Abstract: A sensor unit mountable on a rotatable element on a platform that is itself movable, and includes an orientation sensor arranged to take measurements that are dependent on the orientation of the sensor unit, a processor arranged to derive a rotational position signal representing the orientation of the rotatable element from the measurements, and a buffer arranged to buffer a series of recent measurements taken by the orientation sensor over a predetermined period of time. The processor derives the rotational position signal making a correction to compensate for the effect of the motion of the platform on the measurements on the basis of the overall series of measurements buffered in the buffer.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a plug arranged and designed to connect to a receptacle. The plug includes an electrically-insulating body, a conductor ring, and a conductive member connected to the plug conductor ring. The receptacle includes an electrically-insulating body, a conductor ring having an axial inner bore and an annular groove facing radially inward, a conductive member connected to the receptacle conductor ring, and an electrically-conductive contact having a generally annular profile, at least a portion of the electrically-conductive contact received in and contacting the annular groove and at least a portion of the electrically-conductive contact not received in the annular groove. Upon insertion of the plug into the receptacle and substantially radially aligning the plug and receptacle conductor rings, the electrically-conductive contact is elastically deformed and provides electrical contact between the plug conductor ring and the receptacle conductor ring.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a body and a plug arranged at a back of the body. The body includes a display screen and a power converter for converting parameters of a power supply from a power socket. A first end of the plug is connected with the power converter, a second end of the plug can be inserted into the power socket, and the insertion direction is substantially perpendicular to a display surface of a display screen.

Abstract: A connection port module is mounted to a side wall of a housing of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a control circuit. The connection port module includes a rotating box, a circuit board, and at least one connection port. The rotating box is formed with at least one opening. The circuit board is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The connection port corresponds in number to the opening and is electrically coupled to the circuit board. The connection port is disposed correspondingly to the opening. The rotating box is pivotable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A rotary plug includes a base, a plurality of annular slot structures, a plurality of conductive components, a bridging component and a plurality of terminals. An accommodating space is formed on the base. The annular slot structures are respectively disposed on an inner wall of the accommodating space. Each conductive component is disposed inside the corresponding annular slot structure. A protrusion of the conductive component inserts into a hole formed on the annular slot structure. The bridging component is rotatably disposed inside the accommodating space. A first end of the terminal protrudes from a bottom of the bridging component. A second end of the terminal protrudes from a lateral surface of the bridging component and movably inserts into the annular slot structure to electrically contact the conductive component.

Abstract: A slip-ring unit includes a first and a second group of components which are arranged in a manner allowing rotation relative to each other about an axis. The first group of components includes a slip-ring brush which is secured to a holder that is mounted between two components which are offset relative to each other in the direction of the axis. The second group of components includes at least one slip ring. The holder and at least one of the components each have an effective area by which a form-locking connection is produced between the holder and the at least one component. Forces having a directional component parallel to the axis are transmittable by the form-locking connection.

Abstract: A high voltage swivel including an inner and an outer body, each body having at least a first and a second ring-shaped conductor element, the conductor elements including two spaced-apart end faces and a curved contact surface, the elements being mutually interconnected at opposing end faces via insulating members at axially spaced-apart positions, the inner and outer bodies being coaxial around a longitudinal axis, the contact surface of each inner conductor element being adjacent to and in electrical contact with an opposed contact surface of a corresponding outer conductor element, the inner and outer bodies being rotatable relative to one another around the longitudinal axis, each conductor element of the inner and outer body connected to a voltage line extending to an input terminal or an output terminal, the insulator members interconnecting the conductor elements situated at a mutual distance in the circumferential direction of the conductor element, the interconnected conductor elements of the inner a

Abstract: A high voltage swivel including an inner and an outer body, each body having at least a first and a second ring-shaped conductor element, the conductor elements including two spaced-apart end faces and a curved contact surface, the elements being mutually interconnected at opposing end faces via insulating members at axially spaced-apart positions, the inner and outer bodies being coaxial around a longitudinal axis, the contact surface of each inner conductor element being adjacent to and in electrical contact with an opposed contact surface of a corresponding outer conductor element, the inner and outer bodies being rotatable relative to one another around the longitudinal axis, each conductor element of the inner and outer body connected to a voltage line extending to an input terminal or an output terminal, the insulator members interconnecting the conductor elements situated at a mutual distance in the circumferential direction of the conductor element, the interconnected conductor elements of the inner a

Abstract: A rotary joint connector has a plug having a plug contact module and a mating receptacle having a receptacle contact module designed for mating engagement with the plug contact module when the connector is fully mated. One of the units has front and rear shells which are rotatably coupled together and contain the contact module which is held in the rear shell so that the rear shell and contact module are free to rotate in the front shell. The mating contact arrangement is such that the plug and receptacle contact modules do not have to be rotationally aligned to maintain electrical contact, so that relative rotation of the electrical contacts of the two contact modules about the mating axis as a result of rotation of the rear shell does not degrade the quality of the connected circuits.

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.

Abstract: A rotary electrical contact device includes a stationary member configured to be coupled to a base, and a rotatable member supported for rotation relative to the stationary member and defining a center opening. A raceway includes a plurality of axially spaced annular contact rings supported by one of the stationary member and the rotatable member. A blade tower includes a plurality of axially spaced blade assemblies and is supported by the other of the rotatable member and the stationary member. Each blade assembly includes a radially extending contact blade in electrical communication with one of the axial spaced contact rings of the raceway.

Abstract: A rotary electrical contact device includes a stationary member configured to be coupled to a base, and a rotatable member supported for rotation relative to the stationary member and defining a center opening. A raceway includes a plurality of axially spaced annular contact rings supported by one of the stationary member and the rotatable member. A blade tower includes a plurality of axially spaced blade assemblies and is supported by the other of the rotatable member and the stationary member. Each blade assembly includes a radially extending contact blade in electrical communication with one of the axial spaced contact rings of the raceway.

Abstract: A drum-style slip-ring module (100) is used in a contact-type communication system. The module utilizes PCB construction to construct a plurality of stacked electrically-conductive rings (102) and a plurality of dielectric layers (104) electrically isolating the conductive rings. Each of the dielectric layers includes a centrally-located aperture (107). The module also includes a cylindrical ground plane (108) positioned in the centrally-located aperture. The module is configured to provide electrical connection to each of the rings at an exterior surface of the module. Each group of feed line vias can be designed as impedance-controlled transmission lines with connections to each ring group. The construction described in this invention can create slip-ring transmission line structures with bandwidth from DC to 5 GHz or higher, allowing the slip-ring to be used to transfer multi-gigabit digital data streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-pole plug unit comprising a plug and a socket. The plug has a polygonal cross section, a longitudinal groove running in the region of a longitudinal edge, which longitudinal groove is crossed by a large number of transverse grooves with a predetermined grid pattern. A printed circuit board is inserted in the longitudinal groove, which printed circuit board has contact pads at certain points of the transverse grooves. The socket has contact wires or pins, which run transversely with respect to the longitudinal directions, to come to lie in the transverse grooves owing to the rotation of the plug and therefore come into touching contact with the contact faces and, at the same time, bring about translatory locking of the plug in the socket.

Abstract: An electrically conductive connection is provided. The electrically conductive connection includes a gantry, rotatable about a pivot axis, and a stand. The connection comprising a wireless electrical contact, and at least one defined rotary position of the gantry. The connection including a slipring and brush or a slipring and non-contact transmission. A radiation therapy system and method for operating a gantry of a radiation therapy system is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary joint and a method for making a rotary joint are disclosed. The rotary joint includes a cylindrical core having an external surface including at least two circumferentially oriented groove regions and a partition region intermediate the groove regions. At least a portion of the surface of a groove region is electrically conductive and at least a portion of the surface of the partition region is electrically insulating. A method for making the rotary joint includes molding the cylindrical core from a plateable resin and molding over at least some of the plateable resin with a non-plateable resin. A conductive material is plated over the plateable resin to form a rotary joint of unitary structure, eliminating the numerous components and assembly steps associated with conventional rotary joints.

Abstract: Means for transferring electric power and/or signals comprises an electrical power slip-ring system (EPSR) (3) comprising a housing (4) containing an electrical slip-rings, the housing (4) being connected to a support structure (6) of a vessel (7) and a brush carrier unit (8) that is in slidable contact with the electrical conductor means, the brush carrier (8) being fixed to a turret (2). A swivel unit (10) extends thorough the centre of the housing (4). The turret (2) and support structure (6) may be disposed on the vessel in various configurations such as an internal turret configuration, a submerged turret configuration or an external turret configuration.

Abstract: A high voltage swivel, includes an annular outer element defining a cylindrical chamber around a longitudinal axis and an inner cylindrical element coaxial with the outer element and rotatable relative thereto around the axis. The inner and outer elements each include at least two axially spaced conductors rotatable with the inner and outer elements, the conductors forming at least two pairs placed with contact surfaces in mutual electrical contact. One conductor in each pair is provided at the inner element, the other at the outer element and being connected to a respective voltage line which extends to an input terminal and to an output terminal respectively, the conductors being surrounded by an insulating material. The conductors of the outer element are provided in a recess in an annular solid outer insulating ring, the conductors of the inner element are provided in a recess in an annular solid inner insulating ring.

Abstract: A collector ring comprising a non-electrically conductive, non-rotatable slip ring base having a plurality of slip rings mounted thereon with the slip rings decreasing in diameter from the lower end of the base to the upper end of the base. Electrical wires are secured to the slip rings and extend therefrom for connection to a source of power. A slip ring brush holder is rotatably secured to the slip ring base and has a plurality of brush holders mounted thereon which engage the slip rings on the base. Electrical wires extend from the brushes outwardly from the brush holder.

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.

Abstract: A connector for mechanically and electrically connecting devices such that the devices can pivot about two different axes relative to one another.

Abstract: A connectorized inside fiber optic drop that facilitates the deployment of fiber to the home by connecting a fiber optic interface device to an optical network terminal, the inside fiber optic drop including a sheath, transition fittings, pigtails, fiber optic connectors, and a fiber optic strand. The sheath is positioned over a middle section of the fiber optic strand. The transition fittings are attached to the fiber optic sheath proximate to both ends of the drop. The pigtails attach to the transition fittings and enclose the fiber optic strand from the transition fittings to the ends of the fiber optic strand, where the fiber optic connectors are attached to the fiber optic strand and the pigtails. If the drop contains more than one fiber optic strand, then one set of pigtails with connectors is provided for each fiber optic strand.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved electrical cylindrical circuit collector ring assembly. The assembly includes an axial stack of multiple torodial-shaped spacer members and at least one electrical conductor ring member. The spacer members each include one insulating face and one electrically conductive face. The ring assembly also includes a general adhesive for mounting the insulator face to the ring members and an electrically conductive adhesive for mounting the conductive face to the ring members and for mounting ring members to ring members where applicable. The ring assembly also includes a radial extension on each of the conductive faces of the spacer members beyond the ring member diameter providing for an electrical connecting point. Finally, radial tabs provide lead wire channels and means of improved electrical shielding.

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.

Abstract: What is described here is an arrangement for transmitting electrical signals and/or energy between parts that can be rotated relative to each other, whereof the part (transmitting part) on which the transmitter is disposed comprises at least two electrical conductors whose shape is adapted to the trajectory or path of movement and into which said transmitter feeds the signal to be transmitted in a symmetrical form, while the other part comprises the receiver (receiving part),

Abstract: An electric plug-in connector (11) having at least two coaxial round contacts (12, 13) provided on an electric component, e.g. a pressure regulator (10) or the like, wherein one round contact, preferably the inner round contact (12), contains an adjustment mechanism. There is further provided one connector (17) having at least two plug-in contacts for connection with the round contacts (12, 13). The plug-in connector (11) has hooks which are configured in such a way that in a plane which extends, e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (21) of the round contacts (12, 13), the connector (17) can be inserted onto the round contacts from any direction and can be locked thereon and/or on the pressure regulator (10) and the adjustment mechanisms is freely accessible in the inner round contact (12).

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.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner hose with electrical conductors comprises a hose made of a soft thermoplastic material. A support carrier, made out of a harder material than the material of the hose, is attached at one end of the hose for electrical slip rings. One of the electrical conductors is in each case connected to the slip rings. An end socket is inserted into the end of the hose exhibiting the support carrier, is connected to the support carrier, and is made of the same material as the support carrier. The support carrier is made of a socket ring, provided with at least one slip ring, and a sleeve, disposed in front of the socket ring. The sleeve is provided with a continuous axial slot and includes two additional slip rings, and the sleeve is connected form-matchingly to the socket ring and to the end socket. At least one thread turn is formed at an inner jacket face of the sleeve and forms a counter thread for the wave troughs and the wave crests of the hose.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector for connection with first and second electrical power cord segments includes a male connector member and a female connector member. The male connector member comprises at least one conductor for connection with respective electric wires in the first power cord segment. The female connector member comprises at least one bearing assembly for connection with respective electric wires of the second power cord segment and sized for engagement with the respective at least one conductor. The bearing assembly is formed of an electrically conductive material to establish electrical communication between the first and second power cord segments.

Abstract: An articulated coordinate measuring arm having swiveling joints which are unlimited by an end-stops. Power and signals are transmitted through a swiveling joint using a multi-conductor electrical slip-ring sub-assembly. Joint position transducer signal conditioners are closely located to the joint position transducers to reduce signal noise degradation. Rigid transfer members connecting the joints comprise a freely rotating shaft mounted within an outer sheath, wherein both shaft and sheath extend substantially the length of the transfer member, and the shaft outer diameter approaches that of the sheath inner diameter.

Abstract: A jack socket comprises a body in which are formed an axial bore adapted to receive a phone jack, an annular groove in at least two locations spaced along the axial bore, concentric with, perpendicular to, and facing radially into the axial bore, and an access port extending radially through the body into each annular groove. A toroidal coil spring is housed in each annular groove, and includes a radially-inward facing circumference projecting into the axial bore to contact the circumference of the jack plug. An electrical connection extends through the access port to the coil spring mounted in each annular groove. A jack socket installable in a mounting hole and requiring no more access to the back of the mounting hole during installation than that provided by the mounting hole comprises a body shaped and dimensioned to be closely received by the mounting hole. An axial bore and plural radial bores are formed in the body.

Abstract: A coupling is described for conducting electrical signals between two members which are movably mounted to each other. The coupling uses a piece of compressed electrically conductive elastomer material to maintain physical and electrical contact between the two members. The coupling is well adapted for conveying low current analog or digital control signals. In a preferred form the coupling is a rotary coupling which has a drum mounted for rotation in a cavity in a housing. The outer surface of the drum and the inner surface of the cavity each have a number of circumferential electrically conductive rings aligned in pairs. A ring of electrically conductive elastomer material is compressed between each pair of rings. The coupling can be advantageously combined with a rotary coupling for hydraulic fluid. In the combined electric-hydraulic rotary coupling the electric portion of the coupling is flushed with hydraulic fluid.

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 slip ring includes a rotor and a stator. Stator contacts are connected to a data acquisition unit. The rotor contacts are connected to an amplifier circuit mounted in a housing connected to and rotatable with a rotating member. A sensor mounted on the rotating member to which the rotor is also fixedly mounted generates an electrical output signal corresponding to a sensed operating parameter of the rotating member. The sensor output signal is amplified by the amplifier in the housing before being transmitted through the slip ring to the data acquisition unit. Vibration isolation is provided when required for the slip ring and the circuit board in the housing carrying the amplifier to dampen vibrations generated by the rotating member. Resilient pads are mounted on the circuit board and engage the housing attached to the rotor.

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.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on or disposed in the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.

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

Abstract: The instant invention includes a two-portion printed circuit board support stand and connector wherein an elongate rotatable first portion accommodates a printed circuit board therewithin. A second stationary portion is electrically associatable with a device accommodating a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board extends beyond an accommodating port of the rotatable first portion and is pivotal to enable testing of the printed circuit board and the like as the first portion is pivoted throughout an arcuate path presenting both sides of the printed circuit board extending beyond the first portion's accommodating part.

Abstract: The low friction rotatable electrical connector is for use with a coiled telephone cord to prevent the cord from becoming twisted or tangled during use. This connector is generally of insulating material formed with a hollow housing for supporting a rotor assembly therein. This rotor assembly is a hollow cylinder that is positioned within the housing for relative rotation therein. One end wall of the housing has a circular opening in which one end of the rotor assembly is supported for rotation. The rotor assembly has a single longitudinal split for nearly the entire length thereof, but the split does not include the journal at one end that is located within the circular opening or bearing in the end wall of the housing. The rotor assembly supports a plurality of continuous conductive rings on the exterior thereof, and there is an insulating washer positioned between each pair of conductive rings to serve as a spacer between adjacent rings.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on or disposed in the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.