Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.

Abstract: There is provided a lever-type connector, whereby it is possible to avoid any damage at a mating contact provided at a mating connector, when the mating connector is subjected to so-called twist mating on the pivotal end of arms of a lever. The lever-type connector having a housing that includes a contact receiving area, a slider receiving slot, a slider, a wire cover, an outlet, a lever provided with a connector and being rotatably and detachably disposed on the housing and the cover to slide the slider; a pair of arms that extend from both ends of the connector, and a pair of wall portions arranged at the pivotal end of the arms of the lever. The wall portions extend from a pivotal end of the arms, respectively, and oppose each other at end edges of the wall portions, respectively. The outlet arranged at the wire cover has a width set greater than a width of a contact receiving area in the housing.

Abstract: A computer dock having a device for protecting a portable computer against damage during vertical or inclined insertion within the computer dock. The computer dock includes an abutment member, slidably mounted on a rail, and biased to an upper position when the dock is not in use; the abutment member moving downwardly as a result of abutment against a portable computer during insertion, and at the same time exerting an upward force that at least in part counteracts the downward force of gravity acting on the portable computer.

Abstract: A computer docking apparatus for use with a portable computer, particularly in vehicles, having a cradle member suitable for receiving a portable computer and a closure member, and electrical connector assembly that operably makes power and/or data transfer connections to the computer, the connector assembly being attached to the closure member the position of which may be changed such that the computer may be inserted into or removed from the cradle when the closure member is in a first position and moving the closure member from this first position to a second position causes the electrical connector assembly to engage the computer to allow power and/or data-transfer connections between the docking apparatus and the computer.

Abstract: A test socket comprising an insulative base with a plurality of contacts received in the base and a cover pivotally mounted to one end of the base. The cover comprises a pusher with an opening extending therethrough and a lid aligned with the pusher. The lid has a through hole corresponding to the opening of the pusher. Between the pusher and the lid have a plurality of elastic members for making the lid moveably with respect to the pusher.

Abstract: A locking receptacle for engaging a USB device is provided. The locking receptacle comprising a four sided header with a top opening at the top of the header and a bottom opening at the bottom of the header, the top opening and the bottom opening for USB connections; the header connected to a pivotable locking tip on one side, the pivotable locking tip located to engage a standard opening on a side of a USB plug of a USB device when the USB plug is fully inserted in the locking receptacle; and the pivotable locking tip connected to a lever for pivoting the locking tip.

Abstract: A cable trough comprising a rigid trough securing a cable that terminates with a cable connector plug. The cable connector plug has a connector latch operable with a pull tab for selectively latching the cable connector plug to a blind mate connector inside an electronic device. The trough secures the connector plug in axial alignment with the trough and includes a release lever pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the trough. An elongate wire extends within the trough and is coupled between the release lever and the pull tab. Accordingly, the rigid trough may be directed into a guide passage aligned with the blind mate connector for coupling and latching of the connector plug to the blind mate connector. The release lever is pivotally operable to pull the wire and actuate the pull tab to release the connector latch.

Abstract: A burn-in socket for receiving an IC package includes a base, a platform located within the base for loading the IC package, a number of contacts arranged in the base for connecting with the IC package, a cover movably mounted upon the base, and at least one slider arrangement actuated by the cover. The slider arrangement comprises a first rod pivotally connected to the cover, a slider capable of abutting against the IC package, and a second rod with one end pivotally connected to the first rod and the other end pivotally connected to the slider.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pivoting apparatus comprising a pivot base defining a connection cavity, a pivot slot including an L-shape, and an alignment slot including a curvature that bulges towards a riser card, a key structure extending from at least one of the riser card and a processor in an electronic enclosure, the key structure being fixedly associated with the connection cavity of the pivot base, and a pivotor rotateably associated with the pivot base and fixedly associated with a power supply, the pivotor including an alignment ramp, an alignment pin, and a pivot pin, wherein the alignment pin is removably disposed in the alignment slot, and the pivot pin is pivotably disposed in the pivot slot. The pivotor supports an electrical connector joined to the supply. The connector mates with a riser card mounted in a processor to supply power to the riser card.

Abstract: The board connecting body includes: a pair of board cases electrically connected to each other when connectors each attached to a printed circuit board received in a housing of the board cases are fitted to each other; a receiving wall part of the housing of one board case capable of receiving the housing of another board case; a projection formed on one of the receiving wall part and the housing of the other board case; and a groove formed on the other of the receiving wall part and the housing of the other board case, the projection being capable of entering the groove, wherein the groove includes: a straight part extending along a fitting direction of the connectors; and a receiving part formed in such a manner that a width of the receiving part gradually decreases from an outer edge to the straight part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a batter contact assembly having a compact profile for efficient use of space and reliable battery connections. In one embodiment, the assembly is of unitary construction with hinges and engagement mechanism to facilitate installation of the assembly into a device requiring battery power.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pivoting apparatus comprising a pivot base defining a connection cavity, a pivot slot including an L-shape, and an alignment slot including a curvature that bulges towards a riser card, a key structure extending from at least one of the riser card and a processor in an electronic enclosure, the key structure being fixedly associated with the connection cavity of the pivot base, and a pivotor rotateably associated with the pivot base and fixedly associated with a power supply, the pivotor including an alignment ramp, an alignment pin, and a pivot pin, wherein the alignment pin is removably disposed in the alignment slot, and the pivot pin is pivotably disposed in the pivot slot. The pivotor (14) supports an electrical connector (50) joined to the supply (32). The connector mates with a riser card (24) mounted in a processor (30) to supply power to the riser card.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fastening mechanism, by which an expansion card can be mounted in the housing of an electronic apparatus. The fastening mechanism includes: a base disposed in the housing; a retention member having one side thereof pivotally connected to one side of the base, and the side facing the rear of the housing is provided with a slot for an expansion card to insert therein; and a push handle disposed between the base and the retention member for allowing the retention member to be elastically pushed towards the expansion card to thereby hold the end portion of the expansion card in the slot of the retention member.

Abstract: A cradle is provided for a handheld communications device (106). The cradle is comprised of a rigid structure (160), a latch actuator (302), a latch (300), an engagement face (514), and a resilient member (304, 304-1, 304-2). The rigid structure defines a compartment (202) for receiving the device. The compartment is comprised of an aperture and a sidewall structure (314). The latch actuator is comprised of a first end portion (716) and a second end portion (720). The latch actuator is movable in a sliding motion aligned with the sidewall between a first position and a second position. The latch is pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the latch actuator. The resilient member resiliently biases the latch actuator in a first position. The latch actuator is engaged when the device is inserted into the compartment and pushed down such that a force is applied to the latch actuator causing the latch to be moved to a second position where it engages the device.

Abstract: A docking device for a portable computer to be mechanically and electrically connected to the portable computer to expand the function of the portable computer includes a tray for placing the rear end of the portable computer thereon and a locking unit for locking the portable computer on the tray by manual operation, in which the tray includes a claw member to be mated with an incised portion formed on the back face of the portable computer, a bottom plate having a docking connector arranged thereon for electrically connecting to the portable computer, and a movable tray arranged on the bottom plate rotatably by a predetermined angle, and the movable tray has two recesses equivalent in shape to legs formed at the rear end of the portable computer and an opening for exposing the docking connector and the locking unit during docking.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.

Abstract: A connector has a housing (10) and a slider (30). The slider (30) has a cam plate (31) that can be inserted into an accommodation space (S) of the housing (10). At least one lock (32, 38) is formed in the cam plate (31). A hole (54) is formed on a rear surface of the housing (10) and communicates with the accommodation space (S). A to-be-locked portion (53) is formed in the accommodation space (S) for engaging the lock (32, 38) to hold the slider (30) at either of a wait position and a fit-in position in the accommodation space (S). The to-be-locked portion (53) can be formed via the hole (54) to enable a simple construction for a molding die, to provide good molding efficiency, and to make cost low.

Abstract: A probe pin cartridge includes a first substrate disposed opposite to a positioning member, a second substrate laid beneath the first substrate, having the same contour as that of the first substrate and a plurality of probe pins held by the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A cradle is provided for a handheld communications device (106). The cradle is comprised of a rigid structure (160), a latch actuator (302), a latch (300), an engagement face (514), and a resilient member (304, 304-1, 304-2). The rigid structure defines a compartment (202) for receiving the device. The compartment is comprised of an aperture and a sidewall structure (314). The latch actuator is comprised of a first end portion (716) and a second end portion (720). The latch actuator is movable in a sliding motion aligned with the sidewall between a first position and a second position. The latch is pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the latch actuator. The resilient member resiliently biases the latch actuator in a first position. The latch actuator is engaged when the device is inserted into the compartment and pushed down such that a force is applied to the latch actuator causing the latch to be moved to a second position where it engages the device.

Abstract: An electronic connector includes a cover, a connector body and an aligning plate. The cover defines an opening therein. The connector body protrudes through the opening, and defines a first interspace therebetween for the connector body to be partially and movably received in the opening. The aligning plate includes a supporting portion securing with and supporting the connector body, and at least two setting portions arranged at two opposite ends of the supporting portion. The aligning plate slidably mounts the connector body to the cover, the slidable directions are substantially parallel to an imaginary plane defined by the two setting portions.

Abstract: A connecting device for a plug-and-socket connection containing two connectors that includes a first part (1) with a first connector (2) and a second part (3) with a second connector (4). The first part (1) is equipped with an axle pin (5), and the second part (3) is equipped an axle bearing (6) for the axle pin (5), wherein the second part (3) is pivotable from a release position to a closed position about an axis of rotation (7) defined by the axle bearing (6), wherein the distance d1 of the center axis (16) of the first connector (2) from the axis of rotation (8) is equal to the distance d2 of the center axis (17) of the second connector (4) from the axis of rotation (8).

Abstract: An isolated signal probe comprises an input module, an output module, and a fiber optic line connecting the input module to the output module. The input module includes external positive and negative terminals, an input translation circuit electrically connected to the external positive and negative terminals, a first power supply for driving the input translation circuit, and an electrical-to-optical converter that receives a first signal from the input translation circuit. The output module includes an optical-to-electrical converter, an output translation circuit for receiving a second signal from the optical-to-electrical converter; a second power source for driving the output translation circuit, and an output connector electrically connected to the output translation circuit. The fiber optic line connects the electrical-to-optical converter to the optical-to-electrical converter.

Abstract: A lever fitting type connector includes a male connector having a male hood, a female connector having a connector main body fitted into the male hood and having a female hood which covers the male hood, and a lever which is rotatably provided inside of the female hood, and which fits or separates the male connector into or from the female connector. The lever includes a lateral plate which is rotatably engaged with a boss projecting from an inner surface of the female hood. The lateral plate is provided with a drive part far from the fulcrum of the lever in a thickness range of the lateral plate. An outer surface of the male hood is provided with an engagement projection. When the connectors are fitted to each other, these engagement projections engage the drive part of the lever to transmit a fitting force and a separating force generated by turn of the lever to the male connector.

Abstract: A battery powered flashlight is described that has a pivot contact with an off-center pivot point and/or battery polarization is described. The flashlight is configured to allow batteries to be dropped into place without interference with internal flashlight components.

Abstract: At a first stage of a pivotal movement of a lever, a housing-side boss slides in a fitting groove in the lever, and a fitting/disengagement projection is brought into abutting engagement with an engagement surface provided in a fitting/disengagement guide portion, and the boss is displaced to an abutment portion provided in the fitting groove. At a second stage of the pivotal movement, the lever is pivotally moved about the housing-side boss, and the fitting/disengagement projection is slid in and guided by the fitting/disengagement guide portion, so that a male connector can be completely fitted into a female connector.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly for connecting two cables, with each cable including multiple electrical conductors. The cable connector assembly may include a first enclosure having an outer surface and defining a pivot point, a plurality of externally accessible electrical connectors disposed at the outer surface of the first enclosure and configured to be coupled to the electrical conductors in one of the cables, a second enclosure configured to couple with the first enclosure about the pivot point in a mating configuration, and a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in the second enclosure. The contacts may be configured to releaseably receive one of the electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are configured in an outer array and an inner array on the circuit board. The outer array is coupled to a cable shield. The inner array is coupled to one of a data conductor and an electric power conductor.

Abstract: A moving plate (30) has a substantially rectangular bottom portion (38) and a surrounding wall (32) projecting from the outer periphery of the bottom portion (38). Shake preventing projections (37) are formed on the opposite outer side surfaces of the surrounding wall (32) including the shorter sides of the bottom portion (38) and extend from an upper edge of the surrounding wall (32) over the entire vertical length. The height of the shake preventing projections (37) exceeds a corresponding clearance dimension between the surrounding wall (32) and a receptacle (11). A lever (20) is used to realize a smooth connecting operation by preventing the moving plate (30) from being inclined while two housings (10, 40) are being connected.

Abstract: A latch type optical communication module is easily mounted to and detached from a system port having a cage by means of a latch. The optical communication module is provided with a latch. The latch is rotated around a hinge shaft fixed to both sides of a receptacle and engaging latch holes of ends of the latch. When rotated the latch moves latch drivers to force a slider upward, the slider raises a groove engaging a fixing tap of the optical communication module thereby allowing the optical communication module to be detached from the system port. The optical communication module can be detached from the system port without a tool or influence or adjacent an optical communication module.

Abstract: In a connector apparatus including a first connector and a second connector to be fitted to the first connector in a predetermined direction, the first connector includes a conductive receptacle contact having first and second receptacle-side contact points spaced from each other. The first receptacle-side contact point and the second receptacle-side contact point are positioned in this order towards the predetermined direction. The second connector includes a conductive plug contact to be inserted between the first and the second receptacle-side contact points. The plug contact has an inserting end, first and second plug-side contact points to be contacted with the first and the second receptacle-side contact points, respectively, and a protruding portion formed between the inserting end and the first plug-side contact point.

Abstract: A battery pack for a cordless power tool and a cordless power tool and battery pack combination includes the battery pack having a retention member that pivotally engages a retention member of the power tool and a latch system in which one of the battery pack and power tool has a ball and the other of the power tool and battery pack has a latch that engages the ball. Spring biased actuators may be used to open the latch to enable insertion or release of the ball from the latch.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprises first and second connectors (20 and 40), each having contact portions arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plugging direction. The first connector (20) has a pair of guide portions (36) provided at sides thereof and each having guide surfaces (36A and 36B). The second connector comprises (40) has a pair of guided portions (41), each having a guided surface (41A) which is guided by the guide surface when the second connector is plugged into the first connector. At least one of the guide and guided surfaces has a relief recess (36C and 41C) in a middle thereof to permit large inclination of the second connector with respect to the first connector when the second connector is removed from the first connector.

Abstract: A plug-in connection between a first connector at the edge of a printed circuit board and a second connector on a printed circuit board mount takes the form of a restrictedly guided swivel connection device. The printed circuit board with the first connector is swivelled about a swivel axis, which is held at the top, in the direction of the connector and at the bottom by an abutment. Escape by the connectors is prevented by engagement of the two outer walls of the connectors at a slide contact zone. Swivelling is only possible when the swivel axis has reached its desired position. Through swivelling of the arrangement, the blade contacts of the first connector make their way into the female contact elements of the second connector.

Abstract: The interface apparatus has a connector-receiving unit for receiving a connector that is electrically connected via a conductor to a first device. The connector has a receiving opening corresponding to the conductor. The apparatus further has a port for receiving a cable terminator electrically connected to a second device that is configured to communicate with the network component. Furthermore, the apparatus has a component electrically connected to the port that has a conductive probe movably positioned with respect to the receiving opening corresponding to the conductor of the connector. The component has an actuation component that moves the conductive probe into the receiving opening of the connector when actuated thereby establishing a conductive path between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A connecting structure of a connector includes: a first connector having a housing for containing a plurality of terminal metal pieces connected to a plurality of wires, a shield shell including a hood portion projected to a front side and surrounding the housing, and a shield member connected with the shield shell and surrounding the plurality of the wires; and a second connector capable of being fitted to the first connector, the second connector having a housing capable of containing a plurality of terminal metal pieces and capable of being fitted to the housing of the first connector and a shield shell surrounding the housing. At least one of the shield shell of the first connector and the shield shell of the second connector is made by diecasting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed circuit board module which may be connected by way of at least one plug-in connector with an underlying pcb base and is detachable from the base, whereby to disengage the plug-in connector provision is made for a U-shaped disconnect bow whose two shanks are movably hinged at a distance from the shank ends onto two counteropposed sides of the pcb module. The invention further relates to a disconnect bow mounted on a printed circuit board in order to detach the same from a plug-in connector, whereby the disconnect bow is U-shaped and its two shanks may be movably secured at a distance from the shank ends on two counteropposed sides of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus consists of first and second electrical connectors (2, 3). The second electrical connector (3) is inserted into the first electrical connector (2) in an oblique direction and then fully plugged to the first electrical connector (2) by turning the second electrical connector (3). The first electrical connector includes an insulative housing (22), at least one contact element (24) provided in the insulative housing (22), and a metal shutter (28) pivoted to the insulative housing (22) to cover the contact element (24) in the insulative housing (22). The second electrical connector (3) includes a plate member (320) which enters between the metal shutter (28) and the contact element (24) upon plugging.

Abstract: A recoverable connector structure and a cradle having the same are provided. The cradle includes a base plate, a fixed stand, a recoverable assembly having a bolt and an elastic body, a support body, a shielding plate, a circuit board, a second connector and a case. An electronic device couples with the second connector of the cradle through a first connector of the electronic device. When the electronic device is pulled from the second connector of the cradle, the recoverable assembly allows the second connector and the circuit board to rotate in a certain angle. As the electronic device is separated from the cradle, the second connector can return to its initial position. This design not only makes the process of pulling up the electronic device smooth, but also avoids the second connector from fatigued damage to extend the cradle's life.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-interference (EMI) prevention mechanism includes an expansion unit or base (1) having conductive hooks (20) and conductive spring biased pins (10). An electronic product (4) to be placed onto the expansion unit includes conductive connection holes (41) and conductive areas on its bottom surface. The connection holes are to be joined to the hooks and the conductive areas are to be pressed against the pins (10) whereby the product conductive holes and the conductive areas become joined electrically to the expansion unit and electromagnetic waves generated by the product are guided to the expansion unit.

Abstract: A battery powered flashlight has a pivot contact with an off-center pivot point and/or battery polarization. The flashlight is configured to allow batteries to be dropped into place without interference with internal flashlight components.

Abstract: A card connector includes a rotatable ejecting lever having a first end and a second end and supported by a fixed journal, the second end moving in the direction of ejecting a card to eject the card when the first end is pushed in the direction of inserting the card; and distance varying means increasing the distance from the journal to the contact point between the ejecting lever and the card during ejection of the card.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a plug portion and a terminal portion. The plug portion is couplable to the terminal portion to provide an electrical connection between a device and a peripheral item which is securely coupled to the device during normal operation of the device. Advantageously, the plug portion will break-away from the terminal portion when a force applied to the plug portion reaches a specified magnitude to thereby prevent damage to the connector and to prevent hindering operation of the device.

Abstract: A coupling unit for coupling a portable electronic device to a docking station includes a frame part mounted in the docking station and formed with an inclined rail member, and an engaging member that is slidable along the rail member between upper and lower ends of the rail member. The engaging member engages the portable electronic device when moved to the lower end of the rail member, and is disengaged from the portable electronic device when moved to the upper end of the rail member.

Abstract: A pivot component of an apparatus in one example is coupled with a first circuit board that comprises a first connection component. The pivot component controls a relative alignment of the first connection component with a second connection component of a second circuit board for an engagement of the first connection component with the second connection component.

Abstract: An identification apparatus comprises an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers has a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier is uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of connecting first and second electrical connectors each having a plurality of aligned straight pins complementary to corresponding pins of the other connector, the pins of each pair of complementary pins being designed to engage coaxially one within the other. Free ends of the pins of the first and second connectors are placed in two intersecting planes so that the pins of the two connectors have axes that lie in a common plane perpendicular to the intersection of the planes, the axes of the pins of the pairs of complementary pins being equidistant from the intersection. One connector is then pivoted relative to the other about the intersection to align the pins of each pair of complementary pins on a common axis. The complementary pins are then engaged one within the other by movement of one connector toward the other in translation in a direction parallel to the aligned axes of the pins.

Abstract: The invention is data recording (and storage) device for use in a severe environment. A connection is made between a cartridge 40 comprising a data recording and storage means on its receptacle 30 by contact and not by insertion, and the contact is made for each electrical contact by the cooperation of a plug 10, mounted elastically by a means 11 on receptacle 30 and a stud 12, 16 or 18 mounted on cartridge 40. The invention also comprises a process for cartridge-receptacle engagement which ensures self-cleaning of contacts. The device is intended for use on airliners, combat aircraft, ships, helicopters, combat vehicles such as, for example, armored vehicles, spacecraft and similar equipment.

Abstract: An identification apparatus and method comprising an array of retractable pins in association with a housing attached to a base component through which each pin individually passes. The apparatus is attached to a primary device and in communication therewith. Each retractable pin is in individual physical contact with tension springs positioned below the pin and located in a containment sleeve within the housing. Each spring continuously exerts pressure on the base of their respective pins so as to push the pin up through the base component. At the base of each spring is a pressure sensitive pad in communication with the primary device.