Connector Including Housing Or Panel To Support Holder Patents (Class 439/248)
  • Patent number: 7452226
    Abstract: A plug-in connector (10) for a control unit (100) of a window opener in a motor vehicle, including a box-like housing (1). The plug-in connector (10) includes a plurality of motor connections (2), situated in corresponding longitudinal seats (4). Each motor connection (2) includes a base (21), partially embedded in the box-like housing (1) and a terminal, clamp portion (22), which engages with a relative comb connector (3) of the complementary female connector. A longitudinal slot (25) is made in an intermediate portion (24) of the connection (2). The areas (26a, 27a) joining longitudinal prongs (26, 27) and the base (21), and the areas (26b, 27b) joining the prongs and the clamp portion (22), deform, like hinge points of a pivot parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Selta S.r.l.
    Inventor: Tomasso Rabotti
  • Publication number: 20080280471
    Abstract: A connection device for preparing multiple electrical wires for connection to terminals includes multiple wire adapters each of which is shaped and dimensioned to fit onto one of the wires. A top shell forms multiple recesses each of which is adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the wire adapters, and a bottom shell adapted to enter into engagement with the top shell secures the wire adapters within the recesses in the top shell when the top and bottom shells are engaged with each other to prevent movement of the wires and wire adapters relative to the shells. A fastener locks the shells together with the wire adapters in the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Marcelo Alejandro Perez
  • Patent number: 7435121
    Abstract: An input module for use with an electronic device (for example, a PDA) is provided. The input module includes an adapter and an input device. The adapter includes an adjustment mechanism, and the input device includes a connection portion and a main body. When the input device is connected with the adapter, the adjustment mechanism allows the connection portion in a specific position and coupling with the electronic device electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Mao-Sung Huang, Chien-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 7431613
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic charging cup assembly, including an electronic charging cup and charging cup holder. The electronic charging cup is provided with an embedded cell module and a button set, so that the cell module supplies sufficient power to the linear conducting strip covering the cup core. Since the cell module is a rechargeable cell structure, it is only required to place the electronic charging cup into the charging cup holder in the event of electric exhaustion of cell module, thereby achieving the purpose of additional power supply with improved applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: J Sheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiang Liu, Shu-Fen Li
  • Patent number: 7422456
    Abstract: A coaxial connector to be connected to a mating connector includes a fixed assembly body and a movable assembly body connected to the fixed assembly body along an axial direction. The fixed assembly body includes a fixed side inner conductive body; a holding member for holding the movable assembly body; a fixed side insulation member for insulating between the fixed side inner conductive body and the holding member; and a first urging member for using the movable assembly body. The movable assembly body includes a movable side inner conductive body; a movable side outer conductive body; and a movable side insulation member. The movable side inner conductive body includes a first relay terminal having a retaining portion, a second relay terminal having a contact portion retained in the retaining portion, and a second urging member for urging the second relay terminal toward the fixed side inner conductive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikujiro Mitani, Teruo Katayama, Takeshi Nobe
  • Patent number: 7419394
    Abstract: A connector arrangement for packaged electrical systems, such as motor control centers includes a component connector assembly mounted to component supports for providing network signals and control power to components on the support. A mating prewired connector assembly in the enclosure is forced to mate with the component connector assembly when the component support is fully engaged within the enclosure. Thereafter, the component support may be partially withdrawn from the enclosure to disconnect main power from the component support, while leaving network connections and control power connections by virtue of the mated connectors. The connectors engage by non-sliding contact both when fully engaged and when the components are partially withdrawn from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Jensen, Chester Malkowski, Jr., David T. Rollay, Sandra J. Tietyen, Arnaldo Hiroyuki Omoto, Herberto Bergmann
  • Patent number: 7417848
    Abstract: A reduced form factor component support is provided for motor control centers and similar packaged electrical systems. The reduced form factor component support may be used with smaller components, such as small motor starters, motor drives, and so forth. Electrical connections with standard bus bars in the enclosure are made through special connectors mounted on subplates in the rear of the enclosure, or by an invertible stab housing that can allow the reduced form factor component support to share conventional slots in a bus cover, thereby providing access to the supply power in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Herberto Bergmann, Eric Krieg, Chester Malkowski, Jr., Arnaldo Hiroyuki Omoto, Luis Ricardo Luzardo Pereira, José Batista Ferreira Neto
  • Patent number: 7404726
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that surrounds a connector and places it within the printer body in such away as to allow for the connector to float against the intrusion of a sliding can mounted with electronics and to set up and enable the printer. The problem solved is that of the blind-mating connectors within a printer system for which an industry standard connector set for flex cable must be used. It is advantageous to allow a connector that is attached to a flex cable to float even though the floating feature has not been considered in the original design and the connector was not made for the amount of misalignment present in a blind-mate connection. In addition, by a single-rib design, an extra degree of freedom for rotational around Y-axis is provided to the floating connector to further guide the lead-in of the contacting face of the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, William Lewis Talley, Danny Hugh Addison, Robert J. Heider
  • Patent number: 7402062
    Abstract: A battery connector system includes a connector receptacle having a housing, the connector receptacle positioned on a battery pack having a positive battery lead and a negative battery lead, a first wire and a second wire coupled to the connector receptacle, the first wire and the second wire extending from the housing to connect the connector receptacle with the positive battery lead and the negative battery lead, and a connector plug positioned in an electronic device. The connector receptacle includes integral alignment features for mating with the connector plug upon insertion of the battery pack into the electronic device and may be attached to the battery pack by an adhesive bond. The connector plug is float connected to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventor: Lou Perry
  • Patent number: 7396246
    Abstract: A connector device includes a circuit unit having a first connector provided with a plurality of contacts. The circuit unit is moveable between a mating position and a final mating position. An electrical connector has a cover member and a second connector provided with a plurality of contacts that is arranged in the cover member. The cover member has a first connector housing receiving recess that receives the first connector. At least one locking projection locks the second connector in the cover member when the circuit unit is in the mating position. At least one lock release projection unlocks the second connector when the first connector is moved from the mating position to the final mating position. The contacts of the first connector are electrically connected to the contacts of the second connector in the mating position and the final mating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP K.K.
    Inventors: Akira Okada, Ryuchi Nagai, Yuuchi Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 7393227
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael F. Scholeno, Shane Brown, Jack Burwick
  • Patent number: 7390207
    Abstract: A self-aligning connector, comprising: a female connector which is adapted to include at least one electrical component and to be optionally secured to one securing portion; a male connector connectable to the female connector, the male connector being adapted to include at least one electrical component and to be optionally secured to another securing portion; and at least one connector cover and at least one slide plate, which are disposed between the one securing portion and the another securing portion; wherein the at least one connector cover includes a plurality of resilient pawls, which has distal ends located in the vicinity of a connector cover center portion in front-rear and left-right directions in the plane of the at least one connector cover; wherein the at least one slide plate includes a receiving portion in which resilient pawls are inserted and engaged; and wherein the resilient pawls absorb deviations in the front-rear and left-right directions occurring at the time of connecting the female
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamitsu Noguchi, Shigeru Ishikawa, Kotaro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7381072
    Abstract: A connector includes a rear cover which is fixed to a rear portion of an outer housing in non-contacting relation to an inner housing. A strain relief structure, including a wire bending portion for bending and holding wires, is provided at the rear cover. The connector further includes springs. The inner housing is mounted in the outer housing such that the inner housing 11 is urged forward by the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Nagano
  • Patent number: 7371110
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a connector having a pair of connector housings fitted through an attachment hole in a body panel, which is easily confirmed whether or not the fitting is complete. The connector 1 has a first connector housing 3 and a second connector housing 4, and a position regulator 5. The connector housing 4 has a flange 17. The position regulator 5 regulates the movement of the first connector housing 3 until the connector housings 3 and 4 are fitted, and allows its movement after fitting. The first connector housing 3 is temporary locked in a hole 7 of a panel 2 and the second connector housing 4 is fitted. After the fitting of the connector housings 3 and 4, the second connector housing 4 is approached to the body panel 2. The flange 17 approaches to the body panel 2. The second connector housing 4 is locked to the body panel 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Murakami, Yoshitaka Kashima
  • Publication number: 20080102675
    Abstract: A cradle and a cradle lock for a mobile device having a receiving portion to receive at least a portion of a body of the mobile device, the mobile device being inserted into the receiving portion in an insertion direction and a cradle electrical contact electrically coupling with a corresponding mobile device electrical contact, the cradle electrical contact being deformed by physical contact with the mobile device electrical contact, wherein the cradle electrical contact applies a force to the corresponding mobile device electrical contact in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Ben Michaeli, Carl Thelemann
  • Publication number: 20080102674
    Abstract: The present application is directed to electrical connectors that are connected to cartridges for use in image forming devices. The electrical connectors may form a communication path between the cartridge and the image forming device. The electrical connectors may include a circuit board and a housing. The housing may be configured to guide the circuit board into engagement with a corresponding connector on the image forming device. The electrical connectors may be positioned on a body of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jedediah Taylor Dawson, Akash Chaudhuri, Darin M. Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 7347715
    Abstract: A female housing (10) is mounted into a male housing (30) in a direction substantially normal to a connecting direction of the two housings (10, 30), and is inserted from this mount position toward the back side of a receptacle along the connecting direction. A moving plate (40) is assembled inside the receptacle (34), has an opening (61A) that is open toward a side from which the female housing (10) is mounted, and is formed with a guiding wall (61) for positioning the female housing (10) before the connection is started by being brought into contact with the upper surface and the opposite side surfaces of the female housing (10) reaching the mount position through the opening (61A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kobayashi, Yuuichi Nankou, Yutaka Noro, Satoru Nishide, Masahiro Noda, Keiichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080057764
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (100) includes a top shell (11), a bottom shell (12) forming a bottom plate (32) defining a receiving room with the top shell, a connector module (51), a printed circuit board (PCB) (52) electrically connecting with the connector module, a pair of mating screws (43) and a pair of spring members (430). The top shell forms a cutout (110) exposed along a vertical direction. The connector module is located vertically in the receiving room and extends through the cutout. The PCB includes a pair of limiting holes (521) and the mating screws have threads and screw caps. The threads pass through the bottom plate and the corresponding limiting holes to lock with the top shell. The pair of spring members is supported by the mating screws, and compressed between a bottom surface of the PCB and a top surface of the screw caps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Kuo
  • Publication number: 20080020618
    Abstract: A connection system for use with a panel having an aperture includes a connection device having a front portion and a back portion. The front portion is insertable in an axial direction into the aperture, and the back portion is configured to prevent passage through the aperture. A retainer releasably secured to the panel is positioned adjacent the back portion of the connection device and configured to provide predetermined limited floating movement of the connection device in at least the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Feldman
  • Patent number: 7300295
    Abstract: In a connector having a guiding member for guiding movement of a connection object in a fitting direction and a removing direction opposite to each other, a connection element is coupled to the guiding member to be connected to the connection object with movement of the connection object towards the fitting direction. The connection element is movable in a first range in the fitting and the removing directions. An ejecting mechanism is coupled to the guiding member to give the connection object a moving force towards the removing direction in response to the movement towards the fitting direction of the connection object connected to the connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Keisuke Nakamura, Takamitsu Wada
  • Patent number: 7281936
    Abstract: An electronic storage unit, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The electronic storage unit includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the electronic storage unit can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the electronic storage unit and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the electronic storage unit is installed. A flexible seal is located within the module and surrounding the cable connector to allow for the cable connector to float within the assembly in order to allow for radial insertion into the console. The electronic storage unit can be readily removed from the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Reents, Prakash R. Stirret
  • Patent number: 7281935
    Abstract: An electronic storage unit, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the electronic storage unit can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the electronic storage unit and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the electronic storage unit is installed. The cable connector is configured with asymmetrical guideposts to aid in aligning the electronic storage unit for rotational insertion into the console. The electronic storage unit can be readily removed from the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Prakash R. Stirret
  • Patent number: 7272336
    Abstract: The present application is directed to toner cartridges for use with an image forming device. The toner cartridges may include a body with an interior reservoir that contains toner. The toner cartridges are removable from the image forming device and may be replaced, such as upon depletion of the toner from the interior reservoir. The cartridges include an electrical connector for connection to the main body. The electrical connector is movable relative to the body to facilitate engagement of the cartridge with the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jedediah Taylor Dawson, Akash Chaudhuri, Darin M. Gettelfinger
  • Publication number: 20070212915
    Abstract: A locking mechanism assembly to allow locking of a fastener in an orthopedic implant having its axis at a variable angle relative to the axis of a concavely rounded through opening in the implant. The assembly includes a convexly rounded ring shaped locking cam insert which mates with the through opening and further which includes an expansion slot. The cam insert includes two cam raceways on the inside that are engaged by cam members on the head of the fastener. The cam members increase radially and expand the insert in the through opening to hold it in position by friction. The cam insert further includes a stop member that inhibits the cam insert from rotating as the fastener is rotated in the cam insert and locks it into the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Lee A. Strnad, Amanda Martin, Dustin Ducharme
  • Patent number: 7258560
    Abstract: A spring-loaded assembly for coupling a connector to a computer component includes an assembly housing operable to receive a portion of a screw used to couple the connector to a chassis of an information handling system. The assembly further includes a sliding block disposed in the assembly housing and operably engaged with the screw. The sliding block is operable to move the connector between a first position and a second position. The assembly further includes a spring placed between the sliding block and at least one wall of the assembly housing. The spring operably provides an axial force to bias the connector to a first position, whereby coupling the connector to the computer component causes the connector to move to a connected position intermediate the first and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Scafidi, Karl Hamand, Theodore C. Stamos
  • Patent number: 7258559
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connection device for the automatic, e.g. multipolar electrical connection of a vehicle trailer, particularly of a semitrailer, to a towing vehicle, particularly to a prime mover. The plug-and-socket connection device comprises a socket and a plug, which can be mounted on the vehicle trailer (e.g. the plug) or on the towing vehicle (e.g. the socket, they can be aligned with one another when coupling the vehicle trailer to the towing vehicle, and can be displaced while being guided by a drive provided in the form of an, e.g. piston/cylinder assembly relative to one another between an (advanced) connecting position and a (retracted) inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Erich Jaeger GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Kirstin Mattern, Kurt Rautenberg
  • Patent number: 7255583
    Abstract: A connection terminal includes a housing, a case fixed to the housing, a terminal stage installed inside the case and having a first terminal and a guide portion, the first terminal and the guide portion projecting parallel to each other from one end of the terminal stage in the same direction, a connected member facing the case and having a second terminal to which the first terminal is fitted and connected for establishment of electrical connection, and a recessed portion to which the guide portion is fitted. The terminal stage is movable at least in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the connection between the first and second terminals while being installed inside the case. The first and second terminals are fitted to each other after the guide portion is fitted to the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 7252525
    Abstract: A connector coupling structure includes first and second connectors including housings. A raised portion is formed at a front end side of an inner surface of the second connector housing. When the first and second connectors are coupled, the raised portion contacts an outer surface of the first connector housing, forming a clearance between the outer surface of the first connector housing and an inner surface portion of the second connector housing. An inner case is slidably received in one of the connector housings. A projecting portion is formed on a side of the inner case and a notching piece having a pawl is formed on the one connector housing to be releasably engageable with the projecting portion. When the terminals and terminal-inserting holes of the two connectors are connected with one another, the inner case slides so that the engagement of the pawl and the projecting portion is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehisa Ide, Shigeru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7232967
    Abstract: An open-door sensor for a refrigeration device contains a magnetically operated switch and a housing that surrounds the switch. Plug-in contacts for the switch are accessible from one side of the housing. The housing is equipped with detachable fixing elements for fixing the housing in a cavity. This results in a compact and inexpensive sensor for the refrigeration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Claudia Rupp
  • Patent number: 7227334
    Abstract: A charging apparatus used with a mobile robot has an improved charging structure so that a mobile robot is easily brought into electrical contact with a charging unit, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and preventing a charging failure. The charging unit is provided with a plurality of charging terminals which are brought into electrical contact with corresponding ones of contact terminals of the mobile robot. Each of the charging terminals includes a body and a head. A contact plate is mounted to a predetermined portion of the head to be brought into electrical contact with a corresponding one of the contact terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-Sang Yang, Youn-Baek Lee, Yeon-Taek Oh, Ja-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 7214104
    Abstract: An electrical connector having a leadframe assembly and a connector housing is disclosed. The leadframe may include a lead frame and an electrical contact extending at least partially through the lead frame. The connector housing contains the leadframe assembly in each of one or more directions and also allows the leadframe assembly to move relative to the housing in the each direction. After the connector is mounted to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, the housing is free to move in at least one direction relative to the leadframe assemblies. The connector may also include a contact receiving wafer having a face that at least partially defines an aperture that extends therethrough. A terminal portion of the contact may extend at least partially into the aperture. The faces that define the aperture contain the terminal portion of the contact in each of a plurality of directions and also allows the terminal portion of the contact to move in each direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Minich, Donald K. Harper, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7214080
    Abstract: A female connector (F) is provided with an outer housing (10) in the form of a bottomed tube, a spring member (50) to be accommodated in the outer housing (10), and an inner housing (30) to be accommodated in the outer housing (10) to sandwich the spring member (50) between the inner housing (30) and a back wall (12) of the outer housing (10) and adapted to hold female terminal fittings (80). The inner housing (30) is pushed by a male connector (M) to move toward the back wall (12) and is floating-supported between the back wall (12) and the male connector (M) via the spring member (50) to move in connecting directions when the male connector (M) is fitted into the outer housing (10) to be locked therein. Upon an occurrence of vibration, the inner housing (30) is capable of moving while following movements of the outer housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Toshifumi Ichio, Takehiro Nakata, Michiaki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7175456
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an anti-disengagement assembly for minimizing disengagement of an electrical extension cord from a power tool of the type that includes a housing and a motor therein, the assembly including an electrical plug module configured to engage a receptacle of the extension cord, with the plug module being operatively connected to the power tool motor and being mounted in the housing and being biased by at least one spring in a configuration permitting limited movement that reduces the influence of vibration produced by the power tool on the plug module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jaime Moreno, Robert Doumani
  • Patent number: 7128602
    Abstract: A connection assembly permits a make first and break last connection for primary power. The assembly includes a first pair of connectors, a second pair of connectors, and a compliance element associated with one of the first pair of connectors. The compliance element enables the first pair of connectors to mate prior to the mating of the second pair of connectors and to enable the first pair of connectors to disengage after the disengagement of the second pair of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen Daniel Cromwell, Michael Alan Brooks
  • Patent number: 7121888
    Abstract: The multiple wire cable connector comprises an outer housing having at least one opening for a multiple wire cable to pass therethrough and at least one inner housing for arranging therein termination sockets of the wires of the multiple wire cable the inner housing comprising a front end for contacting a device to be electrically connected to the wires of the multiple wire cable, and a receiving end for receiving the wires of the multiple wire cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Konrad W. Brandt, Guenter Ploehn
  • Patent number: 7121857
    Abstract: Described is a connector assembly and interconnect system for absorbing physical tolerances. The connector assembly includes a shoulder screw, a spring, and an electrical connector. A barrel portion of the screw passes through hole in a flange of the connector. Secured to a structural member is a threaded portion of the screw. Coiled about the barrel portion of the screw, between the connector body and the structural member, is the spring. The interconnect system includes a second connector for mating with the electrical connector. One connector can be mounted in a chassis and the other to a subassembly. When the subassembly slides into the chassis, the connectors mate and compress the spring. A securing mechanism then couples the subassembly to the chassis, keeping the spring compressed and urging connectors against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7112078
    Abstract: A connector comprising first and second mating portions in electrical communication, each of the first and second mating portions having inner and outer conductors, wherein the first and second mating portions are independently radially displaceable while maintaining the electrical communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Czikora
  • Patent number: 7108531
    Abstract: A viewed component of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a planar sheet including a first face and a second face. The first and second sheet are offset by a predetermined thickness. The planar sheet defines a plurality of passages formed entirely through the thickness and extending between the first face and the second face. A translucent layer of material includes an inboard face and an outboard face. The inboard face is disposed on one of the first and second face of the planar sheet and covers the plurality of passages thereat. Markings are arranged on the outboard face of the translucent layer. The markings correspond to identifiable designations on the viewed component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahira Kato
  • Patent number: 7104810
    Abstract: An electrical connection box includes: a case having an opening, the case housing a circuit forming board having a conductive path; a connector being attached to an attachment surface of the case at end side of the opening, the connector being mounted on the circuit forming board; a terminal fitting being attached to the connector and connected to the conductive path of the circuit forming board by soldering; and an attachment member being provided between the attachment surface of the case and the connector. The attachment member allows a displacement of the connector by pressing the connector against an attachment surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Kawakita, Shigeki Yamane
  • Patent number: 7097481
    Abstract: The slack absorbing device of electric wires includes: electric wires for constituting a wiring harness; a casing that receives the electric wires and has an opening through which the electric wires are guided into and guided out from the casing; a biasing member that biases the electric wires in a direction in which the electric wires are drawn into the casing; and a device body having a harness winding member that is capable of reciprocating motion receiving bias force from the biasing member, wherein the electric wires guided into and guided out from the casing are covered with a protection tube for preventing the electric wires from being damaged, an end of the electric wires is provided with a connector to be connected to a mating wiring harness, an end of the protection tube is fixed to a connector case that is capable of receiving the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyasu Terada
  • Patent number: 7090521
    Abstract: A floating connector includes a connector 2 having a base side, a flange-like connecting portion 3 provided on the base side of the connector 2, a base 4 for supporting the connecting portion 3, and a pair of coil springs 5 provided between the connecting portion 3 and the base 4 for supporting the connector in a floating state. The coil springs 5 are supported by coil spring receiving portions 31 provided in the connecting portion 3 and coil spring supporting bosses 41 provided on the base 4 so that the coil springs 5 can extend and contract in an inserting direction of a mating connector to be connected as well as to bend laterally in swing directions of the connector 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nishio, Yoshinori Ohta, Yasuhiko Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7066752
    Abstract: A slide-in structure (210) inside a cradle set (200) for accommodating a personal digital assistant (PDA) module (10) is disclosed. The slide-in structure comprises a base plate (220), a sliding stand (230) and a pushing arm (240). A connector (204) of the cradle set is fastened to the sliding stand via a circuit board (206). The base plate has a pair of sidewalls (222, 224) and two sliding grooves (226) located on of the sidewalls. The two ends of the sliding stand are inserted into the respective sliding grooves so that the sliding stand is free to move relative to the sliding grooves. The pushing arm is in contact with the sliding stand. The pushing arm resiliently pushes the sliding stand to one side of the sliding grooves and provides a buffering force when the PDA module engages with/disengages from the connector in the cradle set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: High Tech Computer, Corp.
    Inventors: Hsi-Hsing Hsu, Chu-Yang Chu, Chien-Lung Huang, William Wang, Leader Hung
  • Patent number: 7059882
    Abstract: A connector having a floating structure includes a floating holder 4 for coupling a fitting coupling portion 5 connected to a portable electrical apparatus 30 to a base 3 through a floating mechanism 10. The floating holder 4 is molded of plastic as a separate part from a connector main body 2 provided with the fitting coupling portion 5. The floating holder 4 has a first holder 4A and a second holder 4B for pinching and supporting a coupling deck 8 of the connector main body 2 from opposite sides. The first holder 4A and the second holder 4B have locking hooks 18, 19 and are coupled to each other directly or through the connector main body 2. Moreover, the first holder 4A and the second holder 4B have integrally molded support portions 16, 22 for supporting the coupling deck 8 of the connector main body 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Sugita, Shimako Yamada
  • Patent number: 7056136
    Abstract: A floating connector comprises an insulating housing having a plurality of first and second contacts arranged in at least one row in the housing. Each of the first and second contacts has a contact member for contacting a mating contact, a leg for connecting to a first printed circuit board, and an elastic member disposed between the contact member and the leg. The elastic member has a curved shape and extends in a direction of the at least one row. A bent section is formed between the contact member and the leg. The bent section of the first contacts is shorter then the bent section of the second contacts so that the legs of the corresponding first and second contacts are arranged in a staggered configuration in the at least one row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics.AMP K.K.
    Inventor: Masaaki Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7029301
    Abstract: A socket (333) of a connector (33) of an adapter (2) has a projecting portion (loose-fit portion) (333B) inserted into a hole (353A) of a base member (35) to support the connector (33) in loosely fitted manner. A diameter (L3) of the projecting portion (333B) is smaller than a diameter L4 of a hole (353A) of the base member (35). A length (L5) along an insertion direction into the hole (353A) is greater than a thickness of the connector attachment side (353). The connector (32) of the adapter (2) has an insertion portion (323) inserted into a cutout portion (353B) of the base member (35). A length (L8) of an extending direction of an insertion body (323A) of the insertion portion (323) is greater than the thickness (L9) of the connector attachment side, while its width (L6) is smaller than a width (L7) of the cutout portion (353B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ootori, Kenichi Nagase, Mitsuyuki Tokusashi, Tomonori Hasegawa, Hironori Yagi
  • Patent number: 7014486
    Abstract: A recoverable connector structure and a cradle having the same are provided. The cradle includes a base plate, a fixed stand, a recoverable assembly having a bolt and an elastic body, a support body, a shielding plate, a circuit board, a second connector and a case. An electronic device couples with the second connector of the cradle through a first connector of the electronic device. When the electronic device is pulled from the second connector of the cradle, the recoverable assembly allows the second connector and the circuit board to rotate in a certain angle. As the electronic device is separated from the cradle, the second connector can return to its initial position. This design not only makes the process of pulling up the electronic device smooth, but also avoids the second connector from fatigued damage to extend the cradle's life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: High Tech Computer, Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Lung Wu, Fu-Chung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6981889
    Abstract: A self-aligning, signal isolating blindmate connector is presented. The blindmate connector may include a male blindmate connector adapted for receiving a female connector; a female connector and a shroud covering a junction between a mated male blindmate connector and a female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor M. Grothen, Frank E. Hamlin, Dick Stump
  • Patent number: 6979215
    Abstract: A connector uses a plurality of individual terminal assemblies to form a high-density connector. The terminal assemblies all have insulative body portions that support arrays of signal terminals and ground terminals or ground members. The terminals all have their own associated body portions which are supported by the insulative body portions and contact portions that extend out from a front, or mating face, of the assemblies. The terminal contact portions and include flexing portions formed therewith which are disposed between the terminal body and contact portions. The terminals further include insulative support members that are applied to the terminals and which serve to define the contact and flexing portions of the terminals. The support members are fixed within a carrier, such as a shroud member, which is not attached to any one portion of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Hazelton P. Avery, Kathleen A. Sweeney, Daniel B. McGowen, Richard A. Nelson, Galen F. Fromm, Gary Humbert
  • Patent number: 6932637
    Abstract: This invention relates to a carrier for holding an electric component (4) having a one or more electrical connection pins (6), comprising a frame (2) for holding the component, a pin guide (8), and a flexible portion (10) connecting the pin guide to the frame. The pin guide having one or more channels through it for receiving the electrical connection pins (6). The frame having a base for mounting the carrier to a surface and the flexible portion being adapted to flex to allow the pin guide to move parallel to the connection axis (16) when the pin guide is pressed in a direction along the connection axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Simon Ewers, Rapinder Mangat, Pascal Guirauton
  • Patent number: 6916192
    Abstract: A control device having a base which is provided with one or more component mounting areas. On each component mounting area there is a first electrical central interface connected with an internal electrical bus. On each component mounting area an electrical connection module or an electrically controlled fluid control module may be selectively mounted, which respectively has a second central interface complementary to the first electrical central interface. The fluid control module is provided with a valve means, which is controlled by signals supplied by means of the internal electrical bus. The connection modules are provided with inputs and/or outputs for the connection of electrical cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Uwe Gräff, Hannes Wirtl