Abstract: The application is directed to various connector and sensor assemblies are described. The connector can have an opening that has a first surface and second surface that are opposite each other. The connector can include a plurality of retractable electrical connectors that extend from the first surface and a lock structure that is located on the second surface. The sensor assembly can include a body portion and a proximal end. The proximal end has a top side and a bottom side. The top side includes a plurality of electrical contacts that is configured to interact with the plurality of retractable electrical connectors. The bottom side includes a key structure that is configured to interact with the lock structure in the connector.

Abstract: A lamp device is disclosed. The lamp device comprises a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector located at a first end portion of the lamp device. The first end portion of the lamp device is received in a receptacle of a first base portion. A first locking portion is included for secunng the first base portion to the first end portion. The present radiation lamp device obviates or mitigates the need to use adhesive and/or polymer insulation/O-rings to achieve electrical connections. Further, the present radiation lamp may be oriented in a vertical orientation without the need to use springs and/or rubber part to support the distal end of the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp socket includes a lamp connection unit which is electrically connected to a lamp, a power connection unit which is disposed below and adjacent to the lamp connection unit along a longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to an electric source which supplies power to the lamp, and a fastening member which is disposed on the power connection unit, wherein the power connection unit comprises at least one sub-component which has a surface area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis which is larger than the largest surface area of the lamp connection unit perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and wherein the sub-component of the power connection unit with the largest surface area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is located proximate to the lamp connection unit.

Abstract: A lamp socket includes a body receiving a lamp, and a power supplying member disposed inside the body, the power supplying member a conductive elastomer, the power supplying member electrically interconnecting the lamp and an inverter substrate on which an inverter is mounted. The power supplying member includes a lamp connector receiving a lead wire of the lamp, and an inverter connector formed integrally with the lamp connector, wherein the inverter connector receives a protrusion of the inverter substrate to encircle the protrusion.

Abstract: A socket (10) for a double-ended lamp has a housing (12); a compression spring (14) within the housing (12); a lamp connector (16) comprising a body (18) with a first portion (20) contained entirely within the housing (12) and a second portion (22) extending beyond the housing (12) and having a given length L, the lamp connector (16) being subjected to an axial movement when a lamp is operatively positioned with the socket (10), the axial movement having a maximum distance AL that is less than the given length L.

Abstract: Peripheral devices are connected to the receptacle of a central processing unit (CPU) or to a hub using an “A” type universal serial bus (USB) connector plug and receptacle that ensures a positive connection regardless of the relative orientation of the two components. This is achieved mechanically, electronically, or through a combination of both. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a bidirectional backplane that permits electrical contacts within the receptacle to slide or move in a direction that is perpendicular to the linear direction of the connector and its connecting cables. Another option is to use an orientation sensor such as a pressure transducer which serves to detect the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle. Another feature is the use of a multi-layer printed circuit board to cross or reverse the pins in the plug, such as D+ to D? and Power to Ground.

Abstract: A housing is provided in which a first electrical connector is positioned, the first connector being connected to a power supply. A second electrical connector is designed to be received by the housing so that a substantially stable and continuous electrical connection is established between the first and second electrical connectors.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit interconnect level capacitor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes depositing a first insulator layer over an interconnect level surface of a semiconductor substrate having active devices. First and second conductive lines are formed in the first insulator layer, and the first insulator layer is etched to form a trench therein between the first and second conductive lines. A first conductive layer is deposited over the first and second conductive lines the said trench. A second insulator layer is deposited over the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer is deposited over the second insulator layer. Then, a third conductive line is formed and disposed in the trench, the third conductive line overlying the second conductive barrier layer.

Abstract: Lampholders to be used with cold cathode fluorescent lamps of the type that do not require heated internal filaments. A lamp pin contact to engage one of the two lamp pins at each end of the lamp provides the electrical circuit between a high voltage ballast and the gas within the lamp. A lamp retainer device engages one of the lamp pins and cooperates with one lamp pin contact to support the lamp. The device may take the form of one or more cantilever mounted insulating or conductive arms, a flat or spring wire form or may be made of compressible material. A further form of lampholder uses a spring loaded contact to engage the lamp pins of a fluorescent lamp and to make contact with a single power conductor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a front mounting socket for a gas light tube that can be mounted and removed from a sign substrate without requiring access to the rear portion of a sign enclosure. The front mounting socket is installed and removed from the sign surface substrate by turning two diametrically positioned screw members which are a part of the retaining clips. Each retaining clip comprises a retainer member and a screw member supported in a screw groove formed in the socket body and the retainer member defining a retaining surface that engages the sign surface substrate when the operator tightens each screw member until the retainer member abuts the sign substrate, thereby interposing the sign substrate between each retainer member and the retaining surface of the mounting surface which secures the socket to the sign.

Abstract: The present invention provides a front mounting socket for a gas light tube that can be mounted and removed from a sign substrate without requiring access to the rear portion of a sign enclosure. The front mounting socket is installed and removed from the sign surface substrate by pinching together diametrically positioned retaining clips. Each retaining clip comprises a resilient portion formed by two longitudinal slots in the socket body and is provided with a retaining lip having a raised portion defining a retaining surface that engages the sign surface substrate.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp with spring-loaded terminal pins includes a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface; an amount of electrically excitable gas disposed in the tube; a fluorescent chemical coat disposed on the inner surface of the tube; a pair of electrodes with each electrode positioned within the tube near each end thereof; a pair of base caps each sealed to a separate end of the tube such that the length of the tube including base caps is about four feet; and a pair of spring-loaded terminal pins extended through each base cap and coupled to the nearest electrode for delivering electrical energy thereto.

Abstract: In a method of producing electrode receptacle assemblies for resisting sudden heat increases comprising the steps of selecting carbonate resin plastic having a density of 1.2 mg/m.sup.3, melt flow rate of 9 to about 12 g/10 m at 300 degrees Centigrade and 1,200 g load, and a tensile stress at yield of 63 MPa, a tensile stress at break of 68 MPa, a deflection temperature under load at 1.

Abstract: In an electrical receptacle having a generally hollow cylindrical section for receiving a high tension wire at one end and a neon tube at another end, said neon tube adapted for electrical connection with said high tension wire interiorally of said hollow cylindrical section, said hollow cylindrical section comprised of carbonate resin plastic for resisting sudden heat increases within said hollow cylindrical section in the region of said electrical contact with said neon tube and said high tension wire wherein said carbonate resin plastic has a melt flow of 9 to about 12 g/10 m at 300 degrees Centigrade and 1,200 g load and tensile stress at yield of 63 MPa, a tensile stress at break of 68 MPa, a delfection temperature under load at 1.8 MPa of 133 degrees Centigrade and a dielectric strength of greater than 16 KV/mm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.