Hinge Patents (Class 439/31)
  • Patent number: 11962115
    Abstract: A multifunctional single-interface electronic expansion device, comprising an external electronic expansion device and a power transmitting cable. The external electronic expansion device comprises a device body, an electrical connecting module, a data signal processing module, a power transmitting module, and a first assembling member. The device body comprises a first wall surface and a second wall surface. The electrical connecting module is disposed at the device body and is exposed from the first wall surface to be electrically connected with or detached from an interface of a first electronic device. The data signal processing module is electrically connected with the electrical connecting module. The power transmitting module is electrically connected with the electrical connecting module. The power transmitting module comprises a power transmitting interface exposed from the second wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: LUXSHARE PRECISION INDUSTRY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yun Feng, Min Fan, Wenjun Tang
  • Patent number: 11927989
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a computing device includes a hardware processor, a memory, a first housing portion including a touch screen display, and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion by a hinge, where the second housing portion includes a rotatable keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Wiley Sleat
  • Patent number: 11920392
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes first and second hinge units and an electrically conductive pin. The first hinge unit is mounted to a frame structure of an enclosure and includes a pin support comprising a barrel, a knuckle, or both, a pin receptacle arranged in the pin support, and an electrically conductive structure disposed at least partly inside the pin support and adjacent the pin receptacle. The pin rotates in the pin receptacle. The second hinge unit is carried on the pin and is door mounted. The second hinge unit and door can be removed from the first. The electrically conductive structure is biased against the pin and remains in contact while the pin rotates, and is electrically connected to the enclosure when the first hinge unit is mounted to it such that the pin is electrically bonded to the enclosure while the pin rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William Drew Krietzman, Preston Ellis Hennrich, John Wayne Robertson
  • Patent number: 11841131
    Abstract: A joint assembly for luminaires is provided. The joint assembly includes a pin having at least one pin section with an upper opening, a side opening, and a bore connecting the upper opening and the side opening. The upper opening is configured to receive at least one power cable to feed through the bore and out the side opening. The joint assembly also includes a primary hinge having a primary vertical base and a plurality of primary knuckles extending from the vertical base, wherein a distal portion of the knuckles has a hole for engaging the pin. The joint assembly also includes at least one secondary hinge having a secondary vertical base and a plurality of secondary knuckles extending from the vertical base, wherein a distal portion of the knuckles has a hole for engaging the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: LMPG INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Cameron McDonald
  • Patent number: 11803069
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset at least with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11791069
    Abstract: A grommet includes a fitting body causing a circumferential edge portion of a through hole provided in a wall body to be fitted into a fitting groove provided in an outer wall, and a first cylinder and a second cylinder causing a harness body to be extracted through the cylinder. The fitting body includes a cylindrical portion, a plurality of ribs rising from an outer circumferential wall surface of the cylindrical portion and disposed on the outer circumferential wall surface at equal intervals in a circumferential direction, and a first support portion and a second support portion provided for each of the ribs. The first support portion and the second support portion project from the outer circumferential wall surface to be high enough to suppress elastic deformation of the rib in the circumferential direction toward the outer circumferential wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kiyota, Masaru Kiuchi, Takeshi Onoda, Junya Kato
  • Patent number: 11775030
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a hinge mechanism, a spring, and a cable extending from the first body to the second body. The second body is connected to the first body through the hinge mechanism. The first body has a first pillar, a second pillar, and a third pillar. The second pillar is located between the first pillar and the third pillar. The spring is disposed in the first body as corresponding to the second pillar. The cable includes a first winding segment extending through a gap between the first pillar and the second pillar, a second winding segment extending through a gap between the second pillar and the spring, and a third winding segment extending through a gap between the second pillar and the third pillar. Two ends of the spring are respectively connected to the first body and the second winding segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Pao-Min Huang, Tzu-Wei Lin, Chih-Chun Liu, Cheng-Nan Ling, Wen-Chieh Tai
  • Patent number: 11742645
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a round floor grommet and a rectangular floor grommet. These floor grommets can be constructed in any desired shape other than round or rectangular. Frame portions that hold foam pieces are joined together to form a primary slit in the floor grommet. Cross slits can also be formed in the foam material. The foam is a semi-closed cell foam that is constructed from PVC and nitrile butadiene rubber which has superior sealing effects since the foam can conform around objects passing through the slits in the floor grommet and seal any flow of air through the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Raymond & Lae Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Raymond, Jeremy D. Swanner, Timothy L. Hirschenhofer, James M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11687682
    Abstract: A security cable can include a restraining cable and a lock unit attached to the restraining cable. The lock unit can be configured to removably fasten to a computing device. The lock unit can be further configured to switch the security cable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the lock unit can be fastened to the computing device and can place the computing device in an inactive state. In the second configuration, the lock unit can be removable from the computing device and may not place the computing device in the inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporaton
    Inventors: Yutaro Saito, Yohichi Miwa, Yutaka Kawai
  • Patent number: 11630483
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a base, a stand, a head having a display and pivotable between a landscape mode and a portrait mode, a penetration groove, an inner bracket disposed inside the head and having a slit formed therein to face the penetration groove, a shaft including a first extension connected to the stand and extending to an inside of the head through the penetration groove and a second extension extending from an end of the first extension to pass through the slit, a long hole formed in the second extension and extending in a longitudinal direction of the second extension, a guide pin fixed to an inside of the head to pass through the long hole, a slider sliding along the second extension, and a spring disposed on an outer circumference of the second extension and configured to pressurize the slider to maintain contact between the slider and the inner bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chunsoo Chang, Kangyeung Lee, Kukyoul Jeon
  • Patent number: 11626712
    Abstract: A disconnector for use in a switchgear structured to electrically connect between a power source and a load includes a pair of disconnector blades spaced apart by a distance and having a first end structured to selectively receive and form an electrical connection with a busbar contact and a second end structured to electrically couple to the load, and a pair of magnetic plates mechanically connected to inner surfaces of the pair of disconnector blades and structured to bias the pair of disconnector blades toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Vinod Parmar, Dinant Johan Heilersig, Hilbert Gezienus Knol
  • Patent number: 11626716
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a round floor grommet and a rectangular floor grommet. These floor grommets can be constructed in any desired shape other than round or rectangular. Frame portions that hold foam pieces are joined together to form a primary slit in the floor grommet. Cross slits can also be formed in the foam material. The foam is a semi-closed cell foam that is constructed from PVC and nitrile butadiene rubber which has superior sealing effects since the foam can conform around objects passing through the slits in the floor grommet and seal any flow of air through the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Raymond & Lae Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Raymond, Jeremy D. Swanner, Timothy L. Hirschenhofer, James M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11592865
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a hinge module; a first housing, a second housing, and a flexible display. The first housing is connected to the hinge module. The second housing is connected to the hinge module. The flexible display is disposed through at least a portion of the first and second housings. The flexible display includes a display panel includes a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a direction opposite, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. The flexible display also includes a window layer disposed at the first surface and a metal sheet layer. The display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer are disposed so that a separation distance between the display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer and inner side walls of the first and second housings and generates different interlayer slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heecheul Moon, Sinyoung Park, Inyoul Baek, Seungwhee Choi, Jonghwan Choi, Jongchul Choi
  • Patent number: 11587702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grommet made of a material that is elastic at least in portions for receiving at least one elongate object for strain relief and sealing, comprising an outer frame element that can be opened along a slit and comprises at least two membranes that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the elongate object to be received and each comprise a hole of equal size, so as to be flush with one another, for receiving the elongate object. The invention is characterised in that the respective hole of the at least two membranes contacts the material of the frame element on the side of the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ICOTEK PROJECT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Ehmann, Valentin Ehmann
  • Patent number: 11578519
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator with a storage space. The refrigerator includes a main body including a storage space, a door configured to open and close the storage space, and a hinge provided under the door and configured to rotatably couple the door to the main body. The hinge includes a linear member accommodator configured to accommodate therein a linear member drawn out from the door, and a cut-out portion hollowed and configured to extend along a hinge axial direction to allow the linear member accommodator to communicate with an outside at one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taecheol Park, Byoungmok Kim, Jeonghyun Lee, Seokjun Son
  • Patent number: 11563284
    Abstract: Each of a first connector and a second connector of a connector assembly includes at least two high frequency signal terminals. When viewed from a first direction, each periphery of the high frequency signal terminals is surrounded by an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell has a substantially quadrilateral shape. The high frequency signal terminals, the outer shells surrounding peripheries of the high frequency signal terminals, and the inner shells, which are disposed on a second symmetry axis form a linearly symmetrical shape with the second symmetry axis as a center line of the outer shells along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in which the high frequency signal terminals are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Junji Oosaka
  • Patent number: 11481001
    Abstract: According to the various examples, a dual display system having a first panel having a first display area, a second panel having a second display area, and a connector assembly, attached to the first and second panels, that is configured to enable the first and second panels to rotate around three-directional axes. The connector assembly includes an elongated member and a hinge assembly, which are configured for attachment to the first and second display panels. The present dual display system may have several functional modalities, including use as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, and a panoramic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chee Chun Yee, Tin Poay Chuah, Yew San Lim, Min Suet Lim, Jeff Ku
  • Patent number: 11474569
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a hinge mechanism, a spring, and a cable extending from the first body to the second body. The second body is connected to the first body through the hinge mechanism. The first body has a first pillar, a second pillar, and a third pillar. The second pillar is located between the first pillar and the third pillar. The spring is disposed in the first body as corresponding to the second pillar. The cable includes a first winding segment extending through a gap between the first pillar and the second pillar, a second winding segment extending through a gap between the second pillar and the spring, and a third winding segment extending through a gap between the second pillar and the third pillar. Two ends of the spring are respectively connected to the first body and the second winding segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Pao-Min Huang, Tzu-Wei Lin, Chih-Chun Liu, Cheng-Nan Ling, Wen-Chieh Tai
  • Patent number: 11427951
    Abstract: A wall mounted washing machine includes a cabinet having a front surface and a rear surface to be opened to form an appearance; a tub disposed in the cabinet to store wash water; a front panel installed in the tub; a drum rotatably installed in the tub: a cover installed in the front panel and having a door hinge; a door rotatably coupled to the door hinge and having a door glass; and a door opening and closing device having an electronic opening and closing type adapted for locking or unlocking the door to/from the door. The door hinge adapted for rotatably supporting the door based on the cover to open and close the laundry inlet of the cover and includes a cable guide tunnel which forms a path through which a cable extending from the inside of the door into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeong Hyeon Gim
  • Patent number: 11425833
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a hinge, a first housing connected to the hinge, a second housing connected to the hinge so as to fold the first housing, and a display disposed to receive support of at least a portion of the second housing from at least a portion of the first housing through the hinge. The display includes a display panel, at least one polymer member disposed at a rear surface of the display panel, and a conductive plate disposed at a rear surface of the at least one polymer member. The conductive plate includes a first flat portion facing the first housing, a second flat portion facing the second housing, and a flexible portion configured to connect the first flat portion and the second flat portion and disposed to be bendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wooktae Kim, Gyuha Jo, Ingi Kim
  • Patent number: 11404822
    Abstract: In a fitting connector, a first housing includes a reference protrusion body and a high-pressure protrusion body, the reference protrusion body elastically deforming reference elastic connection bodies in an opening direction while sliding free end sides of the reference elastic connection bodies of a plurality of elastic connection bodies of a second terminal fitting as a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion of a second housing oriented in a temporarily fitting state are fitted and inserted, and allowing electric contact portions of the reference elastic connection bodies to ride over in a case of being temporarily fitted, and the high-pressure protrusion body more greatly elastically deforming a high-pressure elastic connection body in the opening direction than the reference elastic connection bodies while sliding a free end side of the high-pressure elastic connection body of the elastic connection bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichi Motoshige
  • Patent number: 11387616
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Radio Frequency (RF) connector and a terminal. The RF connector includes: a rotation shaft which includes a first connection contact and a second connection contact, the first connection contact and the second connection contact forming rotation shaft structures which are rotatable relative to each other, and the first connection contact and the second connection contact forming an electrical connection; a first connection wire, which is connected with the first connection contact; and a second connection wire, which is connected with the second connection contact. By rotationally connecting two connection wires through an RF connector, an antenna of a first part in a foldable terminal is connected to a motherboard of a second part in the foldable terminal, or the antenna of the second part in the foldable terminal is connected to the motherboard of the first part in the foldable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 11367980
    Abstract: A board-to-board connector for connecting printed boards to each other includes a receptacle comprising a plurality of signal contact elements to be electrically connected to one of the printed boards, and a plug comprising a plurality of signal contact elements to be electrically connected to the other of the printed boards, wherein each of the signal contact elements of the plug is in contact with the corresponding signal contact element of the receptacle when the plug has been inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle comprises an electromagnetic interference shield which continuously or discontinuously surrounds the plurality of signal contact elements of the receptacle, and the plug comprises an electromagnetic interference shield which continuously or discontinuously surrounds the plurality of signal contact elements of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Kodama
  • Patent number: 11181280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a domestic appliance, particularly a cooking oven, comprising a chassis and a door hinged to the chassis at a rotating axis of the door, wherein the door comprises at least one door panel, at least one door frame attached at an inner side of the door panel, at least one electric or electronic unit attached inside or at the door, at least one electrically conducting cable for interconnecting the electric or electronic unit to a control unit arranged at or in the chassis of the domestic appliance, at least one cable channel attached or attachable to the door frame for guiding a first section of the cable, and at least one cable tube arranged within the region of a rotating axis of the door for guiding a second section of the cable from the door frame to the chassis, wherein the cable tube comprises a main section, and a first end section for connecting the cable tube to the hinge-sided end of the door and a second end section for connecting the cable tube to the chassis, wherein
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Volkmar Bunzel, Dietmar Hildner, Peter Hoffmann, Branko Ivanovic, Erhard Käser
  • Patent number: 11156026
    Abstract: The electronic hinge has a female electrical receptacle assembly mounted in a holding bracket and a male receptacle assembly mounted in and extending from a wire connecting cam of a hollow cam sub-assembly mounted in a hub of a flange assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: COMPONENT HARDWARE GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: James Rowland
  • Patent number: 11092933
    Abstract: An electronic hinge system is provided, including a first component and a second component. The first component may include a first enclosure, a first substrate extending within the first enclosure, a first connector, and a plurality of curved elements disposed in the first connector. The first substrate may have electrically conductive elements and microelectronic devices electrically connected with the electrically conductive elements. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another. Each curved element may be electrically connected with a respective one of the electrically conductive elements of the first component. The second component may include a second enclosure and a second connector disposed at an end of the second enclosure. The first connector may be configured to mate with the second connector, such that when the first component is engaged with the second component, the first connector is rotationally coupled with the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Marc Thomas, Jacob Stelman
  • Patent number: 10837650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door (10) for a domestic appliance, in particular an oven door (10) for a cooking oven. The door (10) comprises a front panel (12) and at least one door handle (14) made of metal and arranged at an outer side of said front panel (12). The door (10) comprises at least one electric and/or electronic device (18) arranged inside and/or at the door handle (14). The door (10) comprises at least one fastening element (24) for fastening the door handle (14) at the front panel (12). At least one conducting element (26) is attached at the inner side and/or outer side of the front panel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Dietmar Hildner, Peter Hoffmann, Branko Ivanovic, Erhard Käser
  • Patent number: 10784056
    Abstract: A switch assembly and a power supply system are provided. The switch assembly includes a switch body having a two-pin plug, a first circuit board, and a second circuit board. The first circuit board is provided with a power supply terminal block and a group of female terminals. The group of female terminals includes a first female terminal, a second female terminal and a third female terminal. The first female terminal and the second female terminal are respectively plugged with two pins of the two-pin plug. The first female terminal is electrically connected to the power supply terminal block, and the second female terminal is electrically connected to the third female terminal. The second circuit board is provided with a load connection terminal and a male terminal electrically connected to the load connection terminal. The male terminal is plugged with the third female terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: VERTIV ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Junmei Xiao, Zhongchang Sun
  • Patent number: 10738519
    Abstract: A hinge to pivotably connect a motor vehicle door to a body of the motor vehicle. The hinge includes a bolt, a first hinge half rotationally connected to a bolt, a second hinge half, a bushing, composed of an electrically insulating material, arranged on the second hinge half to rotationally connect the second hinge half to the bolt, and an electrically conductive component arranged between the bolt and the second hinge half to bridge the bushing and facilitate electrical contact between the bolt and the second hinge half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Stefan Eisenschenk, Werner Koller
  • Patent number: 10469635
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first device housing and a second device housing. A hinge couples the first device housing to the second device housing. The first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing. The hinge separates a first chamber defined by the first device housing and a second chamber defined by the second device housing. A flexible substrate passes through the first chamber and the second chamber. The flexible substrate spans the hinge, either by passing through or around a hinge housing. The flexible substrate deforms to a curvilinear deformed state within one or both of the first chamber or the second chamber when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from a closed position to an axially displaced open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Carlson, Steve Emmert
  • Patent number: 10296482
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first device connector configured to be coupled to a first device. The apparatus also includes a second device connector configured to be coupled to a second device. The apparatus further includes at least two connection arms forming a hinged connection between the first device connector and the second device connector. In addition, the apparatus includes a flexible connector coupled to the first device connector and the second device connector, at least a portion of the flexible connector extending through the at least two connection arms, the flexible connector comprising a flexible printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Shimei Deng, Wen Peng, Fangyin Wan, Lei Zou
  • Patent number: 10256589
    Abstract: A power rotating transfer coupler is disclosed for use within a retractable shade system of the type operatively deployed upon a rotating roller member transversely disposed within a framework and mounted in connection with a boat, recreational vehicle or other stationary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: RODAN ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald K. Russikoff
  • Patent number: 10177490
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a magnetic connecting apparatus for connecting two units has at least one first connecting element associated with a first one of the two units and at least one second connecting element associated with a second one of the two units, the connecting elements forming a connecting pair. The connecting elements of a connecting pair each have a plurality of contacts. The connecting elements of a connecting pair make magnetic contact with one another and are rotatable relative to one another in a contacted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Folke Michelmann, Markus Schichl, Alexander Schuster
  • Patent number: 9666967
    Abstract: A mesh network of printed circuit boards (PCBs) including a first PCB coupled to a second rigid PCB by way of an interlocking connection is provided. The interlocking connection has a degree of freedom that allows the first and second PCBs to form a twist angle between each other; the interlocking connector configured to provide electrical coupling between active components disposed in each of the first and second PCBs. A method of forming a substrate fabric including a mesh network as above is also provided. Further provided is a method of activating the mesh network of printed circuit boards as above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan P. Bosscher, Craig M. Stanley, Trent K. Do, John J. Baker, Phillip M. Hobson, Brad G. Boozer
  • Patent number: 9461400
    Abstract: An electric wire cover includes: a first electric wire cover including a wire arrangement space like a groove opened on one side, and attached to a wire lead-out end of a connector housing; and a second electric wire cover formed integrally with the first electric wire cover through a hinge portion, and covering the wire arrangement space. A guide groove is provided in one of the first and second electric wire covers, and extends in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the hinge portion. A rotation restriction rib is provided in the other electric wire cover and extends in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The rotation restriction rib slides in the guide groove during rotating operation by the hinge portion so as to restrict rocking of the electric wire covers relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenori Kanda, Takuya Hasegawa, Nobuyuki Mukoujima
  • Patent number: 9404683
    Abstract: Refrigerator appliances are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber and including a mullion extending between and defining the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet for accessing the fresh food chamber, the door including an inner surface and an outer surface, the door further including an ice container mounted thereon. The refrigerator appliance further includes a hinge connecting the mullion and the door, and a freezer door connected to the cabinet for accessing the freezer chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes a drain assembly for draining a liquid from the ice container, the drain assembly providing a flow path through the hinge and the mullion to an exhaust location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Miller, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Stephen Michael Bischoff
  • Patent number: 9292049
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, at least one bracket anchored to the base, a display assembly, and a display bracket anchored to the display assembly. The portable computer also includes a hinge including a set of hinge components, a cam, and a shaft, the cam being connected to the at least one bracket, the shaft being connected to the display bracket, and the cam and the hinge components being connected to the shaft. A cable passes around the shaft. The cable is coupled to a point in the display assembly and to an area of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Woodhull, James Tanner, Rachael Elizabeth Roberts
  • Patent number: 9106029
    Abstract: An electrical connection device is used to be provided in an electronic device casing, and comprises a first circuit board and a second circuit board which are substantially coplanar, a receptacle connector provided to the first circuit board and a plug connector provided to the second circuit board. The receptacle connector comprises a housing and a plurality of first terminals. The housing has a first mating surface, and a pair of sliding contact grooves respectively adjacent to both sides of the first mating surface. The plug connector comprises a body and a plurality of second terminals. The body has a pair of side flanges respectively engaged with and received in the sliding contact grooves. The plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector in a direction perpendicular to a board surface of the first circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Yi-Tse Ho
  • Patent number: 9092193
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed, which includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a housing and a connecting member disposed on the housing. The second unit includes a stand, wherein a guiding rail is formed on the support. When the first unit is selectively connected to the second unit, the connecting member of the first unit is inserted into the guiding rail of the second unit and moves therein so as to allow the electronic device to be adjusted into different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventor: Chun-Fei Yang
  • Patent number: 9086853
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism of adjusting an angle of a first module relative to a second module of an electronic device is disclosed in the present invention. The connecting mechanism includes a hinge assembly disposed on the second module, a rod disposed on the hinge assembly and pivoting to the first module, a torsional spring disposed between the rod and the hinge assembly, and a damper assembly disposed on the rod and sheathed by the torsional spring. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge installed inside the second module, and a second hinge slidably disposed on the first hinge. The torsional spring drives the rod to rotate relative to the second hinge from a first position to a second position, so that the first module can stand on the second module. The damper assembly can be for absorbing a vibration generated from the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Po-Hung Hu
  • Patent number: 9077133
    Abstract: Multi-position duckhead adapter plugs and associated moveable plug assemblies are disclosed that may be provided, for example, to couple an electrically powered device such as an information handling system to an AC mains power receptacle. A multi-position duckhead adapter plug may utilize electrically-conductive prongs configured and dimensioned for insertion into corresponding electrically-conducive sockets of a plug receptacle. The electrically-conductive prongs of an adapter plug may be mounted in a moveable plug assembly that is at least partially spherical and that is rotatably received in a stationary adapter housing. The moveable plug assembly may include one or more electrical contact detents and/or locking detents for effecting electrical interconnection and/or adjustable locking positioning within the stationary adapter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products LP
    Inventor: Donald L. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9052874
    Abstract: A handheld device has a first body part with a first user interface element and a second body part with a second user interface element, and a link mechanism configured to interconnect the first body part and the second body part movably by a user between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first body part and the second body part being stacked in a first order in the first configuration and in a second order opposite to the first order in the second configuration. Each body part has a user interface on its upper surface so that either one can be exposed to a user by changing between the first and second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Nigel Richardson
  • Patent number: 9007760
    Abstract: A hinge assembly having a hollow clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least a hollow cylindrical portion that includes an annular outer region and a central bore region, the central bore region suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base and lid portions. The hinge assembly also includes a plurality of fastening components that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid portion of the portable computer, with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. The integrally formed fastening region(s) can be flat with holes dispersed therethrough for screws, bolts or the like. The central bore can also support a heat transfer element and can also serve as a lubricant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, John M. Brock, Bradley Joseph Hamel
  • Publication number: 20150079810
    Abstract: A power device (10) includes a housing (12), a power input interface provided on the housing, and a rotating outlet unit (30) coupled to the housing. The rotating outlet unit has a plurality of power outlets (38) to distribute power from the power input interface. The rotating outlet unit is configured to rotate between a first position in which the power outlets are disposed on one side of the housing and a second position in which the power outlets are disposed on another side of the housing. A method for providing power to electrical components is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Chuanwu Li
  • Patent number: 8979549
    Abstract: A rotating plug connected to a power supply of an electric appliance and having a conductive terminal with bending and rotating functions includes an inner frame, two conductive terminals, two inner frame brackets, two connecting plates, two inner frame casings, a power cable and a plug body. A connecting end at the rear of each of the two conductive terminals of the rotating plug is installed and hidden in the inner frame, and the connecting plate is accommodated and fixed inside the inner frame casing. When use, the plug is bent and rotated upwardly or downwardly by an angle, while the conductive terminal and the connecting plate are being covered without being exposed, so as to improve the safety of the rotating plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Kuei-Yang Lin
  • Publication number: 20150071590
    Abstract: A rotatable power/signal connector includes a fixing part and a rotating part. The fixing part comprises a housing portion in which a set of terminals is mounted for terminating conduits, an upper inner cover with recesses for receiving a first resilient member and a first gear, and a lower inner cover with recesses for receiving a second resilient member and a second gear. The rotating part comprises an upper outer cover with the first gear, a lower outer cover with the second gear, the first resilient member, and the second resilient member. The rotating part is rotatable relative to the fixing part and fixable to the fixing part at a number of predetermined positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Deng Jin Wu, Mui Lian Jessica Toh, Agapito G. Lontoc, JR.
  • Patent number: 8955196
    Abstract: A pivoting mechanism includes a first driving component, a second driving component and a pivot shaft. The first driving component includes a first pivoting portion and a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion is disposed on the first pivoting portion. The second driving component includes a second pivoting portion, a second connecting portion, a positioning portion, a rotary unit and a rotary shaft. The second connecting portion is disposed on the second pivoting portion. The positioning portion is disposed on the second connecting portion. The positioning portion includes a slot structure, and the rotary unit is disposed inside the slot structure. The rotary shaft passes through the rotary unit, and two ends of the rotary shaft respectively pivot to inner walls of the slot structure. The pivot shaft is disposed between the first pivoting portion and the second pivoting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Shun-De Bai
  • Publication number: 20150044884
    Abstract: A rotating plug connected to a power supply of an electric appliance and having a conductive terminal with bending and rotating functions includes an inner frame, two conductive terminals, two inner frame brackets, two connecting plates, two inner frame casings, a power cable and a plug body. A connecting end at the rear of each of the two conductive terminals of the rotating plug is installed and hidden in the inner frame, and the connecting plate is accommodated and fixed inside the inner frame casing. When use, the plug is bent and rotated upwardly or downwardly by an angle, while the conductive terminal and the connecting plate are being covered without being exposed, so as to improve the safety of the rotating plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: KUEI-YANG LIN
  • Publication number: 20150017819
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacture of a foldable electrical connector-housing system includes: a first end panel with an outer first end panel side having first end panel contacts; a second end panel having an outer second end panel side; a clip mechanism in at least one of the two end panels for attaching the foldable electrical connector-housing system to a flat surface; a fold mechanism is connected between the first end panel and the second end panel for folding into a folded configuration; and an electronic unit on the first end panel, the electronic unit coupled to the first end panel contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Lev M. Bolotin, Robert B. Hubler
  • Publication number: 20150017818
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a structure of penetration and combination for a flexible circuit board with a hinge assembly. A pre-formed flexible circuit board is processed by taking a pre-folding line as a center line to fold a connection section of the flexible circuit board toward the terminal distribution section. Then, the connection section is rolled in a direction toward the terminal distribution section so as to make the connection section forming a rolled body. The rolled body is then put through the bore of the hinge assembly to have the rolled body completely extend through the bore of the hinge assembly so that the extension section of the flexible circuit board is positioned in the bore of the hinge assembly and the first end and the second end are respectively located at opposite sides of the bore of the hinge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: ADVANCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: GWUN-JIN LIN, KUO-FU SU, CHIH-HENG CHUO