Laterally Moving Roller Or Ball Patents (Class 439/348)
  • Patent number: 11855387
    Abstract: A plug-in assembly structure for a UAV includes a first component (1), a second component (2) and a limit assembly (3). The first component (1) includes a first plug (11) and a positioning sleeve (12), and the positioning sleeve (12) is provided with a first through hole (121). The second component (2) includes a second plug (21), the radial direction of the second plug (21) is provided with a limit hole (2111), the second plug (21) can be electrically connected to the first plug (11), and the limit hole (2111) is facing the first through hole (121). The limit assembly (3) is installed in the limit hole (2111). The limit assembly (3) includes a first elastic element (31) and a limit element (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOFLIGHT (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu Tian
  • Patent number: 11733411
    Abstract: A connector is provided with a forward bulkhead assembly having a forward bulkhead device and an aft bulkhead assembly having an aft bulkhead device. Each of the forward bulkhead assembly and the aft bulkhead assembly includes connections for wires and optical fibers of an acoustic array. The forward bulkhead assembly includes a clamshell-type ring of two halves on opposite sides of the forward bulkhead assembly. The clamshell has a locking feature and a locking ring attached to the locking feature. The locking ring connects the forward bulkhead assembly with the aft bulkhead assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas E Hansen, Charles K Boyle, Alia W Kroger
  • Patent number: 11712975
    Abstract: A securing system for securing an electric bicycle to a bicycle docking frame includes a female connecting assembly mountable on the bicycle docking frame and a male connecting assembly mountable on the electric bicycle and sized to be received within a tapered recess of the female connecting assembly. When so received, first current coupling elements of the female assembly electrically interface with second current coupling elements of the male assembly, which can allow current flow therebetween to charge a battery of the electric bicycle. A bicycle rack system includes electric bicycles, bicycle docks, a charging module operable to receive electrical power from an external power source and a charging controller for adjusting the level of electrical power provided to dock-side charging modules that charge battery modules of electric bicycles docked thereto. A method for managing charging is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: David Saint-Germain, Sébastien Bossan, Daniel Lévesque, Mario Bélanger, Alain St-Jacques
  • Patent number: 11658438
    Abstract: An electrical connector can include a receptacle disposed in a housing. The housing can include a second end and an openable first end having at least two housing portions that are movable relative to each other between: an open position in which the receptacle is accessible by a plug through the housing portions; and a closed position in which the receptacle is not accessible by the plug through the housing portions. At least one of the housing portions can be biased toward the open position. The electrical connector can further include a grip coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position that permits movement of the housing portions to the open position; and a second position in which the grip overlies the at least one biased-open housing portion such that the grip prevents movement of the housing portions to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SHPP GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Shawn Lee, David Wimberly, John McKenzie, Trevor Jackson
  • Patent number: 11626682
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing, a terminal, and an electric wire line. The housing is fittable to a mating housing that houses a mating terminal. The terminal is housed in the housing, and includes a tubular electric connection portion into which the mating terminal is inserted. The electric wire line includes at least a terminal end portion housed in the housing, and is electrically connected to the terminal. In the connector, the electric connection portion houses a multi-contact coil spring that is formed to have an elastically-deformable annular shape, is electrically connected to the electric connection portion, and is brought into contact at a plurality positions with the mating terminal inserted thereinto, and the terminal and at least the terminal end portion of the electric wire line are insert-molded in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, Kazuma Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11387592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a charging connection element (1) of a vehicle (10), for connection to a charging apparatus, comprising a charging socket (2) for receiving electrical connectors (14), and comprising a sealing element (3) for sealing off the charging socket (2) from other components of the vehicle (10), wherein the charging socket (2) has a first latching element (4) and the sealing element (3) has a second latching element (5), wherein the first latching element (4) and the second latching element (5) can be latched relative to one another in a large number of different latching positions in order to prevent the charging socket (2) and the sealing element (3) from becoming detached, and wherein different distances between the charging socket (2) and the sealing element (3) are defined by the different latching positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Hennecke, Martin Peteratzinger
  • Patent number: 11349258
    Abstract: A self-locking plug includes a main body, a plug bush seat arranged in the main body for positioning a plug bush, at least one locking tab, and a linkage. The self-locking plug further includes a key mechanism arranged in the main body. The key mechanism includes a pressing portion and a driving portion which are respectively arranged at two ends of the key mechanism. The driving portion is associated with one end of the linkage, and is configured to drive the linkage to reciprocate in an axial direction of the main body to switch the locking tab between a releasing state and a locking state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING TOP ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haiqing Lin, Qiang Yu, Yue Zhang
  • Patent number: 11336034
    Abstract: In electrocardiography (ECG) system, a patient cable connecting one or more electrodes to a processing device for processing ECG signals may include one or more electrode connectors mechanically keyed to respective electrodes and/or a device connector mechanically and/or electronically keyed to a cable connector of the processing device. In some embodiments, keying between the cable and electrode is achieved, for example, with an electrode including a hollow-post portion that defines a bore in conjunction with a post protruding from an arm of the electrode connector that is sized to fit within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: HEART TEST LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Hilz, Paul Klotz, Mark Tiegs
  • Patent number: 11245225
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for plug connectors, comprising a first locking device and a second locking device. The two locking devices can be plugged together and engaged with one another. At least one blocking element is provided for engaging the first locking device with the second locking device. The blocking element is suitable for mechanical engaging and can be actuated and released via an actuator. In addition, another actuator is arranged in the first locking device or in the second locking device to protect against failure of the locking arrangement. The engaging of the two locking devices can be released by the actuator, even when the actuator fails. The first locking device and the second locking device are provided for use in a plug and a corresponding counter plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventors: Lutz Troeger, Till Riechmann
  • Patent number: 11165205
    Abstract: A multiphase connector for electric powertrain systems includes a terminal block and a plug member that are, at least in part, made from electrically conductive metal. The terminal block has at least one socket surrounding a retaining spring and the plug member has at least one contact pin configured to be inserted in to the at least one socket. The plug member can be engaged with the terminal block without use of installation tools and includes one or more cable gland assembly in contact with a shield of a shielded cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: DANA TM4 INC.
    Inventors: Francois Dube, Michel Brazeau, Hakim Nechadi, Michael Rabo, Cristian Campean
  • Patent number: 11088490
    Abstract: A counter connector for mating with a connector has a hollow cylindrical housing. The counter connector includes at least two, and preferably three, of the following three types of locking means for locking the counter connector to the connector: (A) one that is arranged on a perimeter on a cylindrical surface of the housing or of a sleeve located inside the housing, a counter engagement part in the form of a groove, a collar, or a series of radially extending apertures, recesses or protrusions, the counter engagement part being adapted to engage with at least one engagement part or at least one latching part of the connector. (B) one that has a counter latching part that can be deflected elastically in a radial direction of the counter connector and comprises at least one of a radially extending groove, collar, aperture, recess or protrusion adapted to engage with a latching part of the connector. (C) one where a counter thread is adapted to engage with a thread of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: ODU GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Hobmaier, Josef Weigand, Günter Rohr
  • Patent number: 10826230
    Abstract: A coaxial cable connector has a tubular post that passes through an annular end of an unthreaded inner shell for grasping a mating connector and through an annular end of a body, the body and the inner shell irrotatably coupled to the post neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: HOLLAND ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: George Goebel, Brad Niems, Michael Holland
  • Patent number: 10618606
    Abstract: Method and streamer connecting module for connecting streamer sections to each other. The streamer connecting module includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis (L) so that first and second ends are opposite to each other; a first streamer connecting part fixedly attached at the first end of the housing; a second streamer connecting part fixedly attached at the second end of the housing; first plural balls located between the first streamer connecting part and the first end of the housing; and a first conduit formed at an interface between the first streamer connecting part and the first end of the housing for accommodating the first plural balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SERCEL
    Inventor: Frédéric Nicolas
  • Patent number: 10170846
    Abstract: In electrocardiography (ECG) system, a patient cable connecting one or more electrodes to a processing device for processing ECG signals may include one or more electrode connectors mechanically keyed to respective electrodes and/or a device connector mechanically and/or electronically keyed to a cable connector of the processing device. In some embodiments, keying between the cable and electrode is achieved, for example, with an electrode including a hollow-post portion that defines a bore in conjunction with a post protruding from an arm of the electrode connector that is sized to fit within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Heart Test Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hilz, Paul Klotz, Mark Tiegs
  • Patent number: 10096937
    Abstract: A quick-lock coaxial connector includes: an inner contact; an outer connector body having a mating section at one end; a dielectric spacer disposed between the inner contact and the outer conductor such that the outer conductor body is coaxial with the inner contact; an unthreaded coupling sleeve that at least partially overlies the outer conductor body; an annular slide block positioned within the outer conductor body; a first biasing member that biases the slide block toward the mating section; a second biasing member that biases the coupling sleeve toward the mating section; and a retaining member captured in the mating section of the outer conductor body and movable radially relative to the mating section, the retaining member configured to interact with the slide block and the coupling sleeve to maintain the coupling sleeve in position relative to the outer conductor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jiwu Shao, Yujun Zhang, Hongjuan An
  • Patent number: 9927746
    Abstract: A heater unit includes a heater in which a heating resistor member and an electrode electrically connected to the heating resistor member are disposed on a board; a connector having a connection terminal and attached to the heater at a specific connector attaching position thereof for electrically connecting the connection terminal to the electrode; a heater side engaging portion disposed on the heater; and a connector side engaging portion for engaging with the heater side engaging portion. The heater side engaging portion is provided for restricting the connector attached to the heater at the specific connector attaching position from shifting relative to the specific connector attaching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teruaki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9897628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for docking a test head to a peripheral. A docking pin (150) is moved past a projection (803) in a catch (802). The docking pin is further moved until the catch rotates and the projection in the catch engages a notch or indentation (152, 156) in the docking pin. A piston (620) is moved on to the catch so that the catch is prevented from rotating. The piston is further moved so that the test head is docked to the peripheral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. West, Charles P. Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
  • Patent number: 9853389
    Abstract: A high-voltage cable plug (1) for installing on an end of a high-voltage cable (20) has an insulating part (14) attached to the end of the high-voltage cable (20). The insulating part is cone-shaped at least in some sections on the outer surface of the insulating part and can electrically tight contact a socket element (2) associated with the high-voltage cable plug (1) when the plug-in connection is established. The high-voltage cable plug (1) has a protective element (40) at or near the end of the high-voltage cable plug facing the socket element (2). The protective element protrudes beyond the end of the high-voltage cable plug (1) facing the socket element (2) in a radial direction, with respect to a longitudinal axis (10) of the high-voltage cable plug (1), to such an extent that the protective element (40) prevents damage to the high-voltage cable plug (1) or to the socket element (2) when the high-voltage cable plug (1) is inserted into and removed from the socket element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PFISTERER KONTAKTSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Jan Henrik Wilhelm Kuhlefelt
  • Patent number: 9257787
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is an interface device comprising a receiver and a test adapter. The receiver has on each outer side a groove or ridge for use in initial engagement of the test adapter with the receiver. The test adapter has an engagement member having a plurality of clips arranged such that at least one clip engages with the groove or ridge on a side of the receiver. The test adapter further has a screw mechanism for drawing the engagement in and out of the test adapter to engage and disengage the test adapter with the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Panel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery P. Stowers, Randall C. Garman, Randall L. Herron, Darryl M. Ashby, Lucas A. Harman
  • Patent number: 9130305
    Abstract: Waterproof apparatus for cables and cable interfaces are provided herein. An exemplary apparatus includes a coupler body that includes a first end configured to releaseably couple with a connector bulkhead and a second end having an opening that is sized to receive a sealing gland, a cavity for receiving the sealing gland, the sealing gland comprising an outer peripheral surface configured to sealingly engage with an inner surface of the cavity, the sealing gland comprising an aperture that is configured to receive a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Mimosa Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Ramos, Wayne Miller
  • Patent number: 8956174
    Abstract: A locking electrical receptacle includes a housing having a pair of openings and contains a pair of prong clips adapted to be connected to a source of electricity and to engage a pair of male prongs inserted through the pair of openings. A push button having a pair of locking surfaces, a pair of unlocking surfaces and a pair of ramp surfaces is positioned in the housing and extends out of the housing. A pair of locking elements are positioned within the housing and movable between a locked position, where the pair locking elements are adapted to lock a pair of male prongs inserted through the pair of openings in the housing, and an unlocked position, where the male prongs are unlocked and may be removed from the pair of openings. The pair of locking elements engage the pair of locking surfaces of the push button when in the locked position, the pair of unlocking surfaces when in the unlocked position and the pair of ramp surfaces when moving between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Marmon Retail Home Improvement Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Raptis
  • Patent number: 8858252
    Abstract: A receptacle connector 10 has a first holding mechanism 17 for holding a plug 50 connected to a holder 12 by fitting a ball 16 disposed in a hole 12D defined in the holder 12 into a hole 52A defined in a second shell 52 of the plug 50 through a recess 11E defined in the outer circumferential surface of a first body 11, and a second holding mechanism 18 for coacting with the first holding mechanism 17 to keep the plug 50 and the holder connectable to and releasable from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Norihumi Ijima
  • Patent number: 8814608
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a plug and a power connector. The plug is applied in a power connector connected between a power supply device and a radio frequency module. The plug includes a jack and a crimping component set at a tail end of the jack, and the crimping component is configured to connect a power cable introduced from the power supply device to the jack in a manner of fixing. A power connector that includes the plug is further provided. By using the technical solutions according to the embodiments, easy on-site installation of the power connector that includes the plug during use may be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., China Aviation Optical-Electrical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Song, Tengfang Xiong, Baoliang Sun, Jianguo Wang, Yong Yao
  • Patent number: 8771002
    Abstract: A plug connector comprises a terminal module and a connecting module. The connecting module comprises a shelter having a bump arranged on an outer wall thereof, a fixing nut screwing on one end of the shelter, a socket holder having a ridge arranged on an inner wall thereof, and a spring. The terminal module is inserted into the shelter. The shelter is inserted into the socket holder, and the ridge is disposed between the bump and the fixing nut for enabling the socket holder to move relative to the shelter. The shelter, the fixing nut, and the socket holder define an accommodating space. The spring is arranged in the accommodating space, wherein two opposite ends of the spring are respectively abutted on the ridge and the fixing nut for providing an elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GT Contact Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Jung Chiu, Chih-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 8764473
    Abstract: Provided is a ball-lock connector wherein a connector which has a relatively small diameter and which can be smoothly attached or detached, is realized at low cost. Ball storage holes (23) are formed in a tubular member (20), and engagement balls (11) are contained in the ball storage holes (23). An inner sleeve (30) and an outer sleeve (40) are disposed on the outside of the tubular member (20) so as to move in the axial direction. When a counterpart connector (70) is attached, each engagement ball (11) moves from a first position wherein a part of the engagement ball is projected from the inner peripheral surface (21) of the tubular member (20) to a second position which is close to a first inner peripheral surface (42) of an outer sleeve (40), wherein a part of the engagement ball is not projected from the inner peripheral surface (21), and thereafter, returns to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canare Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Komatsubara
  • Patent number: 8684760
    Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a lockable power cord may include a power module, a locking member, a power cord, a power supply, and a loop. The locking member may include at least one arm member biased radially outward from the power module to an expanded state. The locking member may be configured to move radially inward toward the power module in response to the power module entering into the power receptacle, and expand radially away from the power module into a locking cavity of the power receptacle when the power module enters beyond a locking point within the power receptacle. The loop may include at least a first opening having a width smaller than a width of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Amy Han
  • Patent number: 8668514
    Abstract: Connector modules have complementary profiles configured for sliding engagement. Modules bearing a first profile may be mounted in series, such as on a rail, on a frame or component. Modules bearing a second profile may similarly be mounted in series, such as on a rail, so that rails bearing modules with the first profile may slide into rails bearing modules with the second profile. Contacts in connectors of the module are configured to facilitate sliding engagement. Male contacts are biased to protrude, but travel into connectors in which they are mounted during sliding until aligned with corresponding female contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Justin I. Morosi
  • Patent number: 8657623
    Abstract: A connector for quick connect/disconnect engagement between two or more segments of coaxial cable has a hollow housing for attaching to a first electrical conductor and a coupler for attaching to a second electrical conductor. The housing and the coupler move to a limited distance in a sliding relation to each other. A locking member is fitted between the housing and the coupler to lock position of the housing in relation to the coupler and disengage the housing from the coupler when needed. The locking member has a compression spring that normally urges the housing away from the coupler and locking balls fitted in cutouts made in the locking member. When the spring is compressed, the locking balls move from the cutouts into an annular groove formed in the inner wall of the housing, thus allowing a limited sliding movement of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Clarke Heebe, Melvin L. Arroyo
  • Patent number: 8568301
    Abstract: A connector system includes a plug section, and a receptacle section having a concave portion in an inside of which the plug section can be inserted, wherein the plug section includes a flange portion including a first inclined surface portion which increases in diameter toward an extraction direction, and a second inclined surface portion which decreases in diameter toward the extraction direction on an extraction direction side of the first inclined surface portion, in which an inclination angle with respect to an insertion direction of the second inclined surface portion is larger than an inclination angle with respect to the insertion direction of the first inclined surface portion, and the receptacle section includes a ball which is placed to be projectable/retractable from a side surface portion of the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Masaaki Watanabe, Koji Omori, Masato Toda
  • Patent number: 8435061
    Abstract: A connector 10 is made of a socket 20, a plug 30, and a removal prevention mechanism 40. The removal prevention mechanism 40 includes a slider tube 41 slidably mounted on a first body 21, a stop ring 42 mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the first body 21, a helical spring 43 resiliently disposed between the slider tube 41 and a socket member 22, a ball 44 movably mounted in a through hole 41C defined in the slider tube 41, a cavity 45 defined in the outer circumferential surface of the first body 21 for the ball 44 to drop therein, and an engaging surface 46 defined in the inner circumferential surface of the plug member 32, for engaging the ball 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ijimaseiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihumi Ijima
  • Publication number: 20130084730
    Abstract: Connector modules have complementary profiles configured for sliding engagement. Modules bearing a first profile may be mounted in series, such as on a rail, on a frame or component. Modules bearing a second profile may similarly be mounted in series, such as on a rail, so that rails bearing modules with the first profile may slide into rails bearing modules with the second profile. Contacts in connectors of the module are configured to facilitate sliding engagement. Male contacts are biased to protrude, but travel into connectors in which they are mounted during sliding until aligned with corresponding female contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Justin I. Morosi
  • Publication number: 20130052855
    Abstract: Provided is a ball-lock connector wherein a connector which has a relatively small diameter and which can be smoothly attached or detached, is realized at low cost. Ball storage holes (23) are formed in a tubular member (20), and engagement balls (11) are contained in the ball storage holes (23). An inner sleeve (30) and an outer sleeve (40) are disposed on the outside of the tubular member (20) so as to move in the axial direction. When a counterpart connector (70) is attached, each engagement ball (11) moves from a first position wherein a part of the engagement ball is projected from the inner peripheral surface (21) of the tubular member (20) to a second position which is close to a first inner peripheral surface (42) of an outer sleeve (40), wherein a part of the engagement ball is not projected from the inner peripheral surface (21), and thereafter, returns to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CANARE ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Manabu Komatsubara
  • Patent number: 7918677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a female connector (1) for a connector system (2) that couples first and second signal transmission conductor means. The connector system comprises a self-locking system of the push-pull type, some elements of which are secured to the female connector (1). The female connector (1) comprises a tubular body (10) housing an insert (11) equipped to accept each of the ends of the first signal conducting means. The elements (12) of the self-locking system that are secured to the female connector are formed on said insert (11). The invention also relates to a male connector (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Interlemo Holding S.A.
    Inventor: David Robert
  • Patent number: 7878840
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
  • Publication number: 20110008987
    Abstract: An IC socket comprises a socket body, a plurality of contacts, an actuator mounted on the socket body and moveable up-and-down relative to the socket body, and a latch member configured with one end thereof connecting with the actuator via a pivotal shaft and another end thereof movably connecting with the socket body. When the actuator is moved downwardly, the pivotal shaft is pushed downwardly and drives the latch member to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The actuator further defines a supporting element extending to a position under the latch member for abutting against the latch member during rotational movement of the latch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: MING-LUN SZU, HSIU-YUAN HSU, KE-HAO CHEN
  • Patent number: 7819035
    Abstract: A connector system for attaching a probe to a probe shaft mating assembly comprising: a probe shaft mating assembly comprising a connector body, a plunger chamber located within the connector body, a spring located within the plunger chamber, a locking ball channel extending through the connector body from the plunger chamber to the outer surface of the connector body, a locking ball located within the locking ball channel, and a plunger located within the plunger chamber adjacent to the spring, wherein the locking ball is in contact with the outer surface of the plunger; a probe comprising a probe body, a probe shaft chamber located within the probe shaft facing end of the probe body, and a locking ball receiver located in the probe body adjacent to the probe shaft chamber; wherein the diameter of the probe shaft chamber is larger than that of the probe shaft mating assembly such that when the plunger and the spring are moved from a first position to a second position, the locking ball moves inwardly towards
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: GE Inspection Technologies, LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey Draper, Matthew Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100059341
    Abstract: A motorized roller includes a roller body of a cylindrical shape, in which a motor and a reducer are housed. The motorized roller has fixed shafts protruding out of both ends of the roller body. A first fixed shaft has a cavity, in which a first connector is housed. A second connector is connected to the first connector. The first fixed shaft has a first engaging part (inside screw) for preventing disengagement of the second connector, so that a part (screw forming part) of the second connector is engaged with the first engaging part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuo ITOH, Masaki TANAKA, Takenobu NAKASHIMA, Tatsuhiko NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 7641498
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc
    Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
  • Publication number: 20090227137
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
  • Patent number: 7540754
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavil configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
  • Patent number: 7384295
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
  • Patent number: 7357659
    Abstract: A coil spring 213 is sandwiched between a coil spring adjoining wall 202a of the female plug shell 202 and the edge of the large ring of the slide sleeve 203 and is held inside of the slide cover 215 in which the coil spring 213 can expand and contract freely. Sliding of the slide cover 215 in the positive direction of the x axis is restricted because the coil spring 213 or the slide sleeve 203 is adjacent to the coil spring adjoining wall 202a, and sliding in the negative direction of the x axis is restricted by a caulking 210. The caulking 210 caulks its bottom part, or the end part 215b which is placed at the opposite side of the opening part of the slide cover 215, to inside of the female plug 200. By applying this calking 210, problems described above can be solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Canare Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshimori, Manabu Komatsubara
  • Patent number: 7331813
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plug/socket assembly in which the plug will never pull out of the socket even if an excessive pull-out force is applied to the plug. A plug/socket assembly (10) comprises a plug (20) and a socket (30) for receiving and fixing the plug (20) therein. The socket (30) includes a socket main body (31) having a plug insertion hole (311), balls (32) which are provided with the socket main body (31) in a radially displaceable manner with respect to the plug insertion hole (311), a sleeve (33) which is mounted over the outer surface of the socket main body (31) and is displaceable along the axial direction of the plug insertion hole (311), and a compression spring (34) for urging the sleeve (33) along the axial direction toward the inlet port (313) of the plug insertion hole. The inner surface of the sleeve is provided with a slide surface (332). The slide surface has first to fourth regions (P1-P4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Tsujita
  • Publication number: 20070167063
    Abstract: A fastener coupler includes a first securing member configured to receive and retain a first fastener within a first inner cavity, wherein at least one passage is formed through the first securing member, and a setting indication material within at least a portion of the first inner cavity. The setting indication material is configured to extrude through the first passage when the first fastener is urged into the setting indication material in order to indicate that the first fastener is properly secured to the first securing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Martin J. Nilsen, Michael E. Ward
  • Patent number: 7156682
    Abstract: An electric socket includes a rotation unit and a switching cap unit. The rotation unit abuts the conducting units inside the socket. The switching cap unit protrudes from the rest of the socket. The rotation unit may be moved along with the switching cap unit. When each of the two prongs of a plug is inserted into the two prong slots of the socket, a user may rotate switching cap unit by a certain angle so that the long sides of the rotation unit may press against the two conducting units of the socket; now, the two conducting units of the socket seize and lock the two prongs of the plug. To take out the plug, a user may rotate the switching cap unit in the reversed direction by a certain angle; now, the two long sides of the rotation unit no longer press against the two conducting units, and the plug may be taken out from the two slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
  • Patent number: 7125273
    Abstract: A connection device is provided for operatively connecting a temperature control for an electrical appliance to a power source. The connection device includes first and second connection surfaces projecting from the temperature control that partially define a cavity. Each connection surface includes a corresponding depression formed therein. A power cord housing supports a first end of a power cord. The power cord housing includes a forward end that is receivable in the cavity. The connection device further includes first and second detent elements that are movable between first extended positions wherein the detent elements project from the power cord housing and are receivable in corresponding depressions and second retracted positions. Biasing structure is provided for urging the first and second detent elements toward their extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Advance Thermo Control, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael F. Irwin, Raymond Leung Wai Tat, Benny Wong Wai Kwong
  • Patent number: 7001199
    Abstract: The invention teaches a socket that provides a quick-release and twist-resistant connection. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ashour Badalpour
  • Patent number: 6945805
    Abstract: A self-locking electrical coupling includes slidably interactive male and female components having interactive contacts that produce continuity for two polarized power lines and a ground wire line, and maintain said continuity during rotative movement between the components. The male component has a cylindrical post equipped with a centered and an off-centered metal prong and a surrounding sleeve having a forwardly directed conductive circular rim. The female component has a socket equipped with a center contact adapted to abut with the centered prong, a ring-shaped contact adapted to abut with the off-centered prong, and a third contact disposed radially outward from the ring-shaped contact and adapted to abut with the conductive circular rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Lester Bollinger
  • Patent number: 6893284
    Abstract: A connector for interconnecting or mutually isolating two circuits one of which is connected to a first connector element (1) and the other of which is connected to a second connector element (2) which is interengageable with the first. One of the connector elements supports a first contact (12) connected to a respective circuit and a displaceable contact holder (4) carrying interconnected second (14) and third (15) contacts. The contact holder is displaceable between a first position in which the first (12) and second (14) contacts are separated and a second position in which the first and second contacts are interconnected. The connector elements are formed such that on interengagement the contact holder is displaced from the first to the second position after the third contact is interconnected with a contact (34) of the other connector element (2). The arrangement is such that on disengagement of the connector elements (1, 2) the contact holder is displaced from the second to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Rota Engineering, Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. Fawcett, Peter Eric Ryde
  • Patent number: 6824415
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a coaxial connector assembly of the type wherein an inner cylindrical connector member of a female connector is adapted for receipt within an outer connector member of a male connector. The locking mechanism is positionable between the male and female connectors and includes one or more locking balls disposed within a sleeve portion of the male connector. The sleeve is of the push-pull variety and incorporates an internal surface for biasing the locking ball or balls into a recess formed in the female connector. When the sleeve is in a locked position, the locking ball or balls captured therein are biased radially inwardly therefrom to urge the male and female connectors into a tighter engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Wlos