Single Means Retaining Plural Distinct Coupling Parts And Mating Parts Together Patents (Class 439/368)
  • Patent number: 11233347
    Abstract: A plug connector assembly includes first and second plug connector parts. The first plug connector part is arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) and includes first contact elements. The second plug connector part includes a base body and second contact elements held by the base body. The first and second contact elements are connected when the first and second plug connector parts are connected. Stamped/bent parts are positioned on respective sides of the first plug connector part and are connected to the PCB. When the plug connector parts are fully connected, an electrical connection is established between at least one stamped/bent part and a contact element of the second plug connector part, or alternatively, an electrical connection is established between the two stamped-bent parts. The electrical connections in each case are suitable for electronically recognizing and/or monitoring the connection of the plug connector parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Kostal Kontakt Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Plate, Manuel Blauscheck
  • Patent number: 11211749
    Abstract: Example retainer apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example retainer apparatus disclosed herein includes a post having a first end attachable to a wall plate cover opening of an outlet and a second end opposite the first end. The example retainer apparatus also includes a plug retainer to be removably coupled to the post. The plug retainer of the example retainer apparatus is to move relative to the post between the first end of the post and the second end of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Mark Richard Cave, Michael Alan Hicks
  • Patent number: 11012765
    Abstract: A system is configured to manage connectors configured to engage with corresponding connector ports. The system maintains the relative position of the connectors. For example, the connectors can be plugged into, or unplugged from, a network component, while retaining a desired arrangement. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more connector blocks, one or more cable blocks, one or more crossbars, one or more latching mechanisms, or a combination thereof. The connector blocks engage the connector tab of each connector, allowing the connector to be inserted/removed without a user having to engage/disengage each connector tab by hand. The cable blocks maintain a relative position among connectors and cables. The crossbar rigidly couples the connector blocks together and provides a rigid connection to a mounting reference such as, for example, a standard networking rack. The latching mechanisms secure and release the crossbar from the mounting reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Extreme Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Widmann, Bruce R. Sanfelici, Peter M. Howarth, Ting-Feng Fan
  • Patent number: 10461474
    Abstract: For a chassis having a port mounted on a side of the chassis and connected to electronics in the chassis, with a plug mated in the port and a cable connected to the plug, first and second supports are mounted on the chassis side on opposing sides of the port, where each support has a respective, predetermined length extending away from the chassis side. A strap defines a slot beginning at a first end of the strap and extending along a portion of the strap's length. The strap is placed with the cable inserted in the slot and the plug at a central portion of the strap. With the supports mounted on the chassis side on opposing sides of the port, the strap connected to the respective supports, at least the plug forces curvature in a central portion of the strap, so that the central portion of the strap clamps the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Jonathan L. Kaus
  • Patent number: 10056717
    Abstract: For a chassis having a port mounted on a side of the chassis and connected to electronics in the chassis, with a plug mated in the port and a cable connected to the plug, first and second supports are mounted on the chassis side on opposing sides of the port, where each support has a respective, predetermined length extending away from the chassis side. A strap defines a slot beginning at a first end of the strap and extending along a portion of the strap's length. The strap is placed with the cable inserted in the slot and the plug at a central portion of the strap. With the supports mounted on the chassis side on opposing sides of the port, the strap connected to the respective supports, at least the plug forces curvature in a central portion of the strap, so that the central portion of the strap clamps the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Jonathan L. Kaus
  • Patent number: 9894788
    Abstract: A field replaceable power supply cartridge is provided for coupling with a socket. The cartridge has a latch mechanism that can be actuated by the user to couple the cartridge to the socket, such that latches of the cartridge releasably engage recessed portions in the socket. The cartridge has a key feature that corresponds to a key feature on the socket, allowing the cartridge to be coupled to the socket in only one orientation, thereby preventing the incorrect electrical connection between the cartridge and the socket. The cartridge can have a multi-pin electrical connector for coupling to a corresponding connector on the socket. The socket can be a relatively short socket, where the electrical wires are bottom fed, or can be a relatively tall socket, where the electrical wires are side fed via one or more openings in the body of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ECOSENSE LIGHTING INC.
    Inventor: Clayton Alexander
  • Patent number: 9876889
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to a smart playable device and charging systems and methods. The playable device can include any device that is suitable for sports, games, or play, such as balls, discs, staffs, clubs, and the like. The playable device can include rapid charging circuits to receive power from a remote charger. The playable device may transmit sensor data including motion data to a computing device. Sensor data may be interpreted by the computing device as gestures of the playable device for interacting with the computing device. Sensor data can also be interpreted as motion data during gameplay and notifications can be provided to a user based on the gameplay. In some instances, the computing device can capture image data of the playable device and identify the playable device and annotate image data based on the sensor data from the playable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Play Impossible Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Monnin, Gadi Amit, Kevin Langdon
  • Patent number: 9722357
    Abstract: For a chassis having a port mounted on a side of the chassis and connected to electronics in the chassis, with a plug mated in the port and a cable connected to the plug, first and second supports are mounted on the chassis side on opposing sides of the port, where each support has a respective, predetermined length extending away from the chassis side. A strap defines a slot beginning at a first end of the strap and extending along a portion of the strap's length. The strap is placed with the cable inserted in the slot and the plug at a central portion of the strap. With the supports mounted on the chassis side on opposing sides of the port, the strap connected to the respective supports, at least the plug forces curvature in a central portion of the strap, so that the central portion of the strap clamps the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Jonathan L. Kaus
  • Patent number: 9585442
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a system comprising a zip-locker and a zip-locker receiver. The zip-locker comprises a first portion and a second portion configured to fasten to an interconnect, at least one of the first portion and the second portion having ratchet teeth formed and extending longitudinally on an outer surface thereof. The zip-locker receiver is configured to ratchetably receive the zip-locker and comprises an aperture and a pawl disposed within the aperture configured to complement and cooperate with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker to prevent removal of the zip-locker from the aperture of the zip-locker receiver at times the pawl of the zip-locker receiver is engaged with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Sean P. O'Donnell, David Boudreau, Albert F. Beinor, Jr., C. Ilhan Gundogan, Ralph C. Frangioso, Jr., Robert P. Wierzbicki
  • Patent number: 9565782
    Abstract: A field replaceable power supply cartridge is provided for coupling with a socket. The cartridge has a latch mechanism that can be actuated by the user to couple the cartridge to the socket, such that latches of the cartridge releasably engage recessed portions in the socket. The cartridge has a key feature that corresponds to a key feature on the socket, allowing the cartridge to be coupled to the socket in only one orientation, thereby preventing the incorrect electrical connection between the cartridge and the socket. The cartridge can have a multi-pin electrical connector for coupling to a corresponding connector on the socket. The socket can be a relatively short socket, where the electrical wires are bottom fed, or can be a relatively tall socket, where the electrical wires are side fed via one or more openings in the body of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ECOSENSE LIGHTING INC.
    Inventor: Clayton Alexander
  • Patent number: 8647142
    Abstract: A retainer comprises at least two retaining straps or retainer screws and a retainer plate having a cord hole, a slot, and a plurality of retainer holes or retainer strap notches. The retainer maintains connection of an electrical power plug at an end of an electrical power cord to an electrical power receptacle when the retainer is installed. The cord hole and slot extend through the retainer plate, and the slot extends from an edge of the retainer plate to the cord hole. Each of the at least two retaining straps is operable to engage a retainer hole or retaining strap notch in the retainer plate and extend from the retainer plate around the electrical power receptacle and back to the retainer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: David Michael Kershaw
  • Patent number: 8616912
    Abstract: An electrical outlet assembly includes a housing that has a back panel and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending from a perimeter edge of the back panel. The perimeter wall has a distal edge relative to the back panel. The distal edge of the perimeter wall defines an outlet opening into the interior of the housing. An electrical outlet is positioned within the interior of the housing. An electrical cord is electrically coupled to the electrical outlet. The electrical cord extends from the housing so that a medial section of the electrical cord is positioned outside of the interior of the housing. A fastener is coupled to the housing. The fastener couples the housing to the ladder. A plurality of straps is coupled to the medial section of the electrical cord. Each of the straps is configured for coupling the electrical cord to the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Keith Vendura
  • Patent number: 8580415
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, comprises an energy storage device having an interface and at least one terminal, the interface having first and second surfaces, the first surface having at least one first surface opening and the second surface having at least one second surface opening, wherein the at least one first surface opening allows access to the at least one terminal, wherein the at least one second surface opening allows access to the at least one terminal, and wherein the at least one first surface opening is distinct from the at least one second surface opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Matti Juhani Naskali, Heikki Sakari Paananen
  • Patent number: 8529283
    Abstract: A lockable connector includes a receptacle having an opening located on an engagement surface and a spring clip slidably attached to the receptacle, the spring clip having a plug retention tang oriented substantially perpendicular to the opening on the engagement surface, the plug retention tang being positioned on the spring clip so that when the spring clip assumes a locking position the plug retention tang aligns with the opening located on the engagement surface of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Carden
  • Publication number: 20120252257
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly includes a first cable connector, a second cable connector, a locking element, and a retaining frame. The first cable connector includes a first base portion. The second cable connector includes a second base portion. The retaining frame includes a front wall. The front wall defines a mounting hole. The mounting hole includes a pair of lengthwise sides and a pair of widthwise sides. The first base portion and the second base portion are slidably received in the mounting hole. The first base portion contacts one of the widthwise sides. The second base portion contacts the first base portion. The locking element is mounted in the mounting hole and squeezed between the second base portion and the other widthwise side to push the second base portion to press on the first base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHENG-HENG SUN
  • Patent number: 8149586
    Abstract: A tray keying mechanism is mounted on a backplane inside a modular chassis and has a protrusion that stands out like a post for each of several equipment bays. A modular tray can be inserted into each of the equipment bays, but it will not be allowed to be fully inserted and to engage the electrical connectors on the backplane if the corresponding post meets an obstruction on the rear apron of the tray. If the particular tray is the correct type, and is not upside down, the post will encounter no obstructions during the insertion of the tray, and the electrical connectors will be allowed to engage. In one embodiment, the keying mechanism comprises a bracket of molded plastic that fits all around the several connectors on the backplane, and could be patterned to fit an already existing and in-service backplane and chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Allen Curnalia, Kenji Hidaka, Michihiro Okamoto, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Takeshi Wagatsuma
  • Publication number: 20110065305
    Abstract: The flexible electrical connector is designed to facilitate electrical connections between a power receiving device, such as an at least partially electric vehicle, and a power supplying device, such as an electric vehicle charging station. The flexible electrical connector has a blade shaped housing attached to a power cord that extends to the power supplying device. The blade shaped housing has a substantially rigid end portion with an electrical interface configured to detachably mate with a corresponding electrical interface on the power receiving device. The blade shaped housing also has a handle portion made of a substantially flexible material such which is configured to flex about the rigid end portion along an arc in a single plane. As such, the flexible handle can absorb impacts it receives rather than transferring them to the rigid and breakable electrical interface components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Gad AMIT, Inbal ETGAR, Chadwick John HARBER, Mike MASSUCCO
  • Publication number: 20100240244
    Abstract: A device of and method for making a multi-port cable connector is disclosed. The device comprises a connector housing having a plurality of orifices and a clip receiving portion extending into each orifice, each orifice being adapted to receive a corresponding cable connector therein and each clip receiving portion including, at least one grooved engagement surface disposed in a sidewall of the clip receiving portion and defining a first stage, and at least one second grooved engagement surface disposed below the at least one first grooved engagement surface in a sidewall of the clip receiving portion and defining a second stage; and comprises a plurality of retention clips adapted to slide between the first stage and the second stage in a corresponding clip receiving portion, each retention clip including a pair of engagement arms having a notched engagement surface for alternately engaging the pair of first engagement surfaces and the pair of second engagement surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Hardik Parikh, Owen R. Barthelmes, Gino S. Antonini
  • Patent number: 7712950
    Abstract: An improved multi-point locking mechanism in combination with a lamp assembly and a support assembly with mating, cooperating plug connectors providing a detachable lamp assembly for use on vehicles, such as boat trailers, for quick removal before exposure to corrosive water. The improved locking mechanism, in addition to providing a means for quick detachment and removal of the light assembly, provides a stronger and durable engagement with the support assembly preventing accidental dislodgement while towing vehicles, like boat trailers. The locking mechanism comprising a corrosive resistant L-shaped member having a horizontal extending plate with a hole through the distal end, and a downward depending section retractably positioned within the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Aldo Addario
  • Publication number: 20090311904
    Abstract: A communication is jack adapted to connect a cable that has an exposed ground wire mesh. The communication jack includes a first member, a second member, and a clamping component. The second member and the first member are capable of pivotally rotating relatively to be combined to form a clamping area. The cable is gripped by the clamping component and the second member in the clamping area, and the clamping component and the second member keep in contact with the ground wire mesh of the cable. Thus, the cable is fixed and grounded by simply combining the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: SURTEC INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsing CHEN
  • Publication number: 20090111315
    Abstract: A connector for transmitting signals using electrostatic coupling, comprises an inner first conductor portion and an outer first conductor portion respectively connected to two signal lines, an inner electrode portion having a facing area larger than the cross-sectional area of the inner first conductor portion in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the common axis, an outer electrode portion outside it, an inner second conductor portion for electrically connecting between the inner first conductor portion and the inner electrode portion, and an outer second conductor portion outside it, wherein the ratio of outer diameter of the inner second conductor portion to inner diameter of the outer second conductor portion is set to provide substantially fixed characteristic impedance at every position along the direction of the common axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Shuichi KATO, Susumu KAWATA, Makoto HONDA
  • Patent number: 7509956
    Abstract: Provided is a device for attachment to tubular connections that serves to ensure the securing of the connection and the avoidance of inadvertent disconnections. Also provided is an endotracheal tube having a releasable locking device component that serves to ensure security of the connection of the endotracheal tube to a breathing system. Also provided is a breathing system having a releasable locking device component that when employed ensures the security of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: John F. Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 7364441
    Abstract: A PCI card comprises upper and lower surfaces; a mounting hole defining first and second holes, the first hole having a larger diameter than the second hole; a stud that is inserted into the mounting hole and flushed to the upper surface; and a port connector provided on the stud to minimize space consumption. The first and second holes are concentric circles. Alternatively, the first and second holes are not perfect circles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lewiz Communications
    Inventors: Chinh Le, Bao Nguyen, Tam Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7354297
    Abstract: A male connector to be connected to a female connector provided at a housing accommodating a vehicle-mounted electrical device includes a contact point to be connected to a contact of the female connector, a cable connected to the contact point, and a shield shell covering the contact point. A fixing structure for the male connector includes a bolt for fixing the shield shell to the housing, on the contact point side, and a clamp for fixing the cable to the housing, on the cable side. The fixed state of the cable established by the clamp is such a state as to allow for more movement of an object to be fixed than does the fixed state of the shield shell established by the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsukashima, Takamasa Takeuchi, Kazumoto Konda, Sho Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7310237
    Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Technology Advancement Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Arthur McEwan, James Stewart McEwan, David A. Yates
  • Patent number: 7301782
    Abstract: A connector device and a display device using the same include an image displaying panel to display an image, a PCB to operate the image displaying panel, at least one cable port provided in the PCB, at least one cable connecter provided to be coupled to the cable port, and a connector holder disposed adjacent to the cable port to prevent the cable connector from being separated from the cable port. Thus the connector device and the display device using the same can prevent a cable mounted on a PCB from being separated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong-ju Lee, Byung-jo Kang
  • Patent number: 7261584
    Abstract: A plug-in connection system is disclosed which is economical to produce, is compact, is easy to handle and/or which connects to a module in an electrically reliable manner. A plug-in connection device includes locking hooks which are provided includes locking hooks which are provided with unlocking elements. As a result, the locking hooks can be maintained in an unlocked position such that the plug-in connection can be released in a simplified manner. The unlocking elements may project in an essentially non vertical manner over the housing of the connection device or in an extrinsically vertical manner over the housing of the connection device. The total space required for the plug-in connection system is reduced, thereby ensuring that the module is connected in an electrically reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wieslaw Jedynski, Manfred Prölss
  • Patent number: 7245499
    Abstract: Insertion and ejection mechanisms for modular boards and cards. Mechanisms are provided for coupling the motion of insertion/ejection handles coupled to a modular board or a board carrier frame to which a board is attached. The mechanisms include a single-bar linkage, a rack and pinion-based configuration, a two-bar linkage, and a telescoping configuration. Applying an input force to one of the handles causes the board to be urged inward in a chassis slot, thus coupling the connectors on the board with mating connectors on a backplane mounted within the chassis. The input force is coupled via the various handle-coupling mechanisms to the other handle, producing a result similar to if a force was applied to both handles at the same time. In a similar manner, a board may be ejected by applying a force to a single handle to cause that handle to rotate outward. An automated retention screw insertion and extraction mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas L. Stahl, Marwan Khoury, Ho Wang
  • Patent number: 7172468
    Abstract: A divided connector has a cover (70) that is mounted on a frame (10) in a direction orthogonal to an inserting direction of auxiliary housings (40) into the frame (10). Latches (71) on the inner surfaces of the cover (70) contact guide surfaces (42B) of an insufficiently inserted auxiliary housing (40) to push the auxiliary housing (40) to a proper position and doubly lock the auxiliary housing (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Nishide
  • Patent number: 7145780
    Abstract: A printed circuit board connector engagement apparatus includes a four-bar linkage capable of coupling to an electronics system housing and is configured to accept and enable a printed circuit board to travel in a first direction until a connector on the printed circuit board and a corresponding connector coupled to the housing are aligned. The four-bar linkage further enables the printed circuit board to travel essentially orthogonal to the first direction to engage the printed circuit board and housing connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Malone, Glenn C. Simon
  • Patent number: 6923670
    Abstract: An electrical connection system includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a locking plate. The second electrical connector having one of a projecting boss and a boss opening. The locking plate is connected to the first electrical connector and has the other one of the projecting boss and the boss opening. The engagement of the boss with the boss opening locks the second electrical connector to the first electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Anderson Power Products
    Inventors: Liam Holmes, Martin O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6883718
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a memory card that includes a host connector conforming to a host connection standard protruding from a flexible housing. The flexible housing conforms to a form factor of a memory card standard, substantially similar to a credit card with an increased thickness to accommodate the host connector and allow a memory to fit within the housing. The host connector facilitates direct coupling of the memory card to a computing device without an adapter or reader. The memory card may include a smart card contact conforming to an ISO 7816 smart card standard that allows the memory card to be backward compatible with conventional smart card readers. Unlike conventional memory cards, the flexible memory card is compatible with smart card applications, and unlike conventional smart cards, the flexible memory card includes a powerful, internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Trung V. Le, Thomas C. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6749459
    Abstract: An electrical connection system (100) for a substantially flat electrical conductor (3) comprising housing means (8) having an axially extending bore (32); an electrical connector (102) having a body (1) capable of making a sliding fit in the axial direction (A) in the bore; securing means (7,11) on the housing means and the body for releasably securing the body in a predetermined position in the bore; wherein the body of the electrical connector further comprises a rear wall (20) for receiving the flat conductor; a through bore (28) extending from the rear wall through the body in the axial direction through which the flat conductor can pass; an upper contact surface (24) extending in the axial direction away from the inner opening (28′) of the through bore, the upper contact surface having an area (13) capable of exerting a force on the flat conductor in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and away from the upper contact surface; a front edge (22) adjacent the upper contact
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Urbaniak, Robert Koch, Tarik Guenay
  • Patent number: 6604838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display lamp with lamp sections, which are releasably arranged one above the other and wherein each comprises a transparent housing section with an insertion unit. The insertion unit has electrical conductors, which are connected via electrical connecting structure with the conductors of the respective insertion units arranged below or on the base of the display lamp. Furthermore the insertion units provide receiving devices for the display lamps, which are connected with the conductors. The connecting structure comprise pins and sockets extending in the axial direction. One lamp section can be axially plugged into the lamp section or base respectively arranged below it in such a way that the pins and sockets connect the conductors of the insertion unit with the conductors, arranged respectively below, of the insertion unit located below, wherein the lamp sections are connected via snap-in connections with the lamp section or base respectively located below it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Karl Jautz Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik KG
    Inventor: Karl Jautz
  • Patent number: 6554646
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprising an insulative body, an electrically conductive terminal received on the insulative body, and electrical shield member disposed in shielding relationship with respect to the terminal, a latching structure integral with the shield member for receiving a latch associated with a mating connector and a second latching structure integral with the shield member for engaging a bracket. There is also a mating connector which has a plurality of peripheral protuberances which preferably contact the panel to improve shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Berg Electronics Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel T. Casey
  • Publication number: 20030073338
    Abstract: A housing having a shell, a first compartment, and a second compartment within the first compartment is provided. A first cover is pivotally attached to the shell for selectively opening and closing the first compartment. The first cover has a resilient latch biased for grasping the shell and a lead-out for wires. A second cover is pivotally attached to the shell for selectively opening and closing the second compartment. A plurality of pivot connectors is located in the first compartment. Each of the plurality of pivot connectors is oriented to receive a wire in a direction parallel to a plane of the lead-out for wires. A plurality of jacks is also located in the first compartment. Each of the plurality of jacks has at least one resilient conductor. Each of the plurality of jacks is oriented so that the resilient conductor lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the lead-out for wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Suleyman Oguz Sumer, James Edward Bartlett, Brian Donald Van Voorhis
  • Patent number: 6549425
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a casing, electrically insulating separating plates arranged in the casing, electronic components arranged in proximity to the separating plate, and a securing member. The separating plate has latch regions each having a top and latch grooves below the top. The securing member is snap-fitted on the latch region and has a pawl engaged with the latch grooves and a securing portion to secure the upper edge of the electronic component. The separating plate electrically insulates one electronic component from another electronic component. The latch regions have different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Naofumi Kosugi
  • Patent number: 6315600
    Abstract: A cable connector for a cable with a plurality of insulated wires comprises a housing of insulating material accommodating a plurality of contacts to be connected to the wires, a mainly hollow hood connected to the housing and having a strain relief element to maintain the cable stationary with respect to the hood. The hood comprises first and second hood parts which can be interconnected. The strain relief element is adapted to surround at least partially the cable. The strain relief element is pressed on the cable by co-operation with one of the hood parts during interconnecting the first and second hood parts. Further, the strain relief element is fixed within the first and second hood parts by interconnecting these hood parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventor: Gert Droesbeke
  • Patent number: 6059615
    Abstract: An element of an electrical connector in which a plurality of axial segments are positioned in side by side relation. A transverse passageway extends through the axial segments and a rail is positioned in the transverse passageway to link the segments together. A latch is fixed within an end segment to lock the rail in place. The segments may be power modules or signal modules. The number and type of power modules used may be selected based on specific power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pendleton, Ray C. Doutrich, Stuart C. Stoner
  • Patent number: 5883790
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved socket for use with a printed circuit board. The socket removably secures an integrated circuit package and a separate electronic item to a printed circuit board. The socket includes a non-moveable member and a moveable member. The non-moveable member has a first plurality of pin-contacting sections for receiving pins that extend from the integrated circuit package. At least one of these pin-contacting sections is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The moveable member has a second plurality of pin-contacting sections for securing the pins that extend from the integrated circuit package when the moveable member is in a locked position. The moveable member also includes a retaining projection to at least partially secure the separate electronic item when the moveable member is in the locked position. The socket may also include a lever that is rotatably connected within the non-moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean A. Klein
  • Patent number: 5876233
    Abstract: An electrical connector system uses two electrical connector housings and two mating electrical connectors. The electrical connector housings are disposed on a support plate in an end to end relation and spaced apart by a distance smaller than twice the distance from the electrical connector housing to the fastener holding the connector to the connector housing. The fasteners are carried by and engaged with a retainer bar that further engages the connectors to pull the connectors into the connector housings and retain them in connection relationship, ensuring reliability of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Apurba Choudhury, Quach Hung Huy, Miles Frank Swain
  • Patent number: 5810613
    Abstract: A circuit board connecting device electrically connects exposed back ends of circuit boards when the front ends of the circuit boards are received in a holder. The connecting device has first connectors, second connectors and a connector substrate. The first connectors are attached respectively to the back ends of the circuit boards and extend lengthwise with the back ends of the circuit boards. The second connectors are adapted for connection respectively to the first connectors when the first and second connectors are aligned in a plane parallel to a plane in which the circuit boards extend. The connector substrate has the second connectors attached thereto, extending perpendicular therefrom. The second connectors are electrically connected to each other on the connector substrate. The connector substrate is fixedly attached to one of the circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Babi Ati, Marc DeFrancesco, Ali Ghorbani
  • Patent number: 5782649
    Abstract: The power tool cord locking assembly is designed to provide the user with a device that will prevent the electric plug on his or her power tool from unplugging from an electric extension cord or power outlet. The assembly comprises a unit having at least one housings, each housing has bottom portion and an open top portion. There are receiving slots in the end portions which are designed to receive the plug from the extension cord in one housing and the plug from the power tool in the other housing. The housings have extensions which are designed to be grasped and receive one end of elastic units on each side of the housings. The elastic devices are positioned as to connect the opposing handles creating a resistance for the housings and holding the electric plugs in position. In use, the operator would fasten the electric plugs together and position in the electric plugs in the opposing slots in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Luke T. Aiken
  • Patent number: 5721673
    Abstract: For use with a printed circuit board (PCB), a socket removably retains a CPU integrated circuit package and a separate voltage regulator module with only one manually-engaged latch. The socket includes a non-moveable member and a moveable member. The non-moveable member interfaces with the PCB and with the voltage regulator module. The non-moveable and moveable members receive the CPU integrated circuit package and the moveable member includes a retaining arm for locking into the voltage regulator module. The moveable member is moved from an unlocked position into a locked position for fixedly securing the CPU integrated circuit package, with the arm securing the voltage regulator module. Other optional features include power plane connectors and decoupling capacitors within the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean A. Klein
  • Patent number: 5715145
    Abstract: An electronic circuit pack and mounting frame in which a cable directed to the circuit pack is received in a connector mounted upon a face of the pack or upon a face of a printed circuit board within the pack. Cables are mounted away from the front face of the pack and are directed from a cable receiving channel of a mounting frame to the connector with cable bends being permanently held by a surrounding molded encapsulation received within an access opening of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Eric H. Wong, William K. Williams
  • Patent number: 5694297
    Abstract: A mounting structure for providing DC power to an IC package is disclosed. The mounting structure comprises a socket for receiving an IC package, having one or more IC chips, and a power supply for supplying at least one specified DC voltage to the IC package. The power supply is coupled to the IC package by conductive paths formed in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: David Anthony Smith, Neal G. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5632643
    Abstract: An improved yoke socket for use with separate leads and plugs such as those used with electrocardiogram devices provides detents to guard against accidental disconnection of plugs from the socket. A first surface of the yoke socket bears a row of apertures into which can be inserted connectors born by the individual lead plugs. A groove penetrates a second surface of the yoke socket to expose the inserted connectors. Each connector has a notch that acts in concert with a retaining rod placed within the groove to retain the plug against accidental detaching. The retaining rod comprises a series of expanded or bead-like portions connected by thinner rod portions. The expanded portion is sized to protrude into each aperture from the groove to serve as a detent by interacting with the notch of an inserted connector. The entire retaining rod is backed by a layer of compressed elastomer such as rubber which acts to bias the retaining rod into contact with the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Tronomed, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Shepherd, Harald O. Olms, Henry G. Rossini
  • Patent number: 5584720
    Abstract: An electrical cord plug lock for securing plug of a pair of electrical cords together. The inventive device includes a first cord clamp securable to an extension cord proximal to a plug thereof, and a second cord clamp securable to a power tool cord proximal to a plug of the power tool cord. A joining assembly extends between the cord clamps for securing the plugs together to preclude separation of the plugs during tensioning of the cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Lenny B. Elswick
  • Patent number: 5470249
    Abstract: An electrical cord retaining connector for maintaining the plug ends of two interconnected cords in a mated position comprising an elongated piece of flexible wire having free ends and an intermediate portion therebetween, the free ends each having a helical coil formed thereon, the intermediate portion further having a helical coil formed thereon and thereby creating a pair of segments extended outwardly therefrom to the coils at the free ends and with the piece positionable in a coupled configuration between two interconnected cords having mated plug ends with the coil on the intermediate portion securable about one cord near a plug end thereof and the coils at the free ends positionable in coaxial alignment about the other cord near a plug end thereof whereby the piece ensures that the plug ends remain in their mated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Robert D. Manganello
  • Patent number: 5444182
    Abstract: A connector cover for a wire harness includes a main cover composed of a hinged pair of half case bodies and a secondary cover composed of a hinged pair of semicylindrical bodies. The main cover is formed with an opening for affixing to the back of the connector and a circular opening with a circular ridge elongating inside surface for passing the wire extending from the connector when the half case bodies are closed. The secondary cover having both ends opened for taking in the wire harness and is formed with a cylindrical opening with a channel grove extending therearound for passing the wire when the semicylindrical bodies are closed, and is connected to the main cover such that the circular ridge of the main cover fits in the channel groove around the cylindrical opening, in a manner easy to rotate with respect to the main cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Hoshino