Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary joint which comprises two components mounted for rotation relative to one another about an axis of rotation, and each comprising electrically conductive material and jointly enclosing at least one intermediate gap, which is in the form of a capacitive gap for the purpose of transmitting electrical signals and/or energy. The two components are mounted by means of at least one plain bearing such that they are axially fixed longitudinally relative to the axis of rotation and can be rotated relative to one another about the axis of rotation. The plain bearing has at least one plain bearing gap, at least some regions of which correspond to the capacitive gap. The invention is characterized in that the surface of at least one of the two components has, at least in the region of the capacitive gap, the electrically conductive material with an electrically insulating layer in the form of a metal oxide layer.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a first housing defining a cavity therein, a first printed circuit board disposed in the cavity of the first housing, a contact coupled with the first printed circuit board, a disposable second housing defining a cavity therein, and a second printed circuit board disposed in the cavity of the second housing, the second printed circuit board having a contact pad positioned on a surface of the second printed circuit board, the contact pad of the second printed circuit board configured to engage with the contact when the first housing and the second housing are mated together.

Abstract: An underwater case for containing a device, such as a camera, a tv camera and the like comprised also in mobile telephones, smartphones, tablets and the like, comprising control means, arranged on a portion of the underwater case, for activating the device when it is positioned internally of the underwater case, comprising an integrated connection module in wireless mode for activating the device by the control means.

Abstract: A portable device-based monitoring and security system has a docking device with a connector for connecting to a portable electronic device. The docking device has a plurality of sensors that are able to transmit to the portable electronic device signals representing measurement values acquired by the sensors. In one embodiment, the docking device is a base with a cradle and a plug connector for connecting with a jack of the portable electronic device. The base may be an externally powered unit, forming a charging station for the portable electronic device. The sensors may include a carbon monoxide sensor, an ambient light sensor, a sound sensor, a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, a motion sensor, and the like. In the case in which the docking device is a portable dongle or a protective case with a dongle, the sensors are advantageously CO sensors, TDS sensors, pH sensors, breathalyzer or UV sensors.

Abstract: High voltage swivel (4) comprising a static (8) and a rotating body (7), the static and the rotating body being rotatable coaxial around a longitudinal axis, wherein the static and the rotating body are in electrical contact one with the other in order to allow transmission of power and/or data between the static and the rotating body, the static and the rotating body each having a contact surface (14, 16) for allowing the electrical contact between the static and the rotating body, wherein the electrical contact between the contact surfaces of the static and the rotating body is obtained by using an electrical conductive fluid (15).

Abstract: A compliant mount for use in a connector or connection adapter is disclosed. The compliant mount may be used in a connection between a portable electronic device and another electronic device, such as a docking station. A compliant mount connector adapter may include a first end connector engageable with a portable device and a second end connector engageable with another device, the first and second end connectors coupled with a compliant mount allowing movement of the first end connector engaged with the portable device relative to the second end connector when engaged within the other electronic device. The compliant mount may include any or all of: elastomers, springs, torsion bars, elastomers, rigid members or housing, ball and socket joints, resilient bendable members, and dongles to allow for controlled resistance to bending or torsional forces applied to the portable device when connected to the other electronic device with the connector adapter.

Abstract: High voltage swivel (4) comprising a static (8) and a rotating body (7), the static and the rotating body being rotatable coaxial around a longitudinal axis, wherein the static and the rotating body are in electrical contact one with the other in order to allow transmission of power and/or data between the static and the rotating body, the static and the rotating body each having a contact surface (14, 16) for allowing the electrical contact between the static and the rotating body, wherein the electrical contact between the contact surfaces of the static and the rotating body is obtained by using an electrical conductive fluid (15).

Abstract: A compliant mount for use in a connector or connection adapter is disclosed. The compliant mount may be used in a connection between a portable electronic device and another electronic device, such as a docking station. A compliant mount connector adapter may include a first end connector engageable with a portable device and a second end connector engageable with another device, the first and second end connectors coupled with a compliant mount allowing movement of the first end connector engaged with the portable device relative to the second end connector when engaged within the other electronic device. The compliant mount may include any or all of: elastomers, springs, torsion bars, elastomers, rigid members or housing, ball and socket joints, resilient bendable members, and dongles to allow for controlled resistance to bending or torsional forces applied to the portable device when connected to the other electronic device with the connector adapter.

Abstract: A compliant mount for use in a connector or connection adapter is disclosed. The compliant mount may be used in a connection between a portable electronic device and another electronic device, such as a docking station. A compliant mount connector adapter may include a first connector end engageable with a portable device and a second connector end engageable with another device, the first and second connector ends coupled with a compliant mount allowing movement of the first end connector engaged with the portable device relative to the second end connector when engaged within the other electronic device. The compliant mount may include any or all of: elastomers, springs, torsion bars, elastomers, rigid members or housing, ball and socket joints, resilient bendable members, and dongles to allow for controlled resistance to bending or torsional forces applied to the portable device when connected to the other electronic device with the connector adapter.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly (70, FIGS. 4-7) connects a cable conductor (82) of stiff material such as a copper wire, to a deformable electrode (34, FIG. 5) that lies at the surface of a sheet of elastomeric material (74). The connector assembly includes deflectable elastomeric walls that form a cavity (76) that holds an electrically conductive fluid (84) such as an electrolyte that surrounds and engages the stiff conductor (82) and that engages the elastic electrode (34) as it deflects.

Abstract: In a method of making an electronic apparatus, electronic devices and a mold are placed in a package such that pads of electronic devices are covered with the mold. An electrical insulator is poured into the package, in which the mold is placed, to fill the package. The mold is removed from the electrical insulator to form a space where the pads are exposed. An electrical conductor is placed in the space such that the pads are electrically connected together through the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is in the form of a liquid or a solid having both fluidity and deformability.

Abstract: A rotatable connector includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The first rotating member includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface forms first pins, and the second surface forms fixing bodies each comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion cooperatively define a latching groove therebetween. The second rotating member includes a third surface opposing the first rotating member and an opposite fourth surface. The third surface forms circular latching bodies rotatably retained within the latching groove. The fourth surface forms second pins. The fixing bodies and the latching bodies cooperatively define cavities fully filled in electrical conductive material. The wires that are respectively fixed to the first pins and the second pins are capable of being electrically connected by the electrical conductive material.

Abstract: A machine tool or a production machine, such as e.g. a multispindle machine, or a robot, is described, wherein a liquid metal lubricated slide bearing is not only used to transmit feed currents for electrical consumers but also to transmit currents for producing control signals. Accordingly, it is possible to apply via the liquid metal lubricated slide bearings a voltage of 600 volts in order to produce feed currents and a voltage of 24 volts in order to produce control signals.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a swivel for use in a drilling operation comprises a body with a central bore adapted for threaded connection to a tool string component. At least one electrically conductive medium is rotationally supported within the bore and adapted to rotate with respect to an electrically conductive receiver that is rotationally fixed to and disposed within the body. The electrically conductive medium and the receiver are in electrical communication through an electrically conductive arm that is rotationally fixed to the electrically conductive medium and at least partially disposed within an electrically conductive fluid disposed within a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a rigid shape that is partially filled by the conductive fluid. At least one rotary seal is disposed intermediate the reservoir and the electrically conductive medium. The rigid shape of the reservoir is adapted to prevent the conductive fluid from accumulating around the rotary seal.

Abstract: A machine tool or a production machine, such as e.g. a multispindle machine, or a robot, is described, wherein a liquid metal lubricated slide bearing is not only used to transmit feed currents for electrical consumers but also to transmit currents for producing control signals. Accordingly, it is possible to apply via the liquid metal lubricated slide bearings a voltage of 600 volts in order to produce feed currents and a voltage of 24 volts in order to produce control signals.

Abstract: The joint (36) comprises a tubular body (37) having two connecting zones (38, 39) each connected by an end to a tubular element (40) of a fluid transport line, giving continuity to passage of fluid. The tubular body is made of a mixture of an electrically-conductive material such as PVC, with carbon black to give it electrical conductivity. The joint has an internal surface (41) which is destined to come into contact with the transported fluid, and an external surface which is destined to have a grounded galvanic contact. The joint is inserted in the discharge fluid drainage line of a dialyzer filter, in an apparatus for intensive treatment of acute renal insufficiency, for eliminating ECG artefacts due to functioning of peristaltic pumps in the apparatus.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool includes a housing defining an axial passageway and a shaft mounted for rotation within the axial passageway such that the housing and shaft form an annular gap. An electrical connector provides a signal to the shaft. The electrical connector includes a first lead assembly coupled to the housing and the shaft, and a second lead assembly coupled to the housing and the shaft. Each lead assembly has an outer ring electrode fixed to the housing and an inner ring electrode fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith such that connector gaps are formed between the outer ring electrodes and the inner ring electrodes. Drilling fluid is pumped through the annular gap to flow through the connector gaps to complete electrical connections between the outer ring electrodes and inner ring electrodes.

Abstract: An entirely wearable electrical connector for power/data connectivity. The principal element of a modular network is the wearable electrical connector, which is integrated into a personal area network with USB compatibility. An embodiment comprises a non-conductive elastomeric environmental seal.

Abstract: A liquid metal rotary connector for a vehicle steering mechanism utilizes a conductive alloy comprising Gallium, Indium, Tin and Zinc to electrically couple stationary and rotary terminals of the connector. The alloy is a liquid at ambient temperatures, and has a melting point of ?36° C., though testing has shown that it operates satisfactorily at temperatures as low as ?40° C. In a preferred arrangement, the rotary connector provides a two-wire connection through which power is supplied from the steering column to the steering wheel, and electronic modules located in the steering column and the steering wheel support bi-directional data communication through voltage and current modulation of the supplied power.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing contamination by particles that wear off of components that come into and out of contact with each other. The invention involves forming at least one of the components out of a magnetic material so that the particles that wear off of the component are magnetic themselves. Then a magnetic field is used to attract the particles. In one embodiment, the particles are attracted to and collected by a magnet. In this way, the particles are drawn away from any components that might be contaminated. In some embodiments, the magnetic component is also magnetized. In other embodiments, a magnet is placed in contact with the magnetic component. In other embodiments, each of the components that come into contact with each other are formed of a magnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-viral activity. In particular, the invention relates to methods of using such peptides as inhibitory of hepatitis B virus (“HepB”) transmission to uninfected cells. The peptides used in the methods of the invention are homologs of the DP-178 and DP-107 peptides, peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 638 to 673, and to amino acid residues 558 to 595, respectively, of the HIV-1LAI transmembrane protein (TM) gp41.

Abstract: The joint (36) comprises a tubular body (37) having two connecting zones (38, 39) each connected by an end to a tubular element (40) of a fluid transport line, giving continuity to passage of fluid. The tubular body is made of a mixture of an electrically-conductive material such as PVC, with carbon black to give it electrical conductivity. The joint has an internal surface (41) which is destined to come into contact with the transported fluid, and an external surface which is destined to have a grounded galvanic contact. The joint is inserted in the discharge fluid drainage line of a dialyzer filter, in an apparatus for intensive treatment of acute renal insufficiency, for eliminating ECG artefacts due to functioning of peristaltic pumps in the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrical joint that couples electric signals and current between objects that move relative to one another. A conductive slurry is disposed upon a first object and a conductor extends from a second object to engage the conductive slurry. The slurry comprises conductive particle suspended in a fluid carrying agent, such as oil. A non-conductive gel may be disposed upon the exposed surface of the conductive slurry to retain and protect it. The conductive slurry and non-conductive gel may be disposed within a channel on the object's surface so as to define their position and retain them in the desired area. The position of the conductive slurry is oriented and aligned to maintain continuous contact with the conductor as movement occurs. Linear, planar, circular and other movements are contemplated. The electrical joint can be readily adapted to printed circuit and printed wire technology.

Abstract: A current collector disc assembly and method preferably generally comprising a rotor segment, a rotor electrode, a stator segment, a stator electrode, a return channel, a current conduction block, a circulation control magnet, electrode supports, a passage, flow ports and a magnetically-polarized stabilizer insert.

Abstract: A control device, in particular for controlling an automatic motor vehicle transmission, includes an electronic circuit mounted on a substrate. The circuit is accommodated in a housing which is sealed with respect to a surrounding fluid, and is connected to electrical conductors that run outside the housing. The housing contains a filler which is formed of a viscous fluid and is compatible with surrounding fluid. The filler is preferably transmission oil.

Abstract: Magnetic fluid is inserted between slip rings of a rotor and brushes of a stator. The magnetic fluid is held by magnetic force generated by permanent magnets and yokes mounted on the stator, so as to be sidable relative to the slip rings. In this state, in accordance with rotation of the rotor, the brushes and the slip rings are rotated without direct contact with each other via the magnetic fluid. Thus, the brushes and the slip rings are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photomask for forming a T-shaped gate structure on a high speed FET through a photolithography, comprising opaque layer patterns 2 and 2a for defining a head portion of the T-shaped gate structure and half-tone layer patterns 3 and 3a for defining a foot portion thereof.The half-tone film patterns composed of a chrome layer are deposited to a thickness thinner than that of the opaque layer patterns so that the half-tone layer patterns show a relatively lower transmittance to an incident beam.The application of the photomask of the invention to the process for forming a T-shaped gate structure improves process reproducibility and leads to great cost savings.

Abstract: Cell lines which lack human class II histocompatibility antigens are disclosed. The cell lines may be utilized within a method for propagating microorganisms, such as viruses, for determining the presence and/or amount of antibody to a microorganism in a biological fluid, and within a method for producing antibodies to a selected microorganism.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a steering wheel which utilizes a non-wear electrical interconnection characterized by terminals of a base terminal bus and terminals of a rotor terminal bus being physically separated yet mutually electrically connected via contact with an electrically conductive liquid situated in one or more annular chambers located between outer faces of a rotor plate and a base plate. The rotor terminal bus is connected with the rotor plate and the base terminal bus is connected with the base plate. The base and rotor plates are connected together in a manner that permits relative rotation therebetween. The electrically conductive liquid is provided in each of the annular chambers by being preferably injected through a hollow capillary of at least one of the rotor and base terminals of each annular chamber, and then sealed, such as by solder. Preferred electrically conductive liquids include mercury or silicone.

Abstract: A roller head (10) for a resistance seam welding machine has an internally located sliding contact current transmission device (24) between stator 12) and rotor (14) and is composed of a pair of circular ring-shaped discs (26, 26') which extend radially between rotor and stator, are fastened to the rotor on their outer circumferences, carry axial sliding contact rings (32,32') on their inner circumferences, and are flexible designed in their intermediate parts (28,28') between inner and outer circumferences. These sliding contact discs (26,26') are composed of a copper mesh, to which the axial sliding contact rings (32,32') are fastened. Thin-walled metallic diaphragms can also be used instead of the copper mesh. The roller head (10) can transmit high welding currents. As a result of the flexible design of the sliding contact discs (26,26') the contact presssure, which is created by a stack of plate springs (40), remains constant even with external mechanical influences.

Abstract: Apparatus for underwater working, especially for heating, welding, torch cutting, cleaning and electrolytical coating of metal constructions with the aid of electrical current. The apparatus comprises a rotatable electrically conductive shaft (2) arranged on the frame element (1) of the apparatus and designed to conduct electrical current to the removable tip element (3) attached to the end of shaft, this tip element being such as heating bush, welding electrode, cutting, cleaning and/or coating disk.

Abstract: A contact device for an electrical current supply of an electrode wire operating in an electro-erosion machine having an electrical conducting part, mounted in free rotation and solidly attached to a shaft extending perpendicularly to the plane of rotation. The shaft is, preferably, also conducting and extends through a leakproof cavity, containing a conductive fluid, such as mercury for example. The conducting part is preferably a steel roller, provided either with a V-shaped groove on its periphery, or animated with a back and forth movement parallel at its axis of rotation.