With Magnet Patents (Class 439/38)
  • Patent number: 11923520
    Abstract: Defining magnetic locks with permanent magnet and inductive coil that can be controlled instantaneously on demand within a battery pack by injection of a low electrical current from one or more BMSs. Whatever the positioning of the magnetic locks within the battery pack, one or more controlling BMSs can be positioned either on each accumulator or busbar, or on a branch to control on demand the set of accumulators in electrical series or in parallel, in the branch, either singly or at overall pack level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Johann Lejosne, Pierre Jost, Pierre Perichon
  • Patent number: 11909186
    Abstract: A coil spring cassette includes a stator housing part and a rotor housing part that is rotatable relative to the stator housing part about a longitudinal axis. The stator housing part and the rotor housing part together form therebetween a first chamber and a second chamber at respective positions along the longitudinal axis. A first flat cable with a reversal of winding direction is arranged in the first chamber. A second flat cable with a uniform winding direction is arranged in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Kostal Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Knut Moldenhauer, Raphael Kleine
  • Patent number: 11876328
    Abstract: An electrical plug has a pin arrangement including a pair of electrical power transmitting contacts separate from one another and a plurality of electrical signal transmitting contacts separate from each other. A pin arrangement transverse axis extends through a central point of the pin arrangement. A distance extending parallel to the pin arrangement transverse axis between a pair of longitudinal axes of the electrical power transmitting contacts is less than or equal to 6.1 mm. A maximum distance extending parallel to the pin arrangement transverse axis between a plurality of longitudinal axes of the electrical signal transmitting contacts that are furthest from each other along a direction parallel to the pin arrangement transverse axis is less than or equal to 6 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Industrial GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Moncher, Josef Achatz, Sebastian Achatz
  • Patent number: 11837827
    Abstract: A vehicle power adaptor module includes a vehicle-sided connector and an interchangeable socket. The vehicle-sided connector includes a connector body and a first connecting portion. The first connecting portion is connected with the connector body. The connector body is configured to electrically connect with an electric vehicle. The interchangeable socket includes a socket body and a second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is connected with the socket body. The socket body is configured to electrically connect with an electronic equipment. The second connecting portion is configured to detachably connect with the first connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kang Huang, Jui-Yen Chin, Ri-Long Lo
  • Patent number: 11837817
    Abstract: Apparatus for opposed terminals of an electrical device includes magnetic material carried by a cover formed of an electrically insulative material and concurrently covering the terminals, and a magnetic attraction between the magnetic material and the terminals magnetically coupling the cover to the terminals. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes covers formed of an electrically insulative material and connected by hinges to the electrical device for movement between open positions away from the terminals and closed positions covering the respective terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventors: Richard A. Murray, III, Bradley S. Smith
  • Patent number: 11823835
    Abstract: An electrical device, such as a camera controller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and a first cam surface. An electrical housing includes a housing panel having an outer surface configured to receive the connector. A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The target element includes a second magnetic element. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first cam surface and translate a rotation of the connector into an axial displacement of the connector. In one aspect, a target positioning member is configured to position the target element into the first position when the connector is removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member is further configured to position the target element into the second position when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Oslie, Christopher Zimmer, Maxim J. Skender, Mark Gregory Belding
  • Patent number: 11601062
    Abstract: A power converter, includes a housing and a busbar arrangement, which is arranged inside the housing, wherein the power converter is designed to guide an alternating current along the busbar arrangement, the power converter also includes at least one planar flux-conducting element made of a magnetically highly permeable material, which is arranged between a wall of the housing and the busbar arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO SIEMENS EAUTOMOTIVE GRMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Guido Rasek, Markus Reymann
  • Patent number: 11553068
    Abstract: An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises: a housing that includes a first plate oriented in a first direction, a second plate oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side member covering a space between the first plate and the second plate; a printed circuit board disposed in the space of the housing; a contact structure that is processed and formed toward at least one side of the printed circuit board from the side member of the housing and provides a contact point with an external electronic device; and a contact point structure that is disposed between the contact structure and the printed circuit board. The contact structure includes: at least one contact part of which at least a part is exposed to an external space and is made of the same material as the side member; and an insulating part, disposed around the at least one contact part, for separating the contact part and the side member from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soogyu Lee, Joonwon Chang, Minsoo Kim, Kyujin Kwak, Jinwan An
  • Patent number: 11476884
    Abstract: A protective arrangement for an electronic device includes a flexible cover having a panel and a skirt that form an interior cavity to receive an electronic device; and an adapter fixedly positioned in the flexible cover and having a male plug with connectors extending into the interior cavity of the flexible cover for mating with a female socket of the device and a contactor with contacts adjacent outwardly from the flexible cover and electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug. A docking cradle or external adapter can receive the electronic device and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: National Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 11469023
    Abstract: Connector element includes an enclosure made of a generally non-magnetic material having an open face; an insulating plate with a plate aperture; a permanent magnet placed inside the enclosure, the magnet dimensions preventing egress from the enclosure through the plate aperture; a washer made of a conductive soft ferromagnetic material with a washer aperture being larger than dimensions of said permanent magnet, placed inside the enclosure. Also disclosed are transformable electronic devices, optionally including displays, toys and educational kits built using the self-actuating connector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Curbios, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilya Osipov
  • Patent number: 11422645
    Abstract: A wireless input component and an operation method thereof are provided. The wireless input component includes a wireless reception device and a peripheral input device. The wireless reception device includes a connection interface, a storage device and a processor. The connection interface is connected to a first host. The storage device is configured to record operation parameter information of the first host. The processor connects the connection interface and the storage device and is configured to control the storage device. The communication device connects the processor. The peripheral input device includes an input device and a transmission device. The input device is configured to generate an input signal. The transmission device connects the input device and is connected to the communication device through a wireless communication path and configured to transmit the input signal to the communication device of the wireless reception device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Chung-Wen Hsu
  • Patent number: 11381033
    Abstract: A self-locking connector provides an electrical connection between sources, equipment, devices, and the like. The self-locking connector generally includes first and second connector components with first and second housings that include corresponding electrically conductive elements, first and second magnetic elements, and first and second lock elements. One housing includes stationary and movable housing components. The connector components are brought into a coupled state with the corresponding electrically conductive elements providing an electrical connection. As the connector components are brought into the coupled state, the movable housing component automatically moves and brings the locking elements into locked engagement. The magnetic elements urge the connector components in the coupled state and the locking elements in locked engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Onanon, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Johnson, Keyon Keshtgar
  • Patent number: 11361911
    Abstract: A sliding power contact and method includes a mobile load device connector and a socket. The mobile load device connector includes a non-current power pin having a first length, a current power pin having a second length less than the first length, a neutral pin, and a ground pin. The socket includes a non-current power contact configured to electrically couple with the non-current power pin, a current power contact configured to electrically couple with the current power pin, a neutral contact configured to electrically couple with the neutral pin, and a ground pin configured to electrically couple with the ground pin. An arc suppressor is directly coupled to at least one of the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact, wherein the arc suppressor, the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact form a current path between the current power pin and the current power contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Arc Suppression Technologies
    Inventor: Reinhold Henke
  • Patent number: 11251654
    Abstract: An apparatus including a removable modular insert disposed within a housing of a host device, the housing including one or more magnets, and one or more conductive contacts disposed on the removable modular insert to magnetically couple to the one or more magnets and secure the modular insert within the housing of the host device, and electrically couple the modular insert to the host device. A conductive coil can be coupled to the modular insert to electromagnetically receive power from a base device having a surface, where the host device moves and operates along the surface of the base device. The apparatus can include a communication device and a processor to control the communication device for communication between the modular insert and the host device, and control operation of the conductive coil. The communication device further controls the electromagnetic coupling between the modular insert and the base device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Fabrice Sauterel, Christopher Pate, Laurent Plancherel
  • Patent number: 11165458
    Abstract: A protective arrangement for an electronic device includes a flexible cover having a panel and a skirt that form an interior cavity to receive an electronic device; and an adapter fixedly positioned in the flexible cover and having a male plug with connectors extending into the interior cavity of the flexible cover for mating with a female socket of the device and a contactor with contacts adjacent outwardly from the flexible cover and electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug. A docking cradle or external adapter can receive the electronic device and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: National Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 11128087
    Abstract: A first electrical connector is provided that comprises a base body, a plurality of first conductive members, two first magnetic attraction members and an elastic waterproof member. The conductive members are fixed to the base body. Each first conductive member has a mating end extending upwardly beyond an upper surface of the base body and a tail end extending out downwardly. The two attraction members are fixed to the base body, and respectively arranged at both sides of the conductive members. The elastic waterproof member is fixed on the upper surface of the base body. The elastic waterproof member is provided with a plurality of through holes, the mating ends of the conductive members correspondingly pass through the plurality of through holes and protrude upwardly. An electrical connector assembly comprises the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector adapted to cooperate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Molex, LLC
    Inventor: Teng-Fei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11068027
    Abstract: A magnetic flexible cable disposed in the housing of a device has an extended position to engage with a corresponding receptacle on another device. The flexible magnetic cable includes a flanged end that limits the distance of extension when the flexible magnetic cable is in the extended position. A retractor can retain the flexible magnetic cable fully within the housing of the first device when the flexible magnetic cable is not engaged with the corresponding receptacle on the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Sprenger, Jim Okuley, Aleksander Magi
  • Patent number: 11070071
    Abstract: A battery charger for charging a portable electronic equipment, including a peripheral wall interconnecting a first base surface and a second base surface, an engagement portion protruding from the first base surface and extending in an axial direction to define an end surface a battery charging terminal protruding axially from the end surface, and a pair of self-engaging latches which is under a resilient bias to protrude laterally outwards and away from an engagement portion peripheral wall. The engagement portion has a lateral profile for insertion into a correspondingly battery charger receptacle along the axial direction. The latches are shaped dimensioned and positioned to retract inwardly towards the battery charging terminal upon encountering the battery charger receptacle until reaching a latching portion on the battery charger receptacle whereat the latches are to enter into releasable latched engagement with the latching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Dayton Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Yuen
  • Patent number: 11063395
    Abstract: A cable connector disposed at a cable includes a signal protection device, an outer pipe and a transmission member. The signal protection device includes an inner pipe and a signal protection module. The inner pipe is inserted into the outer pipe through an end opening thereof such that a metallic conducting rod of the inner pipe is in the outer pipe. The signal protection module is inserted through another end opening of the outer pipe such that the metallic conducting rod of the inner pipe is penetratingly disposed at the signal protection module. The transmission member is inserted through another end opening of the outer pipe such that a conducting element is electrically connected to the metallic conducting rod of the inner pipe, revealing a transmission element. Therefore, the signal protection device is modularized and miniaturized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: CABLESAT INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Chieh Li
  • Patent number: 10998685
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a connector plug for attachment to a single pair Ethernet cable comprising a pair of conductors, and configured for being received in a connector receptacle. The connector plug includes a first end for receiving the single pair Ethernet cable and a second end having a pair of contacts, each of the contacts comprising a receptacle contact interface, a conductor interface, and an extension to provide an increased width between conductor gripping prongs at the conductor interface while maintaining a consistent spacing between the pair of contacts at the receptacle contact interface with connector plugs configured to mate with different gauge cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: George Edward Curtis, Amrik S. Bains, Edward John Kliewer
  • Patent number: 10938150
    Abstract: An interposer may include a plurality of magnetic plates disposed in the interposer. The interposer may further include contact pins disposed on an exterior portion of the interposer and alignment guides disposed on the exterior portion of the interposer. In an example, the contact pins may provide a serial bus connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy J Sutherland, Markku Suomi
  • Patent number: 10938149
    Abstract: A convertible force latching system includes two complementary connector bodies. Each connector body has a first mating face under which two series of magnets oriented alternating directions. A moving portion of the latching system allows the connector bodies and the magnets within to alter their alignment by the interaction of a user along a predetermined motion path. In a first arrangement, the series of magnets are aligned with such that the magnets of one connector body are attracted to the magnets of the other connector body. When the user actuation shifts the moving portion, the second arrangement positions the series of magnets such that they are aligned such that the magnets of one connector body are repelled to the magnets of the other connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jia Yong Li, Brian Robert Peterson
  • Patent number: 10819065
    Abstract: An electronic building block includes a first side and a second side, a first magnet fixed to the first side and including a number of first magnet segments, a second magnet fixed to the second side and including a number of second magnet segments, a first power contact, a second power contact and a first communication contact arranged on the first side; and a third power contact, a fourth power contact and a second communication contact arranged on the second side and respectively coming into contact with the first power contact, the second power contact, and the first communication contact when the first magnet segments of one of two electronic building blocks is connected to the second magnet segments of the other of two electronic building blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Wenhua Fan, Jianxin Pang
  • Patent number: 10649149
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of connector track elements, each extending substantially perpendicularly from a coupling plane, wherein a particular connector track element of the plurality of connector track elements includes a distribution of at least two magnets adjacent unattached end thereof, a polarity of the magnets on the particular connector track element being selected to provide magnetic repulsion as to at least one adjacent connector track element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TELESCENT INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Patent number: 10573992
    Abstract: A charging adapter comprises an insulative case and a circuit board assembly. The insulative case includes a first case and a second case, and defining a receiving cavity between the first and second cases. The circuit board assembly is retained in the receiving cavity. Each of the first and second cases comprises an inner shell and an outer shell molded together. The inner shells are made from hard plastic, and the outer shells are made from soft plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignees: FOXCONN (KUNSHAN) COMPUTER CONNECTOR CO., LTD., FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yong-Qi Li, Jun Chen, Jerry Wu, Jian-Hui Tan, Yang-Tsun Hsu
  • Patent number: 10511121
    Abstract: Cable connection assemblies for marine propulsion, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative connection assembly includes a multi-conductor cable having two high voltage power conductor lines, two low voltage power conductor lines, two interlock lines, and two signal lines. The assembly further includes a connector having a connector body carrying connection elements corresponding to each of the conductor lines, interlock lines, and signal lines. In further representative embodiments, one or more of the connection elements can be housed in corresponding insulating bodies. In still further representative embodiments, the assembly can be configured so that the high voltage lines are the first to mate, and the last to un-mate, which, together with the interlock loop, can reduce or eliminate the likelihood for high voltage arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Pure Watercraft, Inc.
    Inventors: David Milroy, Joe Sullivan, Kerwin M. Loukusa, Marc McKissack, Richard Wurden
  • Patent number: 10483688
    Abstract: A magnetic receptacle is described. The receptacle includes an electronic connector having an engagement feature on one or more sides of the electronic connector. The engagement feature is configured to engage a latching feature on a magnetic protrusion. The receptacle includes one or more receptacle magnets positioned adjacent the magnetic receptacle configured to deactivate the latching feature on the magnetic protrusion. In one implementation, a magnetic plug is described. The plug includes a plug tip. The plug includes one or more latching features. The plug includes one or more plug magnets positioned adjacent the plug tip. The one or more plug magnets are configured to cooperate with one or more receptacle magnets to transition the one or more latching features between an engaged state and a disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt David Wrisley, Akash Atul Shah, Christopher Alan Schafer
  • Patent number: 10454208
    Abstract: A magnetic latching connector for making electrical connections between cables, electrical power and signal sources, equipment and the like in a variety of medical and other applications in which it is desired to have the connection maintained with a predetermined amount of magnetic attractive force. The magnetic latching connector generally includes male and female connector components. The male and female connector components comprise male and female couplings and male and female coupling housings. The male and female coupling housings enclose electrical connections between the male and female couplings and electrical cables. Recessed within the male and female couplings are electrically conductive pins and sockets and male and female magnetic latching elements. When the male and female connector components are coupled, the pins and sockets provide electrical connections and the recessed magnetic latching elements provide a predetermined magnetic attraction force to maintain the connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Onanon, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Johnson, Katherine H. Hoose
  • Patent number: 10353429
    Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wrist watch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Blum, William Kokonaski, Dwight Duston
  • Patent number: 10141665
    Abstract: This patent pertains to magnetic coupling systems. One implementation includes magnetic jumper cables, which include magnetic couplers and elongate, insulated, electrically-isolated electric conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Lon W. Allen
  • Patent number: 10074469
    Abstract: An oblique angle polarized magnet includes a rectangular magnetized permanent magnet having a grain direction, an attraction surface, and a magnetic primary field line that is orthogonal to the grain direction but non-orthogonal to the attraction surface. The oblique angle polarized magnet may be used in a magnetically positioned apparatus, such as a tablet computing device cover operable as a stand for the tablet computing device. The magnetically positioned apparatus may be configured to assume a position where first and second magnets are oriented in a non-parallel orientation such that the first and second surfaces of the magnets oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other. The magnets may facilitate the position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Scales, Hao Zhu, Samuel G. Smith
  • Patent number: 10050378
    Abstract: There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: NANOPORT TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Jing Yin Szeto
  • Patent number: 9997286
    Abstract: Some embodiments can include a retention mechanism having a first component including a first clasping surface and a first magnet having a first polarity as well as a second component having a second clasping surface configured to be alignable to and to coordinate with the first clasping surface. The second component can have a magnetic assembly having an effective polarity that varies in accordance with a electric current pulse received at the magnetic assembly, where a magnetic circuit is formed between the first magnet and the magnetic assembly, and where when the effective polarity of the magnetic assembly is the first polarity, the magnetic circuit is repulsive causing the first and second clasping surfaces to separate otherwise, the magnetic circuit is attractive causing the clasping surfaces to come together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Herman
  • Patent number: 9837760
    Abstract: This document describes connectors for connecting electronics embedded in garments to external devices. The connector is configured to connect an external device to a garment to enable communication between electronics embedded in the garment and electronic components of the external device. The connector may include a connector plug and a connector receptacle. The connector plug may be implemented at the external device and is configured to connect to the connector receptacle, which may be implemented at the garment. In one or more implementations, the connector plug includes an anisotropic material that is configured to connect to a printed circuit board (PCB) implemented at the connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa Emre Karagozler, Hakim Raja, Ivan Poupyrev, Youenn Colin, Jimmy Chion, James R. Yurchenco
  • Patent number: 9806458
    Abstract: An electrically connecting device includes an electrical connector and a mating connector detachably connected to the electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an insulating base, a central terminal, an outer terminal, and a magnetic member, which are fixed in the insulating base. The outer terminal includes an annular contact having a center located at the central terminal. The mating connector includes an insulating body, a first terminal, a second terminal, and a mating magnetic member, which are fixed in the insulating body. When the electrical connector and the mating connector are relatively rotated along the central terminal in 360 degrees, the magnetic member and the mating magnetic member are configured to attract with each other to form an annularly magnetic region, so that the central terminal and the annular contact are maintained to respectively contact with the first terminal and the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GT CONTACT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Jung Chiu, Chien-Chung Chiu, Chih-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 9787039
    Abstract: An electrical connector adapted to receive a mating plug utilizes low-profile jack terminal contacts that can flex in their PCB-anchored base portions, which are substantially parallel to the PCB. Any bend in the distal connecting portion or in the intermediate transition portion of each terminal contact is gradual and forms an obtuse angle, thus minimizing stress concentrations. The contacts preferably are arranged in two oppositely facing and interdigitating rows of four contacts each. In one embodiment, the terminal contacts are anchored to the PCB by a contact cradle that constrains the base portion of each terminal contact at two spaced anchoring locations, allowing the base portion to flex therebetween. In another embodiment, the base portions of the terminal contacts are embedded in at least one elastomeric member, which is fitted to the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Shadi Alex AbuGhazaleh, Joseph Edgar Dupuis, Christopher Wayne Gribble, Naved Shah Khan, Douglas Paul O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9767949
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device comprising: a first connector (102) being magnetically connectable to a second connector (202) of an accessory (200) for forming a magnetic connection between the first and second connectors, wherein at least one of the first and second connectors comprises an electromagnet; a sensor (120) comprising at least one of a motion sensor, a proximity sensor and a microphone, wherein the sensor is arranged to output a sensor signal (121); and a electromagnetic controller (108) connected to the electromagnet and arranged to control the magnetic field of the electromagnet based on the sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Bengtsson, Ola Thorn, Kare Agardh
  • Patent number: 9755356
    Abstract: Provided is a module assembly including a plurality of modules. The modules each include a polyhedral housing with a polygonal plane, a pin provided on one side of a corner of the housing to selectively protrude, a pin installation portion in which the pin is installed to be movable, a pin receiver provided on another side of the corner of the housing such that a pin of another module is to be inserted thereinto, and a magnet installed between the pin installation portion and the pin receiver, and configured to apply magnetic force to both the pin provided in the pin installation portion and the pin of the other module to be received in the pin receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: LUXROBO
    Inventors: Seok Jung Kim, Yoon Son, Sang Hun Oh
  • Patent number: 9755357
    Abstract: Provided is a module assembly including a plurality of modules. The modules each include a polyhedral housing with a polygonal plane, a pin provided on one side of a corner of the housing to selectively protrude, a pin installation portion in which the pin is installed to be movable, a pin receiver provided on another side of the corner of the housing such that a pin of another module is to be inserted thereinto, and a magnet installed between the pin installation portion and the pin receiver, and configured to apply magnetic force to both the pin provided in the pin installation portion and the pin of the other module to be received in the pin receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Luxrobo
    Inventors: Seok Jung Kim, Yoon Son, Sang Hun Oh
  • Patent number: 9755365
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a holding device, that has a recess and at least one conductive pad disposed therein, and a socket that has at least one conductive pin configured to engage at least one of the conductive pads when the socket is inserted into the holding device and a port configured to receive an interface of an external device. The shape of the socket is complementary to the shape of the recess. A first retaining element included in the holding device and a second retaining element included in the socket are together releasably maintain interconnection between the holding device and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Mark A. Peabody
  • Patent number: 9728867
    Abstract: This patent pertains to magnetic coupling systems. One implementation includes magnetic jumper cables, which include magnetic couplers and elongate, insulated, electrically-isolated electric conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Lon W. Allen
  • Patent number: 9478901
    Abstract: An electronic product and its cable set are provided in which the cable set includes a cable assembly and a connector. The connector includes a single magnet block, a metal unit and two conductive ends. The metal unit is fixed and contacted with outer surfaces of the single magnet block, and is electrically connected to the cable assembly for attracting and electrically connecting to a portable electronic device. The conductive ends respectively penetrate through the single magnet block and electrically connect to the cable assembly for electrically connecting to the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chun-Lung Chen, Ji-Dein Wu, Shih-Ling Huang, Yu-Feng Lin, Yen-Liang Liu, Ko-Chun Wang, Yu-Liang Chen, Chiung-Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 9461403
    Abstract: Connector inserts and receptacles that are robust, easily manufactured, and provide an improved connector performance. One example may provide a connector receptacle having a power contact located in a ground surface. An insulating layer may be placed between the power contact and the ground surface. The ground surface may be curved or flat, or it may have other shapes. Another example may provide a robust connector insert. This connector insert may include a crimping piece that fits over a cable braiding and is crimped. The crimping piece may then be attached to an attraction plate. A cover or shell may be attached to provide further reinforcement. Another example may provide a connector system having a ground contact and a power contact, where the ground contact is a make-first-break-last contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua Pong
  • Patent number: 9413103
    Abstract: An easy-to-assemble compact connection system can be connected to a mains via connection to different switchgear devices, such as a residual-current or thermomagnetic circuit breaker, switches, contact breakers, overvoltage protectors or similar devices, in order to collect or inject signals available on the mains, such as collecting current or voltage signals from the mains or collecting or injecting other signals or parameters. The compact connection system can be connected to both switchgear devices already installed in a switchboard and to new units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SMILICS TECHNOLOGIES, S.L.
    Inventor: Carles Pons Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9395791
    Abstract: A power management method for a health care device is included. The method includes: detecting whether a smart garment is in contact with a user body; operating the health care device in a normal mode when the smart garment is in contact with the user body, or operating the health care device in a low-power mode when the smart garment is not in contact with the user body; and under the low-power mode, detecting whether the health care device is tapped to determine whether to transmit user health data to a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiung Yu, Yung-Ming Chung, Hsin-Hsueh Wu, Yung-Chih Huang, Shih-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9325107
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprising an electrode interface board with a socket portion of a subminiature dual-row electrical connector attached to the top surface of a first printed circuit board and a first plurality of magnets attached to the bottom surface. The socket portion comprises a plastic housing and a plurality of female contacts with protruding contact points. The connector assembly further comprises a head stage with a top socket, connector and a second printed circuit board. A plug portion of the electrical connector is attached to the bottom surface of the second printed circuit board and a second plurality of magnets is attached to the bottom surface. The plug portion comprises a plastic housing and a plurality of male contacts with detents. The male contacts mate with the female contacts so that the protruding contact point of each female contact touches an inside distal surface of a male contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Neuralynx, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Karls, Shawn Olson
  • Patent number: 9246276
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a lower inserting port, an upper inserting port stacked thereon, and a mounting port located behind the lower and upper inserting ports. The inserting module is assembled from the mounting port to the inserting ports. The inserting module comprises a set of upper mating contacts each having a contacting portion extending into the upper inserting port, a set of lower mating contacts each having a contacting portion extending into the lower inserting port, a first magnetic module received in the mounting port and electrically connecting with the upper mating contacts, a second magnetic module received in the mounting port and electrically connecting with the lower mating contacts, and a conductive shielding member disposed between the first and second magnetic modules for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI) therebetween. The conductive shielding member is a flexible member and connecting with the PCBs through pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sheng-Pin Gao
  • Patent number: 9203197
    Abstract: The electrical device connector is characterized by including: a first central conductor in which a first concave portion is provided; a first insulation layer provided around the first central conductor; a second central conductor in which a second concave portion is provided; a second insulation layer provided around the second central conductor; a flexible insulator provided between the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer; and a barrel-shaped contact provided in a space portion formed by the first concave portion and the second concave portion, wherein the barrel-shaped contact is configured to include: a center electrode; a plurality of contact pieces including one contact surface coming in contact with an inner surface of the first concave portion and the other contact surface coming in contact with an inner surface of the second concave portion, across an intermediate portion as a boundary; and contact load springs provided between the contact piece and the center electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Miyauchi, Jun Matsuzaki, Osamu Tagaya, Kohei Yasuda
  • Patent number: 9196979
    Abstract: A cable connector device for an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a connector port disposed in the electronic device, one or more magnet coupling parts, each of the one or more magnet coupling parts which is disposed around the connector port, a cable connector device removably coupled to the connector port, and one or more magnet coupling bodies, each of the one or more magnet coupling bodies which is installed in the cable connector device and has the same polarity as that of each of the one or more magnet coupling parts, wherein each of the one or more magnet coupling parts and each of one or more magnet coupling bodies are disposed in positions where they are pushed by repulsive force when the cable connector device is mounted in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ju-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 9197011
    Abstract: A first connector may include a housing defining a first connector face to be positioned in a first position or a second position proximate to a second connector face of a second connector. A first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit may be disposed in the housing for communicating with a second EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in first or second position relative to the second connector face. A first magnet may be disposed in the housing. The first magnet may align with and repel a second magnet disposed relative to the second connector face when the first connector face is positioned in the second position. The first magnet may be configured not to align with and not to repel the second magnet when first connector face is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. McCormack