For Supporting Connector Patents (Class 439/384)
  • Patent number: 10355398
    Abstract: A connector comprises a connector housing that includes a plurality of channels formed therein through which a corresponding plurality of fasteners may pass. At least a portion of the housing has a first side and a second side. The first side is an elongated body-receiving side and the second side is a mating side. The elongated body may, for example, be a wire, a cable, a hose, or other structure. Each of the channels has an opening. The connector further comprises protrusions extending away from each of the openings. In an unassembled state, the protrusions extend further away from a surface of the housing than a remainder of the mating surface of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Advey, Kevin Shaheen Pakravan, Jen Vun Ng
  • Patent number: 9548144
    Abstract: An isolation system is provided for an electronic device that is configured to be mounted to a structure. The isolation system includes a flexible conductor configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device. The isolation system also includes an isolator configured to be coupled between the electronic device and the structure such that the isolator is configured to attenuate at least one of shock or vibration exerted on the electronic device. At least a portion of the isolator is electrically conductive. The isolator is electrically connected to the flexible conductor and is configured to be electrically connected to the structure such that the isolator provides an electrical path between the flexible conductor and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ernest Steven Blazic
  • Patent number: 8821173
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer or other portable computing device. The docking station having a docking tray formed of a tray body formed with a bearing surface that is adapted for receiving thereon a body portion of the portable computing device. A device receiver structure is positioned adjacent to an edge of the bearing surface of the tray body, and a device clamping mechanism is coupled opposite from the receiver structure for cooperating therewith. At least one substantially resilient preload mechanism is positioned adjacent to bearing surface with at least a portion thereof being projected thereabove. A floating expansion connector that is connectable with the device I/O connector is projected from the bearing surface and is resiliently movable in three dimensions relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8526200
    Abstract: A connection lug comprises an electrically conductive body, an electrically conductive blade connector extending from a first end of the body, and a cable hole located in a second end of the body configured to receive a cable. A clamping cam in the connection lug may rotate inside of the body and clamp against the cable. A screw hole may be configured to receive a clamping screw. A portion of the clamping cam may extend into the screw hole and insertion of the clamping screw into the screw hole may push against the portion of the clamping cam and rotate the clamping cam into the cable hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Raycap, S.A.
    Inventors: Douglas Wayne Miller, Konstantinos Samaras, Kelly Rae Richards, Anastasios Fragkos, Daniel Joseph Sullivan, Megaklis Marathias
  • Publication number: 20130090003
    Abstract: A plug connection between at least one cable connector and a terminal housing includes an electrical plug connection having at least one socket on the terminal housing for inserting the cable connector, a non-electrical plug connection being provided between the at least one cable connector and the terminal housing in addition to the electrical plug connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald Friess, Wolfgang Mueller-Hirsch, Markus Kroeckel
  • Patent number: 8408934
    Abstract: A connector is provided for improving connection reliability between terminal fittings by preventing wires from shaking to prevent sliding movements of the terminal fittings. The connector includes a metallic shield shell (10) to be mounted at ends of a plurality of wires (50). The shield shell (10) includes a mounting portion (11) for fixing the connector to a case of a device, and the mounting portion (11) includes a wire fixing portion (20) for holding and fixing the plurality of wires (50) on a surface thereof at a draw-out side of the wires (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Sakakura, Daisuke Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8366468
    Abstract: A connector isolator system, having a backstop spaced a fixed distance away from an interface surface; a printed circuit board (PCB) or other connector carrier member that is movable between the backstop and the interface surface, and further comprising one or more in-plane isolators; an electrical connector mounted on the connector carrier member in a position to pass through an aperture in the interface surface; and one or more biasing members arranged between the backstop and the connector carrier member for urging the connector carrier member toward the interface surface and the electrical connector through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8366469
    Abstract: A connector isolator system, having a mounting plate with a contact surface and an opposing operational surface and an aperture extended therebetween; a plurality of backstops spaced a distance away from the operational surface of the mounting plate; a printed circuit board (PCB) or other connector carrier member that is movable out-of-plane between the backstop and the operational surface of the mounting plate, and a plurality of in-plane isolators mounted therein with an electrical connector mounted thereon in a position to pass through the aperture in the mounting plate; and one or more biasing members arranged for urging the connector carrier member toward the mounting plate and the electrical connector through the aperture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8167641
    Abstract: A mounting assembly configured to mount a communication connector to a panel of an electrical system. The mounting assembly including a stress-distribution member that has an abutment surface abutting a flange of the connector. The stress-distribution member has a fastener opening. The mounting assembly also includes a fastener element that extends along a central axis. The fastener element has a cross-section taken perpendicular to the central axis that is sized and shaped to permit the fastener element to be freely inserted through through-holes of the connector and the panel. The fastener element is inserted into the fastener opening and secured to the fastener element. The stress-distribution member distributes mechanical energy provided by the fastener element when the connector is in a shock or vibration environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Thackston
  • Publication number: 20110294338
    Abstract: A mounting assembly configured to mount a communication connector to a panel of an electrical system. The mounting assembly including a stress-distribution member that has an abutment surface abutting a flange of the connector. The stress-distribution member has a fastener opening. The mounting assembly also includes a fastener element that extends along a central axis. The fastener element has a cross-section taken perpendicular to the central axis that is sized and shaped to permit the fastener element to be freely inserted through through-holes of the connector and the panel. The fastener element is inserted into the fastener opening and secured to the fastener element. The stress-distribution member distributes mechanical energy provided by the fastener element when the connector is in a shock or vibration environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: KEVIN THACKSTON
  • Publication number: 20110195596
    Abstract: A connector is provided for improving connection reliability between terminal fittings by preventing wires from shaking to prevent sliding movements of the terminal fittings. The connector includes a metallic shield shell (10) to be mounted at ends of a plurality of wires (50). The shield shell (10) includes a mounting portion (11) for fixing the connector to a case of a device, and the mounting portion (11) includes a wire fixing portion (20) for holding and fixing the plurality of wires (50) on a surface thereof at a draw-out side of the wires (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Sakakura, Daisuke Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20100196175
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism supported within the shell, a motor drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism, and a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly may include a cover secured relative to the shell, a terminal block fixed to the shell and in electrical communication with the motor, and a plug. The plug may be engaged with the terminal block and may provide electrical communication between the terminal block and a wire. The plug may include a first side facing the terminal block and a second side facing a wall of the cover. The second side may include a protrusion extending toward the wall and spaced a distance therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Rick T. Bedell, Gregg M. Hemmelgarn, Matthew J. Heidecker
  • Patent number: 7625228
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an anti-disengagement assembly for minimizing disengagement of an electrical extension cord from a power tool of the type that includes a housing and a motor therein, the assembly including an electrical plug module configured to engage a receptacle of the extension cord, with the plug module being operatively connected to the power tool motor and being mounted in the housing and being biased by at least one spring in a configuration permitting limited movement that reduces the influence of vibration produced by the power tool on the plug module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Doumani
  • Patent number: 7566238
    Abstract: A card connector dampening assembly comprises a connector coupled to a printed circuit board and configured to receive an electronic card connected therewith and a dampening member disposed at least partially between the printed circuit board and the electronic card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Earl W. Moore
  • Patent number: 7422343
    Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes an awning, a main frame, an illumination system, and an illumination wiring arrangement. The illumination wiring arrangement includes a first wiring unit including a connector plug provided at a first connector end of a first post of the main frame to electrically connect to the illumination system. The second wiring unit includes a power socket which is electrically extended from a power source and is extended through a second post of the main frame at the second connector end thereof to electrically connect to the connector plug, wherein when the first post is coupled with the second post, the power socket is free to move within the second post to keep intact an electrical connection between the power socket and the connector plug even when vibration occurs at the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 7258304
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward clamping apparatus and methods for holding an item to an electrically conductive structure. In one embodiment, the clamp includes a strap, a fastener, a cushion, and a conductive material. The strap provides the structural strength for holding the item. The fastener is coupled to the strap for securing the strap to the structure. The cushion is disposed within the strap to at least partially isolate the item from shock and vibration transmitted through the strap. The conductive material is held by the cushioning material at least at a portion of the interior surface of the cushioning material. The conductive material is electrically coupled to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Miener
  • Patent number: 7175456
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an anti-disengagement assembly for minimizing disengagement of an electrical extension cord from a power tool of the type that includes a housing and a motor therein, the assembly including an electrical plug module configured to engage a receptacle of the extension cord, with the plug module being operatively connected to the power tool motor and being mounted in the housing and being biased by at least one spring in a configuration permitting limited movement that reduces the influence of vibration produced by the power tool on the plug module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jaime Moreno, Robert Doumani
  • Patent number: 7175443
    Abstract: A connector is mounted on a printed circuit board in an enclosure. A member is interposed between the enclosure and the printed circuit board so as to hold the printed circuit board on the enclosure. The member allows change in the attitude of the printed circuit board relative to the enclosure. When the connector is coupled to the other connector, the connector receives a force from the other connector in the electronic apparatus. The force induces the change in the attitude of the connector and the printed circuit board. The change in the attitude in this manner enables consumption of the energy of the force within the member. Generation of stress can be suppressed in a bonding member such as a solder coupling the connector with the printed circuit board, for example. Generation of cracks can be prevented in the solder. Shockproof is improved for the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yusuke Mizuno, Sonomasa Kobayashi, Katsuichi Goto
  • Patent number: 7090376
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a lamp having two electrodes, a power supply module formed with a clip for gripping the electrodes, a base body on which at least two power supply modules are intermittently disposed in series, and an insulating partition for insulating the power supply modules from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moon-Shik Kang, Hyeong-Suk Yoo
  • Patent number: 7090528
    Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a mating is provided. One embodiment comprises an apparatus for stabilizing a mating between signal connectors. The apparatus comprises a body operable to be coupled to a unit comprising a first signal connector, said body forming an aperture operable to receive at least a portion of a surface to which a second signal connector is coupled, wherein said apparatus restrains movement of the at least a portion of the surface received by the aperture when the first signal connector and the second signal connector are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Erick J. Tuttle, Sean W. Tucker, Ronald Paul Dean, Kristina Lynn Mann
  • Patent number: 7050296
    Abstract: A retaining device for expansion cards includes a retaining bracket (3) and a computer rear panel (4). The retaining bracket includes a pressing body (32), two operating arms (34) extending from respective opposite ends of the pressing body, and two pairs of pivots (36). Each operating arm has a resilient pressing finger (346), and a locking detent (348) formed at a distal end of the pressing finger. The rear panel includes a first plate (40), and a second plate (42) defining two openings (44). The pivots of the retaining bracket are pivotably mounted to the second plate of the rear panel. The retaining bracket sandwiches a slot cover (11) of each expansion card with the first plate. The locking detents are snappingly engaged with the second plate in the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nien-Chiang Liao
  • Patent number: 6381139
    Abstract: A peripheral wrapper having a wrapper frame for enclosing the computer peripheral. The frame includes a first end for containing a connecting end of the computer peripheral. The wrapper includes a clip or gripping member attached to the frame near the second end of the frame, wherein the clip for grippedly and removably couples the frame to a dock section of a computer peripheral container chassis. The clip has a first leg coupled to the frame and a second leg generally parallel to first leg, the second leg not coupled to the frame. The second leg having a spring force towards the first leg when the clip is engaged to an edge of the chassis dock so that the clip is grippedly and removably attached to the chassis dock. In one embodiment, the clip includes a damping material located between the frame and the chassis dock. Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer peripheral modular system including a chassis having at least one dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Kao-Shing Sun
  • Patent number: 6033248
    Abstract: A new POP-IN BULB for INSERTING AND REMOVING A LIGHT BULB WITHOUT NEED OF TWISTING AND SCREWING. The inventive device includes a cylindrical casing having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. A pair of vertically disposed springs are secured to an interior surface of the closed lower end of the casing at a central location thereof. A pair of generally L-shaped support brackets are positioned in a facing relationship and are pivotally secured to an interior surface of the cylindrical side wall of the casing a diametrically opposed relationship. The support brackets are spaced so as to receive a base of a light bulb therebetween. A pair of cam levers are provided having an electrical contact disposed therebetween. The cam levers are coupled with the vertically disposed springs with the electrical contact positioned between the vertically disposed springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Herb Lyons
  • Patent number: 5876235
    Abstract: A connector mounting structure having a case mounted on the automatic transmission unit 20 for containing one or a multiplicity of connectors is disclosed, in which at least one vibration-absorbing elastic member is interposed in contact between the case and the automatic transmission unit. The elastic member is made of a resin spring integrally formed with the resin case. The vibrations exerted on the connectors from the automatic transmission unit can thus be reduced and the adverse effect of the vibrations on the connectors is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimasa Yoshigi
  • Patent number: 5491892
    Abstract: A ground strap and vibration mount assembly (10) effectively mechanically isolates an electronic component from vibration while also providing an electrically conductive path to ground potential. The assembly (10) includes a vibration dampener (16) mounted through an opening (28) formed in a tab (12) projecting from the housing of the vibration sensitive electronic component. An insert (18) is provided therein and a mounting bolt (54) is positioned through a suitable opening (36) formed through the insert (18). An electrically conductive ground strap (40) is wrapped partially around the tab (12). An aperture (52) is formed in one portion (50) of the strap (40) and the bolt (54) passed therethrough. Opposing ends (42) of the electrically conductive connector (40) are secured to the tab (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Fritz, Mark L. Lanting, Alan R. Davis, Stephen A. Edelen, Jack D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 4776804
    Abstract: A circuit board system resiliently mounts a plurality of daughter boards with high circuit interconnection density on a mother board using pairs of mating connectors having welded contact members accommodated in novel arrangements in the respective connectors to permit high density of electrical interconnection with convenience and reliability. Contact parts of substantial size are welded into contacts in one connector to detachably interconnect with contact parts of similar size in mating connector to improve interconnection releability. Novel contact arrangements permit accommodation of those parts of substantial size in the mating connectors. Sheet metal spring or post parts welded into the contacts in both connectors permit the contacts to be conveniently loaded into connector bodies and permit large numbers of contact springs or posts to be soldered to terminal pads or circuit paths on mother or daughter boards with high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry K. Johnson, Austin S. O'Malley, Robert M. Fife, Walter L. Walas, Robert K. Peterson, Larry J. Mowatt, Maurice M. Guy