Abstract: A connector 10 includes: a first housing 11A, a first terminal 51A attached to the first housing 11A; a second housing 11B separate from the first housing 11A; a second terminal 51B attached to the second housing 11B; a flexible member 81 where the first terminal 51A and second terminal 51B are connected to two ends, and connecting the first housing 11A and second housing 11B; and an aligning member 41 having a flexible member insertion cavity 44 where the flexible member 81 is inserted, and that is movably arranged between the first housing 11A and second housing 11B in a condition where the flexible member 81 is inserted.

Abstract: A high voltage interconnection system for electrically interconnecting a pair of objects that are movable relative to each other includes a flexible cable, a connection arrangement electrically contacting an end of the flexible cable, and a cable holder arrangement holding the flexible cable in a slidable manner. The cable holder arrangement may include a wear plate fixed to at least one of the objects and a sliding collar fixed on the flexible cable. The collar may be slidably supported to protect the flexible cable from damage as it moves.

Abstract: This patent pertains to magnetic coupling systems. One implementation includes magnetic jumper cables, which include magnetic couplers and elongate, insulated, electrically-isolated electric conductors.

Abstract: A charging cable for an electric vehicle includes a power plug adapted to be detachably connected to a power socket of a commercial power source; a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of the power plug; a cable connector adapted to be detachably connected to an electric vehicle for supplying a charging current to a battery of the electric vehicle; and a switching unit for opening and closing a current path between the power plug and the cable connector. The charging cable further includes a leakage detecting unit for detecting an electric leakage based on a current flowing through the current path; and a power cutoff unit for opening the switching unit when the detected temperature of the temperature detection means exceeds a threshold value or when the leakage detection means detects the electric leakage.

Abstract: A system and method operable to facilitate thermal wall plug sensing and control may include an ability to control current drawn by a charging system or other load according to a temperature determined at an interface between the charging system and an energy source used to provided energy to the charging system. A temperature sensed with a temperature sensor included in a plug assembly or other housing or cord used to connect the charging system to the energy source may be used to implement the temperature regulated current control.

Abstract: Motor vehicle jumper cables comprising an integral wire brush mounted on an interior portion of the clamp assemblies is herein disclosed. The jumper cables with the wire brush are to be motioned to remove battery terminal corrosion, thereby providing for a better electrical connection. The device resembles a standard pair of jumper cables used to aid in jump-starting a motor vehicle with a dead battery and comprises a small wire brush located inside of each jaw area. The bristles are made of conductive steel or copper of a sufficient stiffness to clean any corrosion from the battery terminals as the clamps are being installed. Due to the conductive nature of the bristles, current will flow through the bristles as well as the clamp body, thus improving charging and starting ability.

Abstract: A straddled vehicle is provided which is equipped with a charging port structure in which a charging port is fixedly disposed within a recess provided in a wall member, a base end part of a cover member that is capable of closing the charging port is pivotably supported at a position adjacent to the charging port, and a lid that is capable of closing the recess so as to cover the cover member from the outside is pivotably supported on the wall member, wherein retaining means (93) retains a closed state of the lid (77) in response to the lid (77) being closed, releasing means (94) is operable so as to release the retention of the closed state of the lid (77) by the retaining means (93), and coupling means (95) is operable in association with operation of the retaining means (93) when closing the lid (77) and pivots the cover member (76) toward the closing side. Thus it is possible to prevent closing of a lid from being forgotten while reducing the cost of surface treatment, etc. of a cover member and the lid.

Abstract: A control pilot circuit of a power cable having a male-type plug generates a pilot signal such that the power cable can be identified as a power cable for charging on the vehicle side. On the other hand, a control pilot circuit of a power cable having a not-shown female-type plug generates the pilot signal such that the power cable can be identified as a power cable for power feeding on the vehicle side. An ECU of a vehicle controls an AC/DC converter in any one of the charging mode and the power feeding mode in response to the pilot signal.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a charging port, a charger, a motive power output device, a PLC processing unit, and a charging ECU. The charging port is configured so that a charging cable can be connected to the charging port. The PLC processing unit uses the charging port and the charging cable as a communication path for performing PLC-based communication with a PLC processing unit of a house. In the case where PLC-based communication has come to an end when external charging comes to an end, the charging ECU controls a relay of a CCID so that it is in OFF state and, in the case where PLC-based communication is continuing when external charging comes to an end, it maintains the relay of the CCID in ON state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a power adapter for coupling electrical power from a standard North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) power coupling to one or more electronic devices. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a plug connector adapted for receiving electrical power from the power coupling, a receptacle adapted for providing the electrical power to a slave cable (e.g., an inter-vehicular slave cable), and at least one terminal adapted for providing the electrical power to the electronic devices (e.g., a computer system). The power adapter is thus capable of maximizing the potential of the power coupling to provide electrical power for multiple simultaneous uses.

Abstract: A high-voltage harness routing structure includes: a subframe; a driving power unit; an electric power distribution unit; an electrical auxiliary unit arranged to cause the driving power unit to be sandwiched between the electric power distribution unit and the electrical auxiliary unit; and a high voltage harness connecting the electric power distribution unit with the electrical auxiliary unit in a routing path. In this routing path, the high voltage harness drops from the electric power distribution unit toward the subframe and then extends along the subframe in a vehicle-width direction. The high-voltage harness routing structure further includes a driving power unit mount including a mount main body arranged apart from the subframe to form a space between the mount main body and the subframe; and a protector that covers at least a high-voltage harness's portion extending along the subframe in the vehicle-width direction and interfering with the driving power unit mount.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the present invention interconnects a plurality of devices for electrical power, control, signal, and data transmission. The system includes a single source of components providing complete interconnectivity between a first number of devices. The single source of components provides complete interconnectivity between the first number of devices and a second number of devices augmenting the first number of devices.

Abstract: A cable for conducting electric current from a source receptacle to a load receptacle. The cable includes a primary cord including an electrical conductor with a first terminal end and a second terminal end, and a ground cord including an electrical conductor for establishing an electrical connection between a circuit including the cable and ground. A first plug is adapted to conduct the electric current between a contact provided to the source receptacle and the first terminal end, and a second plug is adapted to conduct the electric current between the second terminal end and a contact provided to the load receptacle. At least one of the first plug and the second plug is compatible with a single-prong receptacle.

Abstract: An FFC-connection assembly includes an electrical component for a motor vehicle having an electrical tracing, at least one access window, a molded flange, and at least one hook. An FFC lies over the electrical tracing, mates the electrical tracing through the access window, and has a skived end at point of contact through the access window. The hook holds the FFC in place. The molded flange folds over onto the electrical component, is held down by a snap, and includes at least one depression rib so as to apply pressure against the FFC and the electrical tracing.

Abstract: A jumper cable assembly has a pair of clamps at both ends for parallel connection to a weak and a strong battery for starting a motor. Along the side of the assembly is mounted at least one light emitting diodes (LED) that is powered when either end of the assembly is connected with correct polarity to a battery. The at least one LED may illuminate a fiber optic bundle disposed along the length of the assembly. The assembly lights up along its length to thereby avoid tripping over it when it is being used in the dark. When the assembly is connected to a battery with the wrong polarity, the LED will not light up. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of LED's are disposed along the length of the assembly. The light emitted may be made to flash or change color to indicate the voltage on the battery to which it is connected.

Abstract: An electrical plug (60) comprising a body (16) having an end (40) carrying a plurality of first ones of corresponding pairs of male (14) and female (17) electrical connection moieties. The plug includes a sleeve (20) axially extending from the body end outwardly from the moieties. The sleeve is defined by an outer periphery and an end (36) spaced apart from the body end. Integrally molded with the sleeve is a circumferential flange (22) extending radially from the outer periphery of the sleeve at the sleeve end.

Abstract: A retaining device for trailer wiring comprises a main body portion, at least one retaining element and a cohesive member. The retaining element is connected to the main body portion and is adapted for engagement with a portion of a trailer wiring assembly in a manner for holding the portion of the assembly relative to the main body portion of the retaining device. The cohesive member is connected to the main body portion of the retaining device and is adapted for removably cohering the retaining device to a support surface.

Abstract: An electrical tell tale system comprises a main control unit forming part of a trailer connector. The main control unit is a moulded module or cut printed circuit board, which fits into the connector. The main control unit has aligned pin connections to connect to and monitor all of the existing connections in the connector. The main control unit module includes screw type connections for the wiring from the vehicle harness and a tell tale monitor. The main control unit module is housed in the connector and by its connections changes the normal operation of the trailer connector to monitor all of its housed circuit connection in one complete unit.

Abstract: A retractable harness system for an electrical wire having a slidable harness wire pulley, an elastic cord pulley, and an elastic cord. The slidable harness wire pulley places a rearward tension on the harness wire while allowing the harness wire to be extended and retracted from the front portion of an elongate support member. A clamp is provided capable of clamping the harness wire in fixed relation to the elongate support member, and capable of being released to allow extension and retraction of the harness wire.

Abstract: A battery jump-start safety system and process comprising a plurality of color-coded and enumerated instructional labels and a summary label, each such label being adapted for attachment to conventional jumper cables, each such instructional label being designed to be positioned adjacent the portion of the jumper cable to be used during the process of jump-starting a dead battery. A protective bag designed for storing jumper cables and placement over a dead battery to be jump-started and comprising a pocket made of a flexible, durable material, such as leather, vinyl, or other suitable material, means for closing the pocket, and safety instructions printed on said pocket pertaining to the jump-starting of the dead battery and placement of the bag over the dead battery to be jump-started.

Abstract: A Y-shaped connector cable assembly for use with three standard RJ45 telephone plugs includes eight wires connected to one plug. The eight wires are divided into two groups of four wires and directed to each of the other two plugs and connected to the respective operative pins so as to allow two devices to receive and send signals over the single cable assembly.

Abstract: A wire harness for use on contoured, mounting surface includes individual wires bundled together. In an effort to protect these wires from mechanical wear, vibration, and water the wire harness is encased in foam. The foam is molded about the wire harness so that is surrounds the harness in the shape of the mounting surface. The foamed-in wire harness may have an elastic memory, so that it can be bent and resiliently recover to its molded shape.

Abstract: An emergency aircraft start apparatus and method utilizing a donor aircraft to provide pneumatic and/or electrical power to a disabled receiver aircraft which is unable to be started due to a failure in the receiver aircraft's starting system or to the unavailability of ground auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: A connection device for a trailer light system, having a socket simulating a vehicle lamp socket and a plug joined to said socket simulating the base of a lamp, with wires joined directly or indirectly to said simulated socket or simulated plug for energizing the trailer light circuit.

Abstract: In a tool for boosting (jump starting) a vehicle, it is know that there is a battery as a power source and booster cables to bring the energy to the engine. In this invention, the battery and the cables are incorporated into one unit which includes the battery, the cables and protective holsters (housing) to lodge the cables. The holsters are an integral part of the unit and swivel at 90.degree. (degrees) to permit easy access. In this way, everything can be carried in one hand. Also, because the unit can be easily placed close to the engine, the cables can be much shorter than regular booster cables. It is easier to use since there are only two connections to make instead of four. Finally, the holsters, which house the booster clips protect the user from short circuits.

Abstract: An improved adapter bulb is provided for inserting within a rectangular base tail light socket of a powered vehicle for providing external electrical connection to a trailer lighting system. The adapter bulb includes a base member adapted to be disposed within a rectangular base tail light socket. The base member terminates in a rectangular contact portion having four electrical leads disposed substantially at each corner thereof thereby forming two pairs of substantially diagonally opposed electrical leads. A bulb is secured within the base member, and includes two filaments. Each filament is connected to one pair of the two pairs of substantially diagonally opposed electrical leads, that is, in a criss-cross relationship. Four wire leads are respectively joined, at one end, to one of the electrical leads, and at the other end to a diode. Two connectors for communicating with the trailer lighting system are each respectively joined to two of the four diodes, thereby defining two pairs of wire leads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique connector adapted to connect the first ends of two different conductors to a standard solenoid cap of an automobile. The second ends of the two different conductors are adapted to be connected to the battery of an automobile. The connector assembly is comprised of a connector assembly having a housing member that is adapted to accept and retain the first ends of the first and second conductors and connect them to, respectively, an eyelet and a female spade terminal. The connector assembly serves to orient the first and second conductors and the eyelet and female spade terminal attached thereto in such a manner that securing the eyelet to a screw stud of the standard solenoid cap also serves to simultaneously engage the female spade terminal with a male spade terminal of the standard solenoid cap.

Abstract: A modifiable harness adaptor (10) interfaces a conventional four-way-flat harness connector with any conventional four-way-round harness connector having any orientation of male pin terminals (38a-38d). The modifiable harness adaptor (10) has a first adaptor connector (14) for connecting to a correlative four-way-flat harness connector. Interconnect wires (16a-16d) connect the four-way-flat adaptor connector (14) with a modifiable four-way-round adaptor connector (12). The modifiable four-way-round adaptor connector (12) has four sectorial terminal sections (26a-26d), each comprising a corresponding female pin terminal (28a-28d). The four sectorial terminal sections (26a-26d) are held together to form a cylindrical configuration via a ring-like retainer (42) which is slidably engaged about the longitudinal portion of the sectorial terminal sections (26a-26d).

Abstract: A safety interlock mechanism requires a trailer tow bar to be raised and placed into the mechanism before an electrical power supply cable can be removed from the mechanism and attached to an aircraft. Similarly, the electrical cable must be disconnected from the aircraft and placed into the interlock mechanism before the tow bar can be removed and placed onto a tractor for movement of the ground power unit. The safety interlock mechanism includes a hinged plate, which, in one position, prevents the removal of the electrical cable connector when the tow bar is not in place, and when in another position, prevents the removal of the tow bar when the electrical cable connector has been removed. Locking tabs engage the electrical connector whenever the tow bar has been removed. A locking pin engages a U-bolt attached to the tow bar whenever the electrical connector has been removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for jumping or charging a discharged automobile battery in order to start an automobile. Jumper cables are provided having indicator lamps to insure correct polarity connecting of cables. A switch, controlled manually or by timer establishes connection between the charged and discharged battery to charge the latter for a predetermined period of time. A circuit breaker to automatically disconnect the circuit in a situation where a dangerously high content would flow.

Abstract: A mounting block is arranged for securement within an automotive environment in electrical communication with a vehicular battery. A connector block is received within the mounting block to effect electrical communication between a plurality of connector cables relative to the battery wires associated to the battery. Registration structure such as a rib and the like is arranged for securement of the assemblage in a unitary configuration.

Abstract: A rewind trailer light connector which is characterized by a rewind housing attached to either the frame, bumper or trailer hitch of a towing vehicle or the trailer tongue of a trailer and fitted with wiring having either a plug or receptacle for receiving the mating plug or receptacle of the trailer or vehicle to illuminate lights on the trailer. In a preferred embodiment the rewind trailer light connector is characterized by a split housing fitted with a central opening and a coil spring, such that the plug or receptacle can be retracted against the housing when not in use and extended from the housing for connection to the corresponding plug or receptacle component during use.

Abstract: A battery jumper cable comprises a first electrically insulated flexible low-voltage conductor having two end portions each electrically connected to a pair of pole pliers and a second electrically insulated flexible low-voltage conductor having two end portions each electrically connected to an insulated pair of pole pliers. To prevent the occurrence of high peak voltages which may affect vehicle electronics during a jumper operation between a powering storage battery of the one vehicle and a discharged storage battery of another vehicle, there is provided at least one electrical connection between the first low-voltage conductor and the second low-voltage conductor. This electrical connection has at least one voltage-dependent resistor exhibiting a forward voltage in excess of the operating voltage of conventional starting batteries for automotive vehicles. The voltage-dependent resistor may be accommodated within a housing.

Abstract: A universal wiring connection cord is disclosed for interconnecting various types of wiring sockets that are interconnected with the electrical lighting system of a towing vehicle to various types of wiring plugs that may be interconnected with the electrical lighting system of a trailer. The universal wiring connection cord includes a central cable housing a number of stranded electrical wires bundled therein. The bundled electrical wires extend from a first end of the central cable and are provided with electrical connectors adapted to be engaged with the electrical terminals housed within the wiring socket mounted to the towing vehicle. The ends of the wires extending from the first end of the central cable are free to move with respect to one another in order to be positioned in the pinout pattern of the wiring socket.

Abstract: A junction box and battery jumper cable combination for use on vehicles with storage batteries. A cup shaped junction box has a flanged lip for mounting through body panel holes larger than the cup below the lip but smaller than the lip. Pull-in lugs on a screw actuated element are slidable along slots in the cup wall to approach the lip when the screw is actuated to secure the lip and, hence, the junction box to the body. The screw on each pull-in lug is accessible inside the junction box and access to the back side of the mounting area is not essential. Jumper cables adapted to work with the junction box has polarity selective cooperating terminals to assure correct polarity of circuitry. The jumper cables have a spring clamp equipped extension cables to mate with the end of the jumper cables to serve vehicles not equipped with the improved junction box. The junction box is adapted for wiring permanently to the host vehicle battery.

Abstract: A pair of jumper cables for connecting between weak and strong batteries for transmitting power to jump-start a vehicle wherein the cables include a protective feature to isolate an electric spark from the general area of the batteries to prevent explosion. The cables comprise a first, continuous conductor cable adapted with clamps for attachment to the negative terminals or ground voltage of the respective batteries. A second, two-segment insulated conductor cable is provided having two medial and two distal ends, wherein each of the distal ends includes a conductive clamp for attachment to the positive terminals of the battery. The remaining medial ends of the positive cable are adapted for mutual, releasible attachment by an alligator clamp fixed at one of the medial ends. The remaining medial end is configured in size and shape to permit its firm grip within the opposing medial clamp.