Abstract: An electric outlet assembly having multiple receptacle and contact holder sets mounted in a bottom shell and a top cover shell and adapted to receive electric plugs, the receptacle and contact holder sets each including a contact holder mounted in the bottom shell, three annular metal contact plates concentrically mounted on the contact holder and respectively connected to respective metal contact strips in the bottom shell, and a rotary receptacle mounted in a respective hole on the top cover shell corresponding to the contact holder and rotatable relative to the contact holder, the rotary receptacle having three plug holes, and three metal contact terminals respectively mounted in the plug holes at a bottom side and disposed in contact with the annular contact plates, the metal contact terminals being maintained in contact with the annular metal contacts upon rotary motion of the rotary receptacle relative to the contact holder.

Abstract: An extendable/retractable media connector for extending from an electronic device such as a PCMCIA type-III card or other electronic device. The connector includes a slidable extendable/retractable frame having an aperture therein for physically receiving a media plug. The aperture further includes electrical contacts for operably mating with complementary contacts on the media plug. The connector further includes a rotatable electrical interface between the fime, a portion of which may be physically attached to the frame in the form of electrical tracks, which provides commutator-like electrical coupling between the electrical contacts in the aperture and electronic circuitry within the electronic device or card. The connector provides rotational freedom to the media connector and any accompanying cabling while coupled with the connector and further facilitates various angles of insertion of the media plug into the connector for user convenience and ease of attachment.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector assembly provided with a fixed portion and a rotatable portion is described herein. The fixed portion includes an electrical plug provided at a first end thereof, an electrical socket provided at a second end thereof and an intermediate cylindrical portion provided between the electrical plug and the electrical socket. The cylindrical portion includes three protruding annular terminals connected to the electrical plug. The rotatable portion includes a cylindrical aperture to be mounted to the cylindrical portion for rotative movement. Three slip rings are so mounted to the rotatable portion as to be in contact with a respective annular terminal of the fixed portion to provide electrical contact between the rotatable portion and the fixed portion at any angular position of the rotatable portion with respect to the fixed portion. An electrical socket is electrically connected to the slip rings.

Abstract: A reversible cable reel which includes two cover shells having a respective center shaft axially connected to each other, two cable wheels respectively mounted around the center shafts inside the cover shells, two spiral springs respectively mounted around the center shafts inside the cover shells, each spiral spring having an inner end connected to the respective cover shell and an outer end connected to the respective cable wheel, two cables respectively wound round the cable wheels, each cable having a fixed end fastened to the respective cable wheel and a free end extended out of the respective cover shell and mounted with a module plug, a first terminal unit mounted in one cable wheel and connected to conductors in one cable, a second terminal unit mounted in the other cable wheel and connected to conductors in the other cable and separated from the first terminal unit by a cover plate, the second terminal unit having contact means projecting into respective through holes on the cover plate into contact

Abstract: An improved electrical commutator which is particularly useful in a vehicle steering wheel system, includes sets of wire brushes or fingers on a first plate. The wire brushes or fingers contact plural co-planar rings on a second plate. The two plates rotate relative to each other. The wire brushes or fingers decrease the likelihood that any one of the sets will have a short circuit. Should any one of the wires bend, break, or come out of contact with its associated contact ring, there is a likelihood that at least several of the other wires will remain in contact. In addition, there are plural sets of wire brushes or fingers associated with each of the contact rings, again increasing the likelihood that the circuit will remain intact. In other features, the plural sets may be mounted such that circumferentially spaced ones of the sets face opposed directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly for a microphone which allows the microphone and cord to be independently rotated thereby preventing the cord from twisting and distorting. The device includes a first connector having a cylindrical housing with a plurality of female ports on an end thereof for receiving the male prongs on an end of the microphone. Received within the cylindrical housing proximal the opposing end are a plurality of spring biased pins in electrical communication with the ports. The device also includes a second connector having a cylindrical housing which may be rotatably coupled to the first connector. An end of the housing is open and has a horizontal, substantially circular circuit board proximal thereto. On the upper surface of the circular circuit board are a plurality of concentric electrically conductive paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a pattern on a substrate (w), either or not via a mask pattern (c), are described. The radiation dose can be measured accurately and reliably by measuring a latent image of a new, asymmetrical test mark (TM) by means of an optical alignment device present in the apparatus or associated therewith, this latent image being formed by means of production radiation (PB) in the radiation-sensitive layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A spring-loaded ball contact device having a housing, a spring disposed in the housing, a moveable plunger disposed in the housing that contacts the spring, a freely moveable ball contact disposed at an end of the plunger, and a lubricant stored within the housing for lubricating the ball contact. A rotary connector using the spring-loaded ball 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 ball contact devices disposed on the first printed wiring board. The spring-loaded ball contact devices are used to transfer electrical signals or power to conductive contacts formed on the second printed wiring board.

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.

Abstract: Spring loaded rotary connectors that comprise a first wiring board having one or more sets of electrically conductive concentric circuits or rings formed thereon, that has one or more raised contacts, or looped-shaped dimples, for every ring. In a first embodiment, the first wiring board faces a second wiring board having electrically conductive concentric rings or circuits that form contacts. The first wiring board is coupled to a moving (rotating) component while the second wiring board is coupled to a stationary component, or vice-versa. The sliding rings and dimples (contacts) on the adjacent wiring boards permit signals and power to be transferred from the moving part of the connector to the stationary part thereof.

Abstract: A coupler having an adapter element detachably held between a support member and a closure element. The support member defines an opening for receiving a connecting plug which feeds current to first spring pin. The connecting plug is provided with an opening for receiving a connecting pin for feeding current to a second spring pin. An insulating material is provided between the pin and the connecting plug and the connecting plug and support member respectively.

Abstract: An improved sliding contact for use with a propeller ice protection system is provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a silver graphite brush forms a sliding contact with a hardened copper alloy slip ring. A sliding contact according to the invention demonstrates improved performance in an oil contaminated environment.

Abstract: A rotary electrical connector has two planar connector members. Each of the planar connector members is positioned perpendicular to an axis of rotation and is supported in rotational facing relation to the other connector member. One of the connector members has a set of concentric tracts thereon, and the other has a corresponding set of protrusions positioned to contact the tracks. A spring forces the two connector members into contact so that electrical contact is maintained between the protrusions and the tracks as one connector member rotates relative to the other connector member. External electrical contact is made on one side to the tracks, and on the other side to the protrusions.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for lighting a wheel rotatably mounted on a frame of a vehicle includes a source of current mounted on the frame of the vehicle, a commutator mounted to the wheel for rotation therewith, at least one light bulb connected to the commutator and secured for rotation therewith, a brush electrically connected to the source of current and mounted to the frame adjacent the commutator. The brush has a contact portion for contacting the commutator to provide a flow of current from the battery to the commutator so as to power the light bulb. The apparatus is adaptable to car, motorcycle and semi-truck wheels, whether the wheels are mounted as singles or as duals.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rotating electrical coupling for use at the base of an aerial ladder which furnishes water, hydraulic controls and electrical lines to the top of the rotating ladder. The electrical coupling uses multiple, concentric, printed circuit type conductive bands oriented in a single plane and wiper contacts held in contact with the bands. The entire structure is located within a compartment within which can also be placed insulating liquids or gases to prevent corrosion and deterioration of the rotating electrical contacts.

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.

Abstract: A rotatable connector for telephone transmitter, especially one which prevents the transmitter conductor from twisting, includes: a housing; a clip connecting plug for inserting into the transmitter; a rotation seat for inserting and placing into the housing and connecting with an extension conductor to electrically connect with the clip connecting plug; some sets of annular guide pieces composed of some semi-circular piercing guide pieces and some semi-circular guide pieces being fixed onto the rotation seat; and a jack for transmitter conductor being fitted in the housing and having some electrically conducting spring strips embedded thereon; In this structure, the jack for transmitter conductor can rotate freely relative to the rotation seat, while still keeps the spring strips in electric connection with the annular guide pieces.

Abstract: An electrical connector for an electromechanical device is provided. The connector includes a housing having a first and second ends and an axis extending longitudinally through the housing. The housing is adapted to be connectable to a surface, and the electromechanical device is disposable in the housing. A rotatable portion having first and second ends is rotatably connected to the housing. The second end of the rotatable portion is positioned adjacent to the first end of the housing along the axis. A fastener fastens the rotatable portion to the housing, and the rotatable portion is adapted to turn about the axis. First and second contacts are axially aligned with and radially disposed from the axis. One of the contacts are disposed on the second end of the rotatable portion and the other on the first end of the housing. The first contact is biased by the fastener into slidable electrical contact with the second contact.

Abstract: This invention is a rotatable marine electric connector intended to be used in the transmission of electricity from a dock mounted power receptacle to a vessel moored to said dock. The connector comprises an upper rotatable section to which an electric cable is connected. This upper rotatable section features a rubber boot which helps seal the inside of the connector from the elements. The upper rotatable section is operably and electrically connected to a lower rotatable section. This lower rotatable section connected electrically with an appropriate connecter to complete the circuit an allow power to be supplied the vessel. The upper rotatable section may be allowed to rotate freely with respect to the lower rotatable section, or alternately, a screw may be tightened thereby immobilizing the upper rotatable section with respect to the lower rotatable section.

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.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for interrogating the data and counting values of a wheel revolution counter. The contact arrangement is accessible from the outside at an otherwise hermetically closed housing. The wheel revolution counter is conventionally fastened at a wheel hub of a vehicle in a cantilevering manner. The contact arrangement comprises a contact plate which is fastened axially in the front housing wall together with an insulating bush having a collar serving as a spacer. An adhesive layer fills the gap between the contact plate and the housing. This adhesive layer extends out on the outer surface of the housing and separates the outer surface of the contact plate and the end face of the housing with an insulating layer covering a large surface area.

Abstract: A rotary plug comprises a casing for receiving a cable. Conductive laminates fixed inside the casing are electrically connected to conductors in the cable. A plug with plug body also contain conductive laminates. The plug with its laminates rotates inside the casing. A dual surfaced printed circuit board is installed between the conductive laminates of the plug and those of the cable. A front linear circuit of the dual printed circuit board connects with the conductive laminates of the body of the plug, and a rear circular circuit of the dual printed circuit board contacts the conductive laminates connected to the cable. While the dual printed circuit board rotates along with the body of the plug, the immovable conductive laminates of the cable maintain contact with a point of the rear circular circuit to keep the plug electrically connected to the cable.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting system for vehicle wheels and comprises a disk assembly which facilitates the electrical attachment of a rotating light with a stationary electrical power source of a vehicle. Further, the invention includes a mounting system for mounting a disk to the lugs of the vehicle on the inside of the wheel. The disk comprises first and second coaxially mounted electrically conductive rings which remain in continuous electrical contact when rotated relative to each other. The mounting system includes an electrically conductive portion and an insulator portion which electrically separates the mounting assembly from the first and second rings; the electrically conductive portion of the mounting means being used to electrically ground the rotating lights.

Abstract: A transmission ring assembly adapted to be mounted between the steering column and the steering wheel an automobile vehicle provides an electrical connection between a control switch mounted on the steering wheel and a device controlled by the switch. It comprises a bush fixed to the steering column and a first series of conductive rings fastened to the bush. A base member is mechanically attached to the steering wheel and a second series of conductive rings fastened to the base member cooperate electrically with the rings of the first series. Each pair of contacts formed by respective rings from the first and second series is insulated from an adjacent pair of contacts. Each ring of the first or second series comprises two concentric annuli electrically and mechanically joined at at least two points on a common diameter. In this way the connection and drive/retention functions of each ring are made separate from its electrical contact function.

Abstract: An integrated CT scanner gantry assembly is provided wherein an open bore rotor is supported by a bearing assembly on an open bore stator. An x-ray assembly is mounted on the rotor and supplied with high voltage power during continuous rotation about the stator through use of a slip ring assembly which is mounted between the rotor and stator. The inside surface of the stator which faces a patient generally lies along the surface of a truncated cone to permit substantial tilting of the stator. Moreover, the stator and rotor have a cross section formed as a series of separated yet aligned steps to form two isolated cavities therebetween, one of the cavities housing the cathode of the slip ring and the other of the cavities housing the anode of the slip ring. The cavities can be filled with a gas or liquid high voltage insulating fluid and can be readily sealed to prevent leakage of said fluid.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector for use with telephone cords comprises first and second connector members which are connected together for rotation with respect to each other about an axis of rotation. A plurality of concentric electrically conductive contact rings are provided on one of the connector members about the axis of rotation in radially spaced relationship so as to face the other connector member. The other connector member has a plurality of sliding electrical contacts in electrical contact with respective ones of the plurality of concentric electrically conductive rings on the one connector members so as to remain in electrical contact with relative rotation of the connector members. The plurality of concentric conductive contact rings are located in a single plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation so that the connector is compact axially.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for use with hand tools or the like that are normally joined to drop cords. The connector is placed between the drop cord and the electrical supply cord of the tool and allows the supply cord to be turned in a continuous clockwise or counterclockwise direction without rotation of the drop cord or twisting of the supply cord. The connector of the invention includes a pair of opposing plates which are rotatably connected whereby during rotation electrical current passes through both plates without interruption thus allowing the tool to be continuously used during an eight hour work period with the tool being directed in the same circular motion without concern of twisting or effective shortening of the supply cord.

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

Abstract: A steering wheel equipped with an electrical relay means is disclosed. The steering wheel includes a pad side unrotatable member and a column side unrotatable member. A boss extends centrally and at least one pad side slip ring is disposed concentrically with the boss and electrically insulated from an outer surface thereof. The slip ring is positioned below the pad side unrotatable member. Further, at least one column side slip ring is disposed concentrically with the boss, and positioned above the column side unrotatable member. A boss plate is disposed around the boss and at least one holder is fixed to the boss plate. Pad and column side contact pins are supported by the holder, and biased toward opposite direction to each other by a spring positioned inside the holder. A lubricant is filled in the holder, and is applied to the slip rings through axial bores formed in the pins. In another embodiment of the invention, two pins are in sliding contact with a single slip ring.