Lamp Or Electron Tube Socket Or Base Patents (Class 439/419)
  • Patent number: 11309672
    Abstract: An adjustable and reusable electrical assembly has an electrical unit, such as a plug unit or light unit, configured to engage with a cable. The electrical unit has a body that defines a channel connecting opposite pass-through openings. A first contact member and a second contact member are positioned with at least a portion in the body, each contact member having a piercing member. The cable is engageable with the plug unit extending through the channel with one piercing member in conductive contact with one wire and the other piercing member in conductive contact with the other wire. The cable can be disengaged from the plug unit and re-engaged at a different transverse position to change the length of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: D'Addario & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Andrzej J. Krol, Zachary Stringham
  • Patent number: 11079077
    Abstract: A lighting system including an LED downlight mountable to a ceiling, a driver, and an insulation displacement connector (IDC). Light from the downlight can be faced downward to project light or upward to reflect light off of the ceiling. The driver has an input with a first voltage and an output with a second voltage, the second voltage being lower than the first and being provided through a wire system extending from the LED driver. The IDC connects the downlight to the wire system. The lighting system can be changed from a first to a second configuration by at least one of adding an additional downlight using a corresponding IDC or removing an existing downlight using a corresponding IDC. The second configuration does not significantly affect a desired output range of light from any downlight or any LED circuit of any downlight that remains or preexists from the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Lynk Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Miskin
  • Patent number: 11073261
    Abstract: A string light assembly having a plurality of lighting components is described. Each lighting component comprises a first cover, a second cover, and a collar for coupling the first and second covers together. When coupled, the first and second covers form a housing that has an interior space. The interior space is sized and dimensioned to house a pair of electrical wires. The electrical wires connect with a light element such as an LED bulb. The lighting component also includes a lampshade that removably couples with the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Lamues Light Enterprise Co., LTD
    Inventor: Kailang Huang
  • Patent number: 10883709
    Abstract: A string light assembly having a plurality of lighting components is described. Each lighting component comprises a first cover socket, a second cover socket, and a collar for coupling the first and second cover sockets together. When coupled, the first and second cover sockets form a socket housing that has an interior space. The interior space is sized and dimensioned to house an electrical socket. The electrical socket has a cavity with electrical contacts for connecting a light element such as an LED bulb. The lighting component also includes a lampshade that removably couples with the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Lamues Light Enterprise Co., LTD
    Inventor: Kailang Huang
  • Patent number: 10704773
    Abstract: An outdoor light holder structure includes: a holder body, a partitioning plate being disposed in the holder body; an assembling member buckled with the holder body; a first electro-conductive plate received in a first through hole of the holder body, the first electro-conductive plate having a first tip section and a first stop section extending to the assembling member; a second electro-conductive plate received in a second through hole of the holder body, the second electro-conductive plate having a second tip section and a second stop section extending to the assembling member, the first stop section and the second stop section being slightly raised from the partitioning plate; and a conductive wire disposed between the holder body and the assembling member. The first and second stop sections are inlaid and engaged in the conductive wire to secure the conductive wire with holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Yuan Tsung Huang
  • Patent number: 9970646
    Abstract: A heatsink having integrated electrical and base contacts for use with a light emitting diode (LED) light source. In some embodiments, a heatsink assembly for an LED lamp includes a first metallic heatsink component having a first wall portion and a first electrical contact, and a second metallic heatsink component having a second wall portion and a second, separate contact portion. A non-electrically conducting heatsink housing is configured to house the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the first and second heatsink components such that the first electrical contact extends from the non-electrically conducting heatsink housing and the second contact portion extends from the plastic housing in a manner to facilitate connection to hot and neutral lines of a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Josip Brnada, Charles Leigh Huddleston, William Stewart Johnson
  • Patent number: 9935409
    Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: (a) a first housing comprising an electrical plug; (b) a second housing comprising an electrical receptacle; and (c) a first electrical cord connecting the first housing to the second housing; wherein the second housing is configured to accept the electrical cord being wound around the second housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a third housing comprising an electrical receptacle; and a second electrical cord connecting the second housing to the third housing; wherein the third housing is configured to accept the second electrical cord being wound around the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Quirky IP Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Kate Sarah Vallon, Jonathan Aaron Saxton
  • Patent number: 9500686
    Abstract: A first capacitor and a second capacitor are charged until voltage at the second capacitor settles to a settling voltage. While charging, the first capacitor is alternately switched between a current source and ground. When the settling voltage is reached, charging of the first capacitor is halted. The second capacitor continues to be charged until voltage at the second capacitor reaches a reference voltage. The amount of time it takes for the settling voltage to reach the reference voltage corresponds to a measure of capacitance on the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cole Wilson, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller, Mark Lee, Louis Bokma, Andrew Best
  • Patent number: 9226351
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact converter plug that can be used with LED lighting strings. The converter plug has a size and shape that is comparable to a standard wall plug and is capable of plugging into a standard wall socket. The converter plug is waterproof and can be easily assembled. A unique converter circuit is utilized that is compact and highly efficient. Monitoring is performed by a transformer coil that generates a monitoring signal. The converter is controlled by controlling the modulation frequency of a direct current signal using a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: 1 Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Long Chen, Beijing Yu, Jing Jing Yu
  • Publication number: 20150099393
    Abstract: A connector includes a cable tray configured to receive and retain a cable in a stable position and couple with a top cap configured to create an electrical connection with the cable as the top cap is manipulated in a predetermined manner while coupled with the cable tray. An upper surface of the cable tray is configured to receive the cable. The cable tray also includes a finger extending beyond the first end for some distance longitudinally. The finger includes a protrusion that protrudes to some extent in a transverse direction so that a cable-accommodating gap is defined between the protrusion and the first end. The protrusion is configured to bear against the cable and retain the cable in the stable position when the cable is inserted between the protrusion and the first end (before, during and/or after an electrical connection is established).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jean Tuck McGregor, James Michael Broughman, Allen R. Nelson, Darren Michael Mark, Laura Winfield Alexander, Donald Collins Meves
  • Patent number: 8876546
    Abstract: A connector includes a cable tray configured to receive and retain a cable in a stable position and couple with a top cap configured to create an electrical connection with the cable as the top cap is manipulated in a predetermined manner while coupled with the cable tray. An upper surface of the cable tray is configured to receive the cable. The cable tray also includes a finger extending beyond the first end for some distance longitudinally. The finger includes a protrusion that protrudes to some extent in a transverse direction so that a cable-accommodating gap is defined between the protrusion and the first end. The protrusion is configured to bear against the cable and retain the cable in the stable position when the cable is inserted between the protrusion and the first end (before, during and/or after an electrical connection is established).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Tuck McGregor, James Michael Broughman, Allen R. Nelson, Darren Michael Mark, Laura Winfield Alexander, Donald Collins Meves
  • Patent number: 8814590
    Abstract: An electrical connector for a flexible LED strip seal comprises a metal body (9) which clamps an end of the strip of flexible material (2) previously covered by a hood made of flexible material (8), and a contact casing (10) made of plastics material mounted on the metal body (9) and movable relative thereto from a raised inoperative position into a lowered operative position in which the contact elements (14) carried by the contact casing (10) pierce the flexible material of said hood (8) and of said strip (2) and contact conductive pads (6) of a PCB (4) incorporated in the LED seal (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP Italia SRL
    Inventors: Giovanni Turco, Andrea Gonzo
  • Publication number: 20140038451
    Abstract: A connector includes a cable tray configured to receive and retain a cable in a stable position and couple with a top cap configured to create an electrical connection with the cable as the top cap is manipulated in a predetermined manner while coupled with the cable tray. An upper surface of the cable tray is configured to receive the cable. The cable tray also includes a finger extending beyond the first end for some distance longitudinally. The finger includes a protrusion that protrudes to some extent in a transverse direction so that a cable-accommodating gap is defined between the protrusion and the first end. The protrusion is configured to bear against the cable and retain the cable in the stable position when the cable is inserted between the protrusion and the first end (before, during and/or after an electrical connection is established).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Tuck McGregor, James Michael Broughman, Allen R. Nelson, Darren Michael Mark, Laura Winfield Alexander, Donald Collins Meves
  • Patent number: 8562175
    Abstract: A wire-piercing light-emitting diode (LED) a lead frame having a first lead and a second lead. The first lead has a first transition portion and a first bottom portion with a first cutting member, and the second lead having a second transition portion and a second bottom portion with a second cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnny Chen
  • Patent number: 8419245
    Abstract: There is provided an on-board interior illumination unit which is so strong as to withstand vibration, high temperatures and low temperatures, and tensile load, to thereby be superior in contact reliability and which can be made small in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Ryohei Ochiai
  • Patent number: 8128427
    Abstract: An illumination unit comprising: a wire; a light emitting element including a terminal; a crimp terminal including an attachment portion to which the terminal of the light emitting element is directly attached, a fastening portion which electrically connects to the wire, and a crimp portion which clips the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8033858
    Abstract: A lamp holder includes a contact plate having an end in a curved shape, and the other end fixed onto a side of an insulating base by an end of a first fixing element, such that a predetermined distance is formed between the end of the contact plate and the insulating base. The first fixing element is passed through the insulating base, and the other end thereof is outside the other side of the insulating base for coupling an anode wiring element. A thread is formed inside a contact socket, and an extended portion is extended from the bottom side of the contact socket and fixed onto the insulating base by a second fixing element, and the second fixing element is passed through the insulating base, and the other end thereof is outside the other side of the insulating base for coupling a cathode wiring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sun-Lite Sockets Industry Inc.
    Inventor: Chia-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7854621
    Abstract: A touch-safe socket for electrical articles, such as bulbs having threads, is provided with a movable carriage-carrying poles which are connected to an electrical supply via a wire. The movable carriage has threads which cooperate with threads on the electrical article, and when the electrical article is screwed into the movable carriage, the movement will cause the poles to make contact with poles which are secured to a stationary plate. Further, a movable bridge having poles is arranged inside the socket, which, when the electrical article is screwed in, will be moved into the socket and also make contact with the poles on the stationary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Insalvo Denmark APS
    Inventor: Carsten H. Poulsen
  • Patent number: 7837494
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first lead frame and a second lead frame that extend from an overmolded circuit assembly. Each of the lead frames includes a piercing portion to pierce through insulation on a corresponding electrical conduit. The piercing portion of the lead frames also provides a wrap around feature to mechanically secure the wire to the corresponding electrical conduit. In this manner, several processes can be eliminated and are not required for the desired mechanical and electrical connection of the integrated circuit lead frame to corresponding electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Gaetan Vich
  • Publication number: 20100267273
    Abstract: A lamp socket has a housing forming a cavity centered on an axis and having a generally cylindrical side wall and a floor, an internally threaded sleeve coaxially received in the cavity, a central socket contact on the floor at the axis, and an annular disk separate from the housing, surrounding the central contact. The disk is formed on the axis with a central aperture and is spaced at the aperture substantially further from the floor than the central socket contact. Thus only a lamp base with a central lamp contact on an extension stem can fit in the socket and engage through the aperture and past the disk to make contact with the central socket contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Philipp HENRICI, Erwin LINGEMANN, Klaus KUMMEROW
  • Patent number: 7686477
    Abstract: An illuminated sign (88) includes a flexible electrical power cord (100) including first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) surroundingly contained within an insulating sheath defining a constant separation distance between the parallel conductors (112, 114). A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices (102) are affixed to the cord (100). Each LED device (102) includes an LED (104) having a positive lead (130P) electrically communicating with the first parallel conductor (112) and a negative lead (130P) electrically communicating with the second parallel conductor (114). A stencil (92) defines a selected shape, and the electrical cord (100) is arranged on the stencil (92). Power conditioning electronics (210, 220) disposed away from the stencil (92) electrically communicate with the first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) of the electrical power cord (100). The power conditioning electronics (210, 220) power the LED devices (102) via the parallel conductors (112, 114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: Paul Southard, Srinath K. Aanegola, James T. Petroski, Christopher Bohler
  • Patent number: 7654854
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a push-cord energy saving lamp holder that is easy for the stripping of power cord, which comprises: a lamp holder body, having push-cord holes and nearby cord-stripped sockets at its top, and first lodging troughs and second lodging troughs in its internal; a set of push-cord stands, each having a plug face from which a power connect face and a conducting face are formed by bending its top and bottom portions, where the edge of the power connect face is further divided into a power connect notch corresponding to the push-cord hole and a cord-stripped trench corresponding to the cord-stripped socket; a set of conducting springy slices, having a plug face lodged in the second lodging trough for a fixing and a conducting face connected to the conducting face of the push-cord stand; and a cover plate, placed on the hollow of the lamp holder body, having a set of positioning grooves on the plate, which accommodate the insertion of the conducting terminals of an energy saving la
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sun-Lite Sockets Industry Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Ho Yang
  • Patent number: 7635279
    Abstract: An electrical cable connector includes a housing, a holder movable to bring and hold the cable in engagement with the housing, and an operator for moving the holder, through screw action, to hold the cable in engagement with the housing. The holder has opposed left and right limbs extending upwards. Two electrical conductors within the housing have sharp lower ends for piercing the cable to contact a respective core of the cable when the cable is brought into engagement with the housing, and upper ends for connection with a second electrical cable. The upper end of each of the conductors includes a self-gripping device which grips the end of a core of the second cable automatically, upon approach of the end of the core, electrically and mechanically connecting the end of the core to the upper end of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Memie Mei Mei Wong, Sam Yun Sum Wong
  • Patent number: 7611376
    Abstract: An LED electrical connector is attachable to a display panel or surface. The LED connector includes a housing having a base, a backplate, and a contact arrangement. The base and backplate form a housing for the contact arrangement and a channel for a cable. The base has a collar to receive an LED, with apertures for the LED contact legs. The contact arrangement includes a first contact having points, and a first terminal in common with the points. The first terminal engages the anode or cathode leg of the LED. A second contact has points and a second terminal interconnected to the points by a resistor. The second terminal configured to frictionally engage an anode or cathode leg. The first and the second contact points pierce insulation on the electrical cord to electrically engage the respective conductors of the cable, to energize the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher George Daily, John Michael Landis
  • Publication number: 20080299817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a “structure of lamp socket in lamp string”, particularly for one having contrivance of (elastic plate) and (electric conducting plate) so that the rest (illuminant elements) in the lamp string can maintain illuminating and glittering even falling off of any (illuminant elements).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 7427828
    Abstract: A lamp apparatus for a liquid crystal display that is capable of preventing a wire breakage of the lamp apparatus, a lamp causes a discharge by a voltage applied from a power terminal to generate light. A wire is supplied with the voltage. A connector electrically connects the power terminal of the lamp to the wire using a pressing. The power terminal of the lamp and the wire electrically connected to each other and the connector are integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Jae You
  • Patent number: 7399105
    Abstract: An illuminated sign (88) includes a flexible electrical power cord (100) including first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) surroundingly contained within an insulating sheath defining a constant separation distance between the parallel conductors (112, 114). A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices (102) are affixed to the cord (100). Each LED device (102) includes an LED (104) having a positive lead (130P) electrically communicating with the first parallel conductor (112) and a negative lead (130P) electrically communicating with the second parallel conductor (114). A stencil (92) defines a selected shape, and the electrical cord (100) is arranged on the stencil (92). Power conditioning electronics (210, 220) disposed away from the stencil (92) electrically communicate with the first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) of the electrical power cord (100). The power conditioning electronics (210, 220) power the LED devices (102) via the parallel conductors (112, 114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: Paul Southard, Srinath K. Aanegola, James T. Petroski, Christopher Bohler
  • Publication number: 20080139040
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus includes a master body, a slave body and a connecting device connecting the master body and the slave body. The connecting device includes a first conductor, a second conductor and an isolation material configured to electrically isolate the first conductor from the second conductor, wherein the second conductor has a first plug, a second plug and a diode electrically connecting the first plug and the second plug. The master body includes a master socket configured to receive the first plug and a master light-emitting device electrically connected to the master socket. The slave body includes a slave socket configured to receive the second plug and a slave light-emitting device electrically connected to the slave socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yih Chih HSU, Shang Chia CHANG, Jone Chiung HUANG, Jih SHEN Wen
  • Patent number: 7384163
    Abstract: A lamp socket includes a first shell, a second shell combined with the first shell, a separation plate rested on a bottom of the first shell and the second shell, a base secured to the separation plate, an electronic unit mounted in the first shell and electrically connected to the base to supply an electric current to the base, a light-regulating unit mounted in the second shell and electrically connected to the electronic unit to regulate the electric current from the electronic unit to the base. Thus, the electronic unit is used to provide a current to light the electric bulb, and the light-regulating unit is used to regulate the current value of the electric bulb, so that the lamp socket has a stageless light-regulating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Sun-Lite Sockets Industry Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Ho Yang
  • Publication number: 20080132108
    Abstract: A base for a reflector lamp arrangement has a cutout, into which a section of a built-in lamp of the reflector lamp arrangement can be inserted. The insertion can take place in such a way that the contacts of the built-in lamp can be connected to the contacts of the base in the cutout, and the built-in lamp is held via at least one wall section of the cutout. In addition, a base with a built-in lamp for a reflector lamp arrangement is provided. In this case, the base is cast with the built-in lamp by a composition which has low viscosity in the unhardened state, preferably by means of cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: PATENT-TREUHAND-GESELLSCHAFT FUR ELEKTRISCHE GLUHLAMPEN MBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Seitz
  • Patent number: 7381070
    Abstract: A safety lampholder is disclosed, comprising an insulating housing; an insulating or electrically conductive lamp socket placed within one end of the housing; an electrically shockproof means fully integrated within another end of the housing, wherein the shockproof means comprises two electrical connectors electrically coupled to a power supply; two electrical contactors in direct contact with a lamp body engagable with the lamp socket; a spring member fixed into the shockproof means; and a switching member having a lower part, an upper part which protrudes beyond a horizontal surface where at least one of the electrical contactors is located, and at least one protrusion with at least one side surface in slidable contact with one of the electrical contactors; and wherein the electrical contactors, electrical connectors and switching member are disposed in a spaced manner. A method for avoiding accidental electric shock during use of a lampholder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Mass Technology (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Onn Fah Foo
  • Patent number: 7331795
    Abstract: Provided is an electrical connector for interconnecting electrical components such as a printed wiring assembly to one or more additional printed wiring assemblies. The connector includes a housing containing one or more compliant pins, one or more spring probes, and an interconnect for mechanically and electrically interfacing the pins with the probes. An alignment pin mounted in the housing helps to ensure alignment between one end of the connector and a corresponding PWA. In use, the compliant pins are inserted through a conformal coating and into vias in a first PWA, while the spring probes contact connector pads on a second PWA. Multiple connectors may be used to interconnect the two PWA, depending on PWA design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Quach Duke
  • Patent number: 7322828
    Abstract: An LED socket is detachably mounted on a circuit board in an LED illuminating device. The LED socket has a connector with a lead connecting assembly for connecting an LED and multiple locking protrusions having locking grooves to hold the LED socket in an opening in the circuit board. When an LED breaks or fails, a user can easily detach the LED from the LED illuminating device and conveniently replace it with a new one. As a result, the LED socket in accordance with present invention not only economizes the use of LED, but also makes maintenance and use of the LED illuminating devices easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Chiang Wen Chiang
  • Patent number: 7275854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp comprising a lamp bulb (2) and a lamp base (3), which lamp base (3) comprises a projection (4) located in a substantially central position of the lamp base (3) and extending in a direction away from the lamp bulb (2), at least one lock-engaging portion (6), and a substantially flat base surface (5) opposed to the lamp bulb (2) and surrounding the projection (4), characterized in that the at least one lock-engaging portion (6) is located on the edge of the base surface (5) surrounding the projection (4) remote from the central projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Willem Frederik Dorleijn, Nicolas Gerardus Antonius Peeters, Markus Pieper, Karl-Wilhelm Vogt
  • Patent number: 7217012
    Abstract: An illuminated sign (88) includes a flexible electrical power cord (100) including first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) surroundingly contained within an insulating sheath defining a constant separation distance between the parallel conductors (112, 114). A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices (102) are affixed to the cord (100). Each LED device (102) includes an LED (104) having a positive lead (130p) electrically communicating with the first parallel conductor (112) and a negative lead (130p) electrically communicating with the second parallel conductor (114). A stencil (92) defines a selected shape, and the electrical cord (100) is arranged on the stencil (92). Power conditioning electronics (210, 220) disposed away from the stencil (92) electrically communicate with the first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) of the electrical power cord (100). The power conditioning electronics (210, 220) power the LED devices (102) via the parallel conductors (112, 114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Lumination, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Southard, Srinath K. Aanegola, James T. Petroski, Christopher Bohler
  • Patent number: 7207847
    Abstract: An integral bus bar 81, having a plurality of wiring bus bars 50 formed integrally therewith, is mounted in a housing 81, and bridge portions 82, interconnecting the wiring bus bars 50, are cut, thereby separating the wiring bus bars. The integral bus bar 81 includes bulb holding portions 52 for respectively holding opposite end portions of a bulb, and each of the bulb holding portions includes a pair of holding piece portions 61 for holding the corresponding end portion of the bulb therebetween. The wiring bus bars 50 are arranged to extend in a direction of arrangement of the bulb which is to be held in the bulb holding portions 52. The holding piece portions 61 of each bulb holding portion 52 are bent respectively at opposite side edges of a support wall portion 83, extending upwardly from the corresponding wiring bus bar 50, in the direction of arrangement of the bulb, and are disposed in opposed relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Yoshinori Hirayama
  • Patent number: 7198505
    Abstract: Improvements to a 3-way light bulb socket are shown. The major improvement is to replace or complement the rigid middle contact element of the socket with an elastic/flexible contact spring. The 3-way light bulb has a solder blob on its middle contact ring, where said blob usually has a rough, uneven surface, and frequently does protrude beyond the general surface of the bulb middle contact ring. The solder blob interferes with the conventional socket middle contact element, which is rigid, and prevents the system from creating a good, permanent and reliable electrical connection between the socket and the bulb. Potential flicker and discomfort to the user can occur as a result. Also, the operating life of the bulb as well as the power consumption can be affected. The proposed flexible middle contact spring can alleviate most of these problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Gabe Cherian
  • Patent number: 7118406
    Abstract: A socket connecting structure includes a connecting portion disposed on a suspension element and a stub extending from the connecting portion, wherein the stub is connected to a socket. The stub has a resilient stick formed on one side thereof and a spring formed within the stub. The spring has one end connected to an inner periphery of the stub and abuts a back of the resilient stick to provide a thrust to the resilient stick for connecting the socket when the resilient stick is worn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Lea Way Hand Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Hsien-Chung Tuan Mu, Sammy Tsai
  • Patent number: 7070443
    Abstract: An insulation displacement connector (40) selectively effects insulation displacement of required conductive paths of a flat cable (30) in correspondence with the function of a bulb socket connector (20). Further, the other unnecessary conductive paths are passed through without being subjected to insulation displacement connection. In addition, as the insulation displacement connector (40) and a socket housing with a bulb (21) fitted thereto are engaged, insulation displacement terminals and bulb conductor portions of the bulb (21) are electrically connected directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Harunori Tashiro, Masaru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6974347
    Abstract: A pierceable common contact plate in the combined sockets of Christmas light includes a pair of sockets combined on their opened bottoms by an opened transverse portion, a pair of semi-cylindrical grooves in the center of the opened transverse portion, a plurality of retaining recesses symmetrically formed on two sides of the grooves and a pair of retaining slits respectively formed in the inner side of the front and back walls of the opened transverse portion for respectively disposing a pair of inverse U-shaped common contact plates each of which has a tip on outer edge of their transverse portions, a pair of electric wires disposed in the pair of grooves and pierced by the tips, a lid covered the opened transverse portion including a pair of corresponding semi-cylindrical grooves and a plurality of hooked retainers on inner side respectively engaged with the grooves and the retaining recesses of the combined sockets and a pair of lamps engaged within the upper rim of the sockets respectively each having a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 6971904
    Abstract: A light bulb socket for a motor vehicle lamp has a hull-shaped socket body formed of a cylindrically-shaped part and a separate plate for receiving contact springs. For stabilizing a seating of the contact springs, the plate has rearwardly directed protrusions that snugly enclose cross-sectional U-shaped end portions of the contact springs. Legs of the U-shaped end portions of the contact springs form a double contact bond to power lead cables with insulation-displacement connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Bernhard Juergenhake Gesellschaft fuer Kabelkonfektion und Metallverarbeitung mbH
    Inventor: Wilhlem Friederich Wallmeier
  • Patent number: 6929502
    Abstract: A lamp socket (20) of the invention mainly includes an upper socket (21), a lower socket (22), and terminal members (23). The upper socket 21 has a bulb mounting portion (25) formed on an upper side of an socket body (24), and a wire connection portion (26) is formed on a side surface of the socket body (24). This wire connection portion (26) has two wire insertion grooves (30, 30) formed by opposite side walls (27, 27), projecting from the socket body (24), and a partition wall (28). The lower socket (22) has a connector housing (35) formed on a lower side of a lower socket body (34), and a terminal receiving plate (36) projects from a side surface of the lower socket body. Terminal setting grooves (37) are formed in this terminal receiving plate (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Takeya Miwa
  • Patent number: 6837598
    Abstract: A lighting device having a three-way conductor strip with three conductors extending in an axial direction and electrically connected at intervals to LED elements arranged in a row. Each LED element is in a plastic housing which surrounds the LED and the conductor strip, is light emitting and may have a lens over the LED. The housing includes two shells fixed together, and with supporting elements therein for an LED element, an adjacent axial conductor strip area and a heat activatable electrically conductive material. The three-way conductor strip comprises a continuous positive conductor, a continuous negative conductor and an interrupted central conductor that extends from LED element to LED element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeug-und Industrieteile GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Marcus
  • Patent number: 6758578
    Abstract: A lamp holder includes a socket and a cap. The socket is provided at a rear end with a wire groove and two piercing terminals upward projected from the wire groove. The cap has a top recess to provide a bottom surface. To assemble the lamp holder to an cable, simply position the wire in the wire groove and screw the cap onto the rear end of the socket. The bottom surface of the cap and areas at two lower opposite sides of the cap evenly apply forces in the same direction to three serial points on the cable while pressing the latter against the piercing terminals, so that the cable is quickly and accurately pierced through to electrically connect to the lamp holder. The lamp holder may also be connected to a universal link, a lampshade and the like for use at different places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Tsung-Yuan Chou
  • Patent number: 6716055
    Abstract: An electrical connector which includes a base member having a first channel for a dual conductor main power cord and a top member having a second channel for a dual conductor branched circuit power cord, the first channel comprising a space which is adapted to confine the dual conductors of said main power cord while maintaining a space between the conductors of said dual conductor main power cord and the second channel comprising means to hold said dual conductor branched circuit power cord at an angle to said first channel, said connector also including two electrically conductive bus bars fitted into retaining means in said top member, said bus bars having at each end a piercing element adapted to penetrate the electrical insulation of a power cord to provide an electrical connection between said main power cord and said branched circuit power cord; and a retainer means which is sized to engage a channel in said top member to force said branched power cord against said bus bars to establish and maintain el
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: American Tack & Hardware Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Cory Echito
  • Patent number: 6692309
    Abstract: A connector includes a tubular wall on a first body containing a lamp envelope, coaxially receiving an insulating tube mounted on a second body having a cavity that receives the first body, spring metal strip terminals on the outside of the tubular wall in resilient contact with spring metal strip terminals on the inside of the cavity, and microprocessor controlled heated and cooled air delivered to the lamp envelope by way of the insulating tube in response to a sensor that monitors at least one of lamp amalgam temperature and lamp radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Light Sources, Inc.
    Inventor: George Kovacs
  • Patent number: 6619963
    Abstract: A switch accommodating recess (13) capable of accommodating a switch assembly (30) and a wire accommodating recess (15) capable of positioning an FFC (20) which is electrically connected to a room lamp are provided in a vehicle compartment-side surface of an insulating housing 11 in the room lamp which is fitted in a lamp fitting window having an opening in a roof trim covering a vehicle body panel. At the same time as bus bars (21) are mounted on the vehicle compartment-side surface of the insulating housing (11), press-connecting terminals (21b) are subjected topress fitting connection to the FFC (20) positioned in the wire accommodating recess (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Nagai
  • Publication number: 20030166357
    Abstract: A bulb socket of a lighting string has a hollow body. A bore is defined in the body to receive a light bulb. A groove is defined in a lateral surface defining the bore to receive a lateral piece made of a conductive material. A ridge is formed in the groove and extends along a longitudinal direction of the groove. At least one wing extends from a side of the lateral piece so that while the lateral piece is received in the groove the wings further extend deep into the groove to secure the lateral piece in place. Therefore, the lateral piece is prevented from falling out of the groove undesirably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jeou-Nan Tseng
  • Patent number: 6558184
    Abstract: A connector of the insulation-perforating type for a suspended electrical system comprises conductive means for cutting an insulating covering of an insulated supply cable in order to connect an electrical device electrically to an uncovered portion of the supply cable, and an insulating structure for enclosing the conductive means, in which the insulating structure includes a first insulating element which can be closed around the supply cable in a non-reversible manner in order to protect the uncovered portion from manual contact, and a second insulating element which can be connected to the electrical device and which can be joined reversibly to the first insulating element, the first insulating element comprising means for preventing sliding along the supply cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Electric & Lighting Engineering & Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Mario Melocchi, Valeria Osterwalder
  • Patent number: 6552268
    Abstract: An insulation displacement connector (IDC) having a body and a cap pivotably connected thereto. A wire channel is defined through the pivotable cap and has an insertion opening and an exit opening that provide separate ingress and egress openings for the wire channel. An insulated wire may be inserted into the wire channel via the insertion opening, and may exit the wire channel via the exit opening. Similarly, any insulation separated from the wire during use of the IDC is not trapped in the wire channel, but may easily be cleared therefrom via either the insertion or exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bassel Hage Daoud, Ivan Pawlenko