Concentric Patents (Class 439/21)
  • Patent number: 7192303
    Abstract: A device for connecting and supporting electrical fixtures includes a male electrical plug, a mating female electrical socket and a releasable latch assembly for both holding the plug in the socket and mechanically mounting the fixture on a supporting surface or an electrical box. The plug is provided with concentric, ring shaped male connectors that are matingly received within similarly shaped female recesses in the socket to allow the fixture to be rotated to any of a plurality or mounting orientations. The releasable latch assembly is controlled by the stroke of a simple push rod operated by a user's thumb or finger. A cover may be used for covering the socket when a plug is not installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ran Kohen
  • Patent number: 7125256
    Abstract: A reorientable electrical outlet having a housing cavity in a stationary housing and a rotatable electrical female receptacle seated therein is disclosed. Preferably, the rotatable female electrical receptacle includes a set of electrical conductors situated in electrical isolation from one another, arranged one above the other. In one embodiment, the housing cavity has a set of annular conductive structures formed one above the other to support provide a set of electrically conductive pathways along which slideable contacts rotateably track. Another embodiment places annular conductive structures on the female receptacle. Such structures slideably track on fixed contacts in the housing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Kimberly R. Gerard
  • Patent number: 7121834
    Abstract: A reorientable electrical expansion outlet is disclosed having a housing with a housing cavity and rotatable electrical female receptacles seated therein. A plug is provided for connection to another outlet for expanding the other outlet. Preferably, each rotatable female electrical receptacle includes a set of electrical conductors situated in electrical isolation from one another, arranged one above the other. In one embodiment, the housing cavity has a set of annular conductive structures formed one above the other to support provide a set of electrically conductive pathways along which slideable contacts rotateably track. Another embodiment places annular conductive structures on the female receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Kimberly R. Gerard
  • Patent number: 7080985
    Abstract: A quick release connector is provided. In one embodiment the connector includes an electrical connector including a first component having a first plurality of teeth and a second component having a second plurality of teeth. The first and second pluralities of teeth are configured to selectively engage and disengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the connector. The engagement of the teeth is operative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions of the connector. Embodiments of this invention may advantageously support axial loads while maintaining a reliable electrical contact. Various alternative embodiments include a gimbal assembly in which electric lines extend through the gimbal, straddling one of the gimbal axles. Such gimbal assemblies may also support axial loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Michael B. Hopper
  • Patent number: 7063537
    Abstract: A rotatable assembly and a method to use the same are provided. In particular, the assembly includes a first field device housing arrangement associated with a first electrical system, and a second field device housing arrangement associated with a second electrical system are connected by a connector arrangement. The connector arrangement may include probes (e.g., spring probes) that are adapted to engage with contacts (e.g., electrical contacts), and is configured to allow an unrestricted rotation of the first field device housing arrangement relative to the second field device housing arrangement while maintaining a continuous electrical coupling between the first electrical system and the second electrical system. For example, the assembly can be a field device, such as a smart field device. Two devices may be secured to one another by use of a captive locking screw which can be used to secure the first device in desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Basilio Selli, Geraldo Gullo
  • Patent number: 6986665
    Abstract: An electromechanical plug device is designed with a mating plug connector for electrical and mechanical connection with a mating plug connector. The plug connector comprises an outgoing cable part with a circuit substrate and a contact carrying drum able to be moved in relation to the outgoing cable part. The drum possesses first plug contacts for making contact with second plug contacts formed on the mating plug connector. Moreover, the first plug contacts have first abutment type contact faces provided on the axial rear side of the outgoing cable part, such abutment type contact faces so cooperating with second abutment type contact faces provided on the circuit substrate that the outgoing cable part is able to be positioned at different angular settings in relation to the contact carrying drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Stephan Schauz, Manfred Schütte, Barbara Günthner
  • Patent number: 6986191
    Abstract: A bolster plate is attached to a printed circuit board and acts as a stiffener that reduces bending in the overall assembly during the attachment of an integrated circuit chip to the printed circuit board under a heavy applied load. The bolster plate is provided with a shim that compensates for bending of the bolster plate under load, thereby preventing damage to the integrated circuit chip. The dimensions of the shim may be selected according to computer model results representing bow deformation in the bolster plate without the shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Joseph M White
  • Patent number: 6962498
    Abstract: The invention relates to the support of light electric appliances such as light fittings and small fans. The device according to the invention provides a plug and socket combination powering and supporting an appliance in a manner allowing the user to change its orientation. The combination is particularly useful where there is a frequent need to move light appliances from one location to another. The combination comprises a fixable socket and a plug revolvable therein for conducting electric power and for mechanically supporting in a desired orientation an appliance receiving the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Ran Kohen
  • Patent number: 6932638
    Abstract: An integral electrical connection for use with a tap handle in a beverage dispenser. With the integral electrical connection, the tap handle can be internally suppled with low voltage power, with safety and reliability, by a quick connection circuit, housed within the tap handle. The tap handle is attachable to a standard tap valve or faucet, typically used in dispensing beverages, such as beer, to provide an efficient and standardized solution to the problem of managing power cords and wires to the tap handle, to power any element within the tap handle, typically for the purpose of internally lighting or illuminating the tap handle, typically a bulb or diode, such as a LED. The electrified tap includes a bushing receivable onto a locknut. A set of conductors ring the threaded tap. A lower pair of contacts are wired to a low voltage power source external to the tap. An upper pair of contacts within the handle touch the lower pair within the tap, when the handle is screwed onto the threaded tap stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Taphandles Inc.
    Inventors: Christian P. Burrows, Paul D. Fichter
  • Patent number: 6921269
    Abstract: A signal transfer assembly that is configured to transfer one or more electrical signals between two or more conductive paths that are rotating relative to one another includes two substrates or more substrates and one or more interface assemblies. The substrates each include one or more conductors on one or more surfaces. Each interface assembly is disposed between two substrates and is configured to allow relative rotation between the two substrates. Each interface assembly also electrically couples selected ones of the conductors on each of the substrates together, thereby allowing electrical signals to pass through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Theodis Johnson, Dennis W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6848911
    Abstract: A rotatable shunting socket housing for telecommunication devices includes a body having two sockets respectively defined at two opposite side thereof. Each of the sockets is provided with a plurality of metal feet. A cover is mounted on a side of the body and between the sockets. A connector is rotatably mounted on the cover, and has a plug provided at an exterior side thereof. The plug is perpendicular to the sockets and electrically connected with the metal feet. The body and the cover can be rotated about the connector, and plugs of mounting cords inserted in the can be parallel to a wall, so that the mounting cords are not bent or twisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Tsay-E International Inc.
    Inventor: Fabian Liu
  • Patent number: 6843656
    Abstract: An omnidirectionally adjustable wall lamp plug is disclosed. A conductor element has a vertical surface at the lateral side thereof. The conductor element is formed by bending from a body of the conductor element. A contact element has a vertical side at the lateral side thereof. The union end of one pin in the plug base resists against the vertical surface of the conductor element, and a buckling edge along each of the two sides of the union end is inserted into the plug base. A connection washer end is bent from one end of a small pin resists against the vertical surface of the conductor element. Thereby, when the wall lamp rotates through 360 degrees. The electric power is still supplied so as to achieve the object of omnidirectional adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Cun Yu Hwang, Li-Hong Zheng
  • Patent number: 6793499
    Abstract: A rotatable electrical plug includes a housing having an opening and a wire hole, a rotary prong holder pivotally coupled to the opening in the housing to hold hot, neutral and grounding prongs, two annular metal contact members concentrically mounted on the rotary prong holder and respectively soldered to the hot and grounding prongs, and three connecting members mounted in a substrate inside the housing for the connection of hot, neutral, and grounding wires of an power cord and respectively disposed in contact with the metal annular contact members and the neutral prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Tsang-I Chen
  • Patent number: 6663395
    Abstract: An electrical joint that couples electric signals and current between objects that move relative to one another. A conductive slurry is disposed upon a first object and a conductor extends from a second object to engage the conductive slurry. The slurry comprises conductive particle suspended in a fluid carrying agent, such as oil. A non-conductive gel may be disposed upon the exposed surface of the conductive slurry to retain and protect it. The conductive slurry and non-conductive gel may be disposed within a channel on the object's surface so as to define their position and retain them in the desired area. The position of the conductive slurry is oriented and aligned to maintain continuous contact with the conductor as movement occurs. Linear, planar, circular and other movements are contemplated. The electrical joint can be readily adapted to printed circuit and printed wire technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Mohi Sobhani
  • Patent number: 6658729
    Abstract: An electronic subassembly comprises a printed circuit board and an electronic module, particularly a ceramic module, electrically connected to one another through a planar interposer. The interposer comprises an insulator sheet and electrical spring elements joining contact sites on the module with contact pads on the PCB. The invention includes modifications that improve the integrity of electrical connections between the printed circuit board and the electronic module. This is achieved by compensating for non-planarity between the surfaces of the interposer and the module, particularly resulting from a convex curvature of the module, by minimizing relative movement, such as rocking in the x-z and y-z planes. It also includes modifications to the suspension of the module within the interposer housing to reduce the effects caused by any sliding that may occur between the interposer and the module in the x-y plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: William Louis Brodsky
  • Patent number: 6634888
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a fixed electrical connection member for use on an electronic device to connect an electrical conductor of the device to a mobile electrical connection member outside the electronic device, wherein the fixed electrical connection member includes, on a front face adapted to be disposed on the outside of the electronic device, a conductive circular track connected to said electrical conductor of the electronic device, inside the electronic device, on a rear face, by an electrical conductor disposed in a bore passing through the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Villain
  • Patent number: 6612848
    Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector has a pair of wiring boards. Each wiring board supports two (or more) concentric conductors that have substantially smooth coplanar surfaces. The coplanar surfaces of the concentric conductors on each wiring board define a contact plane. To provide electrical contact between the two wiring boards, each wiring board is positioned perpendicular to an axis of rotation and is supported so that the respective contact planes of the first and second wiring boards are parallel. A resilient member, such as a spring, urges the wiring boards together to establish electrical contact between the respective surfaces of corresponding conductors on the two wiring boards. The above-described wiring boards are included in a circuit module that also includes a printed circuit board, or other electrical component, sandwiched between a pair of the wiring boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Phionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Brundage
  • Patent number: 6586858
    Abstract: A DC voltage permanent magnet, rotating brush type motor that is characterized by a high output power-to-weight ratio so as to be particularly suitable for use in an electric vehicle. Efficiency is maximized by commutating the motor mechanically rather than electronically. To this end, the motor includes a stationary double sided commutator assembly having sets of electrically conductive commutator bars extending radially on opposite sides thereof, whereby to increase the current carrying capacity of the commutator assembly. A pair of brush assemblies rotate at opposite sides of the stationary commutator assembly. Each brush assembly includes a lightweight brush holder coupled to the motor shaft by which to carry a plurality of shuntless electrically conductive brushes, whereby the brushes rotate relative to the commutator bars at the opposite sides of the commutator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Finkle
  • Patent number: 6428325
    Abstract: A connector device is formed of a case, first and second sockets housed within the case, each having on its front surface side a recess portion into which a modular connector is inserted and having a plurality of modular terminals disposed within the recess portion and a plurality of contacts conducted to the plurality of modular terminals, respectively and resiliently protruded to different positions of a rear surface side, the first socket being rotatable within the case, and a connection member whose one surface and the other surface are respectively opposed to the rear surface sides of the first and second sockets, the connection member being disposed within the case so as to become coaxial with the first and second sockets, the connection member having on the one surface a plurality of second terminals which continuously contact with the plurality of contacts of the first socket when the first socket is rotated and having on the other surface a plurality of third terminals which are respectively conducte
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shunmei Kurosawa, Shizuo Adachi, Takahisa Rokuhara, Nobuji Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6386885
    Abstract: A coupling system suitable for use with a transmission cable is described. The system includes a rotary electrical coupling operably connected to a cable reel assembly having a main body and a reel rotatably mounted to the main body for winding the transmission cable. The rotary electrical coupling provides for the transmission of electrical signals and power between the cable on the reel and a vessel. The rotary electrical coupling includes a rolling electrical contact bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Walker Downriggers, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph K. Ford
  • Patent number: 6386886
    Abstract: A system includes a slip ring plate and a pair of brush assemblies mounted on each side of a housing. The disk-shaped slip ring plate is mounted to a first gimbal member and has a plurality of concentric, truncated circular shaped electrical conductive segments disposed on one surface thereof, the electrical conductive segments being electrically insulated from each other and divided (truncated) into half circular segments by discontinuities on each side of the slip ring plate. Pins (22) are fixed to a cylinder (152) on the gimbal (22). The pins (22) pass through acruate slots (40) in the slip ring (18). Motors (14, 16) are used to cause rotation of the gimbal with the slip ring remaining stationary until the pins engage ends of the slots (40), the slip ring then rotating with the gimbal, the rotation being limited by slip ring stops engaging housing stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: William A. Filaretos
  • Patent number: 6331117
    Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector has a pair of wiring boards. Each wiring board supports two (or more) concentric conductors that have substantially smooth coplanar surfaces. The coplanar surfaces of the concentric conductors on each wiring board define a contact plane. To provide electrical contact between the two wiring boards, each wiring board is positioned perpendicular to an axis of rotation and is supported so that the respective contact planes of the first and second wiring boards are parallel. A resilient member, such as a spring, urges the wiring boards together to establish electrical contact between the respective surfaces of corresponding conductors on the two wiring boards. The above-described wiring boards are included in a circuit module that also includes a printed circuit board, or other electrical component, sandwiched between a pair of the wiring boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Brundage
  • Patent number: 6265803
    Abstract: A coaxial drive employs a base member which is secured to a housing and is open to atmosphere and mounts rotatably an interior drive shaft about said base member so that rotation of the drive member in either direction in a full 360° circle. An electrical slip ring is provided between the base and the drive member with a ferrofluidic seal disposed proximate the lower end of the interior drive shaft such that atmospheric pressure passing through the base member and through the electrical slip ring is blocked by the ferrofluidic seal which has an opposite end disposed to the vacuum in the central processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Caveney
  • Patent number: 6222297
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a cost effective flat rotor for a pancake type slip ring. A flat copper coil sheet is stamped into a corrugated shape having concentric V-ring grooves. The corrugated stamped copper foil sheet is bonded using a bonding agent to a dielectric layer. Multiple concentric V-grooves are formed by separating the grooves, for example, by machining the grooves at an apex thereof in order to form separate electrical circuits. A corresponding plurality of holes extend through each concentric ring and through the dielectric layer from the first side through the second side. A conductive material is placed in each of the plurality of holes to electrically connect each concentric ring to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Perdue
  • Patent number: 6196851
    Abstract: A reorientable electrical outlet employs rotatable female electrical receptacle(s) to allow rotation of a male plug while connected in the rotatable female electrical receptacle. The disclosed technique is adaptable to a variety of rotatable female electrical receptacles ranging from typical residential two receptacles, polarized/grounded receptacles, and non-grounded receptacles. The prongs of a male plug may be inserted into the rotatable female electrical receptacle and rotated to desired positions and remain substantially fixed. Male plug interference with other electrical receptacles is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Intelliglobe, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly R. Gerard, Curtis Roys
  • Patent number: 6139332
    Abstract: A swivel connector including a first and a second receptacle connected to each other by an intermediate plug that has an end rotatably mounted to an inner end of the first receptacle and another end plugged into the second receptacle. A circular disc having concentrically arranged conducting rings is mounted to an end of the intermediate plug to electrically connect at one side to conductors arranged in the first receptacle and at the other side to conducting strips arranged in the other end of the intermediate plug. The second receptacle has conductors arranged therein to extend their two ends separately into two jacks provided at two ends of the second receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: A-Ming Tsai
  • Patent number: 6132219
    Abstract: Planetary connectors for coupling signals and power between stationary and moving structures. The planetary connector comprises a pressure plate that abuts a conformal pad that in turn contacts a first printed wiring board having a plurality of concentric conductive rings that face the interior of the connector. A second printed wiring board, which may be backed by a second pressure plate, is disposed at an end of the connector distal from the first printed wiring board that has a plurality of concentric conductive rings 18a that face the interior of the connector. A ball bearing retainer that retains a plurality of metal ball bearings is disposed between the flexible printed wiring boards, such that the ball bearings make electrical contact with the conductive rings of the rigid printed wiring boards. A shaft extends through all components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Mohi Sobhani, Arthur B. Naselow, Llewellyn S. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6116958
    Abstract: The adapter is provided with plugging and/or socket connector especially for interfaces at electronic devices. Housing components which hold the plugging and/or socket connectors are joined by an articulated joint. The plugging and/or socket connectors are connected by a band-shaped flexible printed conductor foil (20) with a number of parallel printed conductors, with printed conductor sections of the printed conductor foil providing direct plugged contacts of the plugging and/or socket connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Reichle + De Massari AG Elekro-Ingenieure
    Inventor: Hans Reichle
  • Patent number: 6004138
    Abstract: An electrical outlet extender with a male plug at one end to be connected into a wall outlet and a female electrical outlet at an opposite end and with one or more tubular members connected between the male plug and the female outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Grant J. Harbertson
  • Patent number: 5997310
    Abstract: A swivel electric plug includes a base block having three annular terminal grooves concentrically provided in a recessed surface and a coupling groove around the recessed surface. Three annular metal plates are fastened in to the annular terminal grooves and connected to a respective wire in an electric wire being fastened to the base block. A circular cover plate is rotatably mounted on the recessed surface of the base block, the circular cover plate having a peripheral bottom coupling flange coupled to the coupling groove on the base block and holding two metal blades and a grounding prong. The metal blades and the ground prong each have an inner contact end respectively disposed in contact with the annular metal plates in the annular terminal grooves of said base block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Pen-Li Chiu, Wen-Chin Chien
  • Patent number: 5954519
    Abstract: A mounting position adjustable mini wall lamp includes a fixed member fixedly mounted inside a housing to hold a first annular contact and a second annular contact within the first annular contact, a central terminal and a side terminal controlled by a switch to transmit power supply from the first and second annular contacts to the lamp bulb vertically installed in the housing, a rotary cap rotatably horizontally mounted in a circular hole on the housing, and a pair of metal contacts mounted in the rotary cap and respectively maintained in contact with the first and second annular contacts for connection to an electric socket to obtain power supply from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Hsu-Ting Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5934911
    Abstract: A waterproof quick disconnect slip ring device includes a female component ttached to a rotating component, a male component attached to a stationary component and removably inserted into a cavity of the female component so as to permit relative rotation between the female and male components, and an annular dynamic seal provided between the female and male components so as to provide a dynamic water-tight seal therebetween as the female and male components rotate relative to one another. The female and male components respectively have first and second electrical conductor arrangements which are electrically coupled together and maintained in the electrical coupled relationship as the female and male components and the first and second electrical conductor arrangements therewith undergo rotation relative to one another. The slip ring device also includes an annular hub and a pair of end caps with annular static seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian Stout, Joseph Jordan, Robert Peebles
  • Patent number: 5923114
    Abstract: A brushless slip ring includes a housing, a plurality of annular spaces disposed in the housing and spaced apart along a common longitudinal axis, and a cageless assembly of electrically conductive spherical balls freely rotatably disposed in each of the spaces. Each of the spaces is formed between radially inner and outer electrically conductive surfaces of a rotor and stator, respectively, and a pair of axially spaced retainer rings. The spherical balls conduct electrical current between the outer and inner surfaces. The balls are rigid and harder than the inner and outer surfaces and are arranged in an annular row. The balls occupy substantially the entire circumference of the space and are freely circumferentially movable relative to one another within the space for making contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Alfred R. Senni
  • Patent number: 5895275
    Abstract: An electric outlet extender with a male plug at one end to be connected into a wall outlet and a female electrical outlet at an opposite end and with a first tubular telescoping member rotatably connected to the male plug and a second telescoping member extending from the female outlet to telescope into the first telescoping member whereby the extender can be plugged into a wall outlet, turned to any desired angle and extended to desired length while hugging the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Grant J. Harbertson
  • Patent number: 5808679
    Abstract: A moving mechanism for a camera lens assembly includes a smooth concave face formed in a surface of the camera main body, a slot formed in the concave face, a first cable extending from the shutter assembly and having at least two wires, a rotatable tube surrounding the cable and having an axial groove, a first plate rotatable with the tube and having at least two electrically conductive rings which are respectively connected to the at least two wires of the first cable, and a second plate fixed against rotation relative to the camera main body and having at least two conductive rings connected to two wires of a second cable extending from the camera main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Microtek International Inc.
    Inventor: Cader Shih
  • Patent number: 5796047
    Abstract: An electric box connected between a telephone base and a handset, including a housing having a hollow upright shaft on the inside, a rotary member turned about the upright shaft of the housing, a spiral spring mounted in the housing and having two ends respectively fastened to the upright shaft and the rotary member, a holder fastened to the rotary member and holding a plurality of concentrically arranged metal rings, a plurality of terminals mounted in respective holes in the housing and supported on respective metal springs respectively disposed in contact with the metal rings, a flat cable wound around the rotary member and having one end extended out of the housing and mounted with a module plug for connection to the handset and an opposite end connected to the metal rings, a mounting block mounted on the housing on the outside, a module plug mounted on the mounting blocks for connection to the telephone base and having contacts respectively disposed in contact with the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Liao Sheng-Hsin
  • Patent number: 5775921
    Abstract: An electrical plug which includes an insulative bottom shell which holds a metal sleeve at the center, a first annular metal cushion spaced around the metal sleeve, and second annular metal cushion spaced around the first annular metal cushion; an insulative upper shell covered on the bottom shell and having a circular opening; and electrical cable having two electrical wires respectively connected to the metal sleeve and the first annular metal cushion, and a grounding wire connected to the second annular metal cushion; and a rotary cap revolvably mounted within the circular opening of the upper shell which holds two metal contact blades, which are maintained in contact with the metal sleeve and the first annular metal cushion, and a grounding prong, which is maintained in contact with the second annular metal cushion; wherein the metal contact blades and grounding prong of the rotary cap are respectively and constantly maintained in contact with the metal sleeve and the annular metal cushions when the rotar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jonie Chou
  • Patent number: 5746606
    Abstract: A spring loaded contact device having a housing with an internal bore, a spring disposed in the bore, a pin disposed in and extending from the bore, and a dimple formed in the housing that secures the pin in the bore. A first portion of the pin contacts the spring, a center portion of the pin is smaller than the first portion and protrudes from the bore, and a head of the pin is disposed external to the bore and has a rounded cylindrical end. A rotary connector using the spring loaded contact devices has first and second printed wiring boards that rotate relative to each other that are electrically interconnected using a plurality of spring loaded contact devices disposed on the first printed wiring board. The spring-loaded contact devices are used to transfer electrical signals or power to conductive contacts formed on the second printed wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventor: Mohi Sobhani
  • Patent number: 5727953
    Abstract: A safe, rotatable AC powered night light includes a retaining tab which is attached adjacent to standard AC prongs. The retaining tab can be screwed via a face plate, to a pair of standard AC receptacles thereby attaching the light to the receptacle. The light can be rotated relative to the receptacles when attached thereto. Removal of the light requires removal of the retaining screw which extends through the retaining tab into a threaded hole between the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Pasholk
  • Patent number: 5704792
    Abstract: A rotary connector comprising first and second printed wiring boards that rotate relative to each other and that are electrically interconnected using spring loaded pogo-stick type contacts. The spring-loaded contacts are used to transfer electrical signals or power to metallized rings or contacts formed on the first printed wiring board. The spring-loaded pogo-stick type contacts are very rugged and provide for a rotary connector having long life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Mohi Sobhani
  • Patent number: 5551882
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1) constructed to mate with a connector (1) of duplicate construction comprising: a front mating ring (3), multiple contacts (4) brushing respective concentric circuits (10) on a rotatable circuit board (9), said contacts (4) being connected to respective wires (16) of an electrical cable (17), a rear facing socket (28) receiving a front mating ring (3) of another, duplicate connector (1), and the front mating ring (3) and the rear facing socket (28) being connected electrically together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Whiteman, Jr., Robert W. Walker, James P. Moser
  • Patent number: 5484294
    Abstract: A brushless rotary connector comprising first and second housings that are rotatable relative to each other and respectively house first and second flat flexible printed circuits having conductive contacts disposed adjacent each other that are rotatable relative to each other. Electrical cables are coupled to the respective conductive contacts. The conductive contacts rotate relative to each other while maintaining contact with each other as the housings rotate, thus permitting electrical signals to be coupled through the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Mohi Sobhani
  • Patent number: 5468912
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for eliminating undesirable loops in an electrical or telephone cord has half shells provided in axial alignment and surrounding an inner core. The inner core defines slip rings for electrically engaging complementary cavities in the shell so as to afford electrical connection between the plurality of electrical conductors within the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Leon Zalewski
  • Patent number: 5419707
    Abstract: An electrical connector providing a plurality of electrical contacts and which allows for 360.degree. rotation, while providing interruption free electrical continuity, is disclosed. A first set of electrical contacts is movably connected to a second set of electrical contacts through the employment of movably engaging terminal and conductive pads. The two pads are permitted to rotate relative to one another. Hence, the two connectors are permitted to rotate relative to one another. The electrical connector may be provided with a universal joint assembly. The universal joint assembly would permit the first and second connectors to be angularly displaced relative to one another and about a respective arbitrary axis. Preferably, the axes extend normal to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Shawn T. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5409403
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel and unique 360.degree. connector system which can be used in an in-line cable to cable application, but can also be utilized in various applications such as a power tool, an extension cord, etc. The uniqueness of the 360.degree. connector system is the concave/convex longitudinal tubular surfaces and transverse circular surfaces of the male and female connectors for improved area contact, thereby creating continuity and allowing the connector system to turn around freely in a 360.degree. rotation. The essential components of the present invention 360.degree. connector system basically include a male connector and a female connector rotatably connected to each other. Both of the male and female connectors are generally made of an elastomer material, instead of the standard static material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventors: Aldo Falossi, Paul Thomas
  • Patent number: 5399093
    Abstract: A low profile rotatable electrical plug includes a housing and a set of conductive prongs positioned on one face of the housing for insertion into a conventional wall outlet. A power cord exits the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to the prongs such that the cord parallels the wall when the plug is inserted into a wall outlet. A rotative coupling device mounted within the housing provides a rotative electrical connection between the power cord and the prongs. The rotative coupling device includes first and second sets of conductors carried by respective conductor support plates. The conductors in the first support plate are electrically connected to respective conductors in the power cord, and the conductors in the second support plate are electrically connected to respective prongs. The first support plate is fixedly mounted within the housing and the second support rotates within the housing relative to the first support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Woods Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Schneider, Craig Stewart
  • Patent number: 5155405
    Abstract: A pendulum roller head for a resistance seam-welding machine is described, having a sliding contact current transmission device between a stator and a rotor, which device is composed of an annular disc which extends radially between rotor and stator, is fastened by its outer circumference to the stator, carries an axial sliding contact ring on its inner circumference, and is flexibly designed in its bridging part between the inner and outer circumferences. The sliding contact disc is composed of a copper braid to which the axial sliding contact ring is fastened. The sliding contact current transmission device in the form of the disc with a flexible bridging part replaces the current transmission device in the form of fluid metal which has formerly been in use in pendulum roller heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Elpatronic AG
    Inventors: Alfonso D'Aniello, Niklaus Portmann, Peter Taiana, Werner Urech
  • Patent number: 5082448
    Abstract: A connector to prevent tangling of a cord having modular plug at its end which is to be connected to a telephone handset. The connector includes a first part which is rotatable relative to a second part. A circular printed circuit board with circuit conductors laid thereon is mounted on a mounting base of the first part. The modular plug with its conductive laminates which are in contact with the circular circuit conductors on its rear surface is extended from the mounting base. The second part includes a shell having a plurality of holes therein in line with the circuit conductors. A wire guide is pressed onto the top portion of the shell. The wire guide and shell form and acute inclined angle receptacle for accepting a modular type plug which is separate from the connector. Spring wire contact elements fixed inside the wire guide are electrically connected to a plurality of spring loaded contact assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Steve Kang
  • Patent number: 5074796
    Abstract: A stacking and orientation independent multiple contact plug and socket electrical connector has a central connector body with a "plug" extending outward on one face, and a "socket" recessed inward on an opposite face. The plug and socket are aligned along a common axis, but are on opposite faces of the central connector body. The plug is an electrically insulated post extending outward from the central connector body and having multiple electrically conductive circular contact rings encircling the post. The socket is a cylindrical recess into the central connector body designed to accept the plug of another similar connector. The socket has multiple electrical wiper contacts spaced along an electrically insulating inner wall of the recess for contacting to the circular contact rings of a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew L. Carter
  • Patent number: 5049083
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a universal joint adapted mainly for connecting a telephone receiver to an extension cord thereby the phone user can move along with the receiver at the extension cord's length without getting the extension cord twisted or tangled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Multi-Tooling Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward Lin