. an electric wire) and insertion terminals of the plug can change freely on a plane. A plug seat includes an armature which displaces axially. An open end of the seat is loosely connected with a turntable which is coaxial with the armature. The turntable is assembled with the insertion terminals which loosely contact with the armature by relative rotation. Between the seat and the armature, an elastic arch element is axially provided and parts of the insertion terminals relative to the armature are indirectly provided with plate-shaped conducting probes with an elastic shear. By the elastic arch element and the conducting probes, a mechanical vibration wave occurring during rotation of the turntable is absorbed, such that the armature can actually contact with the terminals to avoid jump sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Mig Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Jian-Lin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8142200
    Abstract: An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. A slip ring spacer is also disclosed, the slip ring spacer for use with a pancake slip ring having a base and flange configuration to form one or more channels around each contact ring of the pancake slip ring. The channels provide fluid isolation around each connector to help reduce electronic cross talk and contact corrosion between the connector pads of the slip ring while the slip ring is immersed in a wet environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Liposonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Crunkilton, Craig Robert Bockenstedt
  • Patent number: 8133060
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric plug can comprise a housing, a rotatable plug assembly, and a blade array. The housing can have a bottom piece and a top piece including a first opening. The bottom piece can be in mechanical communication with the top piece and forming a cavity defined by the interior surface of the top piece and the interior surface of the bottom piece. The rotatable plug assembly can have a top surface and a bottom surface opposite each other, where a first portion of the rotatable plug assembly can comprise the bottom surface and be located within the cavity, and where a second portion of the rotatable plug assembly can protrude from the cavity via the first opening. The blade array can include a plurality of plug blades, each plug blade of the plurality of plug blades having an outlet end and a connector end, the connector end of each plug blade located within the rotatable plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 8123528
    Abstract: A rotating plug adapter includes a housing including a top and bottom coupled to freely rotate about a rotary cap disposed between the housing top and bottom. Right and left electrical spades and an optional grounding post extend from the rotary cap, A receptacle, integral to the periphery of the housing, which accepts an electrical plug may be selectively oriented at a wall receptacle by rotating the adapter housing and receptacle to a desired orientation about an axis perpendicular to the wall. Internal flanges define grooves in which rotary electrical contacts are maintained through rotation of the housing and integral receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Devlin, George Favaloro
  • Patent number: 8096817
    Abstract: An electrical plug connector includes a rotary assembly, an electrical plug assembly having a live prong assembly, a neutral prong assembly, and a ground prong assembly and capable of rotating with respect to a first predetermined axis, and a linkage portion between the rotary assembly and the electrical plug assembly for linking the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong assembly. The linkage portion is configured to enable the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong to rotate with respect to a first predetermined axis simultaneously. When not so linked the three prongs may be folded into receiving spaces on the plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Jung-Hui Hsu, Ming-Chou Kuo, Mei-Ju Lin
  • Patent number: 8033833
    Abstract: A rotatable connector includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The first rotating member includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface forms first pins, and the second surface forms fixing bodies each comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion cooperatively define a latching groove therebetween. The second rotating member includes a third surface opposing the first rotating member and an opposite fourth surface. The third surface forms circular latching bodies rotatably retained within the latching groove. The fourth surface forms second pins. The fixing bodies and the latching bodies cooperatively define cavities fully filled in electrical conductive material. The wires that are respectively fixed to the first pins and the second pins are capable of being electrically connected by the electrical conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Shi Lai
  • Publication number: 20110244696
    Abstract: A swivel mechanism comprising a first swivel portion having a first coupling portion and a second swivel portion having a second coupling portion, the second swivel portion dimensioned for mechanically engaging with the first swivel portion to provide at least a first mechanical coupling position and at least a first data communication channel, wherein the first data communication channel is provided through a hollow cavity formed when the first swivel portion and the second swivel portion are in the first mechanical coupling position and wherein the first data communication channel is configured to convey 60 GHz data signals when the first swivel portion and the second swivel portion are in the first mechanical coupling position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation, a Japanese corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Jensen Read
  • Patent number: 7946852
    Abstract: In one example, an electrical device comprises an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises a housing comprising an interior perimeter, and a rotating section located at least partially within the interior perimeter of the housing. The rotating section comprises a section wall, a front face coupled to a first end of the section wall, a conductor set, and a prong set. The conductor set comprises a first conductor at least partially circumscribing a perimeter of the section wall at a first distance from the front face, and a second conductor at least partially circumscribing a perimeter of the section wall at a second distance from the front face. The prong set comprises a first prong protruding through the front face and coupled to the first conductor, and a second prong protruding through the front face and coupled to the second conductor. The rotating section, including the conductor set and the prong set, is rotatable relative to the interior perimeter of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Belkin Intenational, Inc.
    Inventor: Wadsworth John
  • Patent number: 7914292
    Abstract: Embodiments of a rotatable electric plug and related methods are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale T. Honda
  • Patent number: 7896708
    Abstract: An electrical connector system provides both electrically conductive connection and infrared coupling, and includes at least one electrically conductive member adapted to provide electrically conductive connection to another electrically conductive member, an infrared member adapted to provide infrared member coupling with another infrared member, and wherein the at least one electrically conductive member and the infrared member being held in positional relation to each other to be positioned with respect to a further electrical connector for electrically conductive connection and infrared coupling with respect thereto. A method of connecting electrical signals uses a pair of electrical connectors, each having an electrically conductive connection portion and an infrared coupling portion to provide for both electrically conductive connection and infrared coupling between the electrical connectors. The invention may be used in portable electronic equipment, including mobile phones, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Markus Agevik
  • Publication number: 20110045677
    Abstract: A rotating plug adapter includes a housing including a top and bottom coupled to freely rotate about a rotary cap disposed between the housing top and bottom. Right and left electrical spades and an optional grounding post extend from the rotary cap, A receptacle, integral to the periphery of the housing, which accepts an electrical plug may be selectively oriented at a wall receptacle by rotating the adapter housing and receptacle to a desired orientation about an axis perpendicular to the wall. Internal flanges define grooves in which rotary electrical contacts are maintained through rotation of the housing and integral receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas E. Devlin, George Favaloro
  • Patent number: 7887333
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first plate having a first plurality of conductive segments on a surface of the first plate and a second plate having a second plurality of conductive segments on a surface of the second plate. The first and second plates have an axis of rotation. The first plurality of conductive segments and the second plurality of conductive segments each have a circular shape with centers through the axis of rotation. Each of the first plurality of conductive segments and the second plurality of conductive segments has a different diameter. Portions of the first plurality of conductive segments and the second plurality of conductive segments are offset from each other along the axis of rotation. Corresponding segments in the first plurality of conductive segments and the second plurality of conductive segments conduct signals during rotation of the first plate and the second plate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph E. Justin, Stephen T. Butscher
  • Publication number: 20110002673
    Abstract: Device (1) for electrically connecting electric household appliances or electric tools, comprising a female receptacle (2) provided with two seats (8a, 8b), a male connector (3) which can be inserted inside said female receptacle (2), where said male connector (3) is provided with electrical contact means (4a, 4b) concentric with each other, so as to allow rotation of the male connector (2) with respect to the female receptacle (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Claudio Soresina, Flavio Soresina
  • Patent number: 7850458
    Abstract: Embodiments of electrical connectors and related methods of manufacture are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7845951
    Abstract: One embodiment of an adapter for an electrical plug may include a bottom connector, a top connector and an electrical connection mechanism. The bottom connector may include a plurality of male connectors capable of being inserted in a wall socket. The top connector may be rotatably coupled to the bottom connector. The top connector may be capable of rotating in a plane parallel to a plane of the wall socket. The top connector may include a plurality of female connectors for receiving the electrical plug. The plurality of female connectors may be electrically coupled to the plurality of male connectors, and may be disposed perpendicular to the plurality of male connectors. The electrical connection mechanism may be configured to electrically coupling the plurality of male connectors and the plurality of female connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ngoon Goon
  • Patent number: 7802995
    Abstract: A rotatable connector includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member rotatable relative to the first rotating member, at least one conductive connecting member sandwiched between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and a shaft. The first rotating member includes a first rotating body and a first flexible printed circuit board fixed to the first rotating body. The first rotating body includes at least one conductive portion electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board. The second rotating member includes a second rotating body and a second flexible printed circuit board fixed to the second rotating body. The second rotating body includes at least one conductive protrusion. The at least one conductive connecting member electrically connects the least one conductive protrusion to the at least one conductive portion. The shaft extends through the first rotating body, the second rotating body and the second flexible printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Shi Lai
  • Patent number: 7744374
    Abstract: In a sliding contact retaining device for a contacting device of a rotor, the rotor can have a plurality of slip rings, wherein the contacting device serves to retain the sliding contact retaining device, and wherein an electrical contact can be established between the slip rings of the rotor and sliding contacts of the sliding contact retaining device, wherein using the sliding contact retaining device, sliding contact retainers can be disposed in a first and a second serial arrangement parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor, and wherein adjacently arranged slip rings can be contacted alternately from a sliding contact of the first serial arrangement and a sliding contact of the second serial arrangement, wherein the sliding contact retaining device has at least one holding device for receiving at least two serial arrangements of sliding contact retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Schunk Bahn-und Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Hoelscher, Bernd Becker, Peter Zilch
  • Publication number: 20100130026
    Abstract: Embodiments of a rotatable electric plug and related methods are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale T. Honda
  • Publication number: 20090258508
    Abstract: Embodiments of electrical connectors and related methods of manufacture are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7601004
    Abstract: In one embodiment a pivot system is disclosed that has a pivot boss including an engagement extension. A race assembly including a socket for receipt of the engagement extension may be used to couple the pivot boss to the race assembly. At least one conductor may be coupled to at least one of the pivot boss and the race assembly to enable electrical communication between the pivot boss and the race assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bret L. Lamoree, Dennis C. Lin, Heidi J. Kneller, Brock J. Prince
  • Patent number: 7602134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that controllably allows the relative rotation between structures, such as a gimbal and a structure to which it is mounted. According to one aspect, the apparatus includes a twist capsule assembly with internal stop mechanisms that controllably prevents the amount of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation with respect to a rotation axis. According to another aspect of the invention, by limiting the amount of relative rotation, other means of communicating power and signals between the structures can be used, thus avoiding or reducing the limitations imposed by conventional slip ring assemblies. According to yet another aspect, the invention includes techniques and structures for allowing conventionally shielded cables and wires to be used in place of slip rings, while allowing for rotation between structures, thus even further improving the communication of power and signals between structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Sonoma EO, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Taylor, Allan A. Voigt, Alan Wardlow, Tim McCarthy-Smith
  • Patent number: 7575436
    Abstract: A rotating two blade plug adapter includes a housing including a top and bottom coupled to freely rotate about a rotary cap disposed between the housing top and bottom. Right and left electrical spades extend from the rotary cap and a receptacle integral to the periphery of the housing accepts a two blade plug that may be oriented at a wall receptacle by rotating the adapter housing and receptacle to a desired orientation. Internal flanges define grooves in which rotary electrical contacts are maintained through rotation of the housing and integral receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Devlin, George Favaloro
  • Patent number: 7566223
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes: (a) two or more conductors (120, 122, 124), each conductor of the two or more conductors has an inner radius (775) and an inner surface (721, 723, and 725) along the inner radius; (b) two or more electrical prongs (110, 112, 114), each prong of the two or more electrical prongs contacts and is electrically coupled to the inner surface of one of the two or more conductors; and (c) a housing (130) having a first portion (132) and enclosing the two or more conductors and a first portion of each of the two or more electrical prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7500854
    Abstract: The Improved electrical power distribution apparatus is an invention that because of its unique rotatable live female electrical connection type outlets, is able to accommodate the simultaneous insertion of male type electrical connection plugs of a wide variety and shape. The accommodation of such simultaneous insertion of such male type electrical connection plugs provides for the simultaneous powering of a wide variety of appliances wherein such appliances would not otherwise be able to be simultaneously powered by conventional power distribution apparatuses due to the inability of such male type electrical connection plugs of irregular size and shape to be simultaneously inserted into conventional non-rotatable female electrical connection type outlets of conventional power distribution apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: M. Peter Gottstein
  • Patent number: 7473098
    Abstract: A musical instrument cable that is functional for use while walking around and playing an electric guitar or other electric instrument. This provides the user with a freely rotatable and noiseless solution to old style cables which twist up during use and eventually break down due to mechanical fatigue of the internal wiring. Using a typical audio connector plug 10 on one end and connecting to a length of coaxial cable 12 with enough length to strain relief a loop of cable through the guitar strap and butt end of the instrument, the cable is then connected to a rotatable electrical connector 16. The connector 16 internally uses mercury to make the electrical connection between the moving contacts within the connector 16. The other end of the connector 16 then attaches to another length of cable 12 and to another connector plug 10 on the end of the cable 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony Poulos
  • Patent number: 7458814
    Abstract: The present invention provides a twist prevention socket and an electrical device having the socket. The socket of the present invention includes a housing and a first plug, which is provided in an insertion part of the housing. The socket further includes a mediating structure, which includes a first connection member, which is connected to the first contact member of the second plug, and a second connection member, which is connected to the second contact member of the second plug and is electrically isolated from the first connection member. The socket further include a locking structure, which includes an elastic compressing member that is provided adjacent to the second plug and the mediating structure to ensure no-load operation of the second plug with respect to the mediating structure and provide a predetermined amount of resistance to removal of the second plug from the mediating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: SGI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suhp Hur
  • Patent number: 7387514
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary bearing with current feed-through means, in particular for a sausage clipping machine, wherein the rotary bearing has a bearing casing and a bearing shaft rotatably accommodated therein and wherein the bearing casing and the bearing shaft are at least partially made from an electrically conducting material. It is further provided that there is at least one current path which passes through the bearing casing and the bearing shaft and which is electrically insulated at least with respect to the electrically conducting portions of the bearing shaft and the bearing casing and which has at least one outer connecting terminal on the bearing casing and the bearing shaft respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Olaf Bienert
  • Patent number: 7311421
    Abstract: An ornament having an upper hub, a lower hub, a platform, a central pole and a coil. The upper hub is mounted directly on top of the lower hub with the platform permanently attached to the lower hub for attachment to virtually any smooth surface. The coil wraps around the pole, which is threaded and mates with internal grooves in the upper hub. The coil includes a string of lights plugged into an electrical outlet in the upper hub. The upper hub freely rotates with respect to the lower hub, which remains stationary. To maintain electrical contact between the lights and a power supply, copper tabs protrude from the lower hub and extend into copper rings in the upper hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Michael Fahl
  • Patent number: 7238028
    Abstract: A reorientable electrical outlet and a reorientable electrical expansion outlet are disclosed. The outlets have an electrical female receptacle rotateably disposed in a housing. In one embodiment, generally annular paths each having at least one conductive area and at least one nonconductive area along the generally annular paths are provided, and contacts are provided that each have selective contact with a conductive area or a nonconductive area of the respective generally annular paths. In another embodiment, a retainer is provided. In yet another embodiment, a status indicator is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: 360 Electrical LLC
    Inventor: Kimberly R. Gerard