With Sealing Element Or Material For Cooperation With Coupled Connector, E.g., Gasket Patents (Class 439/271)
  • Patent number: 7794255
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that/the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Patent number: 7789667
    Abstract: An RF connector assembly (100) assembly has a first connector and a second connector (3) electrically connecting with the first connector. The first connector includes a first main body (11) defining an interior space (110), an insulative member (12) received in the interior space, a center conductor (13) retained within the insulative member, a flexible bushing (14) and a magnetic member (15) retained in the interior space. The second connector includes a mating member (35) firmly resisting against the flexible bushing under an attractive force exerted by the magnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Man Zhu, Xue-Liang Zhang, Chien-Chiung Wang
  • Patent number: 7785145
    Abstract: The inventive connector includes a locking device for elastical interlocking which is provided with an axial stop surface forming jointly with the associate stop surface of the complementary locking device of a counterpart an mutual rest preventing the disconnection of the connector and the counterpart. Said connector includes an elastic vibration attenuating member arranged in such a way that it produces the mutual elastic rest force of the stop surfaces when the connector and the counterpart thereof are coupled. The invention can be used for connecting the injector of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Frédéric Menez
  • Patent number: 7785129
    Abstract: An RF connector (1) for mating with a plug connector (3) has an outer housing (1) defining an axial bore (101) for receiving the plug connector, a locking member (14) received in the axial bore, an insulative body (12) retained in the axial bore of the outer housing and defining an axial hole (121), a terminal (13) assembled to the axial hole of the insulative body, a first sealing ring (15) and a second sealing ring (16). The first sealing ring is assembled between an interior surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the locking member. The second sealing ring is disposed around an inner surface of locking member for resisting against an outer surface of the plug connector when the plug connector is inserted in the RF connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20100204740
    Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, George Patras, Thomas J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20100203753
    Abstract: An electronic communication wire connecting an input speed sensor and a computer controller in a transmission system is provided. The electronic communication wire connects at one end to the input speed sensor through a first aperture in the transmission case and at the other end to the computer controller through a second aperture in the transmission case. Thus, the electronic communication wire is attached at both ends to internal devices but it partially exists external to the transmission case along the length of the electronic communication wire. The connection between the electronic communication wire and the input speed sensor is sealed with at least a single O-ring while the connection between the electronic communication wire and the computer controller is sealed with at least a pair of O-rings. A method of electronically connecting the input speed sensor and the computer controller externally of the transmission case is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kent A. Miller, Heidi L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7758367
    Abstract: A seating indicator for loadbreak connectors and deadbreak connectors that includes a substantially round, elastic O-ring having a body and an opening, wherein the O-ring is installed on the transition shoulder portion of a loadbreak bushing insert, and wherein the O-ring extends radially and outwardly from the bushing insert when an elbow connector is properly installed thereon. The O-ring can be hollow so that it will more easily deform and can be made from an elastomeric material in easily viewable colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Norman Siebens, Anthony Reed, Roger Provencal
  • Publication number: 20100178787
    Abstract: An electric device has a plug connection provided with a plug that has at least one contact pin and further provided with a mating plug receptacle that has at least one contact tube. A closure device is arranged on the plug receptacle and has a closed position for protecting the at least one contact tube. The closure device is moved by the plug into an open position when the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle, wherein in the open position the at least one contact tube is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: BARTEC GMBH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Lux
  • Publication number: 20100173510
    Abstract: The invention relates to sealable squib connectors, in particular for airbag ignition systems. The connector including a connector housing with a plug-in projection, which plug-in projection has a mating face at its distal end; a seal expansion element; and a resilient sealing ring provided at the mating face of the plug-in projection between the mating face and the seal expansion element. The seal expansion element is being movable against the mating direction towards the mating face from an open position to a closed position thereby expanding the sealing ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Takehiko Osuga
  • Patent number: 7749012
    Abstract: A socket connector having a connector body co-molded with its peripheral and cable seals. In the first molding operation, a first tooling is placed into a mold and is configured so that plastic injected into the mold forms the connector body. In the second molding operation, a second tooling is placed into the mold and is configured so that elastomeric material injected into the mold passes through at least one passage of the connector body to thereby form the peripheral seal and, integrally therewith, the cable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Morello
  • Publication number: 20100159726
    Abstract: A wiring system that allows easy installation into a vehicle and includes a connector that allows functional signals to perform a function in a connector while passing through the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Robert H. Owen, SR., John A. Forish, Mark Molinaro, Antonio Nuevo
  • Patent number: 7736158
    Abstract: An electrical junction box comprising a casing body including a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall; a circuit board contained in the casing body; a connector housing disposed in a cutout section in the side wall and adapted to be coupled to a mating member; a filler filled in a space enclosed by the bottom wall, side wall and connector housing; and a packing disposed in a clearance between the cutout section and an outer peripheral surface of the connector housing to seal the clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7731517
    Abstract: An entirely wearable electrical connector for power/data connectivity. The principal element of a modular network is the wearable electrical connector, which is integrated into a personal area network with USB compatibility. An embodiment comprises a non-conductive elastomeric environmental seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Physical Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Kang Lee, Thomas Forrester, Tomasz Jannson, Andrew Kostrzewski, Eugene Levin, Gajendra Savant
  • Publication number: 20100136814
    Abstract: [Problems] To provide a packing which makes it easy to connect the connector housing to which the packing is attached to the mating connector housing, and keeps a connecting area between the connector housing watertight, and to provide a connector having the packing. [Means for Solving Problems] A connector 1 includes a male housing 17 and a packing 19. The male housing 17 is connected to a female connector housing. The packing 19 includes: a hard part 30 made of first elastic material, a center part thereof in a connecting direction K of the connector housings being in close contact with the connector housing 17 to form a V-shaped section; and a soft part 31 made of second elastic material softer than the first material, overlapped with the hard part 30 at the mating connector housing side, being in close contact with the mating connector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Sakamoto, Keiko Ishida, Kazuki Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 7727016
    Abstract: In a plug for an electrical plug connection, having a contact carrier joined together of an upper part and a lower part, the upper part and the lower part having plug chambers that are aligned with one another, and the plug chambers of the lower part having electrical contacts for contacting by electrical contacts of a mating connector that reach through the plug chambers of the upper part, having a matting seal for sealing the plug chambers and having a pressure plate pressing on the matting seal, it is provided that the matting seal is situated between the upper and lower parts of the contact carrier, and the pressure plate is integrated into the upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mohamed Lamdiziz, Chris Schimmel
  • Patent number: 7728235
    Abstract: An electrical power feed thru for thin-walled vessels such as aircraft fuselages is disclosed which allows high electrical current power lines, and their associated high operating temperatures, to transition from the inside to the outside of the aircraft. The feed thru includes sealing surfaces, anti-rotation features and safety covers. This low-profile configuration permits the attached cables to run close to the fuselage walls, permitting easier routing and clamping. The feed thru has a variable geometry which permits alternate spacing of the end terminations in reference to the fuselage while maintaining the same parts. Installation is simplified through a single fuselage wall mounting hole design that can be done with a standard punch. The feed thru exceeds the shock and vibration environments of various aircraft such as a military aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Karl Edward Mann
  • Patent number: 7726996
    Abstract: A compression seal for a coaxial cable connector has a main body with an upward facing surface or flange on the outer surface thereof, the upward facing surface or flange facing away from the main body. The outer surface of the main body also has at least one first portion having a first diameter and at least one second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. The compression seal may also have an outer body that receives the main body and also engages a connector at both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Gilbert Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Andrew Burris, William Bernard Lutz
  • Publication number: 20100130046
    Abstract: Disclosed is a terminating connector comprising a terminating connector housing, fastening means that are embodied monolithically with the connector housing and are used for fixing the terminating connector to a socket, and an insulating member which is rotatably mounted in the terminating connector housing and is used for retaining contact elements that can engage with corresponding contact elements in a socket insulating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Carle, Jörg Zenkner
  • Publication number: 20100124834
    Abstract: A connector assembly for mating with a power distribution module is provided. The connector assembly includes a header connector assembly and a fuse connector assembly. The header connector assembly is configured to be mounted to the power distribution module. The header assembly includes contacts that are connected to a power supply circuit within the power distribution module. The fuse connector assembly is configured to mate with the header assembly. The fuse connector assembly includes a fuse subassembly that has an insert body configured to hold a fuse and conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are mounted to the insert body and are configured to electrically couple with the fuse to establish a fused conductive pathway. The fuse subassembly mates with the contacts in the header assembly to electrically couple the fused conductive pathway with the power supply circuit of the power distribution module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: AARON JAMES DE CHAZAL, ADAM PRICE TYLER
  • Publication number: 20100112842
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly including a mounting ring having an interior region, a sealing surface at one axial end for securing to a surface, and a securement rim at an opposite axial end. A connector body having engagement surfaces can engage and seal to the mounting ring. The connector body can include electrical terminals extending into the interior region of the mounting ring for engaging mating electrical terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Manuel Machado, Simon Sullivan, Matthew Jarod Scherer, Stephen Antaya
  • Publication number: 20100112841
    Abstract: A connector (10) for an apparatus includes a housing (11) having a fit-in part (41) to be fit in a mounting hole (33) that penetrates through a case (30) of the apparatus. Tubular terminal insertion parts (42), penetrating through the fit-in part (41) and can receive a terminal fitting (21) connected with an end of a wire (20). Guide ribs (46A-46C) project from the fit-in part (41) into the case (30) and are spaced apart around an inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole (33). Reinforcing ribs (45A-45D) projecting into the case (30) Each reinforcing rib (45A-45D) and connects a side edge of a guide rib (46A-46C) to a peripheral surface of a terminal insertion part (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Zhu Yong
  • Patent number: 7707719
    Abstract: A method for protecting contacts within a receptacle housing of a connector assembly from becoming contaminated. An example method includes inserting a connector insert into the receptacle housing, the connector insert includes a body portion having an exterior configured to correspond to at least a portion of the interior of the receptacle housing of the connector assembly. The body portion of the insert includes an opening which extends into the body portion to receive the contacts and protect the contacts from the exterior environment surrounding the receptacle housing when at least a portion of the body portion is received within the receptacle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Meister, Ray D. Sturbaum
  • Publication number: 20100105231
    Abstract: A connector for use underwater or in a wet or severe environment comprises first and second connector parts adapted to be interengaged to establish an electrical connection. The first connector part has at least one pin, and the second connector part has at least one electrical contact for engagement by the pin when the connector parts are interengaged. The pin comprises an axially extending electrically conductive portion and an axially extending electrically insulating sleeve around said conductive portion, and the pin is supported by and projects axially forwardly from a support whereby its insulating sleeve is exposed along a longitudinally extending portion thereof to ambient conditions when the connector parts are disengaged. The connector part has a protective rigid metal sleeve member arranged to extend at least partly along the first portion of the insulating sleeve and at least partly along the second portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: TRONIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Marklove, John Rogers, Jonathan Hardisty
  • Patent number: 7704086
    Abstract: A plug connection comprises a first plug having a seal and a second plug configured for fitting in an opening in a partition wall. The second plug is mateable with the first plug such that the seal substantially surrounds the opening in the partition wall. A clamping device is provided on the first plug and is configured for drawing the first plug into engagement with the second plug. The clamping device engages with the second plug at a connection region. The connection region is provided with a sealing member configured to seal the connection region between the clamping device and the second plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gimbel, Stefan Glaser, Richard Forell, Joachim Schneider
  • Patent number: 7695301
    Abstract: A submersible connector has releasably mateable first and second connector units. The first connector unit has at least one electrical pin extending through a bore in a retaining base and projecting outward from the forward end of the base. The second connector unit has at least one electrical socket module which receives a forward portion of the electrical pin when the units are mated. A pin seal device is located in one of the connector units and has a through bore which engages part of the pin at least in the mated condition of the units. The seal device has a first and second seals in sealing engagement with portions of the connector units when mated, and a chamber between the seals extends over an opposing portion of the pin at least in the mated condition of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne ODI, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Mudge, III, Stewart M. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20100087079
    Abstract: A composition includes in relative proportion: 60 to 94 parts by weight of mineral oil; 1 to 30 parts by weight of at least one thermoplastic elastomer; and 5 to 30 parts by weight of non-halogenated metal phosphinate, wherein the non-halogenated metal phosphinate has a decomposition temperature of at least 240° C., and wherein the composition is a gel. A method of making the composition and its use as an encapsulant are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Eumi Pyun, Lisa S. Lim, Haohao Lin, William V. Dower, Sidney J. Berglund
  • Patent number: 7686644
    Abstract: A battery connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of contact terminals mounted in the insulative housing and a washer mounted on the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface and a plurality of notches defined through the third surface. Each notch communicates with a first opening and a second opening respectively defined on the first surface and the second surface. Each contact terminal has a flat base portion and a U-shaped resilient portion extending from the base portion. The base portion has a second contact portion. The resilient portion has a first contact portion. The washer encloses around the periphery of the insulative housing and is adjacent to the first surface. Therefore, when the battery connector is mounted to a circuit board, the washer prevents or moisture from getting into the battery connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced ConnecTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping-Chuan Chu, Shun-Hua Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100075522
    Abstract: A terminal fitting (20) is provided with a terminal portion (21) and a wire connecting portion (27) formed to be continuous with the rear end of the terminal portion (21) and to be connected with an exposed part of a conductor (11). The wire connecting portion (27) and the exposed part of the conductor (11) are accommodated in a waterproof cover (40) and clearances in the waterproof cover (40) are filled with a filling material (55). The waterproof cover (40) is formed with a holding portion (51) for holding the terminal fitting (20) in such a manner as to preventing a movement of the terminal fitting (20) with respect to the waterproof cover (40) by coming into contact with the terminal fitting (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Okayasu, Yoshihiro Uchiyama, Kanako Mori
  • Publication number: 20100068910
    Abstract: A plug connection between electrical and/or electronic components, in which electrical plug contacts of a plug which is arranged directly adjacently to one component are inserted into a socket which is arranged directly adjacently to the other component, with the components being interlocked with one another by a connection arrangement or being combined to form an assembly, and in which a separate plug connection securing arrangement which is independent of the connection arrangement of the components is provided to secure the plug connection against movements of the plug relative to the socket and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert Klinger, Norbert Behrendt, Gerhard Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100068909
    Abstract: A dustproof receptacle connector includes a dielectric housing, a plurality of terminals, a shield and a dustproof cover. The dielectric housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves therein for receiving the terminals. The shield surrounding the dielectric housing has a top board. A sliding groove is defined in the top board and extends longitudinally to pass through a rear end of the top board. An engaging portion extends from the rear end of the top board. A receiving groove is surrounded by the engaging portion and the rear end of the top board and communicates with the sliding groove. The engaging portion is bent downward to be attached to a rear portion of the dielectric housing. The dustproof cover is slidably received in the shield and located between the dielectric housing and a front end of the shield. The dustproof cover has a positioning portion slidable along the sliding groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Shu-Man Chiang
  • Patent number: 7679236
    Abstract: An electric actuator, which includes an exposed actuator terminal, for eliminating the need for insert molding and facilitating the manufacturing of a housing while preventing liquid from entering the housing. The actuator includes a motor. The housing is attached to the motor and includes an opening. A control circuit board accommodated in the housing controls the motor. An actuator terminal is arranged on the control circuit board and connected to an external terminal of an external connector through the opening. A terminal support arranged on the control circuit board supports the actuator terminal. A hollow fitting is attached to the terminal support and fitted into the opening so as to extend into the housing. A seal, arranged between the terminal support and the fitting, seals the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Wataru Kanou, Yukio Isomura, Takashi Kikuta, Kozo Nishimura, Harehide Sasaki, Seiichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7677911
    Abstract: A connector connection structure includes: a case having a side surface and a top surface, respectively extending in directions crossing each other at a first angle, and an opening; a connector terminal portion inserted into the case from the opening; a shield plate closing the opening; a bolt fastening the case and the shield plate; and a terminal block arranged in the case and connected to the connector terminal portion. The shield plate has a first portion extending along the side surface and closing the opening, a second portion extending along the top surface, and a bent portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion and bent at a second angle being smaller than the first angle. The bolt fastens the case and the second portion of the shield plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Asada, Eiji Aoki, Tomokazu Yamane, Takeaki Kaneko, Hajime Kato
  • Publication number: 20100062631
    Abstract: A cable connector includes a connector housing attached to an outer shell. A seal is disposed at least partially between the outer shell and the connector housing. A shield is at least partially disposed about the connector housing adjacent to the seal. In one exemplary approach, the connector housing is removably attached to the outer shell. In another exemplary approach, the seal has a unitary configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Howard Gladd, Leslie L. Jones, William C. Ketterer
  • Publication number: 20100055953
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a boot body, a contact housing, and a contact. The boot body extends between a boot coupling end and a boot back end. The back end receives a cable that includes a conductor. The boot body defines an internal chamber. The contact housing extends between a housing mating end and a housing back end. The contact housing includes a housing coupling element between the housing mating end and the housing back end. The housing back end is coupled to the boot coupling end. The housing mating end is configured to mate with a mating connector to electrically connect the connector assembly and the mating connector. The contact is held in the housing and electrically connected to the conductor. An adhesive is disposed in the internal chamber to secure the boot body and the contact housing together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROBERT WAYNE WALKER, WILLIAM GARY LENKER, STEVEN MICHAEL WELDON
  • Publication number: 20100048052
    Abstract: An electronic device and an airproof connector module thereof are provided. The electronic device is connected to a peripheral device by the connector module. The connector module includes a casing, an adapting board, a first connector, a second connector, a first elastic sealing element, and a second elastic sealing element. The adapting board is disposed in a containing space in the casing. The casing has a connection hole and an opening. The first connector is disposed at the connection hole, and the second connector is disposed at the opening. The first connector and the second connector are coupled to the adapting board. The first elastic sealing element fills space between the first connector and the connection hole. The second elastic sealing element fills space between the second connector and the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kai-Chen Tien, Chih-Chieh Chou, Hung-Chang Huang
  • Publication number: 20100048051
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Publication number: 20100035453
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an axial lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD). The lead connector assembly facilitates electrical connection between an implantable medical lead and circuitry contained within the housing of an IMD. A connector header defines an axial stack bore to receive an axial stack of in-line connector components. The connector components define a common lead bore to receive a proximal end of an implantable lead. The in-line stack of connector components may include seals, electrical connector elements, a strain relief, and a locking device, each of which defines a passage that forms part of the lead bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carole A. Tronnes, Robert A. Munoz, Alexander O. Lakanu, John M. Swoyer, Greg A. Theis, Bryan J. Zart, David J. DeSmet
  • Publication number: 20100035452
    Abstract: A submersible connector has releasably mateable first and second connector units. The first connector unit has at least one electrical pin extending through a bore in a retaining base and projecting outward from the forward end of the base. The second connector unit has at least one electrical socket module which receives a forward portion of the electrical pin when the units are mated. A pin seal device is located in one of the connector units and has a through bore which engages part of the pin at least in the mated condition of the units. The seal device has a first and second seals in sealing engagement with portions of the connector units when mated, and a chamber between the seals extends over an opposing portion of the pin at least in the mated condition of the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: OCEAN DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: William F. Mudge, III, Stewart M. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20100029113
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly includes a fitting having first and second fitting ends and a fitting opening therethrough and an insert having first and second insert ends and an insert opening therethrough. The insert is disposed within the first fitting end. The cable connector assembly further includes a key structure disposed within the insert opening. The key structure extends axially past ends of one or more wire contacts disposed within the insert opening toward the first insert end. The key structure is aligned with a corresponding structure on a mating connector to allow attachment of the mating connector to the cable connector assembly without damage to the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Robert L. Smith, III, Kerry E. Nelson, Guillermo Alvelo
  • Publication number: 20100029114
    Abstract: A waterproof cable connector has a body, two plugs and at least one sealing ring. The body has a chamber and two through holes communicating with the chamber. The plugs are respectively connected to the body via the through holes and each plug has a clamping ring and a securing fastener. The clamping ring is mounted in the body and has multiple grooves and multiple tabs. The securing fastener is mounted around the clamping ring to press the tabs of the clamping ring. The at least one sealing ring is elastic and waterproof and is mounted between separate parts on the body to prevent water from permeating the chamber of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ching-Min Hsu, Che-Lun Lee, Tsung-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20100015833
    Abstract: A densely populated micro miniature connector includes a plug and a receptacle configured to securely mate with each other. Connector plugs include an insert assembly having at least one double-ended pin, a housing, and a coupling ring. Connector receptacles include an insert assembly having at least one spring probe and a housing. The double-ended pin contacts the spring probe when the plug and the receptacle are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Patrick John Laughlin, Michael Craig MacBrair, JR.
  • Patent number: 7645154
    Abstract: A universal serial bus connector assembly for sealing a plug against the intrusion of foreign material is provided. The connector assembly includes a plug receptacle housing and a plug receptacle supporting structure attached to the plug receptacle housing. A bezel is fitted over the plug receptacle supporting structure. A sealing elastomeric membrane is positioned between the plug receptacle supporting structure and the bezel. A slit is formed in the elastomeric membrane through which the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Baker, Tanmoy Joshi
  • Patent number: 7641522
    Abstract: An electrical-connection device, particularly for photovoltaic-cell panels, has: a first electrical terminal, designed to be connected to apparatuses for generation or use of electrical energy and to extend in a fixed position through a wall for support of the connection device; a seal for fluid-tight coupling of the first electrical terminal to the supporting wall; a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal and to an electrical wiring external to the supporting wall; and an electrically insulated liquid-tight chamber, housing at least partially the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Lasen Development LLC
    Inventors: Giacomo Carcangiu, Marcello Sardo, Ignazio Carcangiu, Rocco Sardo
  • Patent number: 7641492
    Abstract: A connector including: a first connector housing having a tube-shaped hood part; a second connector housing to be fitted to the first connector housing; and a groove part provided on the second connector housing, wherein a terminal receiving part of the second connector housing is positioned in the hood part so that the first and second connector housings are fitted to each other, wherein an end part of the hood part enters the groove part when the first and second connector housings are fitted to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Keiko Azuma, Chieko Torii, Tomomi Katsuura
  • Patent number: 7641493
    Abstract: A waterproof tightening structure for a signal connecter includes a bolt sleeve bored with a through insert hole provided inside with an annular stop edge formed with an annular holding groove and a first engage surface. A tightening connecter is inserted in the insert hole, and has a flange resisting the stop edge of the bolt sleeve and its second engage surface loosely fixed with the first engage surface. A fixing outer sleeve is secured with the annular projection of the tightening connecter. An elastic waterproof washer is received in an annular recess between the annular projection and the second engage surface and resisted by both the annular holding groove of the bolt sleeve and the front end of the fixing outer sleeve. Thus, the waterproof washer is closely and elastically held by the bolt sleeve, the tightening connecter and the fixing outer sleeve, able to block off moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Chun-Te Lee
  • Publication number: 20090311921
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector sealing member. The electrical connector sealing member includes an outer surface and an inner channel. A portion of the outer surface includes a stepped outer diameter. The sealing member is adapted to be received by an electrical connector at the outer surface. A portion of the inner channel includes a stepped inner diameter. The sealing member is adapted to receive an electrical conductor at the inner channel. The stepped inner diameter is offset from the stepped outer diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michel Kaine
  • Publication number: 20090311897
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a submersible electrical set-screw connector. The submersible electrical set-screw connector includes a connector body section and a first sealing member. The connector body section includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is substantially perpendicular to the second opening. The first opening is adapted to receive a portion of an electrical conductor. The first sealing member is removably connected to the submersible electrical set-screw connector. The sealing member is adapted to receive the electrical conductor. The sealing member includes an outer cylindrical surface and an inner cylindrical surface. The outer cylindrical surface includes a first centerline axis. The inner cylindrical surface includes a second centerline axis. The first centerline axis is offset from the second centerline axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Stanford C. Moist
  • Patent number: 7632141
    Abstract: A compression connector for the end of a coaxial cable is provided, wherein a moisture seal element is attached to an attachment element, and wherein the attachment element is attached to, adjoined to, or otherwise placed in tactile communication with the compression connector, thus in effect placing the moisture seal in communication with the connector so as to prevent the moisture seal element from being inadvertently lost or misplaced prior to installation of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Malak
  • Publication number: 20090305542
    Abstract: A waterproof connector is to be connected to a mating connector, and a waterproof apparatus includes the waterproof connector and the mating connector. The waterproof connector includes a connector member to be connected to an adapter member; a connecting member to be connected to a cylindrical portion of a mating connector; and a main body portion. The connector member is able to slide along a facing direction of the connectors in a given range. The waterproof connector and the waterproof apparatus improve an efficiency of the performance by associating the operations with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Masuzaki
  • Publication number: 20090305539
    Abstract: The invention proposes an assembly for an electrical connector including:—a resilient sealing mat seal having two main surfaces and a plurality of channels extending between said two main surfaces, each channel being intended to receive a respective electrical wire, and wherein a annular sealing lip is provided within each channel and extends from the channel wall towards a center axis of said channel; and—at least one sealing sleeve entirely surrounding a portion of an electrical wire to be introduced in one of said channels and tightly maintained on said wire; wherein the sealing sleeve has at least a portion with a smooth outer surface and an outer cross-section of said portion chosen such that said portion of the sealing sleeve and the channel lip are in tight engagement with each other when the wire provided with said sealing sleeve is positioned in its respective channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Frédéric Chazottes, Christian Campfort, Michel Aeschbacher