Tapered Cross-section Patents (Class 439/273)
  • Patent number: 11309650
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a female connector body and a male connector body defining a shroud configured to receive the female connector body. The electrical connector assembly further includes a resilient seal axially surrounding a portion of the female connector body. The seal is disposed intermediate the female connector body and the shroud. The connector assembly additionally includes a seal retainer attached to the female connector body. The female connector body defines an outwardly extending retaining ledge on the forward portion of the female connector body. The seal defines an inwardly extending retaining hook engaging the retaining ledge. A portion of the retaining hook is disposed intermediate the female connector body and the seal retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Terry A. George, Eric E. Shasteen, William G. Strang, Daniel F. McNally, Patrick J. Reedy, Bruce D. Taylor, Peter T. Bucco, Kevin Gualandi
  • Patent number: 10720728
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a crimp pin electrical connector can include a body with a first face and a second face, with openings extending through the body from the first face to the second face. A grommet can connect to the body with grommet holes aligned with the openings. A cap having a set of cap holes can align with the grommet holes. A nut can threadably engage with the body to compress the grommet via the cap to seal wires connected to the body with an interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: John S. Mears, Samuel Robert Hathaway, Daniel Alan Niergarth, David George Kloos
  • Patent number: 10418745
    Abstract: A connector housing (20) includes a receptacle (22) to be arranged in an opening (91) of a panel (90) obliquely with respect to a plate surface of the panel (90) and a jaw (27) protruding out from the housing body and having one surface facing the plate surface of the panel (90). A sealing member (50) has an annular shape to surround an outer periphery of the connector housing (20) and includes a panel lip (57) to be held in close contact with the plate surface of the panel (90) and inner and outer housing lips (58) to be held in close contact with the one surface of the jaw (27). A thickness of the sealing member in an in-out direction is reduced from the side of the housing lips (58) to the side of the panel lip (57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumi Oka
  • Patent number: 10103497
    Abstract: A grounding connector includes a shell having a mating end and a mounting end. The shell defines a cavity open at the mating end configured to receive a mating component. The shell has a base at the mounting end having a plurality of contact channels open to the cavity. Grounding contacts are received in corresponding contact channels. The grounding contacts have mating ends and compliant portions opposite the mating ends. The mating ends are positioned in the cavity for mating with the mating component. The compliant portions are received in the contact channels to mechanically and electrically connect each of the grounding contacts to the shell and to each other through the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Albert Tsang, Kevin Michael Thackston, Dustin Carson Belack, Kyle Gary Annis
  • Patent number: 9912093
    Abstract: An electrical connection component that is suitable for transmission of power with voltage levels greater than or equal to 1 kV and comprises a housing having an internal region, and having a machine cable end, a connection end, an electrical contact assembly, at least a portion of which is arranged at the connection end of the housing, the electrical contact assembly being arranged for electrically coupling with a further electrical contact assembly of another electrical connection component. The electrical connection component also comprises a removable member disposed at least partially within the housing at the connection end to provide a closure of an end portion of the housing to reduce contamination of the internal region. The housing and the removable member are arranged such that at least a portion of the internal region can be inspected when the removable member has been at least partially removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Connec Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Williams
  • Patent number: 9905960
    Abstract: An electrical connector having an insulative housing having a mating cavity and a plurality of passageways, a plurality of electrical contacts received in the corresponding passageways and a sealing member received in the mating cavity. The insulative housing defines a front face and a mounting wall, the mating cavity is formed between the front face and the mounting wall. Each electrical contact has a contacting portion, a tail portion, and a main portion connecting the contacting portion with the tail portion, each main portion defines a plurality of barbs on both sides thereof. The sealing member has a base portion and at least one opening defined in the base portion for tail portions passing through. At least one electrical contact defines a wing on one side thereof, and the sealing member is restricted between the wing and the mounting wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: ALLTOP ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) LTD.
    Inventors: Lili Liang, Yonggang Zhang, Yuhui Zhang
  • Patent number: 9437979
    Abstract: A connector can include a first shell having at least one first wall made of an electrically conductive material, where the at least one first wall forms a first cavity. The connector can also include an insert disposed within the first cavity. The connector can further include at least one connector pin disposed in and traversing the first shell. The connector can also include an electrically conductive face seal that abuts against a distal end of the insert within the first cavity, where the at least one connector pin traverses at least one first aperture in the electrically conductive face seal. The connector can further include at least one electrically insulating bushing disposed within the at least one first aperture in the electrically conductive face seal, where the at least one electrically insulating bushing is further disposed between the face seal and the at least one connector pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Charles Pitman Fischer
  • Patent number: 9245699
    Abstract: A circuit breaker module includes a breaker circuit connected to a first electrical lead and a second electrical lead, a housing surrounding the breaker circuit, wherein said first and second electrical leads extend through the housing, and wherein the housing is at least partially constructed of a thermally conductive polymer, and a heat dissipation feature contacting the housing, wherein the heat dissipation feature is operable to dissipate heat from the breaker circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: John Horowy, Debabrata Pal
  • Patent number: 9106000
    Abstract: A connector assembly has first and second housings (10, 300). Ribs (305, 306) project from an inner surface of a receptacle (301) of the second housing (300). The first housing (10) has a main body (11) that can fit into the receptacle (301), a seal ring (50) is mounted externally on the housing main body (11) and a retaining member is mounted into the main body (11). The retaining member includes a pressing surface (67, 90) for preventing detachment of the seal ring (50) and grooves (68, 86) that receive the ribs (305, 306) when the housings are connected. Reverse tapered surfaces (74, 91) are formed on the back surfaces of the grooves (68, 86) at a side facing and opposite to the pressing surface (67, 90) of the retaining member and incline toward the housing main body (11) to approach the pressing surface (67, 90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mizutani, Shinji Hirano, Keishi Kitamura, Takao Hata
  • Patent number: 9077100
    Abstract: A receptacle connector includes an insulative body, conductive terminals mounted therein, and a seal covering a central portion of the body. The receptacle connector mates with at least one mating electrical connector. The seal prevents the intrusion of dust into the joint between the receptacle connector and the mating electrical connector(s). The seal and the body have locking features provided thereon to secure the seal to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald C. Hodge
  • Patent number: 8959811
    Abstract: A sign holder for supporting electrified sign inserts that may vary in width, comprises a base having a groove into which the sign insert can be placed. In the preferred embodiment, two or more gaskets are positioned in the groove with each gasket including a resilient section adapted to engage the sign insert so as to retain the sign insert securely in place within the groove. Each of the gaskets also includes an electrical conductor, such as an electrical wire, which may be embedded in the gasket, in a position where it makes electrical contact with the electrical terminals on the sign insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Visual Graphic Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Donall B. Healy
  • Patent number: 8475192
    Abstract: A bushing for a reefer plug includes an annular body having proximal and distal ends and an interior conduit for receiving an electrical cable. A distal circumferential seal portion is at the distal end, the distal circumferential seal inclining radially outwardly in the distal to proximal direction. A reefer plug assembly and method for connecting an electrical cable to a reefer plug are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: John F. Kantor
  • Patent number: 7997916
    Abstract: A rubber plug (40) is provided with a stable sealing property while reducing frictional resistance when the rubber plug (40) is inserted into a cavity. In a cross section including axis lines of the rubber plug (40), a cavity (11) and a wire (30), areas of outer lips (44A, 44B) not resiliently deformed radially outward of a virtual line (12L) corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the cavity (11) are specified as outer virtual deforming portions (45A, 45B), areas of inner lips (46A, 46B and 46C) not resiliently deformed radially inward of a virtual line (31L) corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the wire (30) are specified as inner virtual deforming portions (47A, 47B, and 47C) and at least parts of the inner virtual deforming portions (47A, 47B and 47C) correspond to only parts of the outer virtual deforming portions (45A, 45B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikahiro Yoshioka, Yasuaki Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20100255703
    Abstract: A rubber plug (40) is provided with a stable sealing property while reducing frictional resistance when the rubber plug (40) is inserted into a cavity. In a cross section including axis lines of the rubber plug (40), a cavity (11) and a wire (30), areas of outer lips (44A, 44B) not resiliently deformed radially outward of a virtual line (12L) corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the cavity (11) are specified as outer virtual deforming portions (45A, 45B), areas of inner lips (46A, 46B and 46C) not resiliently deformed radially inward of a virtual line (31L) corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the wire (30) are specified as inner virtual deforming portions (47A, 47B, and 47C) and at least parts of the inner virtual deforming portions (47A, 47B and 47C) correspond to only parts of the outer virtual deforming portions (45A, 45B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Chikahiro Yoshioka, Yasuaki Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20100075523
    Abstract: A waterproof connector (10) has a terminal fitting (30) connected with an end of a wire (60). A resilient plug (40) is mounted on the end of the wire (60) and has a main body (42) held onto the wire (60) by the terminal fitting (30). A housing (20) has a cavity (21) into which the terminal fitting (30) and the resilient plug (40) are inserted. Outer lips (46) project on the outer circumferential surface of the main body (42) and are held resiliently in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cavity (21). Auxiliary lips (47) with a smaller projecting amount than the outer lips (46) also project on the outer circumferential surface of the main body (42). The outer lips (46) and the auxiliary lips (47) are arranged to lean against each other if the wire (60) is shaken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Takahiko Saitou
  • Publication number: 20090215297
    Abstract: An internally-sealed pass-through electrical connector includes electrical conductors for carrying electrical signals through the electrical connector, a connector body or shell surrounding the connector, and an organic adhesive material within the body or shell that fills space around the conductors and between the conductors and the connector body. The connector body includes a metal portion, such as an aluminum portion, that has a roughened surface to better allow the adhesive to adhere to it. The roughened surface may be a grit blasted surface. The connector body may also include a plastic portion, such as a molded lead organizer, to aid in positioning the leads. The adhesive may have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is matched to that of the metal portion of the connector body or shell. The organic adhesive may be an epoxy material. The electrical connector may have any of a variety of configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: James E. Faoro, James R. Myers, W. Howard Poisl
  • Patent number: 7311555
    Abstract: A seal member for a coaxial cable connector has a generally tubular seal body with a first and second section, the first and second sections being movable about a hinge portion between first and second resting states. The seal member has an internal surface that in one resting state is directed at least in part radially outward. The seal member may also have a first outer surface that touches a second outer surface in one of the resting states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Gilbert, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Andrew Burris, William Bernard Lutz, Kenneth Steven Wood
  • Patent number: 6929265
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for moisture sealing the interface between a nut on the leading end of a male F-Type connector and the threaded tubular shaft of the female F connector. The male connector is attached to a coaxial cable and the female is mounted to an outdoor device such as a cable TV splitter, grounding device, satellite dish, or distribution device, amplifier or group. The sealing device includes a compressible portion comprising an elastically compressible member having a cylindrical bore and a conical outer surface. An annular compression ring overlies a portion of the conical outer surface of the compressible portion. The compressible portion is compressed radially inwardly against the shaft of the female F-Type connector as the leading edge of the male F nut is screwed onto the female threaded shaft of the female F-Type connector, providing a pressurized moisture ingress barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Holland, Yeh Min-Hua
  • Patent number: 6764329
    Abstract: A waterproof resilient plug (20) has a trunk portion (11) to be brought into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of a terminal insertion hole (C) and a fixing portion (12) extending from the leading end of the trunk (11) and to be pressed against the outer circumferential surface of a wire (W) by insulation barrels (20a). The plug (20) is formed along its longitudinal axis with a wire insertion hole (13) that can be brought into close resilient contact with the outer surface of the (W). An inner diameter of the wire insertion hole (13) aligned with the fixing portion (12) is smaller than the one at the side of trunk (11), whereby the fixing portion (12) can be held strongly in close contact with the outer surface of the wire (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Noguchi, Masaaki Tabata, Masanori Wakui, Keiichi Itou
  • Patent number: 6447320
    Abstract: A circular plug and socket connector is introduced for producing electrical line connections. In the region of one of its ends it includes a housing, accommodating and holding an insulating base as contact carrier and, in the region of its other end, is includes a sealing cable lead-in and a coupling ring, which makes a screwed connection with a second plug and socket connector half of complementary construction and is mounted rotatably on the outer periphery of the housing and secured against being pulled off in the axial direction and a covering cap fixed mechanically to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Interconnectron GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Scholler
  • Patent number: 6443764
    Abstract: A watertight connector is provided to prevent a bulging portion of a waterproof member from being pushed radially inwardly by the leading end of a mating housing. The connector has a male housing (10) with an engaging space (34) in which a skirt (11) of a female housing (20) can be accommodated. A bottom portion (34A) of the engaging space (34) has its radially outward portion deepened backwardly to form a recess (35). A projection (39) formed on a seal ring (36) is fitted in and held by the recess (35). Thus, a force of a slanted surface (11B) formed at a leading end (11A) of the skirt (11) to push a bulging portion (38) away radially inwardly is restricted by the presence of the recess (35), to prevent the bulging portion 38 being pushed radially inwardly. This can securely prevent shaking of the housings (10, 20) in their connected state and fine sliding abrasion between the terminal fittings (12, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasumitsu Makita
  • Patent number: 6368132
    Abstract: To prevent vibration between male and female housings of electrical connectors, a flange 44 is formed on an outer circumference of a posterior end of a sealing ring 40, an outer edge of this flange 44 reaching to a location at the approximate center of an anterior edge 12A of a small hood 12. A tapered face 45 is formed at a corner portion of an anterior face of the outer edge of the flange 44. When the fitting operation approaches its final stage, the anterior edge 12A of the small hood 12 presses the tapered face 45 of the flange 44, gripping the flange 44 between this anterior edge 12A and an innermost wall 22A. Consequently, the outer edge of the flange 44 is resiliently compressed in the direction of thickness thereof, and a force is exerted on the flange 44, pushing it outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Okayasu
  • Patent number: 6290537
    Abstract: The electrical plug-in connection for connecting one electronic module within an automatic transmission for motor vehicles with a feed line provided outside the housing have a plug which penetrates a bore with play in the housing. A matching plug in the shape of a bushing wherein plug and matching plug are provided with grooves or ribs to form a bayonet interlocking. In the space between the plug and the bore is provided a molded seal which, when the matching plug is slipped on, becomes deformed and hermetically seals the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Stefan Sommer
  • Patent number: 6231388
    Abstract: A waterproof connector capable of improving its assembling workability is provided. The connector includes an outer housing 17, a spacer 28 and rubber plugs 18. Each rubber plug 18 is provided, on its axial ends, with cylindrical parts 18c, 18c′. The outer housing 17 has rubber accommodating recesses 19 formed in its bottom wall 17c for accommodating the parts 18c, 18c′ of the plug 18s. The spacer 28 has recesses 28e formed outside its spacer wall 28c for receiving the cylindrical parts 18c, 18′ of the rubber plugs 18. Each rubber accommodating recess 19 of the outer housing 17 is provided, on its inlet part for the rubber plug 18, with a tapered face 19a, while each recess 28e of the spacer 28 is provided, on its inlet part for the rubber plug 18, with a tapered face 28d. At the temporary engagement of the plugs 18 between the outer housing 17 and the spacer 28, the parts 18c, 18c′ of the plugs 18 are accommodated into at least either one of the recesses 19, 28e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Masaru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6045383
    Abstract: The sealing member (100) for a waterproof connector has three outward-facing projecting rib parts (106) and three inward-facing projecting rib parts (108). The outward-facing projecting rib parts (106a, 106b, 106c) have substantially the same height, and the projecting rib parts (106a and 106c) on both sides are flexible. The height of the central inward-facing projecting rib part (108b) is lower than the height of the inward-facing projecting rib parts (108a, 108c). The sealing member (100) is mounted on one (male) connector in the area of the inward-facing projecting rib parts (108). This sealing member (100) contacts the other (female) connector (50) in the area of the outward-facing projecting rib parts (106); in this case, the central projecting rib parts 106b, 108b) are displaced downward, and the outward-facing projecting rib parts (106a, 106c) are inclined inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihito Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5775830
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connector casing made watertight by the addition of a seal. It is made up of a first casing element (1) mating with a second casing element (2). The first casing element is designed with a hook (3) which retains a stop (4) integral with the casing element (2) which is equipped with a lip seal (5) of asymmetrical section and prevented from rotating by an indexing lug (6). The front of the casing element (1) has a change of level (6) which partially embeds the lip seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Blue Moon WW
    Inventor: Bertrand Courtaigne
  • Patent number: 5626486
    Abstract: A high voltage electrical connector assembly having a first connector (12) with socket terminals (44), matable with a second connector (14) having pin terminals (58). Socket terminals (44) are disposed in respective gradually tapered silos (40) of elastomeric material, and the second connector (14) is formed of rigid dielectric material to include silo-receiving recesses (50) surrounding the pin contact sections (56) of the pin terminals (58). Each silo (40) includes a leading end portion extending a selected distance beyond the socket contact section leading end (72) and abuts the recess bottom (96) prior to full connector mating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Shelly, James D. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5586909
    Abstract: A sealing structure for a panel-mounted electrical connector seals fixed and detachable connector housings. A waterproof seal has a double seal structure including inner and outer peripheral side sealing sections surrounding a mounting hole of a panel in which the connector is fitted, for sealing a gap between the detachable connector housing and the outer face of the panel. The sealing structure further includes a subseal sealing a gap between a hood of the fixed connector housing and the detachable connector housing in the inner peripheral side of the waterproof seal. When water flows through a gap between the mounting hole and the hood from the inside of the panel, the subseal prevents the water from invading a gap between the hood and the detachable connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Saba
  • Patent number: 5586897
    Abstract: A waterproof connector (1) comprises: a connector housing (30) having an opening (5) engaged with a mated connector housing; a packing (10) disposed within the opening of the connector housing, for sealing a space between the two mated connector housings, at least one part (10a) of the packing being exposed outside through at least one hole (12) formed in the connector housing; and a protective cover (40) selectively attached to the connector housing from the outside at need, for covering at least one exposed part (10a) of the packing according to the required degree of connector waterproof characteristics. The protective cover is preferably formed of a hard plastic resin and preferably formed with locking elements (48, 50) locked with other locking elements (28, 28a) formed in the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Shinji, Hiraji Takase
  • Patent number: 5545048
    Abstract: A waterproof connector is provided in which a waterproof packing can be secured quickly and easily to create a water tight seal. The waterproof packing is formed into a frusto-conical configuration and an inner diameter of a rear end thereof is larger than an outer diameter of at least a front end of an inner tubular portion of a female connector housing. The female connector housing includes an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion, and terminal receiving chambers are formed in the inner tubular portion. Retaining pawls are formed on an inner surface of the outer tubular portion at a rear end thereof, and openings are formed adjacent to the respective retaining pawls. The outer surface of the inner tubular portion is tapered and decreases in diameter toward the front end thereof, and the waterproof packing is fitted on this outer surface. With this construction, the fitting and securing of the waterproof packing on the inner tubular portion can be effected easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Maeda
  • Patent number: 5501609
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a connector in which a stationary connector housing is provided on its flange with a cushion member to be closely attached to a panel to give a stable seal function regardless of a change of thickness of the panel. A male connector housing 13 of the connector is provided on an upper periphery on a hood 13b with a flange 13d. The male connector housing 13 is provided with securing fixtures 19 made of a leaf spring material. The housing 13 is secured to a periphery around an opening 12a in a panel 12 by clamping it between an upper elastic piece 19a and a flange 13d. The flange 13d is provided on its upper face with a cushion member 20 which is softer than a seal member 16 of a waterproofing cover 17. When a female connector housing 14 is fitted to the male connector housing 13, the seal member 16 closely contacts with a surface of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5492487
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly including a first connector member, a second connector member, a seal disposed between the first and second connector members for sealing a joint between the first and second connector members, and a sleeve cooperating with one of the first and second connector members to form a cavity for entrapping and positively retaining the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Cairns, William N. Moroney
  • Patent number: 5350311
    Abstract: A sealing member of the present invention is used in an automotive vehicle electrical connector assembly and has a pentagonal cross sectional shape thereto with an inside surface defining an aperture centrally therein. A first electrical connector half has an electrical contact proximate therewith and is surrounded by a support structure. A second electrical connector half has an electrical contact proximate therewith and has a body segment and a mating segment within which extends an outer peripheral wall. Furthermore, the second connector half outer peripheral wall has an outside surface and an inside surface which are joined by a peripheral edge therearound. The sealing member is juxtapositioned between the inside surface of the second connector half and the outside surface of the first connector half supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhirendra C. Roy, Zenon Hotra
  • Patent number: 5336101
    Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a male connector in which a projection is provided on a male terminal housing in such a manner as to protrude in a direction normal to its connecting direction, and a female connector in which an engagement portion that is to be brought into engagement with the projection is provided on a female terminal housing having a portion over which the male terminal housing is fitted and an insertion restricting portion for the male terminal housing. There is provided a slight amount of gap between the projection and the engagement portion when the male terminal housing is inserted to the insertion restricting portion of the female terminal housing. An elastic body that is wider than the gap is interposed between the insertion restricting portion and the male terminal housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakuni Kasugai, Hisao Ito
  • Patent number: 5336102
    Abstract: An interface seal for an electrical connector includes a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly, at least one rib portion extending radially from the base portion and annularly therealong, and a structure for allowing the base portion to move longitudinally as a result of a displacive force applied to the rib portion and to return to its original position when the displacive force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Cairns, William N. Moroney
  • Patent number: 5328382
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having passageways extending therethrough. Electrical terminals are positioned in the passageways. Resilient latch arms are provided by the housing and include projections for engaging the terminals in the passageways. The housing has receptacles adjacent the resilient latch arms. A seal is located in a recess about the outside of the housing. A terminal locking and seal retaining member includes lock arms insertable into the receptacles in the housing for limiting movement of the resilient latch arms and thereby maintaining the projections in latching engagement with the terminals. The member also includes a peripheral flange for engaging the seal and maintaining the seal in the recess about the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Pawlicki
  • Patent number: 5295851
    Abstract: An electrical connector is secured to a wall of an electrical enclosure. The connector permits passage of electrical cable and conduits into the enclosure. The connector includes a hub having a cable receiving end, a cable egressing end and a central passage therethrough. A hub nut is attachable to the cable egressing end to secure the hub to the enclosure wall. The hub further includes an annular shoulder having a groove therein which accommodates a sealing ring for providing sealed engagement of the hub to the enclosure wall. The sealing ring has a body of noncircular cross-sectional shape having a dimension which is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the groove to provide a seal against the wall of the enclosure upon attachment of the hub. The sealing ring further includes a radially extending skirt for retaining the sealing ring within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Jaspal S. Bawa, Giacomo Mancini, Luis R. Couto
  • Patent number: 5266051
    Abstract: A one piece thermoplastic sealing grommet for passing a plurality of electrical conductors through a hole in a panel and for sealing off the hole through the panel. The grommet comprises a substantially rigid support plate having an integral pilot wall which passes through the hole in the panel, a seal housing within the pilot wall for sealingly engaging individual conductors passing therethrough and a deflectable, integral, non-perpendicularly extending sealing flange surrounding the pilot to provide a face seal against said panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Chupak
  • Patent number: 5219298
    Abstract: Assembly for forming at least one electric connection through a pipe formed of elements fixed together, each element having a first end and a second end, adapted to cooperate mechanically with the complementary ends of the adjacent elements. The assembly comprising in combination for each pipe element a conductor placed inside the element, a first connector fixed to the first end of the pipe element and which cooperates electrically with the conductor, a second connector fixed to the second end of the pipe element and which cooperates electrically with the conductor. At least one of the connectors comprises an anchorage piece and a removable connector. The anchorage piece comprises a housing for receiving a charge of uncured gum of stabilizable material for fixing the anchorage piece on the pipe element after curing or stabilization, and the assembly comprises an arrangement for locking the removable connector on the anchorage piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pierre Morin, Alain Sonnet
  • Patent number: 5112241
    Abstract: A connector seal arrangement having particular adaptability for use within the insulation space between the inner wall and the cabinet wall of a household refrigerator and having a portion extending into the refrigerated space. The rear seal snaps into a watertight relationship with a recess defined at the end of the connector, whereas the front seal is disposed on an upstanding plate or flange extending from the mid-region of the connector. The inner seal is, typically, overmolded on the aforesaid plate and includes a skirt or boot in engagement with the inner surface of the inner wall of the refrigerator. Introduction of insulation presents a sealing relationship between the skirt or boot and the aforesaid inside wall surface. In order to achieve more versatility, the rear seal may include an opening presenting a fracturable membrane for the selective introduction of an electrical connector(s) depending upon total needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Incor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Chesnut, Michael D. Cooper, Jerry A. Neas
  • Patent number: 5074834
    Abstract: A blank for constructing a cell unit includes first, second, third, and fourth walls which each have inner and outer planar surfaces and are separated by fold lines. Each of the walls have upper and lower flaps, the upper and lower flaps of the first wall having tabs extending therefrom. The first and fourth walls of the blank are folded along respective fold lines such that the tabs extending from the upper and lower flaps of the first wall are respectively disposed on the upper and lower flaps of the fourth wall. An adhesive is applied to at least the outer planar surface of the first, second, third, and fourth walls. The upper and lower flaps of the first, second, third, and fourth walls are folded to adhesively secure the flaps to the respective outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth walls and the tabs are adhesively secured to the fourth wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventors: William L. McElhaney, Roger N. Floyd, Farris N. Duncan
  • Patent number: 4940421
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved multi-pin type of water proof electric connector which is guaranteed free of shortcircuit between adjacent pin-and-contact piece connections even if water should invade to any pin-and-connector piece connection through the very small gap between the conductor and the insulation sheath of the wire by the capillary action. The electric connector comprises a male half having contact pieces and a female half having pin terminals in its cavity, and a seal member placed in the space which is to be formed between the outer surface of the plug housing and the inside surface of the socket housing when the male and female halves are coupled. The plug housing has a plurality of hollow protrusions each containing a contact piece, and the seal member encircles each of the protrusions, thereby sealing each pin-and-contact piece connection independently from adjacent pin-and-contact piece connections when the male and female halves are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Kouji Kano, Sumitaka Ogawa, Minoru Sano, Masahiro Sakano
  • Patent number: 4909751
    Abstract: A plug-receptacle type electrical connector in combination with a thin, cular, elastomeric membrane joining a plurality of cylindrical elastomeric embossments formed as an integral part thereof. Each embossment further has conical ends at each extremity and an outside diameter slightly larger than the receptacle socket cavity it will contact. Each embossment also has a longitudinal through-hole of inside diameter (ID) slightly smaller than the electrical connector plug pin it is intended to fit over. The membrane is coated with a dielectric grease and slipped over the plug pins. Connector clamping forces produce hydrostatic forces, first on each embossment which causes water remaining between the pin and the embossment ID and then pin-to-pin to be broken into a discontinuous series of microspheres. The resulting discontinuity produces full electrical isolation for the assembled pins and sockets and pin-to-pin for the mated connector. Total refurbishment of a connector may thus be accomplished in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Victor J. Marolda, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4874326
    Abstract: A plug-receptacle type electrical connector in combination with a thin, cular, elastomeric membrane joining a plurality of cylindrical elastomeric embossments formed as an integral part thereof. Each embossment further has conical ends at each extremity and an outside diameter slightly larger than the receptacle socket cavity it will contact. Each embossment also has a longitudinal through-hole of inside diameter (ID) slightly smaller than the electrical connector plug pin it is intended to fit over. The membrane is coated with a dielectric grease and slipped over the plug pins. Connector clamping force produce hydrostatic forces, first on each embossment which causes water remaining between the pin and the embossment ID and then pin-to-pin to be broken into a discontinuous series of microspheres. The resulting discontinuity produces full electrical isolation for the assembled pins and sockets and pin-to-pin for the mated connector. Total refurbishment of a connector may thus be accomplished in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Victor J. Marolda, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4857007
    Abstract: An electrical connector backshell and a molded environmental seal for use therewith are provided. The backshell includes an internal array of threads for mating with a frontshell. An internal cylindrical surface is provided rearwardly of the threads and terminates at an inwardly directed annular shoulder. The seal is molded from a unitary piece of elastomeric material and is dimensioned to be engaged within the internal cylindrical surface of the backshell. The seal is provided with a mating end for mounting against the shoulder of the backshell. The mating end of the seal is provided with an annular mounting flange for engaging the groove in the backshell. The forward mating end of the seal defines a radially outer annular locking ridge and a radially inner annular sealing ridge. The locking and sealing ridges are constructed for secure environmental sealing engagement with a plurality of different frontshell configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonard H. Michaels, Robert A. Miller
  • Patent number: 4717355
    Abstract: A plug for sealing an end of a coupling assembly secured to an end of a coaxial cable includes a flange having an end face which has a cross-sectional area substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a threaded portion of the plug, the end face being urged against an end face of the coupling assembly to form a seal therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Raychem Corp.
    Inventor: John S. Mattis
  • Patent number: 4691973
    Abstract: A superconducting pin and socket conductor is formed with a cylindrical pin of superconducting material, such as niobium, which fits into a mating superconducting cylinder, such as niobium or titanium, which is open at the top. A superconducting wire is laser welded to the bottom of the cylinder and a second niobium wire is laser welded to the top of the pin. A sleeve of a material, such as copper, aluminum, or magnesium, which at liquid helium temperatures has a much higher coefficient thermal expansion than the superconducting material, surrounds the cylinder. As a result, upon cooling the outer sleeve crimps the cylinder into a firm and uniform contact along the length of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Rosheim