Two Or More Plural-contact Coupling Parts Combined In One Integral Unit Patents (Class 439/638)
  • Patent number: 7438602
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a robust USB connection configured to occupy the space heretofore utilized by a motor vehicle cigarette lighter. The USB connection is designed to adapt the pin for pin connection between a standard USB pin configuration and a common electrical harness connection used on off road heavy equipment. The USB female portion of the adaptor is designed to be readily replaced with minimal disassembly and cost in anticipation of high wear rates on the USB pins in the severe heavy equipment environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James L Montgomery, Jeffery R Kreiling
  • Patent number: 7435141
    Abstract: Connector apparatus, and an associated method, by which to apply electrical power to a set of consumer electronic devices, such as a laptop computer and a mobile phone, or other portable device. The connector includes an input port to which a source of input power is applied, such as the electrical power provided by way of a power cable of the laptop computer, once suitably connected to a source of permanent electric power. The connector apparatus includes a set of output ports, a first port of which is connectable to the laptop computer and a second port of which is connectable to the other portable electronic device. A user of the consumer electronic devices is able thereby to power both of the devices with connection of only a single power cable to a permanent power supply source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Radioshack Corporation
    Inventors: Lian Sze Philip Tan, Man Lung Lam, Man Tai Vincent Lam
  • Publication number: 20080242154
    Abstract: A powered, mobile electronics mount system has a male plug, a support arm, a connector housing, and an interconnecting wire. The male plug includes an electrical connector, wherein the plug is adapted to be inserted into an automobile electrical socket. The support arm is connected on one end to the male plug and on its opposite end to the connector housing, the connector housing having a transformer and a universal electrical connector socket, and the connector housing further including a mount for an electronics product. The interconnecting wire is in electrical connection with the automobile electrical socket through the plug and the universal electrical connector in the connector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Steven C. Dixon, Harald Richter
  • Publication number: 20080242155
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing receiving a plurality of terminals therein, an upper cover mounted on the insulative housing, a flexible bus, and a casing shielding the upper cover and fixed to the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a mating portion for mating with a mating connector. The flexible bus has a plurality of contacts on an end thereof. The upper cover presses against the flexible bus in assembly, forcing the contacts to contact the terminals. The casing biases against the upper cover, forcing the contacts of the flexible bus to contact the terminals reliably. The flexible bus of the electrical connector does not contact a mating connector directly, thereby lengthening the life of the flexible bus even after repeated plugging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Shih-Chieh Liang, Wang-Kun Tsai
  • Patent number: 7427216
    Abstract: A vehicle charger includes an insulating housing defining a connecting hole in a rear end thereof and receiving holes thereon. The connecting hole and the receiving holes communicate with the outside. A printed circuit board is fixedly received in the insulating housing. A positive assembly mounted in the insulating housing and electrically connecting with the printed circuit board has a pin passing through the connecting hole and stretching out of the insulating housing. A negative assembly assembled in the insulating housing and electrically connecting with the printed circuit board includes pressing buttons fabricated in the receiving holes respectively. The pressing button protrudes out of the receiving hole partially. A USB interface assembly and an earphone interface assembly are configured in the insulating housing and electrically connect with the printed circuit board respectively. The earphone interface assembly has an inclined end for mating with a chargeable plug of an earphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Shui Wu, Er-Mu Fan
  • Patent number: 7427032
    Abstract: An adapter for a memory card is disclosed which performs a change of size so that a memory card smaller in planar size but almost equal in thickness as compared with a multi-media card can be used as a multi-media card. A protuberant portion is formed behind plural external terminals formed on a back side of the adapter, whereby, while the thickness of a front side of the adapter is maintained at a standardized thickness of the multi-media card, a rear side of the adapter is made thicker than the front side and internal terminals for contact with external terminals of the memory card are disposed in the interior of the thick portion of the adapter. The versatility of an extremely small-sized memory card can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Junichiro Osako, Hirotaka Nishizawa, Kenji Osawa, Hideo Koike
  • Publication number: 20080227332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (100) with a housing (110) and with at least two electrical contact elements (112), which each have a longitudinal axis and which are arranged so that they are aligned on a plugging side of the housing (110) at predetermined positions and with a respective longitudinal axis parallel to a plugging direction (122) of the plug connector (100). Each electrical contact element (112) is placed inside the housing (100) in a manner that enables it to move in a plane perpendicular to the plugging direction (122), and is connected in an elastically resilient manner to at least one second electrical contact element (112) via at least one electrically non-conductive elastic spring element (114).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Willem Blakborn, Jens-Peter Freundt
  • Publication number: 20080214055
    Abstract: A ruggedized, two-piece electrical connector. One piece, which may be configured for mounting to a daughtercard, is assembled from wafers. Each wafer includes a shield member and signal contacts held by an insulative member. Within the insulative member, the signal and ground contacts run in spaced, parallel planes. Both signal and ground contacts terminate in pads along a mating segment of the connector. The second piece of the connector, which may be configured for mounting to a backplane, has a housing with slots to receive the mating segments of the wafers. Within the slots, the backplane connectors have contacts that provide at least four points of contact with each pad. The contact points are at least two different heights on each side of the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: JOSEPH M. GULLA
  • Patent number: 7416440
    Abstract: An electrical adapter for temporarily tapping into an electrical circuit external to the adapter having a first fuse holder member capable of receiving a first fuse holder member of the electrical circuit external to the adapter and a second fuse holder member capable of receiving a second fuse holder member of the electrical circuit external to the adapter. The fuse holder members or other temporary electrical quick disconnect connectors may be connected by cables to a power outlet or may be connected by cables to bare wires that may provide power to another circuit when clamped to the bare wires. When connected to an electrical circuit external to the adapter, the electrical adapter provides a source of electrical power while the electrical circuit external to the adapter is maintained and independently operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: William Alan Homyk, John Mazzani
  • Patent number: 7417338
    Abstract: A switching arrangement is connected between a PC and a communications line. The switching arrangement is controlled by a power supply voltage in the PC that can be accessed externally. When the PC switched off, this supply voltage disappears and the device in the communications line goes into a blocked state. This makes it possible to completely disconnect the PC from the communications line without conducting any operations in the PC, even if the communications card or the modem wants to maintain a constant connection with the outside world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Unal Bader
  • Patent number: 7416413
    Abstract: A composite simple plug includes an insulating case, a plurality of terminals, a plug for an Internet line or a telephone line, and a fastener. The insulating case has a trough. The terminals are located in the insulating case and are exposed to the trough. The connector is located at the front end of the insulating case and electrically connected with the terminals. The fastener is located near the front end of the insulating case. The insulating case is suitable for a variety of plugs. The composite simple plug can be connected with a plug for an Internet line, or is connected with a linking element. The converting method is simple. The fastener firmly fastens the plug for an Internet line or the linking element so that the plug for an Internet line will not come away from the composite simple plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin Liao
  • Publication number: 20080188135
    Abstract: A stacked electrical connector assembly comprises a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector stacked with the first electrical connector. The first electrical connector comprises a first metal shell, a first insulative housing shielded in the first metal shell and a plurality of first terminals received in the first insulative housing. The second electrical connector comprises a second metal shell, a second insulative housing shielded in the second metal shell and a plurality of second terminals received in the second insulative housing. The first metal shell defines at least a retaining portion, the second metal shell and second insulative housing respectively defines at least a retaining hole and at least a locking hole corresponding to the retaining hole, said retaining portion locks with the retaining hole and the locking hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Wei Yuan
  • Publication number: 20080182459
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A segment of the first leg may be deformed in one direction, while a segment of the second leg may deformed in the opposite direction. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Patent number: 7404740
    Abstract: A female connector that is easy to be engaged with a male connector includes a connector insulator and a plurality of terminal modules inserted into the connector insulator. The terminal module includes grounding pins and fork-shaped signal pins. The signal pin has twisted pin arms and a raised arm portion. The connector insulator includes grounding terminal openings and signal terminal openings. The signal terminal opening includes a raised opening bottom, which has a slope portion and a raised portion. The twisted pin arms provide smooth surfaces to allow a signal terminal of a male connector being smoothly inserted between the pin arms. The raised arm portion, the slope portion and the raised portion allow the two pin arms keeping a distance away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Chief Land Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7404741
    Abstract: A memory card adaptor which enables a small memory card to be used in a card connector for a large memory card that is larger than the small memory card. In the surface of a metal cover which cooperates with a resin base to constitute an adaptor body having a shape corresponding to an outer shape of a large memory card, steps are disposed by partly reducing the material thickness of the cover. Insulating layers the thickness of which are equal to less than the steps are formed on the surface of the thinned cover to dispose insulation areas on the side of one face of the adaptor, whereby the insulation areas are arbitrarily set on the side of the one face of the adaptor without increasing the thickness of the adaptor, and while maintaining the rigidity of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Tanaka, Yasuo Nakai
  • Patent number: 7404742
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe an electrical audio connector assembly used in a variety of applications, such as for connecting audio components for transferring audio signals. For example, microphones may be connected to other electrical components by XLR connectors or a phone line. An electrical audio connector assembly includes an XLR connector or three pins and an RJ connector mounted on opposite ends of a body structure. Three metal binding posts project from the body structure, and are conductively coupled to both the XLR connector and the RJ connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight Hyland, David Gibson, Jim Curtin, Yohay Hahamy
  • Publication number: 20080176452
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A segment of the first leg may be deformed in one direction, while a segment of the second leg may deformed in the opposite direction. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Douglas W. Glover, David W. Helster, Chad W. Morgan, Brent Rothermel, Alex M. Sharf, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Publication number: 20080176460
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A segment of the first leg may be deformed in one direction, while a segment of the second leg may deformed in the opposite direction. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Publication number: 20080166920
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a memory card including a first connector that conforms to a first connection standard and a second connector that conforms to a second connection standard. The connectors are provided on a movable member disposed within a housing of the memory card. The movable member may be moved between a first position, in which the first connector is exposed, and a second position, in which the second connector is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Johnson, Daniel C. Egan
  • Publication number: 20080166921
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1) comprises a metal housing (10) configured by first, second, third and fourth sidewalls (100, 101, 102, 103) defining a receiving space (104) therebetween, first and second insulating housings (20) securely attached to the first and third sidewalls of the metal housing respectively, a plurality of contacts (30) securely attached to the insulating housing, first and second metal shield (40) assembled to the first and second insulating housing, and a fastening means (50) extending from the metal shield, through the insulating housing and anchored to the first and third sidewalls of the metal housing, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Wen-Qiang Ma
  • Patent number: 7393248
    Abstract: A power control system and related methods are disclosed herein to allow convenient distribution of a variety of different power sources to various electrical systems under test. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a modular power control system includes a multipin power input connector adapted to receive a plurality of supplied power types associated with corresponding pins of the power input connector. A plurality of multipin power output connectors are provided. The supplied power types are associated with corresponding pins of the power output connectors. A plurality of power distribution modules associated with the power output connectors are provided. Each module is adapted to selectively route a selected one of the supplied power types received by a pin of the input connector to a corresponding pin of its associated power output connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Mark Best, John A. Hansen, David R. Jones, Artoush Safarli, Jimmie L. Thomas, Neill P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7394652
    Abstract: Card adapter modules and methods for connecting peripheral cards to computing systems are disclosed. The card adapter modules each include a card connector, a peripheral connector, and a housing that supports the card connector and peripheral connector. A peripheral card is connected to a computing system having a chassis with an input/output slot by inserting the peripheral card along a first insertion axis (y-axis) into a card connector of a card adapter module and inserting the card adapter module along a second insertion axis (x-axis) extending through the input/output slot to a platform connector of a computing platform within the computing system. The card connector is electrically connected to the peripheral connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Jochym, Sean M. McClain, Mark W. Wessel, Kenneth J. Neeld, Keith D. Mease
  • Patent number: 7393249
    Abstract: An interconnection module provides a normal-through connection for an electrical signal. The interconnection module includes a housing defining an input and an output, a conductor disposed within the housing provides a signal path between the input and the output, and a removable monitor module mated to the housing. The monitor module includes a monitor port and an active circuit for sensing the electrical signal and for providing to the monitor port a monitor signal indicative of the electrical signal. The active circuit is disposed electrically in parallel to the signal path and exhibits an impedance to the signal path that is sufficiently high so that the electrical signal being monitored is not disturbed by the active circuit. The monitor circuit is hot-swappable so that removal or installation of the monitor module from the housing during transmission of the electrical signal through the signal path will not disturb the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Trompeter Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin N. Wagner, Daniel Eugene DelVecchio, William E. Spink, Jr., John Axel Bohlin, Federico Calderon
  • Patent number: 7393247
    Abstract: A Serial Advanced Technology Attachment-based (SATA-based) flash memory device configured for coupling with a host machine. The device includes semiconductor memory configured for storing data and a plug having therein a plug cavity, the plug cavity having a generally L shape cavity for housing a set of SATA industry-standard signal pins in respective industry-standard positions with respect to the plug cavity. The plug additionally has a set of power pins that includes at least a first power pin. The SATA-based flash memory device employs a SATA protocol for exchanging the data with the host machine using the set of SATA industry-standard signal pins, the SATA-based flash memory device obtaining power via the set of power pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: I-Kang Yu, Jim Ni, Charles C. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080153358
    Abstract: A card adapter comprises a main body (50) having an insertion slot (51) into which a memory card (M) is inserted; a first contact member (10) having first contact points (11) for contacting a first array of electrodes (M1) and first connecting portions (12) to be connected to a connector with base portions (13) located between the first contact points (11) and the first connecting portions (12); a second contact member (20) having second contact points (21) for contacting a second array of electrodes (M2) and second connecting portions (22) to be connected to a connector with base portions (23) located between the second contact points (21) and the second connecting portions (22); the first contact member (10) and the second contact member (20) being arranged within the main body (50) in such a way that the first contact points (11) and the second contact points (21) are located at different positions in a direction to which the memory card (M) is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Tanaka, Yasuo Nakai
  • Patent number: 7390224
    Abstract: A system for providing electric power and a method of controlling the same. The system includes a local power source, a non-neutral-bonded connector electrically connected to the local power source, a neutral-bonded connector, and a conductor. The system also includes a first connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the neutral-bonded connector in a first configuration of the system, and a second connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the conductor in a second configuration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley C. Sodemann, Kenny J. Stair, Philip Gull
  • Publication number: 20080146080
    Abstract: A card-edge connector for fixing and electrically connecting at least a first electrical card and a second electrical card to a circuit board includes a first insulating housing having a first card receiving slot and a second insulating housing having a second card receiving slot. The second insulating housing is mounted opposite from the first insulating housing such that the second card receiving slot faces the first card receiving slot. A first holding member is disposed on the second insulating housing for retaining the first electrical card in the first card receiving slot. A second holding member is disposed on the first insulating housing for retaining the second electrical card in the second card receiving slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent Peng, Wayde Chen, Eason Liu
  • Patent number: 7381096
    Abstract: A media power protection system comprises a media controller configured to detect a type of media card coupled to a multi-card connector, and a protection circuit configured to selectively enable at least one of a plurality of power supply interfaces of the multi-card connector based on the type of media card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ann N. Alejandro, Brian D. Ryder, Jeffrey Kevin Jeansonne
  • Patent number: 7381095
    Abstract: A multi-standard connection hub includes a housing (110) having a first surface (111), a second surface (112) spaced apart from the first surface, and a sidewall (113) extending between the first surface and the second surface. The multi-standard connection hub further includes a first connection port (120) at the first surface and a second connection (210) port at the sidewall. The first connection port operates according to a first standard and the second connection port operates according to a second standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Freeman, Edgar Carrasco
  • Patent number: 7377805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an universal power supply apparatus wherein the power suitable for various kinds of portable electronic devices having different shapes and voltages of power input terminals is selectively supplied, and a power supply apparatus wherein a supplied voltage can be changed with only selection of a tip suitable for a portable electronic device. The power supply apparatus of the present invention includes a main unit having an electronic circuit for converting a received voltage, a cable, and a tip having a select pin. According to the present invention, as a desired power supply voltage is automatically adjusted by selecting a proper tip according to a subject electronic device, a manufacture cost is reduced. Further, as the power supply apparatus of the present invention can be used for various kinds of portable electronic devices by exchanging a tip, its operation is very easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jun Kim, Dae-Young Youn
  • Patent number: 7367846
    Abstract: The power adaptor contains a body assembly having an indentation for receiving and charging a re-chargeable battery pack. The body assembly also provides a standard USB socket into which a device can be plugged and charged. The charging to the battery pack and through the USB interface can be conducted at the same time. The power adaptor also contains one or more plug members, each having prongs of a specific style or specification. A plug member is detachably joined to the body assembly and, by installing an appropriate plug member, the power adaptor can be plugged into a wall socket of a specific style so as to draw electricity for the charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hsien-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 7367848
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shielded water-proof joint connecting a first mating-based plug to an inner conduction wire having a second mating-based plug and a third mating based plug and transmitting/receiving a signal, comprising a first mating-based jack for receiving the first mating-based plug therein, a water-proof device wrapping the first mating-based jack, a second mating-based jack connected to the first mating-based jack and used for receiving the second mating-based plug therein, a printed circuit board (PCB) connected electrically to the first and second mating-based plugs, and a shielding device wrapping the PCB and second mating-based plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Dan-Chief Enterprise Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Peng John
  • Patent number: 7364468
    Abstract: A dual-interface converter of a miniature memory card has a cartridge compatible with a standard memory card, a memory card interface together with a product interface formed on the cartridge, and a slot defined in the cartridge so that the miniature card is inserted to the cartridge through the slot. In one aspect of using the converter, a card reader is able to read or write data in the miniature memory card through the memory card interface. In another aspect, an electronic device is able to access data of the miniature memory card by connecting the product interface to a corresponding communication port of the electronic device. Further, the converter can serve as a portable storage media by incorporating a memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Stone Technology International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Hui Liu, Li-Ho Yao, Chien-Hung Chen, Chih-Yih Yao
  • Patent number: 7361058
    Abstract: A universal adapter enables amusement object connectors to be reliably and securely coupled with power cord receptacles of varying sizes. The adapter includes a body providing first and second end sections and conductive contact structure extending between the end sections, as well as one or more cantilevered locking arms. The first end section may be adapted for receiving a base plug of an object providing amusement effects, or may be formed as the base plug itself. The second end section is adapted to be received within the receptacle of a power cord, such that electrical contacts of the base plug and the receptacle may be electrically connected with one another through the conductive contact structure of the adapter. Each locking arm releasably engages with an outer surface of the power cord receptacle to provide a more secure connection between the adapter and the power cord receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy J. Lien, Ronald L. Carlson, Phu Dang
  • Patent number: 7357643
    Abstract: A card connector assembly is adapted for use with a plurality of different wireless module cards, and a SIM card, and includes a first card connector mounted on a side of a circuit board and adapted to be connected electrically to a motherboard of a portable computer. A second card connector is mounted on the circuit board, is connected electrically to the first card connector, and is adapted for connecting electrically with one of the wireless module cards such that the motherboard of the portable computer is able to access the wireless module card via the first and second card connectors. A SIM card connector is mounted on the circuit board, is connected electrically to the second card connector, and is adapted for connecting electrically with the SIM card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chi Chen, Chung-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 7354280
    Abstract: A vehicle having a power and information system including a vehicle structural member, an insulated power conductor, a communication link and a modular distribution system. The modular distribution system is attached to the vehicle structural member. The modular distribution system is coupled with the power conductor and with the communication link. The modular distribution system includes a backbone module having an electrical power connection and at least one plug pack. Each plug pack includes a first connector, a second connector and a controller pack. The first connector is connectable to the backbone module. The second connector has a plurality of terminals. The controller pack selectively electrically connects at least one of the plurality of terminals to the electrical power connection dependent upon information received by way of the communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7354315
    Abstract: A connector system for coupling to an audio jack of an audio player. The system includes an audio plug having a first portion configured to fit into the audio jack, the plug including at least one conductor forming a conducting path with the jack; and, a second portion configured to remain on the outside of the jack of the audio player after the first portion is inserted into the jack, the second portion having at least one contact coupled to the at least one conductor. The jack also includes a protruding edge surrounding the at least one contact. The system further includes a coupler to the plug having a first end having at least one coupling contact disposed thereon to contact the at least one contact on the plug, and a cap surrounding the at least one coupling contact, the cap configured to releasably engage the protruding edge on the plug; and, a receptacle at a second end of the coupler for receiving a standard plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Replug, LLC
    Inventors: David Robert Goetz, William Tan
  • Patent number: 7355860
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari
  • Patent number: 7354313
    Abstract: A photoelectric combined connector includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first housing and a first electrical terminal disposed in the first housing. The second connector includes a second housing, a board disposed in the second housing and having a photoelectric conversion unit, and a second electrical terminal disposed in the second housing. The second electrical terminal includes a fitted-in portion into which a part of the board is fitted when the board is attached to the second housing. When the first connector is connected to the second connector, the first electrical terminal of the first connector electrically contacts with the second electrical terminal of the second connector. Through the contact, the first electrical terminal of the first connector electrically contacts with the photoelectric conversion unit of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kumazawa, Takeshi Yamazaki, Takumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7354278
    Abstract: A BIOS recovery apparatus for recovering a primary BIOS chip of a motherboard in a computer system comprises a switch controller unit (100), a connecting socket (106), and a plurality of insulated flexible cords (101, 102, 103). The connecting socket comprises a top socket (50), a bottom socket (51) and a printed circuit board (52). The top socket and the bottom socket are attached on opposite sides of the printed circuit board. The insulated flexible cords connect the switch controller unit and the connecting socket together. A secondary BIOS chip is received in the top socket and a primary BIOS chip is received in the bottom socket. The switch controller unit can be a button switch or a parallel port controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Jun Pan
  • Publication number: 20080081515
    Abstract: A KVM switch with an expansion module slot is disclosed. The KVM switch comprises a housing, a printed circuit board and an expansion module slot. The housing includes a receiving space, a panel disposed at a side thereof and a removable back panel disposed at another side thereof. The printed circuit is disposed in the receiving space, and comprises a controller, a switching circuit, a plurality of connectors and a plurality of wires. The expansion module slot is disposed corresponding to the back panel and is used for receiving an expansion module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: JUNE-ON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-June Wu
  • Publication number: 20080081516
    Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a power distribution center having an enclosure with an access door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The system also includes a monitoring system configured to monitor operational parameters inside the enclosure. Also, the system includes an entry control system coupled to the monitoring system, wherein the entry control system is configured to lock the access door if the operation parameters are indicative of a potentially hazardous condition inside the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: David D. Brandt, David L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7351110
    Abstract: A KVM switch with an expansion module slot is disclosed. The KVM switch comprises a housing, a printed circuit board and an expansion module slot. The housing includes a receiving space, a panel disposed at a side thereof and a removable back panel disposed at another side thereof. The printed circuit is disposed in the receiving space, and comprises a controller, a switching circuit, a plurality of connectors and a plurality of wires. The expansion module slot is disposed corresponding to the back panel and is used for receiving an expansion module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: June-On Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-June Wu
  • Patent number: 7352601
    Abstract: A memory device for interconnection with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Series A type receptacle of an electronic device includes a housing wherein the housing is largely rectangular, with the width and height of a USB Series A plug standard housing; a connector within the housing, electrical terminals in the housing; the housing and terminals of a form to connect with a USB Series A receptacle of an electronic device; and a data memory and a controller within the housing. The memory device may be used in combination with a portable computing device or peripheral or with a cell phone, gps or other electrical or electronic device that includes a receptacle to house the memory device of the type disclosed herein, wherein the memory device is largely within the electrical or electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Paul Minneman, Michael Crawford
  • Patent number: 7351111
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-accessory adaptor for a vehicle, comprising a power plug portion, which is a cylindrical inserting rod disposed with a positive inserting pole protruding from its front end cover and two negative spring plates on its opposing sides and penetrating therethrough, and a connection cord is connected to the positive and negative poles, respectively, and protrudes out from the rear of the inserting rod; and a socket portion, which is a hollow housing with its front and rear inserting slots for the insertion and retainment of the positive and negative plates, respectively, the positive and negative plates coupled with their corresponding connection cords, and the negative plate on the rear shaped to form at least two plate holes for the insertion of their corresponding cylindrical sockets which are then secured at the rear opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tang Yang Dies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsu-Cheng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080076302
    Abstract: A transfer card structure includes a lower cover and an upper cover combined with the lower cover thereon. A terminal module is disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover. The terminal module has an insulation plate, a plurality of terminals, and an individual contact. The terminals and the individual contact are embedded in the insulation plate. The terminals include a plurality of touch portions and pin portions respectively on a front edge and on a rear edge of the insulation plate. A short portion is further arranged between the touch portions and the pin portions. The short portion includes a first bridge portion bent from a respective one of the terminals, and a second bridge portion bent from the individual contact. Therefore, a short circuit is caused via the terminals and the individual contact that connect with each other in order to lower production costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: JESS-LINK PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HSUEH-JUNG CHI
  • Patent number: 7338327
    Abstract: A coupling with two sleeves facing in opposite directions for the plugs of two shielded data cables that are to be connected to each other is in particular configured as an RJ 45 coupling. A printed circuit board (10) carries a contact assembly for each of the sleeves and connects the corresponding contacts (12) with each other. Two partial shells (14) made of an electrically insulating material envelop and hold the printed circuit board (10). An electrically conductive housing (40) is essentially U-shaped, with its longitudinal axis extending in the plug-in direction of the sleeves. The partial shells (14), together with the printed circuit board (10) they envelop, are insertable in the housing (40) as modules and can be attached firmly in the housing (40). An electrically conductive sheet metal cover (60) covers the modules on the open side of the housing (40) and engages with molded contacting prongs (62) in the sleeves for the purpose of contacting the shields of the plugs inserted into the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: MC Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Sticker, Stefanie Berger, Gerd Philipp, Andreas Schumann
  • Patent number: 7338325
    Abstract: An electrical adapter (100) includes an insulative casing defining a receiving space therein. The receiving space has a first opening (30) opened to an exterior in a lengthwise direction and a second opening (451) opened to an exterior in a lateral direction wherein the lengthwise and lateral directions are perpendicular to each other. A first connector unit (1) occupies the first opening along the lengthwise direction and a second connector unit (2) occupies the second opening along the lateral direction and electrically connected with the first connector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hao Mai Yin, Wei Ya Cheng
  • Patent number: 7338326
    Abstract: An electronic card connector includes a dielectric housing, a fixing device, a plurality of first electric terminals and second electric terminals. A first electronic card slot and a second electronic card slot are formed in the dielectric housing. A fixed concave is formed in the second base. A bracket is arranged in the base of the fixed concave. The fixed concave set through rightward into the first electronic card slot. The first electric terminals and the second electric terminals are located in the dielectric housing. The fixing device has sustaining portion, locating portion and the connecting portion which is connected the sustaining portion and the locating portion. The fixing device is located on the bracket. While a first electronic card is inserted into the first electronic card slot, the sustained piece will cover the first electronic card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Hung Su
  • Publication number: 20080050947
    Abstract: A double-ended press-fit connector that enables the efficiency with which the connector is mounted on a printed circuit board to be improved. The connector has an insulated housing in which are arranged multiple fixing holes for inserting contacts and multiple press-fit contacts that are inserted in the fixing holes. The press-fit contacts have at least bulge portions formed to a width of maximum extent at a center in the long direction of the contacts and press fit portions formed in the shape of an arc in a width direction at both end sides thereof. Shoulder portions that form steps are provided at top and bottom ends of the bulge portions, and the fixing holes in the insulated housing are formed to a shape that accommodates engagement of the press-fit contacts and stops the contacts from slipping out of the insulated housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Chiharu Nunokawa, Satoshi Iijima