Indicator Light Patents (Class 439/490)
  • Patent number: 8870591
    Abstract: An identification adapter is provided with a case made of a transparent resin which is able to transmit environment light; a socket which is provided on a predetermined surface of the case and into which a power plug of an electrical device is able to be inserted; an adapter plug which is provided on a surface different from the predetermined surface of the case to apply a current to the power plug of the electrical device via the socket, and able to be inserted into another electrical outlet; and an identification mark which is provided near the adapter plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Takakura
  • Patent number: 8864515
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multimedia jack for a vehicle with a lighting apparatus, including: a housing with an opening part; a terminal part, mounted on an inner side of the housing, with a multimedia port and a light emitting diode (LED) lighting apparatus; a cover part covering the opening part of the housing and including a connection receptacle disposed at a position corresponding to the multimedia port so as to be connected to the multimedia port; and a connection receptacle display part disposed around the connection receptacle, wherein light of the LED lighting apparatus is irradiated through the connection receptacle display part. Therefore, it is possible to increase user convenience at night by uniform lighting of the multimedia jack and control power and brightness by interworking with other apparatuses in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Se Min Oh
  • Patent number: 8845155
    Abstract: A trailer adapter to connect a master electrical system of a towing vehicle with a subservient electrical system of a towed vehicle having a light connectable thereto is disclosed. In particular, the trailer adapter may include a body having at least one electrical interface, where the at least one electrical interface is capable of electrically engaging the electrical system of the towing vehicle. The trailer adapter may also include a light source operatively coupled to the body, where the light source is selectively changeable between at least two operative modes capable of providing illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Rotenberg, Jerry Corless
  • Publication number: 20140287615
    Abstract: An aspect provides a plug including: a connection element for connecting to a port of an information handling device; a detection element disposed within the plug; and an illumination source disposed within the plug; the detection element controlling illumination of the illumination source via detecting the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Amy Leigh Rose, John Scott Crowe, Jennifer Lee-Baron, John Edward Long, JR., Nathan J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8840425
    Abstract: A connector apparatus with indication function includes a first power line, a current-detecting resistor, a second power line, a ground line, a current-detecting unit, a first voltage comparator, a second voltage comparator, a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit, and a voltage division unit. The first light-emitting unit is lighting but the second light-emitting unit is not lighting when one side of the connector apparatus is connected to a computer and the other side of the connector apparatus is not connected to a smart 3C electronic product. The first light-emitting unit is not lighting but the second light-emitting unit is lighting when one side of the connector apparatus is connected to a computer and the other side of the connector apparatus is connected to a smart 3C electronic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: YFC-Boneagle Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Ming Ku, Chun-Chieh Chen, Shun-Fa Hung
  • Publication number: 20140256175
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for charging a cell phone battery in the dark. An LED and its control circuitry including a control switch are included in a USB connector to automatically illuminate a cell phone and its charging port or receptacle or jack, which happen to be located in an unlit or pitch black space, when a user attempts to insert a USB connector plug into the charging port for purposes of charging the battery. The LED is automatically energized by the user's mere touching of the overmold of the USB connector at its flat or bottom side, without otherwise manually operating the control switch, and thereby eliminating hunting in the dark for a control switch on the USB connector. This apparatus is useful with both standard charging equipment and with dongle charging equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CELLCO PARTNERSHIP D/B/A VERIZON WIRELESS
    Inventor: Michael Peter HARDY
  • Patent number: 8823540
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a guide frame with closed and open ends, the guide frame configured to be mounted to a substrate. The guide frame defines at least one cavity configured to receive an electrical component therein. A connector housing configured to be disposed in the at least one cavity and mounted to the substrate can support a retainer that extends outwardly from a body of the connector housing. The retainer can be configured to receive an attachment member supported by a light pipe, and can extend outwardly through the closed end of the guide frame. A heat sink coupled to the guide frame can be configured to have at least a portion of the light pipe disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology LLC
    Inventor: Michael Scholeno
  • Patent number: 8814591
    Abstract: Connector inserts and receptacles that may have indicators that are easy to manufacture, may have an attractive appearance, reduce reflections, and may provide a consistent indication independent of viewing angle. One example may provide a connector insert having an opening to provide light from an LED. The opening may be filled with an adhesive or other material. A surface of the adhesive may be textured, for example by chemical etch, laser, sand or glass bead blasting, through the use of texture tape or other stamp, or in other ways. An entire connector or just the indication itself may be etched. Masking may be used to protect a connector body during texturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Pong
  • Publication number: 20140213100
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes a mating port (15) for insertion of a plug connector, a first indicating assembly (5) for indicating a communication status of the mating port, and a second indicating assembly (6) for indicating another communication status of the mating port. The first indicating assembly includes a first light pipe (51) extending along the front-to-back direction and a first light emitting diode (52) extending along a top-to-bottom direction. The first LED has a number of first pins for mounting onto an exterior substrate and a first light emitting portion (521). The first light emitting portion has a number of first surrounding walls (5211) over molded with a first opaque layer (71).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WAN-LI XUAN, DAO-KUAN ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140199866
    Abstract: A card edge connector for mating with a memory card includes a longitudinal insulative housing, a plurality of contact terminals received in the insulative housing, at least one pair of ejectors and two detect pins having spring and being moveable relatively each other. The ejectors are moveable between locking station and release station. One of the detect pins defines an engaging portion protruding into an inserting slot of the insulative housing for engaging with a bottom edge of the memory card and pushing the detect pins to connect disconnect with each other. Furthermore LED is combined with the detect pins for testing if the memory card is inserted into the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-JUN TANG, XUE-WU BU
  • Publication number: 20140187079
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base segment having a signal port coupler configured to selectively conductively engage with a signal port. A first assembly includes a first segment movably coupled to the base segment and a second segment movably coupled to the first segment, and a second assembly includes a third segment movably coupled to the base segment and a fourth segment movably coupled to the third segment. The first, second, third, and fourth segments include receptacles configured to receive at least an electrically conductive portion of a device plug. An electrical connection assembly is disposed in the base, first, second, third, and fourth segments and is configured to selectively conductively engage the receptacles of the first, second, third, and fourth segments with a signal port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Quirky Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien, Jordan Diatlo, Kate Sarah Vallon, Steven Richard Remy, Richard Ganas, David Sutton, Nicholas Oxley
  • Publication number: 20140179126
    Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8740640
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for charging a cell phone battery in the dark. An LED and its control circuitry including a control switch are included in a USB connector to automatically illuminate a cell phone and its charging port or receptacle or jack, which happen to be located in an unlit or pitch black space, when a user attempts to insert a USB connector plug into the charging port for purposes of charging the battery. The LED is automatically energized by the user's mere touching of the overmold of the USB connector at its flat or bottom side, without otherwise manually operating the control switch, and thereby eliminating hunting in the dark for a control switch on the USB connector. This apparatus is useful with both standard charging equipment and with dongle charging equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventor: Michael Peter Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140147080
    Abstract: A connector plug arrangement (330, 600, 700) includes a connector body (334, 610, 720); and an indication component (335, 650, 750). The indication component (335, 650, 750) includes a first portion (337, 653, 751) that is disposed at a rear end of the connector body and a second portion (339, 654, 753) that extends outwardly from the first portion (337, 653, 751). The first portion (337, 653, 751) is configured to extend along a circumferential perimeter of the connector body (334, 610, 720). The second portion (339, 654, 753) is configured to extend along the longitudinal axis of the connector body (334, 610, 720).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Lambourn, Ai Ling Xu, Alan Cook, Ian Miles Standish
  • Patent number: 8721360
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system and specialized cross-connect cable are provided to help guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in a cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. The cross-connect cable is provided with LED's in both of the cable plugs. When only one plug of the cross-connect cable is plugged into a port, the LED associated with that plug is switched out of the circuit, while the LED in the unplugged plug remains in the circuit and can still be illuminated by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 8696377
    Abstract: A communication connector with analog coupling circuit and a mechanical coupling circuit used for providing security to electronic devices. The analog circuit includes a male plug with an outer shell and tongue shell. Between the outer shell and tongue is a thin layer of non-conductive material to prevent the closure of a circuit. Two separate conductors are wired through the USB body; one attaching to the outer shell and the other attaching to the tongue. A closed circuit is created when the male USB is placed into a female receptor. The mechanical circuit creates a closed circuit when the plunger switch becomes compressed. There is a security monitor system connected to an end of the two conductors, which sound an alarm when circuit is opened. The alarm will sound if a thief attempts to steal the article either by cutting the wire or removal of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Chung-Ping Lee, John N. Figh, Jr., Lucas P. Swartwood, Bruno M. L. Telles
  • Patent number: 8684765
    Abstract: A connector assembly that includes a receptacle connector and a light pipe. The connector is configured to receive a removable device inserted along a longitudinal axis. The connector has a side surface that extends along a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The connector includes a ledge and a positive stop that project laterally outward from the side surface. The ledge has a ledge surface that joins the side surface. The light pipe extends substantially along the longitudinal axis. The light pipe has an inward-facing surface that is substantially flat throughout and abuts the side surface of the connector. The light pipe rests upon the ledge surface and the positive stop is positioned on the side surface to block the light pipe from moving in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Eugene Shirk, Michael J. Phillips, David S. Szczesny
  • Patent number: 8686870
    Abstract: An intelligent physical layer management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect patching environment. RFID tag integrated chips are used to identify which switch port a patch cord is plugged into. The system is capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map the patch field in interconnect configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Publication number: 20140080353
    Abstract: A connector apparatus with indication function includes a first power line, a current-detecting resistor, a second power line, a ground line, a current-detecting unit, a first voltage comparator, a second voltage comparator, a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit, and a voltage division unit. The first light-emitting unit is lighting but the second light-emitting unit is not lighting when one side of the connector apparatus is connected to a computer and the other side of the connector apparatus is not connected to a smart 3C electronic product. The first light-emitting unit is not lighting but the second light-emitting unit is lighting when one side of the connector apparatus is connected to a computer and the other side of the connector apparatus is connected to a smart 3C electronic product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ying-Ming Ku, Chun-Chieh Chen, Shun-Fa Hung
  • Publication number: 20140080354
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map embodiments of patch fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin, Shahriar B. Allen
  • Patent number: 8665107
    Abstract: An intelligent network physical layer management system is provided that includes hardware that tracks the connection of plugs of patch cords in interconnect or cross-connect patching environments. RFID signaling is combined with near-field communication techniques to provide a reliable physical layer management system. In interconnect configurations, RFID tags are associated with switch ports of an Ethernet switch, enabling the system of the present invention to detect patch cord insertion and removal at switch ports and to receive information about the switch ports. In cross-connect configurations, RFID signaling is used to track the connections of patch cords between two patch panels. Systems according to the present invention avoid the problems associated with traditional galvanic connections previously used for tracking patch cord connections. An alternative common-mode system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 8653957
    Abstract: A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes an control circuit, an input lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, an output lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, and an identification lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit. The input lamp plug is connectable to a trailer lamp plug of a lamp wiring harness of the trailer. The output lamp plug is connectable to a stop lamp of the trailer. The identification lamp plug is connectable to a corresponding identification lamp plug of the lamp wiring harness. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to a plurality of lamps of the trailer in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney Ehrlich, David Pickup
  • Patent number: 8641445
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly (100) comprises a mating member (3), a printed circuit board (2) with a LED (24), a cable (7) having a plurality of wires connected with the mating member, a light pipe (4) having a pair of protrusions (42) parallel to each other, and an insulative shell (1) enclosing the cable and the mating member. The protrusions are neighboring to the LED. The insulative shell is enclosing the printed circuit board, the cable and the mating member. Each protrusion has a leg portion (421) protruding forwards from a front end thereof, and the printed circuit board defines a pair of outlets (26) on opposite sides thereof to engage with the corresponding leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Sheng Su, Hong-Jie Yu, Dou-Feng Wu, De-Gang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8636540
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) comprising a housing (200) defining a front face and a first mating cavity recessed rearward from the front face for receiving a modular plug, an electronic module (400) mounted to the housing, a horizontal PCB (500) mounted under the electronic module, and an outer shell (700) shielding the electronic module and the housing. The electronic module has a vertical PCB(420) which includes a ground trace (421) joined to a conductor (427) that extends through a plated hole in the vertical PCB and that is connected to a conductive pin (722) of the outer shell through a conductive trace (56) of the horizontal PCB (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jian-Ming Bu
  • Patent number: 8638233
    Abstract: A cable connection component is receivable in a housing of a host information handling device for coupling to a circuit of the host device. The component has a status light and a light guide configured, in use with the component at least partially received in the host housing, to guide light from the status light to provide indications visible externally of the host housing. A connection device, a cable end connector and an SFP-type or SFF-type transceiver body are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jerry G. Aguren, Richard E. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130344730
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a fastening part, a connector body assembled under the fastening part and defining at least one receiving groove at a mating end thereof, a base board positioned under the connector body, and a shielding shell. The connector body and the base board can be firmly fastened in the shielding shell by means of the fastening part. At least one end edge of the shielding shell is bent inward to form a positioning tail positioned in the receiving groove to position the mating end of the connector body with a front face of the mating end being flush with the end edge of the shielding shell and a contact face of the connector body being substantially flush with a top edge of the positioning tail, so as to avoid the mating end of the connector body wrapping in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Power Quotient International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hsin Tsai, Charles C. Lee, Yu Cheng Chang, Jen Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 8610592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity switch for the detection of objects, comprising a sleeve-type housing, comprising a transducer unit disposed at a measuring end of said sleeve-type housing, the transducer unit comprising a transducer receptacle and a transducer element disposed therein for detecting a physical measurand, comprising a connecting piece disposed at a connecting end of said sleeve-type housing, comprising an electronic assembly disposed on a printed circuit board accommodated in said sleeve-type housing and having a control and evaluation unit adapted to control said transducer element, to evaluate signals measured by said transducer element and to emit switching signals to an environment, wherein variously colored light-emitting diodes are disposed on said printed circuit board at the measuring end and at the connecting end for indicating operational and/or switching states, wherein said transducer receptacle exhibits a transparent region disposed around a housing axis and/or a transparent r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 8588050
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map embodiments of patch fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin, Shahriar B. Allen
  • Patent number: 8574001
    Abstract: An electronic connector comprises: an insulating body, a plurality of terminals contained in the insulating body, a metal shield housing the insulating body, and a light pipe covering the metal shield. The insulating body and the metal shield define a mating space having an inserting opening. The light pipe is made of transparent, compressible LSR and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket in front of the base body covering the periphery of the insertion opening. When the electronic connector is assembled in a panel, the sealing gasket is held between a hold of the panel and the metal shield to form a sealing structure, so that the electronic connector and assembly comprising the same are excellently waterproofed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: DawWei Lee
  • Publication number: 20130273770
    Abstract: Connector inserts and receptacles that may have indicators that are easy to manufacture, may have an attractive appearance, reduce reflections, and may provide a consistent indication independent of viewing angle. One example may provide a connector insert having an opening to provide light from an LED. The opening may be filled with an adhesive or other material. A surface of the adhesive may be textured, for example by chemical etch, laser, sand or glass bead blasting, through the use of texture tape or other stamp, or in other ways. An entire connector or just the indication itself may be etched. Masking may be used to protect a connector body during texturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Pong
  • Patent number: 8558710
    Abstract: An apparatus that enables indication of power utilization from an electrical outlet to be visually provided to a user, comprising receptacles, an illumination means, and a toggle switch. When an electrical power cord is plugged into the apparatus and is drawing any amount of current above zero (0) amps, the illumination means will activate, thereby alerting the user that the device is drawing power, even if the device is turned off, and allowing the user to take corrective action if necessary. The integral toggle switch deactivates the power to the device while leaving it plugged in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Steven M. Nitz
  • Publication number: 20130265168
    Abstract: An electric current flow indicator senses electrical current flowing through an electrical device and produces a visible feedback to indicate proper operation. The current flow indicator has a voltage and current regulation circuit having first and second inputs connected to first and second conductors, respectively. The circuit converts an AC line voltage carried by an electrical supply cord into a limited low voltage DC current. A toroidal core inductor coil and at least one current indicating LED are connected to the circuit. The first conductor passes through a center of the inductor coil. A transistor amplifier is connected to an output of the inductor coil for energizing the current indicating LED when an electrical current conducts through the first conductor. The flow indicator can be integrated into an electrical supply cord, a male or female electrical cord end, a single or duplex electrical outlet, or a universal plugin adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Osborne Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Burton Murphy
  • Publication number: 20130260603
    Abstract: An intelligent network physical layer management system is provided that includes hardware that tracks the connection of plugs of patch cords in interconnect or cross-connect patching environments. RFID signaling is combined with near-field communication techniques to provide a reliable physical layer management system. In interconnect configurations, RFID tags are associated with switch ports of an Ethernet switch, enabling the system of the present invention to detect patch cord insertion and removal at switch ports and to receive information about the switch ports. In cross-connect configurations, RFID signaling is used to track the connections of patch cords between two patch panels. Systems according to the present invention avoid the problems associated with traditional galvanic connections previously used for tracking patch cord connections. An alternative common-mode system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 8540529
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a shielded connector module with a molded hood and an LED light pipe. There is provided a shielded connector module comprising a system-in-package (SiP) device having a surface mounted light emitting diode (LED), a metallic shield surrounding the SiP device, a molded hood surrounding the metallic shield, and an LED light pipe in a proximity with the surface mounted LED, the LED light pipe being directed through the metallic shield and the molded hood. By designing the LED light pipe with a concave surface for surrounding the surface mounted LED and by using various techniques to reduce a gap between the LED and the light pipe, light capture and transmission may be optimized for easily viewable high intensity light. A fresnel lens may be optionally attached to the light pipe for wider viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Warren, Nic Rossi
  • Patent number: 8535088
    Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8519864
    Abstract: A device for indicating a device status includes a plurality of light guides including a first end for receiving light and a second end for displaying light, respectively; a plurality of light emitting elements arranged to face to each of the first ends; and a light shield arranged between the light guides and extending between light emitting elements, the light shield shielding light from the light emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideaki Yajima, Kazuya Nishida, Wataru Takano
  • Patent number: 8503182
    Abstract: A desk-top storage solution for portable computing devices is formed as a storage tray. The storage tray has pockets sized to cradle individual portable computing devices. Each pocket includes a wire management system to enable an electrical connector to be provided within the pocket and secured relative to the pocket to enable the portable computing device to be quickly electrically connected to the storage tray. A USB hub is provided within the storage tray which interconnects with the electrical connectors and enables the portable computing devices to be charged while stored in the storage tray and also synchronized with an external computer while contained within the storage tray. The storage tray has a lid that is connected to the base by position control friction hinges which regulate the motion of the lid relative to the base during ascent/descent while the lid is moved between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Petrick, Matthew Petrick, Chris Brandel
  • Publication number: 20130189874
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system and specialized cross-connect cable are provided to help guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in a cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. The cross-connect cable is provided with LED's in both of the cable plugs. When only one plug of the cross-connect cable is plugged into a port, the LED associated with that plug is switched out of the circuit, while the LED in the unplugged plug remains in the circuit and can still be illuminated by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventor: Panduit Corp.
  • Patent number: 8493228
    Abstract: An approach to cable management is presented. A bi-stable liquid crystal display that requires no power to maintain an image is attached to a communications cable. A bi-stable liquid crystal display may be attached to each end of the cable. The bi-stable liquid crystal displays may be built into the connectors. A display module connects to the bi-stable liquid crystal display and receives signals associated with a message about the communications cable. The display module causes messages to be shown on the bi-stable liquid crystal display in response to receiving the signal. The signal may be generated by a user with a hand held driver. The signal may also be generated automatically by computing devices (such as switches) that are attached to the communications cable. Users may easily determine information about the communications cable by looking at the messages on the bi-stable liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tara Astigarraga, Louie A. Dickens, Nancy V. Ryson, Daniel J. Winarski
  • Publication number: 20130183851
    Abstract: An identification adapter is provided with a case made of a transparent resin which is able to transmit environment light; a socket which is provided on a predetermined surface of the case and into which a power plug of an electrical device is able to be inserted; an adapter plug which is provided on a surface different from the predetermined surface of the case to apply a current to the power plug of the electrical device via the socket, and able to be inserted into another electrical outlet; and an identification mark which is provided near the adapter plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130178094
    Abstract: A receptacle connector matched with a plug connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of upper and lower terminals, a locating element and a shielding shell surrounding the insulating housing. The insulating housing defines an accommodating space, and a plurality of upper and lower terminal grooves communicating with the accommodating space. Each upper terminal disposed in the upper terminal groove has a first fastening portion, a first contact portion contacting with the plug connector, and a first soldering portion. Each lower terminal disposed in the lower terminal groove has a second fastening portion, a second contact portion contacting with the plug connector, and a second soldering portion. The locating element positioned in the accommodating space defines a plurality of through-holes aligned with the upper and lower terminal grooves respectively. The first and second soldering portions further pass through the through-holes to be soldered with a circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guang-Li Huang, Ming-Han Lin, Li-Jun Xu
  • Patent number: 8475203
    Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a top side, and a cavity (111) is defined in the top side; a plurality of contacts (2) received in insulative housing, said the contacts including two power contacts partially disposed under the cavity; a plurality of wires (3) electrically connected to the contacts, respectively; a printed circuit board assembly (5) received in the cavity, the printed circuit board assembly (5) having a substrate (50) with a light emitting diode (504) thereon, the lighting emitting diode electrically connected with the two power contact; and a light guide member (6) assembled to the cavity and located above the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 8471718
    Abstract: An electrical unit outlet device is disclosed for controlling power isolation, based on a pre-determined time, for a device charger, while remaining plugged into a power outlet. A power isolating circuit cuts any power to the charging device off when charge is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Takecharge, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Miller, Dwain C. May
  • Publication number: 20130122738
    Abstract: An electrical connector monitoring system for a plug and receptacle assembly, that includes a plug connected to the plug assembly, a recess located within the plug, an electrically insulative layer disposed in the recess, a wear member disposed on the plug that at least partially traverses the insulated recess and in electrical contact with the plug, a contact member movably connected with a receptacle of the receptacle, and a signal device in electrical connection through a circuit with the plug, wear member, and contact member when the plug is fully seated within the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
  • Patent number: 8427335
    Abstract: An intelligent network physical layer management system is provided that includes hardware that tracks the connection of plugs of patch cords in interconnect or cross-connect patching environments. RFID signaling is combined with near-field communication techniques to provide a reliable physical layer management system. In interconnect configurations, RFID tags are associated with switch ports of an Ethernet switch, enabling the system of the present invention to detect patch cord insertion and removal at switch ports and to receive information about the switch ports. In cross-connect configurations, RFID signaling is used to track the connections of patch cords between two patch panels. Systems according to the present invention avoid the problems associated with traditional galvanic connections previously used for tracking patch cord connections. An alternative common-mode system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 8419212
    Abstract: A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board including an electrical conductor, and a light emitting element assembly. The light emitting element assembly includes a carrier mounted on the circuit board, a light emitting element mounted on the carrier, and an electrical contact held by the carrier in electrical connection with the light emitting element and the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Robert MacDougall, Brian Patrick Costello
  • Publication number: 20130078849
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a light-conductive housing of a status-indicating connector. The status-indicating connector has an engagement portion attached to the light-conductive housing. The engagement portion places the status-indicating connector in electrical communication with a circuit board. An illuminative portion of the light-conductive housing can be illuminated by light delivered via the light-conductive housing of the status-indicating connector. The illuminative portion of the light-conductive housing is illuminated by the light based on a current status of a connection between the engagement portion and the circuit board. The light is provided by an external light source associated with the circuit board or a light source internal to the status-indicating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AVAYA INC.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Silva
  • Patent number: 8382510
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for an electronic device. The electrical connector assembly having an electrical connector and a signal indicator. The electrical connector having at least two communication interfaces utilizing different communication standards. The signal indicator is secured along one side of the electrical connector, wherein the signal indicator emits different colors of light corresponding to a function of one of the at least two communication interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited
    Inventors: Gang Lee, Chih-Hsieh Chang, Huibin Li
  • Patent number: 8382511
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system and specialized cross-connect cable are provided to help guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in a cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. The cross-connect cable is provided with LED's in both of the cable plugs. When only one plug of the cross-connect cable is plugged into a port, the LED associated with that plug is switched out of the circuit, while the LED in the unplugged plug remains in the circuit and can still be illuminated by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 8376775
    Abstract: Polarity indicating apparatus for a battery jumper cable assembly includes a first wire having a first end thereof secured in electrical connection directly to a negative battery terminal clamp and having a second end thereof disposed within a positive battery terminal clamp. A second wire has a first end thereof secured in electrical connection directly to a cable-less handle portion of the positive battery terminal clamp. A light source is positioned in close proximity to a free end of the cable-less handle portion of the positive battery terminal clamp and is secured in electrical connection directly to opposite ends of each of the first and second wires. The light source is operable to emit light only when the positive battery terminal clamp is connected to a positive terminal of a battery and when the negative battery terminal clamp is connected to a negative terminal of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Steven M Rinehardt