Linear Movement Patents (Class 439/32)
  • Patent number: 8007284
    Abstract: A moisture proof, telescoping coupler assembly for electric metal tubes and threaded rigid pipe with an enhanced grounding arrangement both internally and externally for electrically grounding and bonding the telescoping tube to the coupler body and improved continuity. A high conductivity metal plating on an internal cantered spring improves continuity and lowers voltage drop. Moisture proof sealing is improved by centering the electric metal tube within the coupler body adjacent the seal preventing possible leaking after securing the electric metal tube to one end. A modified arrangement utilizes a snap fitting retaining ring for securing an electric metal tube to the coupler body to provide for unidirectional insertion of an electric metal tube into the open end of a coupler body in a manner that prohibits unintentional separation of the tube and/or retainer ring from the coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110111605
    Abstract: Applicable in aeronautical structures provided with a first fixed component (1) and a second component (2) displaceable with respect to the first. The first (1) and second (2) components include electrically conducting surfaces. It is characterized in that it includes a first conductive piece (6, 10) fixed to the first component (1) and a second conductive piece (9) fixed to a second component (2). The first (6, 10) and second (9) piece are joined together with the possibility of sliding one on the other, in such a way that the first piece (6, 10) is connected to the conductive surface of the first component (1) and the second piece (9) to the conductive surface of the second component (2), so that, when displacements take place of the second component (2) with respect to the first (1), the first piece (1) slides on the second piece (9) maintaining the electrical conductivity between the first (1) and second (2) component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Vicente MARTÍNEZ VALDEGRAMA, José Luis LOZANO GARCÍA, Gonzalo RAMÍREZ BLANCO
  • Publication number: 20110034041
    Abstract: An electrical penetrator assembly has a ceramic housing with a through bore, a first electrical conductor extending through a first end of the bore and terminating short of a second end of the bore and having an outer end engageable with a first cable, and a second electrical conductor extending through a second end of the bore and terminating short of the first end of the bore, the second conductor having an outer end engageable with a second cable. The conductors are in electrical communication at their inner ends and at least one of the conductors is movable relative to the other conductor to accommodate expansion and contraction as a result of temperature variations, and first and second seals extend between respective ends of the ceramic housing and the first and second conductor, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: TELEDYNE ODI, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Sivik, Thomas Foley, Roy Jazowski
  • Publication number: 20110030276
    Abstract: A rear slider window assembly includes a frame portion, at least one fixed window panel and at least one movable window panel that is movable along the frame portion. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position and has a first electrical element (such as a heater element) established thereat. The first electrical element is electrically connected to a power source of the vehicle irrespective of whether the movable window panel is in the opened or closed position. The first electrical element may be electrically connected to the power source of the vehicle via a flexible connector that is connected at one end to the first electrical element and at another end to an electrical connector at the fixed window panel, such as at an electrical element of the fixed window panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Dominic C. Smith, Troy F. Tooker, Darin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 7883337
    Abstract: An electrical connector for providing electrical communication between a fixed structure of an aircraft and a movable component mechanically connected to the fixed structure, wherein the electrical connector is arranged to be mechanically connected to the fixed structure at a first end of the connector and is arranged to be mechanically connected to the movable component at a second end of the connector, the electrical connector comprising a first telescopic element, at least a portion of which is electrically conductive and which is arranged to provide a first current path between the fixed structure and the movable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Phillip Vincent Teague
  • Patent number: 7867020
    Abstract: A fixture includes a base seat, a resist mechanism, a drive mechanism and an adjust mechanism. The resist mechanism is fixed to the base seat and includes a connector. The drive mechanism is fixed to the base seat. The adjust mechanism is fixed to the base seat and includes a connecting board. The connecting board has a power module attached thereto. The adjust mechanism can adjust the power module relative to the connector. The drive mechanism can drive the connector to move towards the power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Chia-En Lee
  • Publication number: 20100330817
    Abstract: A ball plunger-style lateral connector assembly for electrical connections, comprising an electrically conductive connector body with an electrically conductive pin positioned in an aperture in a closed end of the body. A first end portion of the pin member extends at least partially into the interior area of the connector body. An electrically conductive connector plate is adjacent to the closed end of the connector body and engages the first end portion of the pin member and provides an electrical connection therebetween. An insulator sleeve may be disposed in the interior area of the connector body and adjacent to the sidewall of the connector body. An electrically conductive biasing member is disposed in the interior area of the connector body. The biasing member has a first end portion in engagement with the connector plate, and wherein the insulator sleeve is disposed between the biasing member and the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Gordon van Ekstrom
  • Publication number: 20100327111
    Abstract: A telescopic strut comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to slide one within another between a retracted and an extended position. Adjacent hollow members are arranged to be electrically connected by one or more electrical connector assemblies as the hollow members move between the retracted and extended positions. Each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members. The telescopic strut may be used to electrically connect a moveable control surface to a fixed aerofoil structure in an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Timothy Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20100240228
    Abstract: A linear motion electrical connector includes an outer component having a bore defined by an inner surface and a cylinder within the bore. The cylinder has an outer surface. An annular groove is formed on one of the outer surface of the cylinder or the inner surface of the outer component. The annular groove has an axial length. A conductive spring is fit within the annular groove and provides electrical contact between the outer component and the cylinder. The conductive helical spring is adapted to roll along the axial length of the annular groove to maintain electrical contact when the cylinder is translated relative to the outer component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jon M. Lenhert
  • Publication number: 20100048037
    Abstract: A power supply module configured for removable insertion into a power supply bay of an electronic system. A telescopic power connector disposed within the power supply housing includes a plurality of internal fixed contacts in electrical communication with an electrical socket and a movable member carrying a plurality of elongate sliding contacts in sliding contact with the internal fixed contacts. The movable member is movable generally perpendicular to an insertion direction of the power supply housing. A mechanical actuator is configured for moving the movable member of the telescopic power connector into connection with an external power connector, such as on a motherboard, so that ends of the sliding contacts are moved into electrical connection with terminals on the external power connector while remaining in sliding contact with the internal fixed contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Wormsbecher, Michael Sven Miller
  • Patent number: 7601006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine connected to a utility grid or another electric load. The wind turbine comprises at least one electric generator generating a high current, at least one substantially inflexible conductor conducting the current, a high current connector including a housing capable of conducting the current, where the housing comprises two or more openings for accommodating at least two conductor ends of the conductor. The wind turbine is characterized in that, the openings of the high current connector comprise one or more connections for providing an electric connection between the conductor ends and the housing, the connections are configured for allowing substantially unrestricted movements of the conductor ends in the conductors longitudinal direction. The invention further relates to a high current connector and uses hereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Viggo Kofod Christoffersen
  • Patent number: 7517221
    Abstract: An easily added extender for existing electric outlets with at least one electric outlet of its own which can be positioned beyond the reach of children and pets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: David W Chidakel, William H Groves, Jr., Paul A Boduch, Michael E Beach
  • Publication number: 20090047800
    Abstract: A telescoping connector assembly comprising a hollow rectangular bezel adapted for mounting in a patch bay panel frame. A plurality of telescoping connectors are mounted in the bezel and are adapted for relative movement thereto between a rearward position and a forward position. For this purpose, each of the telescoping connectors illustratively comprises a subframe having a pair of upper and lower runners adapted to engage complementary pairs of upper and lower slots formed in the bezel. The runners are fabricated from a flexible material, which allows the connectors to be extracted from the bezel by applying a bending force to the runners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Belden CDT Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Edouard Tabet
  • Publication number: 20080299785
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is a Flexible Connector Assemblies (FCA) 6 that comprises top and bottom plates connected by Flexible Connectors (FC) 8 and provides a compliant electrical joint between the first terminal lead 2 and the second terminal lead 4. These terminal leads 2 and 4 are connected to the top and bottom plates eccentrically in such a way that the total current 16 through the FCA is more evenly distributed among the FC 8 than when the leads are centered on their respective plates. This improvement in uniformity reduces the maximum current carried by any one FC, which substantially extends the operating life of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Leonard Myatt, Robert A. Ward, Aleksandar Prole, Lon W. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7419377
    Abstract: An electrical coupling device for solar cells includes a conductive member characterized by a single shaped thickness of material. The member includes a first portion extending a first length from a first end region and a second portion extending a second length from a second end region. The member also includes a U-like-shaped portion including a first branch, a second branch, and a joint region integrally connecting the first branch and the second branch. The first branch is integrally connected to the first portion at a first junction region and the second branch is integrally connected to the second portion at a second junction region. The first end region connects a first electrical lead of a first solar cell and the second end region connects a second electrical lead of a second solar cell which is disposed at flexible distance allowed by deforming the U-like-shaped portion elastically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Solaria Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Briere, Alelie Funcell
  • Publication number: 20080194120
    Abstract: A portable electronic device including electronic circuitry; and a housing having the electronic circuitry mounted therein. The housing includes a first housing section movably connected to a second housing section by a compliant hinge arrangement. The compliant hinge arrangement includes at least one living hinge. The first and second sections are adapted to longitudinally slide relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Ramin Vatanparast, Liangfeng Xu
  • Patent number: 7410371
    Abstract: A computing device (110) has a body comprising a mechanised socket (170). The socket (170) is retractable within a volume (150) enclosed by the body of the computing device (110). Activation of a mechanism causes the socket to extend (140) beyond said volume (150) into an extended position (270), allowing user-access to said socket (170). Advantageously, during normal active usage, the socket (170) is retracted within the volume enclosed by the body of the computing device (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Avihai A. Shabtai, Nissim Cohen-Matzliah, Youry Kirpichnikov
  • Patent number: 7396234
    Abstract: An electrical outlet includes a main socket unit, and an additional socket unit movably mounted in the main socket unit. The main socket unit includes a power transmitting port, a plurality of sockets, and a first electrical connector. The sockets and the first electrical connector are electrically connected to the power transmitting port. The additional socket unit includes a plurality of sockets, and a second electrical connector electrically connected to the sockets of the additional socket unit. When the additional socket unit extends from within the main socket unit the first electrical connector of the main socket unit is electrically connected to the second electrical connector of the additional socket unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke Sun
  • Patent number: 7268697
    Abstract: A data transmission apparatus having first and second electrical conductors is disclosed. The first and second electrical conductors are disposed within recesses of a first and second complementary surfaces that are magnetically conducting and electrically insulating. The first and second surfaces are in close proximity to each other. The first surface is translatable along the length of the second surface. The first and second electrical conductors are in electromagnetic communication and provide for the transmission of data or power from the first electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor as the first surface overlaps the second surface. The data transmission apparatus may be located in one or more downhole tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Tyson J. Wilde, Paul M. Schramm
  • Patent number: 7221561
    Abstract: A mobile phone includes pivotally connected upper and lower members, and a coupling member interconnecting the upper member and a printed circuit board within the lower member in such a manner that the printed circuit board moves synchronously with the upper member to offset the printed circuit board with respect to a keypad, thereby preventing untimely and accidentally actuation the keypad when the upper member is disposed at a folded position with respect to the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Long-Jyh Pan, Chun-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 7220128
    Abstract: An extendable power source device for altering the position of a power receptacle on an existing wall electrical outlet is provided. The extendable power source comprises a first receptacle having a front surface and a rear surface and a second receptacle having a front surface and a rear surface. A plug receiving mechanism is formed in the front surface of both the first receptacle and the second receptacle for receiving a plug. A plug mechanism is mounted on the rear surface of the first receptacle. An adjustable bar connects between the first receptacle and the second receptacle. Electrical wiring electrically connects the first receptacle to the second receptacle wherein the first receptacle, the second receptacle, and the adjustable bar are mountable flush against a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Miguel Hicks
  • Patent number: 6817872
    Abstract: A heat resistant spark plug extender is described, for joining a spark plug like ignition device to a spark plug wire. The extender includes an elongated body formed of heat resistant and electrically insulative material that extends between a spark plug engagement end and a spark plug wire connector end. A conductor is located within the body and includes a fitting, adapted to releasably electrically connect to a spark plug wire, and a receptacle, adapted for electrical connection to a spark plug. An adjustment part permits adjustable movement of the spark plug wire connector end relative to the conductive receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Michael Berg
  • Patent number: 6652288
    Abstract: An electrical distribution block suitable for use in modular wall systems of various thicknesses. The electrical distribution block includes branch connectors spaced from each other by an electrically conductive bridge having a telescopic engagement such that a spacing between the branch connectors can be selectively controlled for use in modular walls of different thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 6641405
    Abstract: A length-adjustable vehicular power plug for use with a vehicular electrical appliance is disclosed. The vehicular power plug includes a plug end electrically connected to a vehicular power source for getting a power needed for the vehicular electrical appliance; a connector end electrically connected to the vehicular electrical appliance for transmitting the power to the vehicular electrical appliance; a first sleeve body connected to the plug end for supporting the plug end; a second sleeve body connected to the connector end for supporting the connector end, and slipable relative to the first sleeve body; and a positioning member for changing the relative position between the first sleeve body and the second sleeve body from a first position to a second position in response to an external force applied on the first and second sleeve bodies, and securing the first and second sleeve bodies at the second position when the external force is removed, thereby adjusting the length of the vehicular power plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yi Chou
  • Publication number: 20030194884
    Abstract: An electrical distribution block suitable for use in modular wall systems of various thicknesses. The electrical distribution block includes branch connectors spaced from each other by an electrically conductive bridge having a telescopic engagement such that a spacing between the branch connectors can be selectively controlled for use in modular walls of different thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Publication number: 20030148638
    Abstract: A splicing system that accommodates the splicing of tubing having internal power cable. The splice system is amenable to use in subterranean environments where sections of continuous tubing are spliced along with the splicing of internal power cable. The splice technique comprises utilization of an expandable connector that permits lineal movement of the internal segments of power cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Marcus D. McHugh, Lee S. Kobylinski, Des D'Arcy
  • Patent number: 6582220
    Abstract: An ignitor assembly for a fossil fuel-fired power generation system includes an elongate electrode, a tube sub assembly, and a coupling sub assembly, and an insulator sub assembly. The coupling sub assembly cooperates with other structural elements of the ignitor assembly and the respective windbox in which the ignitor assembly is installed to operably couple the elongate electrode to an external electrical power source. The ignitor assembly includes a contact socket secured by crimping to a lead of the external electrical power source which is biased into an electric current communicating disposition with the electrode rod of the ignitor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: ALSTOM Power Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Heck, Raymond D. MacWhinnie, Jr., David J. Matteson, Ronald H. Nowak
  • Publication number: 20030082930
    Abstract: A length-adjustable vehicular power plug for use with a vehicular electrical appliance is disclosed. The vehicular power plug includes a plug end electrically connected to a vehicular power source for getting a power needed for the vehicular electrical appliance; a connector end electrically connected to the vehicular electrical appliance for transmitting the power to the vehicular electrical appliance; a first sleeve body connected to the plug end for supporting the plug end; a second sleeve body connected to the connector end for supporting the connector end, and slipable relative to the first sleeve body; and a positioning member for changing the relative position between the first sleeve body and the second sleeve body from a first position to a second position in response to an external force applied on the first and second sleeve bodies, and securing the first and second sleeve bodies at the second position when the external force is removed, thereby adjusting the length of the vehicular power plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Yi Chou
  • Publication number: 20030054673
    Abstract: A cable management slide system that flexibly follows the displacement of a module into and out of a cabinet housing to allow the rear access ports of the module to be connected to adjacent modules through connectors that are laterally and forwardly positioned with respect to the module. Use of cable management slides on opposite sides of the modules allows one to physically isolate the power cable for the module from the data line of the module thereby inhibiting or preventing electrical interference therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Nathan E. Stremick, Clinton D. Crosby
  • Publication number: 20020182897
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a floatable mounting apparatus formed thereon to enable the connector assembly to correct for misalignment between mounting structures. The connector assembly includes a connector housing having peripheral surfaces with an outer contour shaped to loosely fit in an inner contour of a mounting structure, such as a card, panel, circuit board, bulk head, rack assembly and the like. The connector housing is slidably inserted into the opening through the mounting structure. A chamber is provided in the connector housing adapted to securely retain contacts. At least one latch beam is formed with the connector housing and aligned to engage the mounting structure. A float gap is located between the inner contour of the opening through the mounting structure and the outer contour of the connector housing to enable relative movement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Allen Blanchfield, John Bossert Brown, Troy Everette Conner
  • Patent number: 6488511
    Abstract: A extension apparatus for operating electric hand tools in extended positions. The extension apparatus includes an elongate tubular member has a first end and a second end. The tubular member is telescoping and includes a bottom section, a lower middle section, an upper middle section, and a top section. Each of the sections has a first end and a second end. An electrical cord extends into the tubular member. An electrical switch is attached to the bottom section. A pair of coupling members releasably couples the bottom section, and the two middle sections. An electrical receptacle for receiving a power cord of the electrical hand tool is positioned inside the top section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Dewey H. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20020177344
    Abstract: A plurality of contact terminals include movable contact portions disposed slantingly oppositely to each other, and the movable contact portion of the contact terminal is disposed movably up to the neighborhood of a position adjacent to the movable contact portion of the adjacent contact terminal. In this situation, when the electrode of the semiconductor device is released from the contact terminal, the electrode is pressed by the back of the movable contact portion in the direction where the electrode is separated from the movable contact portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kazunori Nakano, Ryo Ujike, Kenji Ichihara
  • Patent number: 6475003
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable and/or retractable extension for an electronic apparatus which is connected to the apparatus with a physically independent electrical connector which enables the extension to be retracted, extended, removed and replaced without connection or disconnection of wires, cables, plugs, jacks, flex connectors and similar devices which physically restrain the extension. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include longitudinally extensible conductors or leaf-spring conductors to provide a physically independent electrical connection between the retractable and/or removable extension and its host electronic apparatus. The extensions of some embodiments of the present invention include antennas, physical/electrical media connectors and similar electrical and electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Jones, Brent Madsen
  • Publication number: 20020094701
    Abstract: A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices comprises a photolithographically patterned conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device. The stretchable interconnect preferably comprises a coiled conductor. The coiled conductor is formed of a metal or alloy having a stress gradient extending through a thickness of said conductor. A sensor array employs the stretchable interconnects to connect contacts of one electronic device to another electronic device. The sensor array can be employed in a flexible or stretchable sensing skin of a robot as well as other applications. The stretchable interconnects can be formed by a photolithographic process on the same substrate which supports the electronic devices. The interconnects become stretchable when the supporting substrate is removed from the interconnect. Preferably coils which are formed are di-helic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: David Kalman Biegelsen, David Fork, James Reich
  • Publication number: 20020086558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pick-up device (2) for a pantograph (1) comprising two rubbing strips (3) connected together by at least one cross-member (4) connected to and articulated on a stabilising link (5) on the said pantograph (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT
    Inventor: Gerard Blanvillain
  • Patent number: 6402524
    Abstract: A system for transfer of data or electric current for a steerable horizontal boring machine for laying and destructive replacement of supply lines, which is suitable both for percussive and for rotary drilling operation and permits reliable and problem-free use of a cable connection between a consumer or sensor and a power supply or a data utilising unit, preferably comprises three elements (machine adapter, string adapter, transmitter adapter) for connecting the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schimdt Spezialmaschinen
    Inventors: Dieter Wurm, Klaus Zerbs, Elmar Koch
  • Publication number: 20020001979
    Abstract: A PCMCIA card is provided with integrated connectors for standard telephone or LAN or other communication medium for use in corresponding slots of a laptop computer. The card has a first assembly and a second assembly that are movable relative to one another. The card can be operated in a fully contracted position or in a fully extended position or in a number of intermediate positions. In the extended position, the card can be connected to a telephone line or LAN using industry standard cables while occupying only one slot of the laptop leaving the other slot accessible to a second card. In the contracted position the card can be used in a laptop with two standard PCMCIA slots while being fully inside the PCMCIA card slot and connected to a telephone line and/or LAN using industry standard cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: M. Tahir Akram, Karel Jirsa
  • Patent number: 6320130
    Abstract: A circuit body consisting of two circuit members 11, 12 is provided. In each circuit member, a plurality of bus bars 13 are juxtaposed at regular intervals and carried by resinous holders 14, 15. In producing, the circuit members 11, 12 are mutually overlapped by slide movement of the circuit member 11 on one hand along the circuit member 12 on the other hand. Then, the so-laminated circuit members 11, 12 are fixed to each other by means of resinous molding. The circuit member 11 is provided with an adjusting part 21. When sliding the circuit member 11, the adjusting part 21 comes into prior contact with the circuit member 12, so that respective connecting parts 20 of the bus bars 13 of the circuit member 11 are raised from the circuit member 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6313395
    Abstract: An interconnect structure for use with solar cells and like devices which are subject to compressive and/or expansive forces through packaging or in application comprises a flattened spiral of a metal strip. The interconnect is fabricated by first providing a length of metal strip, wrapping the metal strip around a cylindrical or flat mandrel or otherwise folded in a helical pattern, removing the mandrel, and then flattening the metal strip to reduce thickness of the interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Crane, Matthew B. Piper, Shandor G. Daroczi
  • Publication number: 20010012703
    Abstract: A system for transfer of data or electric current for a steerable horizontal boring machine for laying and destructive replacement of supply lines, which is suitable both for percussive and for rotary drilling operation and permits reliable and problem-free use of a cable connection between a consumer or sensor and a power supply or a data utilising unit, preferably comprises three elements (machine adapter, string adapter, transmitter adapter) for connecting the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: TRACTO-TECHNIK PAUL SCHMIDT SPEZIALMASCHINEN
    Inventors: DIETER WURM, KLAUS ZERBS, ELMAR KOCH
  • Patent number: 6077086
    Abstract: A new electric outlet extention device for extending the location of the electrical sockets of an outlet. The inventive device includes an elongate member having opposite first and second ends, front and back surfaces, and opposite sides surfaces. The elongate member is telescopically extendible along its longitudinal axis extending between its first and second ends. Each of the side surfaces has a pair of electrical sockets that are located towards the first end of the elongate member. The back surface of the elongate member has an electrical plug extending therefrom and is located towards the second end of the elongate member. The plug of the back surface is electrically connected to the electrical sockets of the side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Wilfred LaRoche
  • Patent number: 6004138
    Abstract: An electrical outlet extender with a male plug at one end to be connected into a wall outlet and a female electrical outlet at an opposite end and with one or more tubular members connected between the male plug and the female outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Grant J. Harbertson
  • Patent number: 5993222
    Abstract: A moving electrical contact for connecting a track-mounted moveable carriage to a signal rail. The moving electrical contact comprises a spring plate secured to the moveable carriage on one end and a contact pad attached to the other end of the spring plate. The contact pad is biased against the signal rail by the tension in the spring plate. The contact pad is constructed from approximately sixteen layers of a wire mesh consisting of tin coated, stainless steel conductive wire knitted in a tricot pattern and may include conducting jelly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sentry Technology, Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Nicolette, Peter Y. Zhou, Dexing Pang
  • Patent number: 5957701
    Abstract: A device that can easily extend an existing wall socket that is obstructed by furniture or other items to allow access thereto includes an electrical outlet box having a sleeve extending from a side thereof and one or more female electrical receptacles on its exterior surface. A substantially flat base member having two planar sides is slidably extendible within the sleeve of the outlet box. The base component has an aperture for receiving a rotatable male plug component which allows the device to be rotated relative to the male plug component and extended horizontally or vertically as desired. Each male plug component is electrically connected to each of the female receptacles. The male plug component is plugged into a standard wall outlet, the outlet component is rotated and extended to a desired position and attached to a wall using an attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth G. McMillin
  • Patent number: 5931681
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device which includes a cylindrical support provided with coaxial conducting rings, and a brush support carrying brushes respectively in sliding contact with the rings. An extension of this support constitutes another support for a set of longitudinal conducting tracks linked respectively to the brushes. The brushes in sliding contact with the tracks are carried by a brush support which is able to move translationally on the support. There may, therefore, be relative translational and rotational movements between a cable, the conductors of which are linked to the rings, and a cable, the conductors of which are linked to the brushes, while still providing electrical continuity between them. The device of the present invention is useful in supplying current to the blades of the tail rotor of a helicopter from a structure able to move translationally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Rene Thomassin, Jean-Paul Senglat
  • Patent number: 5895275
    Abstract: An electric outlet extender with a male plug at one end to be connected into a wall outlet and a female electrical outlet at an opposite end and with a first tubular telescoping member rotatably connected to the male plug and a second telescoping member extending from the female outlet to telescope into the first telescoping member whereby the extender can be plugged into a wall outlet, turned to any desired angle and extended to desired length while hugging the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Grant J. Harbertson
  • Patent number: 5761960
    Abstract: A motor, a ball screw shaft, etc. are accommodated within a frame that forms an outer frame. Direct-acting guides are provided on both sides of a groove-shaped opening defined in the frame. The ball screw shaft is centrally disposed within the frame. A table slides along the direct-acting guides under the action of rotation of the ball screw shaft. The ball screw shaft has ball-screw splines formed over its entire length and both ends thereof supported by the motor and a bearing. The center of rotation of the ball screw shaft is brought into alignment with the centers of rotation of the motor and the bearing by balls inserted into the ball-screw splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Toru Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5687608
    Abstract: A connector for a fuel gauge in a fuel cell which has an inner tube (12) and a spaced-apart concentric outer tube (14). A housing assembly (16) is mountable to outer tube (14) and includes a contact (19) electrically connected to the outer tube. A sleeve assembly (25) is slidably mounted in a bore (24) in the housing assembly and extends through an opening (29) through the outer tube, and a first end (32) of a contact assembly (26) within sleeve assembly (25) extends through an opening (35) in the inner tube and self-secures thereto. The contact assembly of the sleeve assembly makes electrical contact with the inner tube (12) at opening (35) and is connected at second end (33) by an electrical lead to the fuel gauge. An electrical lead also connects contact (19) connected to outer tube (14), to the fuel gauge so that an electrical potential between the inner tube and the outer tube may be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Richard Shaffer, William Jesse Rudy, Jr., Daniel Eugene Stahl
  • Patent number: 5523666
    Abstract: A battery-charging device for an electric vehicle contains on the vehicle side a transmitter for transmitting vehicle-specific data which contains an item of information about the instantaneous height position of a contact element on the vehicle side. The charging station has a receiver for receiving the transmitted data, a charge control unit connected to the receiver, as well as a height adjustment device for the charging station which can be controlled by the charge control unit. In this manner, the vehicle can be electrically coupled to the charging station in a reliable and automatic manner when driving the vehicle up to the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Guenter Hoelzl, Stefan Eberhardt, Joachim Trost
  • Patent number: 5441416
    Abstract: A telescoping electrical connector for an automotive vehicle to provide an electrical connection between a vehicle stationary object and a vehicle moveable object includes a first connector member electrically connected to a vehicle stationary object mounted to vehicle structure and a second connector member electrically connected to a vehicle moveable object moveable relative to the vehicle stationary object, the first and second connector members telescopingly engage each other to provide an electrical connection between and allow electrical power to flow between the vehicle stationary object and the vehicle moveable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Gajewski, Ralph T. Nichols