Two Or More Plural-contact Coupling Parts Combined In One Integral Unit Patents (Class 439/638)
  • Patent number: 7050306
    Abstract: A plug-in module adds functionality to a portable electronic device. The module includes a housing that is accepted by a housing port of the portable electronic device. The module includes at least one latch to secure the module to the electronic device. Each latch includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The housing includes at least one receptacle corresponding to each latch. The receptacles are sized and positioned to accept a member of the latch and direct the latch to a groove located on the portable electronic device. Optionally, the latch includes a slip-resistant surface sized to accept a human finger or thumb. The module also preferably includes a hardware interface connector sized and positioned within the housing to engage a 120-pin hardware interface port on the portable electronic device when the module housing is positioned on the housing port of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Durval S. Ribeiro, Kurt Raichle
  • Patent number: 7044801
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a digital video recorder comprising a plurality of male slots, an image compression substrate including a plurality of channels, and a male-female connector connected to a lower surface of the image compression substrate and inserted into one of the plurality of male slots. A male connector may be arranged on a side surface of the male-female connector and may connect to a substrate female connector formed on the lower surface of the image compression substrate. A female connector may be arranged on another side surface of the male-female connector and may be inserted into the one of the plurality of male slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Rifatron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Jae Park
  • Patent number: 7044793
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector assembly which allows the easy replacement of easily damaged female contacts, and which can be used in data transfer systems such as communications devices that transmit data signals at a high speed. The connector assembly comprises a first connector having a plurality of first boards which have conductors formed on the surfaces thereof, a second connector having a plurality of second boards which have conductors formed on the surfaces thereof, and a relay connector which is attached to the first connector or second connector. A plurality of female contacts having first female contact portions that contact the conductors of the first boards and second female contact portions that contact the conductors of the second boards are press-fitted in the relay connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP K.K.
    Inventor: Eiichiro Takemasa
  • Patent number: 7044802
    Abstract: A flash-memory-drive card has a Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) connector. The card has a printed-circuit board (PCB) that fits into a perimeter frame that surrounds the edges of the PCB. Metal or plastic upper and lower covers are snapped onto the frame to encapsulate the PCB. The USB connector can be a Full USB connector plug that extends from the perimeter frame and has a centerline approximately matching the PCB centerline for a balanced design, or can be a slim or reduced-height USB connector plug that has a frame closure bar that fits inside closure fittings on the perimeter frame. The USB connector can also be made from a frame extension that has four frame slots through the frame. The PCB has four PCB fingers that are inserted through the frame slots during assembly so that the PCB fingers fit within depressions in the frame extension to form the USB connector plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ren-Kang Chiou, Jim Chin-Nan Ni
  • Patent number: 7040921
    Abstract: This invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box. The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors for connection to electric power lines of an electric power line system and a meter bypass system. Each power line connector comprises a jaw, a jaw support and first and second sockets. The jaw support comprises a base, a jaw mount having spaced apart flanges and a contact arm. The base, jaw mount and contact arm are formed as a one-piece metal structure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current. The first socket is formed between the jaw and jaw mount for receiving an electrical connector of the electric meter. The second socket is formed between the jaw and contact arm for receiving a slide connector of a bypass system. The slide connector is slidable between a meter operating position and a meter bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Dallas W. Kellerman
  • Patent number: 7031150
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device (10) to a chassis (20), includes a drive bracket (30), a support bracket (40) received in the drive bracket and a latch (50) attached to a side wall (34) of the drive bracket. A plurality of slots (341, 342) is defined in both side walls of the drive bracket. Each slot communicates with an upper edge of the side wall via an entry. The support bracket includes a base (42) and a pair of side plates (44) for receiving the data storage device therebetween. A plurality of pins (442) extends outwardly from the side plates for slideably engaging in the slots of the drive bracket. The latch has a main body (51) and a resilient fastening portion (53). The fastening portion removably engages with the corresponding pin therefore securing the data storage device in the drive bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Lung Chen, Chuan Min Shi
  • Patent number: 7025636
    Abstract: An electrical adapter (16) for receiving a male plug (10) having male plug electrical contacts (30) and having a broken latching tab (12), the male plug (10) being constructed to be received in a receiving unit (18) in a plugging fashion. The adapter (16) also comprises a female end (20) for electrically receiving the male plug (10) and a male end (22) for electrically connecting the adapter (16) to the receiving unit (18) in a plugging fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: George Allen
  • Patent number: 7025637
    Abstract: The present invention primarily comprises a terminal assembly frame and its associated terminal installed at an adequate position inside a casing. The casing consists of an upper and a lower casing, and a plurality of terminal holes are located at the central part of the terminal assembly frame, such that the terminal can directly pass through and be fixed into the terminal holes. Then the terminal assembly frame can be latched and fixed at an adequate position between the upper and lower casing. Accordingly, the conventional necessary engineering of welding a circuit board can be avoided, with the easiness of assembly and maintenance, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost, and improving signal transmission due to direct connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Yun-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 7021962
    Abstract: An electric connection box includes: a box body; a provisionally-attaching portion for provisionally attaching a first connector connected to a wire harness to the box body, provided to the box body; and a circuit unit including a second connector adapted to be mounted on the box body. When the circuit unit is mounted to the box body, the first connector is detached from the provisionally-attaching portion and is connected to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Kiyota
  • Patent number: 7020357
    Abstract: A coupling device for an electronic device having a first connector, and a carrier is disclosed which comprises a second connector having a plurality of connector pins and a coupling unit for coupling the first and the second connector, wherein the first connector has a number of connector pins which are less than the number of pins of the second connector and the excess pins of the second connector are used to provide additional functionality for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Amer Hadba, Jason M. Lau, John S. Loffink
  • Patent number: 7017598
    Abstract: A powered patio pole umbrella is provided. The powered patio pole umbrella receives power from an external outlet and provides power to a plurality of power hubs including electrical outlets positioned vertically within the central pole of the umbrella. Consumers may plug electrical devices into the electrical outlets in the power hubs. The power hubs are sealed for moisture and a ground fault circuit interrupter is provided for additional safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Vendor Development Group
    Inventor: Mike Nipke
  • Patent number: 7014484
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus having functions to be expanded by first and second function expanding media includes a connector that is connectable electrically to an adapter, the adapter having a first insertion opening into which the first function expanding medium is detachably inserted, and a second insertion opening into which the second function expanding medium is detachably inserted, and a housing that has first and second surfaces, and accommodates the adapter, the first surface having a third insertion opening that exposes the first insertion opening, and the second surface being arranged substantially orthogonal to the first surface and having a fourth insertion opening that exposes the second insertion opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kunihiko Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7014509
    Abstract: An electrical unit, such as a fire or gas detector, carries a three conductor plug for receipt of energy, AC hot, and neutral, as well as for coupling to a bidirectional signaling line. A multiple conductor adapter makes it possible to couple the plug to a plurality of incompatible, previously installed sockets. The adapter can be fully contained in a single housing. Alternately, it can include a housing for some of the conductors with the remainder carried on a cable which extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Devine, Michael A. Swieboda, Andrew J. Ivanecky
  • Patent number: 7012403
    Abstract: A charger with a replaceable signal for a car includes a casing and a circuit board. The casing is provided with a current taking plug at a lateral side thereof. The circuit board is disposed in the casing and electrically connected to the current taking plug for rectifying and transformed an input power. It is characterized in that the casing at a proper position thereof is provided with a signal socket to electrically connect with the circuit board and a stopper being located therein; a signal line at an end thereof has a signal plug being detachably inserted into the signal socket and the stopper has an engaging piece for engaging with the signal plug and allowing the signal line fixedly joined to the casing laterally and the signal line at a another end thereof has a connector. Once the connector of the signal line is connected to an output/input port of a personal electric product and the current taking plug is inserted to a lighter device in a car, a recharging circuit can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Han Shi Hwang
  • Patent number: 7011550
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compound electrical connector comprising a plug connector, an audio jack, a power jack and a radio frequency jack, together with a printed circuit board assembled in an insulation cover. The insulation cover has three cavities formed on one side thereof for receiving the three jacks respectively. Each of the audio jack, the power jack and the radio frequency jack has a contacting portion received respectively in one of the corresponding cavities of the insulation cover for contacting with complementary connectors and a soldering portion being soldered to a printed circuit board. The plug connector comprises a contacting portion protruded out from another side of the insulation cover for contacting with a complementary socket connector, and a soldering portion being soldered to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Chun Lai, Jizu Luo
  • Patent number: 7006005
    Abstract: An adapter pod for use in a medical perfusion system having a data communications network with a plurality of connection points each having a substantially identical network connector. The adapter pod includes a housing and a common connector associated with the housing which is adapted to be connected to one of the network connectors and which has a connector configuration. A device connector is also associated with the housing, is adapted to be connected to a perfusion device, and has a configuration different than the connector configuration of the common connector. A controller is disposed within the housing and is adapted to generate messages in the form of digital data packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
    Inventors: Richard A. Nazarian, Dirk R. Smith, James R. Watts, Timothy J. Kriewall, Richard A. Griewski
  • Patent number: 7001219
    Abstract: The invention refers to a new type of device for an electronic monitoring system, especially for a video monitoring system, with a casing and with at least one connection field containing a plurality of single connections on one casing side. The connection field is provided on a removable segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Dallmeier Electronic GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Dieter Dallmeier
  • Patent number: 7003608
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically and correctly configuring IDE bus devices to be either master or slave devices regardless of the devices' location on an IDE cable. A modified IDE cable is described for causing an IDE device set to cable select mode to automatically configure itself appropriately as either a master or a slave device. The modified cable includes means for setting the cable select value to a master value when the IDE device is coupled to the cable's middle connector, for setting the cable select value to a slave value when the IDE device is coupled to the cable's end connector while a second IDE device is coupled to the middle connector, and for setting the cable select value to a master value when the IDE device is coupled to the end connector while no device is coupled to the middle connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Brudeseth
  • Patent number: 7000054
    Abstract: A smart switch design in an external data storage or a flash memory reader/writer application that controls a power on/off to both a data storage device and an electronic bridge board inside a interface cable, the external data storage including: an enclosure for protecting interior elements; a switch with first and second ends, the first end connected to a wire of the electronic bridge board for receiving a power signal from a computer via an interface cable, the second end is connected to a power signal pin of the data storage device and an ASIC of the electronic bridge board; when the switch turns on (or the flash memory card insert into said slot) the data storage device (or the flash memory card) and the ASIC of the electronic bridge board gets the power signal from the computer and automatically issues the necessary handshake signals to the computer to establish the electrical communication to the data storage device (or the flash memory card).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Bill Kwong, Victor Chuan-Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 6997753
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for facilitating the calibration and measurement of differential devices by a variety of laboratory fixtures. An adapter is used to transition the connection of standard coaxial interfaces to a hermaphroditic differential interface while compensating for discontinuities on impedance at the connection. The adapter includes a transition region with conductors and shield dimensions that compensate for the discontinuity in impedance. The adapter has pin and socket inputs so that a mated pair of the adapters provides an insertable device for test and measurement on a four port vector network analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Broomall, Kailash C. Garg, Thomas A. Clupper
  • Patent number: 6994592
    Abstract: A universal charging apparatus has a housing, a neck bendably connected to the housing, and an electrical cord which is preferably retractable. The electrical cord is spooled around a retracting spool located inside the housing, allowing the electrical cord to extend by pulling, or retract by activating a switch. The electrical cord has a tip adapted to receive one of a plurality of adapters, each adapter being suitable for connecting the tip to a different one or more electrical devices. The neck has an electrical conductor for connecting with an electricity source and supplying electricity through the electrical cord to the device. An integrated circuit chip adapts the electrical characteristics to be suitable for the different devices to be charged or powered. A ratchet connected to the neck allows the neck to stop in multiple positions, but to allow a user to bend the neck to a different position with slight force. The housing may also have a faceplate and status indicator, such as a light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hop-On Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Gannon
  • Patent number: 6991483
    Abstract: A flash memory device includes a flash memory drive with a quick connector in a housing. The quick connector is adapted to engage a cooperating quick connector of a selected one of a plurality of different interchangeable connectors. The interchangeable connectors each have standard connector for connection with computers and other device that are compatible with the flash memory. A universal computer cable kit includes a universal cable having quick connectors on opposing ends thereof, a plurality of the interchangeable connectors, the flash memory device, a container for storing the interchangeable connectors and the flash memory device, and a blister pack for packaging and displaying the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Henry Milan, John C. Beard
  • Patent number: 6988907
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sectional adapter of a clamping holder for automobiles, which can be fixed inside a car by clamping or sticking and has a clamping member for clamping a mobile phone, a PDA, or a palm game. A socket electrically connected to the internal circuit of the adapter is disposed at the rear end of the main body of the clamping holder, so that an adapter can be inserted into the socket to constitute an electrical connection. The adapter is mounted onto the clamping holder by a snap-in member, and a plug of various shapes is disposed at the front edge of the upper section of the adapter for connecting to a corresponding connector of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Ta-Shuo Chang
  • Patent number: 6988914
    Abstract: An electrical coupler includes a first housing having at least one receptacle jack. A second housing is coupled to the first housing, and the second housing includes at least a pair of receptacle jacks corresponding to the at least one receptacle jack. A splitter assembly extends between the first and second housing, and the splitter assembly includes a plurality of contacts located in each of the receptacle jacks. The splitter assembly includes a printed circuit board adapted to split input signals to said at least one receptacle jack to each of the pair of receptacle jacks. One of the first and second housings is adapted for mounting the coupler to a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Paul John Pepe, Linda Ellen Bert, Ralph Sykes Martin
  • Patent number: 6986685
    Abstract: A photo printer includes a housing, a circuit board having a first set of female conducting terminals and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the printer, a connection module having a connector that contains both a first set of male conducting terminals for engaging with the first set of female conducting terminals and a second set of female conducting terminals, and an external card for storing data having a second set of female conducting terminals for engaging with the first set of female conducting terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Le-Jen Wang, Chun-Ying Tu
  • Patent number: 6984152
    Abstract: The present invention enables the use of a single passive socket for multiple types of flash media cards. The present invention provides this by implementing circuitry with a detection scheme (1410, 1610) that notifies a host controller of the type of media card that has been inserted. The form factors and detection scheme can be designed to meet PCMCIA CardBus Plus standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith Mowery, Daniel Jensen, Takeshi Sakai, Cheng-Kun Huang
  • Patent number: 6976624
    Abstract: The 7-in-1 card reader has an electric connecting circuit in its cartridge coincident with an insertion slot of a PCMCIA interface; the cartridge is provided on the front side thereof with a first connecter for connecting an electric device having the PCMCIA interface, and on the rear end thereof with a first connecter module and a second connecter module for insertion of memory cards taken among those of seven specifications or those of CE, MD, MMC, MS, SD, SM and XD memory cards, and for proceeding to data reading, exchanging and transferring with the memory card through the electric connecting circuit, so that the electric device with the PCMCIA interface can read and write on the memory cards of the seven specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: WEM Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6976883
    Abstract: An adapter configured for use between an alarm device and a wire harness. The adapter includes a housing having first and second sides, a circuit board positioned at least partially within the housing, and a first connection configuration associated with the first housing side that includes a plurality of conductive contacts electrically coupled to the circuit board and configured to engage a first device. The adapter also includes a second connection configuration associated with the second housing side and having a plurality of male connection pins electrically coupled to the circuit board and configured to engage a second device. The second connection configuration includes a different connection configuration than the first receiver thereby providing an adaptive connection function between the alarm device and the wire harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John Andres, Kenneth J. Mott
  • Patent number: 6976882
    Abstract: A detachable power supply apparatus for an appliance has a temperature control device for electrical connection to the appliance. The temperature control device has a first member extending outwardly therefrom and a conductor on the first side of the temperature control device. The temperature control device has a probe on a second side substantially opposite the first side. The apparatus has a power supply cord with a female electrical connector that connects to the conductor. The female connector is connectable to a power supply to supply power to the female connector and to the conductor. The power supply cord has a clip member that selectively fastens to the first member so that the first member disengages the clip member without disturbing a position of the appliance upon application of a force on the power supply cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Michael Kernan
  • Patent number: 6976884
    Abstract: A securing device for the adapter of a cable intermediate connector includes a holder bored with a through hole formed with a circular hole and a non-circular hole. The holder has one sidewall provided with two projecting edges to be diametrically compressed and deformed toward the through hole. An adapter has its intermediate portion formed with a circular contact surface and a non-circular engage surface. When the adapter is inserted in the through hole of the holder, the circular contact surface can closely contact with the inner wall of the circular hole, and the non-circular engage surface can be closely engaged with the inner wall of the non-circular hole, and then the two projecting edges of the holder are compressed and deformed to press tight the non-circular engage surface and fix it inside the non-circular hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Chun Te Lee
  • Patent number: 6969269
    Abstract: An AC adaptor has an AC plug having wider contact portions facilitating better contact despite the displacement. AC plug 3 of AC adaptor 3 has a pair of conductive blades 4, an end surface with the blades projecting with a substantially right angle, a first surface and a first rotary shaft on a first side surface. On a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, there are provided a second surface and a second rotary shaft. A first and second planar contact portions which are electrically connected respectively to a first and second conductive blades are configured respectively to project slightly from the surfaces of the first and second rotary shafts. On a circuit board in the case, there are provided conductive spring terminals 17 with projecting portions thereof making resilient contact with the first and second planar contact portions 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 6968244
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method allowing N optical information reproducing devices to share an audio processing device. The apparatus includes a first connecting apparatus and (N?1) second connecting apparatuses. The first connecting apparatus corresponding to one optical information reproducing device is used to connect the corresponding optical information reproducing device to the audio processing device. Each second connecting apparatus corresponding to one optical information reproducing device is used to couple the corresponding optical information reproducing device to the first connecting apparatus. The N optical information reproducing devices are able to share the audio processing device using the apparatus of the invention without changing the hardware connection design of the audio processing device and the optical information reproducing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventor: Shun-Yi Tung
  • Patent number: 6964585
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes a first housing member (1), a second housing member (2) coupled with the first housing member to define an internal space therebetween, and a subassembly (3) received in the space. The first housing member has a first mating face (11) defining a first upper and lower cavities (111, 112). The second housing member has a second mating face (21) defining a second upper and lower cavities (211, 212). The subassembly includes a pair of terminal modules (31, 32) and a pair of surge suppressing devices (33, 34). The upper and lower terminal modules respectively include a PCB (311, 321) and a number of front and rear conductive terminals (312, 313, 322, 323) mounted on the PCB. The front and rear terminals are exposed in a corresponding first and second cavities. The surge suppressing devices are mounted respective one of the PCBs and electrically connect with corresponding front and rear terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Blichasz, Michael A. Yeomans
  • Patent number: 6960919
    Abstract: A measurement connector for connecting a device to testing network cabling is provided. The device includes a device housing having a coupling portion and a test module retained by the device housing and having circuitry to promote testing of a channel of the network cabling. A biased connector extends from the device housing and communicates with the circuitry of the test module. An adapter housing is configured to couple with the coupling portion of the device housing. A mating portion promotes connection to the network cabling and is coupled to the adapter housing. A contact communicates with the mating portion and is coupled to the adapter housing such that the biased connector contacts the contact when the adapter housing is coupled to the device housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: AVO Multi-AMP Corporation
    Inventor: Mark G. Barmettler
  • Patent number: 6948949
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrical connection to an electronic device includes: (1) a terminal block assembly formed of: (a) a connector base having first conductive members associated therewith; (b) a printed circuit board that includes a plurality of conductive paths formed thereon and is coupled to the connector base such that the first conductive members contact the plurality of conductive paths; and (c) one or more terminal blocks each formed of a housing that includes first openings for receiving second conductive members and a plurality of contacts disposed therein along with a plurality of contact fasteners that can be tightened so as to apply a force against the second conductive members so that they are brought into contact with and releasably fixed to respective contacts resulting in the first and second conductive members being electrically connected via the plurality of conductive paths; and (2) a connector housing for receiving and containing the terminal block assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: BTX Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Schwartz, Chris Poulin, Peter R. Daly, Dominick H. Salvato
  • Patent number: 6948985
    Abstract: A connector is provided for use with a socket such as used in a motor vehicle for supplying electrical power to an appliance. The connector has an inner end for placement in the socket and an outer end remote from the socket. An expander which has a passageway extending through it with a thread in the passageway. A collet is mounted on the expander. The collet has a cylindrical exterior and has an opening extending through it. The opening is cylindrical but the opening toward the inner end is substantially smaller than the opening toward the outer end and with the opening between the inner end and the outer end being tapered. The expander is adapted to slide within the collet and the collet has a plurality of slots extending from the outer end part way toward the inner end. A flange is mounted at the inner end of the connector in contact with the collet. A shaft is mounted in the passageway of the expander and has threads engaging the threads in the passageway. A channel is located through the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Perz
  • Patent number: 6945813
    Abstract: This invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box. The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors for connection to electric power lines of an electric power line system and a meter bypass system. Each power line connector comprises a jaw, a jaw support and first and second sockets. The jaw support comprises a base, a jaw mount having spaced apart flanges and a contact arm. The base, jaw mount and contact arm are formed as a one-piece metal structure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current. The first socket is formed between the jaw and jaw mount for receiving an electrical connector of the electric meter. The second socket is formed between the jaw and contact arm for receiving a slide connector of a bypass system. The slide connector is slidable between a meter operating position and a meter bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Dallas Wayne Kellerman
  • Patent number: 6945822
    Abstract: A sacrificial circuit connector for interposition between male and female connector terminals for applications in which the expected connect and disconnect cycles may exceed the rated cycle limits of at least one of the connector terminals. The structure of sacrificial connector is largely determined by the need for connection compatibility between the sacrificial connector and the connector terminals. By making repeated disconnections at the sacrificial connector rather than between the connector terminals, the usable life of at least one connector terminal can be significantly increased, thereby adding efficiency and reliability while decreasing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Flemming, John M. Palmer, Lee J. Gang, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6945821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter, wherein the adapter has a housing with a rear face, a front face, an outside perimeter face. A first connector is located on the rear face. A second connector and a third connector are located on the front face. A mounting piece is located on the outside perimeter face. The first connector is designed to mate with a connector located on an interface unit coupled to a medical facility communication system. The second connector is designed to mate with a connector on a first end of a communications cable. The second end of the communications cable is connected to an interface, such as a hospital bed interface. The mounting piece has mounting holes that allow the adapter to be attached to the interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Crest Health Care
    Inventors: Mark Peter Stoner, John Joseph Heinsch, David Leland Osterkamp
  • Patent number: 6939139
    Abstract: A simple connection of a conventional electrical unit to the conductor tracks of an electric system, such as a motor vehicle electric system, is provided. The conductor tracks are directly applied to a support, for example, by flame spraying. A terminal adapter is placed, via a partial element, between the support, which is fitted with the conductor tracks, and the electrical unit to be connected. The conductor tracks are guided, inside the terminal adapter to a conventional electrical connection of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Leoni AG
    Inventors: Knuth Gƶtz, Gerhard Reichinger
  • Patent number: 6939177
    Abstract: A partition mechanism is arranged in a shell of a receptacle connector so that a connector interface defined by the shell is partitioned into two interface portions, one of which has a shape different from the other. Therefore a mating connector for the connector can be connected with one or two interface portions, depending on a shape of a connector interface of the mating connector. In an example, a plug connector for high resolution signals is connected with two interface portions of the receptacle connector, while another plug connector for low resolution signals is connected with only one interface portion of the receptacle connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Nobukazu Kato, Isao Igarashi, Koji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6940021
    Abstract: An in-plane fuse adapter provides a thin housing that may be received by a standard terminal block to present side surfaces conforming substantially to the width of the terminal block relay allowing other terminal blocks to be closely abutted to the left and right side of the terminal block relay when it is attached to a connector rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Pohl, Elmar Gillrath, Darrell S. Filtz
  • Patent number: 6939178
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical connector that attaches a fuel injector assembly to a vehicle control assembly. The electrical connector comprises a plastic molded body having two integrally formed portions, a base portion and a stem portion, and an electrical contact extending through the body from the stem portion to the base portion. The base is inserted into the fuel injector assembly with the electrical contact engaging a corresponding contact within the fuel injector assembly. Similarly, the electrical contact in the stem portion of the connector is attached to a corresponding contact of a control assembly, which provides the electrical signals to operate the fuel injector. The base portion includes a metallic sleeve that extends between its sidewalls and cooperates with a locking pin that is inserted through openings in the fuel injector assembly to lock the two components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Arcykiewicz, Walter Joseph Olender, Joel Daniel Sandburg
  • Patent number: 6939153
    Abstract: A power distribution block assembly has a plurality of electrical receptacles and a multi-port electrical power distribution block with at least three like longitudinally aligned connector receiving ports near one block end and at least three like longitudinally aligned additional connector receiving ports near a block end opposite the one block end. An intermediate one of one the ports is adapted to receive a power supply connector and a pair of the ports spanning the intermediate port are adapted to receiving corresponding electrical receptacles to thereby position the power supply connector intermediate and sandwiched between the receptacles. An intermediate one of the additional ports is also adapted to receive a jumper cable connector. A pair of the additional ports spanning the intermediate additional port, are each adapted to receive a corresponding additional electrical receptacle so that the jumper cable connector is located intermediate and sandwiched between the additional receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Kondas, Daniel L. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6929482
    Abstract: An electrical interconnection arrangement includes a cable laminate adapted to receive a plurality of twinaxial cables; an interposer including a plurality of spring contacts; wherein the interposer has a first side adapted to mate with the cable laminate and electrically connect the plurality of spring contacts to one and of the plurality of twinaxial cables; and wherein the interposer has a second side adapted to mate with a PC board and electrically connect the plurality of spring contacts to mating contact points on the PC board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Benham
  • Patent number: 6923683
    Abstract: A high density interconnection device includes a high density connector block having a plurality of jacks disposed on the outer surface for common interconnected to a high density connector. A recessed portion formed on the first side surface defines a first multi-faceted surface having a plurality of angularly disposed first surface elements. A projecting portion formed on the second side surface defines a second multi-faceted surface having a plurality of angularly disposed second surface elements. In another embodiment, one group of jacks are defined in a first plane, and another group of jacks are defined in a second plane. The first and second planes are substantially parallel such that the first and second groups of jacks are offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harjinder Dulai, Yen-Ming Chen, Colin Szeto, Edward J. Laurin, Steven D. Daniels, Jean Francois Drolet
  • Patent number: 6921294
    Abstract: An electrical unit, such as a fire or gas detector, carries a three conductor plug for receipt of energy, AC hot, and neutral, as well as for coupling to a bidirectional signaling line. A multiple conductor adapter makes it possible to couple the plug to a plurality of incompatible, previously installed sockets. The adapter can be fully contained in a single housing. Alternately, it can include a housing for some of the conductors with the remainder carried on a cable which extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Devine, Michael A. Swieboda, Andrew J. Ivanecky
  • Patent number: 6916208
    Abstract: A compact card reader is described. The compact card reader has a charging circuit and a cellular phone-connecting slot to enable the compact card reader to save/retrieve data to/from a memory card or a cellular phone, at the same time charge the cellular phone and the cellular phone battery in order to reduce the operation cost and this also increases the speed of the data processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Phison Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-An Chen, Yu-Fong Lin
  • Patent number: 6916207
    Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of electrical apparatus which has at least one printed circuit board on which electrical components are set out and a first format of connection type exposed to allow connection of further apparatus. The connections can be attached directly to further apparatus with the same connector format and allow transfer of data between further electrical apparatus or alternatively, at the time of manufacturing an adaptor can be provided which has connectors of the same format as those on the printed circuit board for connection with the said printed circuit board and a series of output connectors of a different format which can be exposed for the selective connection thereto of phono or other format connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Pace Micro Technology, PLC
    Inventor: Victor Fielding
  • Patent number: 6910924
    Abstract: An interface device for interfacing automatic test equipment (ATE) with a unit under test (UUT) comprises at least one general purpose interface (GPI) connector body carrying at least one floating GPI contact, at least one twin access contact (TAC) connector body carrying at least one floating TAC contact, and a printed wiring board (PWB). The GPI contact has a first end and a second end. The first end of the GPI contact is adapted for engagement with a corresponding floating contact of the ATE in a manner to permit electrical communication between the GPI contact and its corresponding ATE contact. The TAC contact has a first end and a second end. The TAC connector body is positioned adjacent to the GPI connector body so that the second end of the GPI contact engages the first end of the TAC contact in a manner to permit electrical communication between the GPI contact and the TAC contact. The PWB has at least one contact pad and at least one surface mount connector for mating with a UUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Randall L. Marion, James J. Cook, Steven Allan Wegener, William Frederick Rootz