Resilient Finger Patents (Class 439/357)
  • Publication number: 20120244739
    Abstract: An electrical connector for photovoltaic solar panels generally includes a housing with an opening extending through it. Electrical contacts are mounted on the housing and extend into the opening. An attachment mechanism is adapted to connect the electrical connector to a second electrical connector. The ratio of the width to the thickness of the housing is at least about 5:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: POSITRONIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Youngkin
  • Patent number: 8262421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to contact, including a mating end for mating to two or more contacts and a conductive section. The conductive section includes a crimping end which is adapted to receive an electrical conductor and for being crimped thereto and a shaft section which extends between the crimping end and the mating end and includes two legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Roland Tristan De Blieck, Peter Poorter
  • Patent number: 8257106
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for power wiring. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a splice box comprising (i) a plug having a plurality of plug pins, each plug pin of the plurality of plug pins for coupling to a conductor within a cable adapted for coupling to a power line; (ii) a first pin receptacle for coupling to a first guide pin of a connector; and (iii) a first pair of retention bars disposed within the first pin receptacle, the first pair of retention bars for retaining the first guide pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Fornage, Raghuveer R. Belur
  • Patent number: 8251736
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for connecting an electrical lead to the electrical contact of an electrode. The connector assembly includes a retention plate having an opening configured to receive the electrical contact of the electrode therethrough such that the retention plate is held on the electrode, and a housing including a body and a receptacle extending into the body. The receptacle includes a size and shape that is complimentarily to the electrical contact of the electrode such that the receptacle is configured to receive at least a portion of the electrical contact therein. The receptacle is configured such that when the electrical contact is received within the receptacle, the receptacle is configured to hold a portion of the electrical lead within the receptacle between the electrical contact and the body of the housing such that the electrical lead is engaged with and electrically connected to the electrical contact. A connection member is configured to hold the housing on the retention plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James F. McIntire, Brian Erik Haug
  • Patent number: 8235687
    Abstract: An electric compressor incorporating an electric motor for driving a compression mechanism and containing, in a compressor housing, a joint between an external terminal for supplying power to the electric motor and an end of a wire from a stator of the electric motor. The electric compressor has a vibration proof structure mechanically preventing at least one of disconnection, electrical instantaneous interruption, and damage on an insulating member that are caused by vibration at the joint and/or the vicinity of the joint. The vibration proof structure can adopt various structures. When such a mechanical vibration proof structure is provided in the electric compressor, vibration proof performance can be enhanced at the joint of a motor terminal with good productivity achieved, and occurrence of disconnection and instantaneous interruption of the terminal joint can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8235739
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a housing provided with an opening through which an FPC is inserted into the housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing for coming into contact with signal connecting terminals on the FPC inserted in the housing, and a conductive shell mounted on the housing and provided therein with a holding member operative to hold the FPC inserted in the housing and a releasing member extending from the holding member to be operative to release the FPC from holding by the holding member, wherein the holding member includes an engaging projection for engaging with an engaging edged portion provided on the FPC inserted in the housing and the releasing member includes a handle portion positioned on the outside of the housing to be handled for causing the engaging projection of the holding member to disengage from the engaging edged portion on the FPC inserted in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8231365
    Abstract: An electric compressor includes a built-in electric motor for driving the compressor and a connection section between an external terminal for power supply to the electric motor and the end of a wire from a stator of the electric motor and is stored in a compressor housing. The connection section is constructed from a housing side coupler engaged with the compressor housing, a power supply-external terminal side coupler engaged with the housing side coupler, and a stator side coupler for holding the end of the wire from the stator, fitted to the power supply-external terminal side coupler, and engaged with the housing side coupler. Vibration resistance of a terminal connection section for the motor is improved and breakage and momentary electrical interruption at the terminal connection section may be prevented, with productivity of the compressor maintained at a good level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8231401
    Abstract: A connector is provided with a housing 10 connectable with a mating housing 80. A lock arm 19 includes a support 21 that stands up from the housing 10. An arm portion 22 is cantilevered forward in a connecting direction CD from the support 21 and is adapted to hold the two housings 10, 80 in a connected state by a locking movement of the arm portion 22 when the two housings 10, 80 are connected properly. Pressable portions 33 are formed on the housing 10 behind the support 21 in the connecting direction and face the support 21. The pressable portions 33 are pressable in the connecting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamaru Amano, Tsutomo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8231400
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a connector is provided. The latch assembly includes a latch coupled to the connector. The latch includes a crossbar and a latch arm extending from the crossbar. The latch arm is configured to engage a mating connector. An anchor point engages the latch. The latch rotates about the anchor point between an open position, where the latch arm is configured to disengage from the mating connector, and a closed position. where the latch arm is configured to engage the mating connector. A biasing mechanism engages the crossbar of the latch to bias the latch into the closed position, wherein in the closed position the latch assembly generates a latch force on the mating connector in a direction opposite to a load force imposed on at least one of the connector and the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Phillips, Randall Robert Henry
  • Patent number: 8221151
    Abstract: A connector-mounting construction has a bracket (10) with a mounting hole (12) and a to-be-locked plate (13) adjacent to the mounting hole (12). A connector (20) has an end configured for insertion through the mounting hole (12) and a flange (27) dimensioned contacting the rear surface of the bracket (10). An insertion groove (35) extends into the flange (27) parallel to a front surface of the flange (27). A metal lock (50) has an insertion portion (60) in the insertion groove (35) and a locking piece (51) projecting forward along a side of the connector (20). The locking piece (51) has at least one resiliently deformable locking projection (55) with a rearwardly facing locking surface (56) configured for locking edge forwardly facing edge (14) the to-be-locked plate (13) of the bracket (10) when the flange (27) of the connector (20) contacts the rear surface of the bracket (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Fujisaki
  • Publication number: 20120178279
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Publication number: 20120164870
    Abstract: A high strength electrical connector includes an outer cylindrical, rigid support cover open at both ends and preferably comprised of a high strength metal. A first electrical lead extends through a tension bushing attached to one end of the support cover. A mating receptacle through which a second electrical lead passes is securely attached to a second opposed end of the support cover. Electrical connection between the ends of the first and second electrical leads is established within the support cover. Securely attaching the ends of the first and second electrical leads together within the support cover, which is preferably comprised of a high strength metal, directs axial and transverse forces exerted on the first electrical lead through the support cover, thus bypassing the electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Murphy, Lucas Hartmann, Randall G. Stone, Keith Jozwik
  • Publication number: 20120164869
    Abstract: A connector includes a connector main body that connects with another connector, a lanyard part and a latch part provided at least on one of the side planes of the connector main body, and a hook provided on the latch part and protruding outward from the connector main body. The lanyard part includes a first lanyard bent part, a straight lanyard part, and a second lanyard bent part that are sequentially arranged in a connecting direction with respect to the another connector. The latch part includes a first latch bent part, a first latch straight part, and a second latch bent part that are sequentially arranged in the connecting direction. The first lanyard bent part includes a first lanyard opening into which the first latch bent part is inserted. The second lanyard bent part includes a second lanyard opening into which the second latch bent part is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Mizukami, Takeshi Okuyama, Tadashi Kumamoto, Toshihiro Kusagaya
  • Publication number: 20120156918
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first connector with a positioning portion and a second connector with a latch. A blocking portion is located on a second side of the first connector. The latch defines an oblique latching plane, the positioning portion defines an oblique sliding plane, and the blocking portion defines an oblique blocking plane. If the latch is aligned with the positioning portion and is slid towards the first connector, the oblique direction of the second latching plane is substantially the same as the oblique positioning plane. If the latch is aligned with the blocking portion and is slid towards the first connector, an acute angle is defined between the oblique direction of the second latching plane and the oblique direction of the blocking plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HENG TAO, BIAO ZENG, ZHI-GUO ZHANG, LI-FU XU
  • Patent number: 8182297
    Abstract: A latched connector assembly includes a first connecting device and a second connecting device latched to each other. The first connecting device has a first casing and two terminal connectors received in the first casing. The first casing has first and second side walls. The first side walls have first engaging structures protruding outward. The second side walls each have an extending arm that has a second engaging structure. The second connecting device has a second casing and at least two terminal connectors received in the second casing. The second casing has third and fourth side walls. The third side walls have first engaging structures protruding outward. The fourth side walls each have a locking portion protruding outward for receiving the second engaging structures of the first connecting device. The terminal connectors are received, in opposite directions, in the first casing and the second casing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: K.S. Terminals Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin Lin
  • Publication number: 20120115348
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (“utility”) for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. The utility includes a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism, thereby securing the mated pair. The apparatus may be integrated into a standard receptacle, or retrofitted to work with existing devices. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism acts solely on the ground prong of a standard plug assembly, so that it is unnecessary to consider electrical potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping mechanism. Further, the withdrawing movement of the prongs of a plug may cause elongate clamping surfaces of the clamping mechanism to frictionally engage opposing surfaces of the clamped prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Martin S. Reaves, Steve Chapel
  • Patent number: 8162687
    Abstract: A connector guide mounted in front of a receptacle connector is provided. The guide may include a press arm that helps urge a mating connector into a desired alignment. The guide is separate from the receptacle connector and serves to align contact surfaces and provide strain relief to the receptacle connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel L. Dawiedczyk, Jamie Duran, Jay H. Neer, Cleaver Brinkerhoff
  • Patent number: 8162688
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Publication number: 20120094522
    Abstract: High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) plugs are modified to include one or more retention features that increase the force needed to extract a fully inserted HDMI plug from a compatible mating receptacle. In several embodiments, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) plug includes a connector body having a mating end configured for insertion in a longitudinal direction into a mating HDMI receptacle and having a slot-shaped opening along at least one wall of the connector body, extending in the longitudinal direction. A movable tab is biased to extend outward from the slot-shaped opening in a first position, when unconstrained by the mating HDMI receptacle, and configured to retreat into a second position, substantially within said opening, when longitudinally engaged by a leading edge of the mating HDMI receptacle during insertion of the connector body. Additional retention features and mating HDMI receptacles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ALL SYSTEMS BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Dwayne Ray, Joseph Mayor
  • Patent number: 8152556
    Abstract: An electric connector includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector defines a first sliding groove, a second sliding groove parallel to the first sliding groove and a guiding slot communicating with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove. The guiding slot includes a first guiding slot and a second guiding slot communicating the first guiding slot with the second sliding groove. The first sliding groove and the first guiding slot collectively form a step portion. The male connector includes a latching hook to engage with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove. The latching hook slides along the first sliding groove to be received in the first guiding slot and resist on the step portion to combine the male connector with the female connector. The latching hook sides along the second guiding slot to release the male connector from the female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Ambit Microsystems (Shanghai) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bao-Kun Wu
  • Patent number: 8149594
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shield structure of an electronics housing includes a terminal having a protrusion for external connection; a substrate having the terminal disposed thereon and electrically connected to the terminal; a housing made of resin, enclosing the substrate and having an opening at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the terminal on a front surface side where the protrusion of the terminal is located; and an electromagnetic shield disposed so as to surround the substrate inside the housing, having an opening at the position corresponding to the protrusion of the terminal, and electromagnetically shielding the substrate. The electromagnetic shield has a bent portion formed on the front surface side for filling a gap between the terminal and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yosuke Nishihata
  • Patent number: 8142218
    Abstract: An electrical plug connector based on the push-pull system, with a plug component and a matching plug component that can be connected to the plug component, both of which each include one or several associated electrical contacts held by a contact carrier, and with a locking mechanism that is provided on the plug component and includes at least one movable locking element with a latch surface that is associated, on the matching plug component, with a fixed locking element with a matching surface for the latch surface. The plug component includes a plug component housing with an axially displaceable sliding sleeve with an actuation element for the locking element formed on the inside wall, wherein, when the plug component is connected to the matching plug component, a—in the plug-in direction—frontal section of the circumferential wall area of the plug component housing overlaps the matching plug component on the outside in a plug-in area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Coninvers GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Rudolph, Gerhard Wehrle
  • Publication number: 20120034808
    Abstract: Connector receptacles having a reduced height or z-dimension that are capable of accepting standard sized connector inserts. One example provides a connector having a reduction in the amount of height consumed by the deflection of a number of fingers. Specifically, the amount of deflection is reduced by eliminating one or more of these fingers on one or both sides of the connector receptacle. Instead of fingers, bumps may be used. These bumps fit into the connector insert cutouts or slots when the connector insert is fully inserted in the connector receptacle. Another example uses a rail, which may be referred to as speed rail. This speed rail can be formed along the seam of connector receptacle. The speed rail can run either a portion or the entire depth of the connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, Joshua Banko, John Raff, Chris Ligtenberg
  • Publication number: 20120034807
    Abstract: A detachment-preventing plug for hooking a socket is provided. The detachment-preventing plug comprises a body unit, two conducting pins, a slider member and two resilient hooking members. The body unit has a compartment for receiving the slider member. Each of the resilient hooking members has a protruding portion and an exposing hooking end. Each of the protruding portions protrudes toward the slider member and is engaged with the slider member, and a hooking portion is formed on each of the exposing hooking ends. The two conducting pins have two slots respectively. When the two conducting pins are inserted into the socket, the two resilient hooking members are adapted to pass through the two slots and hook the socket by the two hooking portions, wherein a user could drive the slider to make the two resilient hooking members establish a releasing configuration or a hooking configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JUNG-HUI HSU, CHEN-TENG HSU
  • Patent number: 8092246
    Abstract: A connector apparatus and concomitant method of connecting first and second Micro-D connectors comprising inserting latches affixed at both ends of the first connector into mounting holes on the second connector and causing locking tabs on the latches to engage with a support portion of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Caleb Santiago
  • Patent number: 8084989
    Abstract: A battery charger includes a rechargeable battery for providing electric power to an external rechargeable battery through a damper unit so as to charge the external rechargeable battery, and a control unit coupled to a charging socket and the rechargeable battery and operable to charge the rechargeable battery through a charging signal received by the charging socket. An alarm unit is coupled to the rechargeable battery and the charging socket for generating a detecting signal based on a battery voltage of the rechargeable battery, for outputting a reminder output upon detecting that a potential of the detecting signal is less than that of a reference signal, and for terminating the reminder output when the charging socket receives the charging signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Juye LII International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: George Liu
  • Patent number: 8083535
    Abstract: A USB connector with extraction-proof structure includes an insulation seat and a metallic shell. The insulation seat has a base, one side of which is extended a tongue, on which a plurality of conductive legs are disposed, another side of each of which passes through the base and extends out of the base. The metallic shell shown as a hollow configuration is assembled to the base and fitted onto the tongue to form a connection opening. In the meantime, a fastening piece is arranged on the top face of the metallic shell. After the USB metallic plug of an external device is plugged in the USB connector, the fastening piece fastens the perforations of the USB metallic plug for preventing the external device from being extracted and stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Nai-Chien Chang
  • Publication number: 20110294334
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a connector is provided. The latch assembly includes a latch coupled to the connector. The latch includes a crossbar and a latch arm extending from the crossbar. The latch arm is configured to engage a mating connector. An anchor point engages the latch. The latch rotates about the anchor point between an open position, where the latch arm is configured to disengage from the mating connector, and a closed position. where the latch arm is configured to engage the mating connector. A biasing mechanism engages the crossbar of the latch to bias the latch into the closed position, wherein in the closed position the latch assembly generates a latch force on the mating connector in a direction opposite to a load force imposed on at least one of the connector and the mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. PHILLIPS, RANDALL ROBERT HENRY
  • Publication number: 20110287655
    Abstract: A latched connector assembly includes a first connecting device and a second connecting device latched to each other. The first connecting device has a first casing and two terminal connectors received in the first casing. The first casing has first and second side walls. The first side walls have first engaging structures protruding outward. The second side walls each have an extending arm that has a second engaging structure. The second connecting device has a second casing and at least two terminal connectors received in the second casing. The second casing has third and fourth side walls. The third side walls have first engaging structures protruding outward. The fourth side walls each have a locking portion protruding outward for receiving the second engaging structures of the first connecting device. The terminal connectors are received, in opposite directions, in the first casing and the second casing, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin LIN
  • Patent number: 8052457
    Abstract: A connector includes a generally rectangular socket and a generally rectangular header couplable with the socket. The header is provided with arch-shaped engaging members arranged in opposite short sides thereof, the engaging members being elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction of the header. Each of the engaging members includes a protrusion portion protruding from the header or socket in the longitudinal direction thereof. The socket includes retainer portions engageable with the respective protrusion portions of the engaging members. The engaging members are elastically deformed when the header is coupled with the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Miyazaki, Kenji Okura
  • Patent number: 8047859
    Abstract: A USB Plug protective cover configured for detachably covering a USB plug connector of an electronic device includes a base cover and an elastic piece. The base cover includes a covering end, the covering end defines an accommodating cavity recessed therein configured for accommodating the USB Plug therein. The elastic piece is assembled to the base cover and accommodated within the accommodating cavity. The elastic piece detachably latches with the USB plug connector to prevent the USB protective cover from loosening or separating from the USB plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communications Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 8047880
    Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon Fields, Matthew K. Herndon, Min Chul Kim, Ron Larson, Richard J. Middlehurst, Anilkumar R. Pannikkat, Glenn Wheelock, Colin Whitby-Strevens
  • Patent number: 8047854
    Abstract: A detachable element positioning structure disposed at a side of a slot for positioning a detachable element in the slot is disclosed. The detachable element positioning structure includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm connected to the slot. The first elastic arm touches a top surface of the detachable element. The second elastic arm connects to the slot and has a protrusion. The detachable element has a side notch, and the protrusion is coupled to the side notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheng-Ming Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8043109
    Abstract: An electrical connector configured for connecting wires to components includes a female component defining a socket with electrical contacts therein. A male component includes an insulative base body with contacts having a first section configured for receipt of a conductive core of an insulated wire, and an insulative plug member that extends transversely from the base body. The electrical contacts have a second section that extends at least partially onto the plug member. In mating contact of the male and female components, the plug member is inserted into the socket such that the electrical contacts on the plug member engage against the electrical contacts in the socket to electrically connect the wires to the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Bishop, Norman Huntley
  • Publication number: 20110244706
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing holding a contact configured for mating with a mating connector. The housing has a deflectable latch configured for latching engagement with the mating connector. The latch is movable from a resting position to an actuated position. The electrical connector also includes a latch lock separate and discrete from the housing. The latch lock being coupled to the housing such that the latch lock blocks the latch from moving from the resting position to the actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Carl William Rohde, Cary Jay Rohler
  • Patent number: 8007305
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an elongated insulative housing and a plurality of terminals retained in the housing. The housing defines a mating face, a rear wall opposite to the mating face, two slots opening to the mating face and arranged side by side. A plurality of terminals are secured in the insulative housing. Each terminal defines a contact portion exposing to the corresponding slot. A latch integrally extends from the rear wall forwardly and is located between the two slots, the latch has two arms separated by a groove thereby providing resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: De-Jin Chen
  • Patent number: 7997922
    Abstract: A connector guide mounted in front of a receptacle connector is provided with a latch that engages a connector mounted on a circuit board when a mating connector is inserted into the connector on the circuit board. The guide is separate from the plug connector and serves to align contact surfaces and provide strain relief to the receptacle connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel L. Dawiedczyk, Jamie Duran, Jay H. Neer, Cleaver Brinkerhoff
  • Patent number: 7988482
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for use in a vehicle, the connector including a male connector, a female connector and a connector cover mounted on the circumferential surface of the female connector thereby providing secure connection and removing/reducing noise of the vehicle. More specifically, the female connector includes a housing, a projection formed to project on top of the housing, an operating lever horizontally disposed over the housing in the forward and backward direction to perform a seesaw motion, and a locking projection formed at the front bottom of the operating lever. On the other hand, the male connector is configured to be inserted into the female connector and connected to the female connector by the locking projection. Furthermore, the female connector is double locked and the connector cover is molded with ferrite powder to remove or reduce noise of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Korea Electric Terminal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hyoung Kim, Jong Wook Lee, Sung Ho Heo
  • Patent number: 7963790
    Abstract: The current invention teaches a new and novel electrical connector which utilizes a cover with complimentary lower curved engagement aids to ensure the accurate engagement and disengagement of a plurality of data and electrical connections. The electrical connector further allows the one-handed engagement and disengagement of the connector while reducing the lateral forces required and reducing the corresponding stress on the conductor wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: John T. Winter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7955115
    Abstract: A connector containing member on an electrical junction box is provided on an inner surface with a connector latching projection. A flexible piece being latched protrudes from a housing outer surface of a connector fitted in the connector containing member. A projection being latched that is provided on the piece being latched is locked on the connector latching projection. A cover attaching portion protrudes from a peripheral edge along one side of the connector containing member at the projecting side of the connector latching projection. A cover is secured to a cover attaching portion by screws after the connector is fitted in the connector containing member. The cover includes an interfering rib that protrudes outward from a connector receiving port, and a latching holder that is bent from a distal end of the interfering rib and is inserted into a clearance between the housing outer surface of the connector and the piece being latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Morino, Tatsuya Oka
  • Publication number: 20110111618
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes a base member (10), a cover member (20), a pull tab (80) and a pair of latch springs (70). The pull tab (80) has a pair of arms (82). Each arm has a latch releasing portion (83) at a free end of the arm. Each latch releasing portion (83) has an embossment (831) in front. Each spring (70) includes a main portion (71) formed a first indentation (74) therein, a pair of oblique portions (76) connecting the main portion and a connecting portion (77) connecting the two oblique portions from the up to down direction. The embossment (831) pushes the connecting portion (77) to drive the main portion (71) outwardly when the pull tab (80) is pulled backwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: PING-SHENG SU, FAN-BO MENG
  • Publication number: 20110086535
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first male connector, a second male connector, and a female connector. The female connector defines two receiving slots side by side. The first male connector includes a first body, a first inserting terminal, extending downwardly from the first body, and a first securing portion. The first inserting terminal engages one of the receiving slots of the female connecter. The second male connector includes a second body; a second inserting terminal, extending downwardly from the second body; and a second securing portion, engaging the slot of the first male connector. The second inserting terminal engages the other one of the receiving slots of the female connecter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIN-WEN YEH, ZHI-JIAN PENG
  • Patent number: 7914325
    Abstract: The invention has an object of providing a connector for connecting between a printed circuit board and a test device, capable of easily attaching and detaching the connector at low cost. The connector includes at least one conducting pin 28 that is protruded from a connector body, and at least one fixing pin 30 that is extended substantially in parallel with the conducting pin. The fixing pin 30 is longer than the conducting pin 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masayuki Baba, Shuichi Kameyama
  • Patent number: 7909661
    Abstract: A plug connector, for mating with a complementary connector, includes a housing comprising a mating interface defined by a pair of tongue portions and an opening defined between the tongue sections, a cover assembled with housing, an inner mold received in the cover, a printed circuit boar received in the housing and the inner mold, a plurality of cables electrically attached to corresponding electrical pads of the printed circuit board, and a fastening element securely anchored to the housing. The cover includes a first section, a second section extending along a direction different from the first section extending along, and a bending section connecting the second section to the first section. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of electrical pads formed thereon a part of which defines a mating portion parallel to the pair of tongue sections. The fastening element includes column post extending through the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 7909638
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first and a second connectors to be mated together, and a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device installed on one of the first and second connectors. The CPA device is fixed to a pre-lock position when shipped together with said one of the connectors and before the first and second connectors are mated. At the pre-lock position, a locking lever on the second connector can be deformed so that primary locking members of the first and second connectors can be engaged. When the first and second connectors are mated, a rib formed on the first connector acts on a release member provided on the CPA device, to allow the CPA device to move to a final lock position at which, a secondary locking member restricts the movement of the primary locking member of the second connector to prevent the primary locking members from being disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Ju Won Seo, Joo Hyun Park
  • Publication number: 20110045685
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly, which can easily disengage a first connector from a second connector without damaging constructional elements when excessive rotational moment is exerted on the one connector when connected to the second connector, is provided. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector that connect with each other. The first connector includes a first housing, a first contact, and a latch. The second connector includes a second housing having a second contact and a shell attached to the second housing so as to cover the second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20110045684
    Abstract: A connector containing member on an electrical junction box is provided on an inner surface with a connector latching projection. A flexible piece being latched protrudes from a housing outer surface of a connector fitted in the connector containing member. A projection being latched that is provided on the piece being latched is locked on the connector latching projection. A cover attaching portion protrudes from a peripheral edge along one side of the connector containing member at the projecting side of the connector latching projection. A cover is secured to a cover attaching portion by screws after the connector is fitted in the connector containing member. The cover includes an interfering rib that protrudes outward from a connector receiving port, and a latching holder that is bent from a distal end of the interfering rib and is inserted into a clearance between the housing outer surface of the connector and the piece being latched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Morino, Tatsuya Oka
  • Patent number: 7892007
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a printed circuit board, a header coupled to the printed circuit board, and an electrical cable termination configured to mate with the header. The printed circuit board has a printed circuit board ground contact. The header includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulative housing. The header and electrical cable termination are configured such that the electrical cable termination makes electrical contact with at least one of the contact pins and the printed circuit board ground contact when the header and electrical cable termination are in a mated configuration. The electrical connector assembly may include a conductive shield at least partially enclosing the header and electrical cable termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Joseph N. Castiglione
  • Publication number: 20110037470
    Abstract: A plug block module for a surface coil for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus has a plug block body with contacts for connection lines that can be connected with a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, an adapter plug that can be inserted into an adapter plug of the surface coil, a surface coil connector device that fixes the plug block module to the surface coil, and a connection between the plug block and the adapter plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Driemel, Steffen Wolf
  • Patent number: RE43427
    Abstract: A plug connector is disclosed that has a body portion and a circuit card extending forwardly of a mating face of the connector. The circuit card is protected in place by a protective flanges that extends forwardly from the body portion above the circuit card to protect it from stubbing and to provide a means for aligning the plug connector with a receptacle connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel L. Dawiedczyk, James Duran, Jay H. Neer, Cleaver Brinkeroff