User Adjustable Key Or Guideway Patents (Class 439/681)
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Patent number: 7326092Abstract: A double ended guide pin assembly includes a first guide pin body having a first rotation axis and a first keying surface. A second guide pin body has a second rotation axis and a second keying surface. A fastener element connects the first guide pin body to the second guide pin body such that the first and second guide pin bodies are independently rotatable on the first and second rotation axes, respectively. The first and second keying surfaces are selectively positionable at different orientations with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: James Lee Fedder, Robert Charles Trea, Gregory Gordon Griffith
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Patent number: 7316590Abstract: An electronic data connector of a wireless communication device for receiving a male section of a different electronic connector includes an electronic data connector receptacle universal to different electronic connectors and having a female section with a recess for receiving the male section of the different electronic connectors. A changeable connector key is carried by the electronic data connector receptacle and includes one or more positive material obstructions that obstruct one or more portions of the recess of the female section so that only an electronic connector with a male section configured to accommodate the positive material obstructions will mate with the electronic data connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.Inventors: Joseph M. Zueck, Michael D. Johnson, James F. Santospirito
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Patent number: 7264517Abstract: A unipolar safety electric connector includes a male connector, shell, and a female connector shell, corresponding male and female inner electric contacts being provided within the male and female connectors, the female connector shell providing on its outer portion a “L” shaped guide groove, having one arm along the longitudinal coupling direction of the shells and the other arm along the transverse direction, a key being insertable within the “L” shaped groove, the key being provided on the edge of the male connector shell, the key, once introduced longitudinally at the bottom of the “L” shaped guide groove, engaging, by rotation of one shell with respect to the other one, with the transverse arm of the “L” shaped guide groove.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Link S.r.L.Inventor: Marco Piromalli
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Patent number: 7214103Abstract: A lead frame has slots therein for bayonet type connection to electrical terminals provided on a solenoid valve or group of valves. Projections on the lead frame are disposed between the slots and upon bayonet connection to the terminals closely interfit a web disposed between the terminals on the solenoid. Preferably, support stanchions are provided for the terminals and may be integrally molded with the web.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Tae-Kyung Kim, Kenneth J. Parker, Charles Chang, Nathan W. Kryglowski, Jeffrey S. Diller, Mark W. Hildebrandt, Thomas R. Hildebrandt, Randy R. Reamsma, Kelly M. Newby
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Patent number: 7182651Abstract: A dual voltage connector having keyway portions enabling protection of the connector against unintentionally using it with a long voltage. A higher voltage version of the connector, which supplies the voltage, is protected. In a female version of the connector, a plug is placed in the higher voltage portion of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: TMBInventors: Colin Waters, Peter Tien
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Patent number: 7137728Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of a system and method for allowing predetermined and/or preconfigured lamp assemblies to be utilized with lamp fixtures. The exemplary embodiments may include a fixture assembly, a key configured to couple to the lamp fixture, and a lamp assembly including a base with a receiving structure, wherein the receiving structure is configured to engage the key, such that only predetermined lamp assemblies may couple to the fixture assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.Inventors: David L. Witham, Roberto E. Arance, Keith M. Crawford, Michael A. Pedersen
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Patent number: 7097514Abstract: In a structure of fitting female and male connectors together, the female connector includes a female housing, and a female adapter which is provided on the female housing, and has a guide groove, and is fitted on a fitting portion provided at the male connector. The male connector includes a guide rib which is formed at the fitting portion, and is engageable in the guide groove. The female adapter can be rotated relative to the female housing to be placed at any of a plurality predetermined angular positions arranged with a fixed interval, and can be attached to the female housing. Only when the female adapter is rotated into a preselected one of the plurality predetermined angular positions, and is attached to the female housing of the female connector, the guide rib can be fitted in the guide groove, thereby allowing the female and male connectors to be fitted together.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Kazuhisa Ishizaki, Eiji Aoki
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Patent number: 7044767Abstract: According to some embodiments, a hybrid card interconnect is provided. The hybrid card interconnect might include, for example, an enclosure having a rectangular opening at one side and defining a first rectangular cavity within the enclosure to receive a first type of card. The interconnection might further include movable guide members coupled to left and right inner surfaces of the enclosures and defining a second rectangular cavity, within the first cavity, to receive a second type card.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Hong W. Wong, Wah Yiu Kwong
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Patent number: 6984143Abstract: An electrical plug or socket has locking hooks on the ends of flexible locking arms extending from its housing. The other has locking receivers including open slots and catch rims on its housing. When the plug is connected with the socket, the locking arms extend into the slots and the locking hooks engage the catch rims to form a locked connection. The locking hooks protrude laterally outwardly, and yielding protrusions or lever arms protrude laterally inwardly, from the free ends or along the length of the locking arms. The lever arms and/or the free ends of the locking arms can contact and slide along outwardly sloping ramps of sidewalls of the housing, to exert an outward locking force on the locking arms, and to achieve a disconnecting force that separates the plug from the socket when finger pressure is applied laterally inwardly to the free ends of the locking arms.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Frank Roese
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Patent number: 6979233Abstract: A dual voltage connector having keyway portions enabling protection of the connector against unintentionally using it with a long voltage. A higher voltage version of the connector, which supplies the voltage, is protected. In a female version of the connector, a plug is placed in the higher voltage portion of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: TMBInventors: Colin Waters, Peter Tien
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Patent number: 6974342Abstract: An electrical device includes a power supply that is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. The power supply includes a first connector element of the power supply, the first connector element being one of a male and a female connector element for mating with a corresponding second connector element, the second connector element being one of a female and a male connector element, respectively. The power supply also includes a guard member disposed on the first connector element, the guard member being movable between a first position in which the first connector element is adapted to mate with any corresponding second connector elements and the power supply is in the first mode and a second position in which the first connector element is only adapted to mate with specially configured second connector elements and the power supply is in the second mode. The electrical device also includes electrical equipment powered through the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Gateway Inc.Inventor: William J. Thomas
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Patent number: 6932656Abstract: A connector with improved structure, adapted for connecting a signal plug, is mainly comprised of a body, a pin plate, and a cap. Wherein, a plurality of recesses are arranged over the body, side of which has at least one gap, and a plurality of pins are arranged over the pin plate, side of which also has at least one protrusion. When the body and the pin plate are connected, the protrusion and the gap are inter-wedged, and the pin is abutted against one side of the recess. The cap of the present embodiment is connected pivotally over the body and may be rotated with an angle, so a signal plug may be inserted into the space formed by both the body and the cap with a slant angle and be restricted by the cap without dropping off.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Chin-Mao Kan
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Patent number: 6929516Abstract: A controller suitable for use in controlling components in a bathing unit is provided. The controller includes a plurality of connectors adapted for providing electrical power to respective bathing unit components. Each connector includes a set of contact elements arranged in a common configuration. A first subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by a first current-voltage combination and a second subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by second current-voltage combination. In accordance with another aspect, a keying system is providing including a key member for engaging a connector and a complementary key member for engaging a electrical plug. The keying system enables the electrical plug and the connector to establish an electrical connection when the key member and then complementary key member match.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: 9090-3493 Québec Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Pascal Recoura
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Patent number: 6869319Abstract: A misconnection-proof key comprises a substantially L-shaped block made of a hard metal including a short arm and a long arm intersecting with the short arm at right angles thereto. The long arm has at a substantially mid portion on its surface a removal preventing protrusion integrally formed therewith. A plurality of misconnection-proof keys thus constructed are used in a connector including an insulating block having a number of contacts, and a metal shell partly covering the insulating block on the side of contact portions of the contacts. The plurality of misconnection-proof keys are each inserted with the long arm into a slot formed at a predetermined position between the insulating block and the metal shell until the removal preventing protrusion is fitted in a removal preventing recess or aperture formed in the slot so that the short arm of the key extending outwardly of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: DDK Ltd.Inventors: Akio Yamada, Kazuyuki Ozai, Shinya Ishizuka, Kazuhiro Sato
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Patent number: 6821159Abstract: A modifiable connector keying system (16). The keying system (16) includes a first shaped feature (30, 32) that is removably connected to a first connector component. A second shaped feature (36, 38) is removably connected to a second connector component. The first shaped feature (30, 32) and the second shaped feature (36, 38) are shaped so that the first shaped feature (30, 32) fits with the second shaped feature (36, 38) to selectively allow the first connector component to connect with the second connector component. In a more specific embodiment, the keying system (16) further includes a first mechanism (34, 40, 44) for removably connecting the first shaped feature (30, 32) to the first connector component and the second shaped feature (36, 38) to the second connector component. A second mechanism (30, 34, 44) enables selective adjustment of the first shaped feature (30, 32) and the second shaped feature (36, 38) to customize the keying system (16).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Robert E. Munger, Jr., Bryan W. Cindrich
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Publication number: 20040224566Abstract: A misconnection-proof key comprises a substantially L-shaped block made of a hard metal including a short arm and a long arm intersecting with the short arm at right angles thereto. The long arm has at a substantially mid portion on its surface a removal preventing protrusion integrally formed therewith. A plurality of misconnection-proof keys thus constructed are used in a connector including an insulating block having a number of contacts, and a metal shell partly covering the insulating block on the side of contact portions of the contacts. The plurality of misconnection-proof keys are each inserted with the long arm into a slot formed at a predetermined position between the insulating block and the metal shell until the removal preventing protrusion is fitted in a removal preventing recess or aperture formed in the slot so that the short arm of the key extending outwardly of the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Akio Yamada, Kazuyuki Ozai, Shinya Ishizuka, Kazuhiro Sato
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Patent number: 6814625Abstract: An electrical connector system (200) is disclosed that includes a plurality of modular components. The modular components can include a receptacle housing (210, 503, 1410, 1610, 1810, 1910, 2162, 2610, 3010, 3410), a socket insert (212, 214, 400, 500), a socket electrical contact (410), a grounding spring (216, 218, 1916, 1918).The system includes matching orientation indicia on the polarization keys (220, 270) and housing windows (254) for viewing the indicia. The coupler (290) is slidably mounted on the plug assembly and include cam slots for causing mating and retraction of the plug (204) and receptacle (202) and also includes open position and engaged position indicator strips (2320, 2330, 2340). The system may include grounding springs (216, 218, 1916, 1918) for engaging the mounting panel and may be used with various types of backshells (2800, 2900 3100, 3200, 3300) including shield wire termination types.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Cinch Connectors, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Richmond, Christopher FitzSimons
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Patent number: 6796845Abstract: A modular connector with an integrated anti-snag feature is provided. The modular connector has a first flexible tab attached at a first end of the connector. The first flexible tab has a first and a second part. The first part is connected to and projected upward and away from the first end of the connector and the second part is angled downward toward a second end of the connector but unattached thereto. The first part meets with the second part at a flexible intersection whereby a force exerted onto either the first part or the second part is enabled to depress the flexible first tab downward. The connector also has a second flexible tab. The second flexible tab is attached at the second end of the connector and is projected at an angle toward the first flexible tab. The first end and second end of the connector are at opposite ends of each other. The second flexible tab is used to prevent the connector from snagging on objects such as cables, components etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David Paul Kuiken, Mark Daniel Rogalski, Paul Anthony Thayer
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Patent number: 6790067Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector is provided having a housing with a rear end configured to receive a cable. A socket is provided on the front end of the housing and extends forwardly therefrom. The socket includes a shroud and a socket tongue formed on the housing and defining a pocket opening onto a front face of the socket. The shroud and socket tongue are configured to mate with another hermaphroditic connector having a similar shape. The socket includes at least one blocking member in the opening in the front face to interfere with foreign objects that may inadvertently come into contact with the enclosed conductive member. The blocking member may include ribs and/or beveled corner inserts provided in the pocket and extending at least partially along the length of the socket. A contact is held within the pocket and is configured to join a power, signal or ground cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: George H. Douty, Richard P. Walter, Ronald M. Weber
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Patent number: 6777611Abstract: An assembly for connecting a pre-wired electrical device into a modular wiring system. The electrical device is mounted in a junction box having a knockout hole. Device wiring connects the electrical device through the knockout hole to a connector plug. Cable wiring connects a modular wiring system power tap connector to a connector socket. The cable wiring runs through a flexible conduit sheath. A knockout connector is connected to the flexible conduit sheath. The connector plug connects to the connector socket. The major width of the connector plug/socket combination is less than the diameter of the knockout hole such that the connector plug/socket combination may be pushed into the junction box through the knockout hole. The knockout connector can then be attached to the junction box at the knockout hole. The power tap connector housing, flexible conduit sheath, knockout connector and junction box are all made of nonflammable materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLCInventors: Michael D. Ewald, Eddie Tucker, Jr.
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Patent number: 6764323Abstract: If a PC card is inserted into a card slot for the PC card, both of button portions are pressed by the PC card. When the both of the button portions are pressed outwardly in the Z-direction, both of engagement portions are released from engagement recesses, respectively, so that a stopper is allowed to move in a space to permit the PC card to be inserted into the card slot. Otherwise, the stopper is still locked at a position shown in the drawing, by at least one of the engagement portions to prevent an erroneous card having a thickness smaller than the PC card from being inserted into the card slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Japan Aviation Eletronics Industry, LimitedInventors: Masaaki Shimada, Keisuke Nakamura
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Publication number: 20040137798Abstract: A modular connector with an integrated anti-snag feature is provided. The modular connector has a first flexible tab attached at a first end of the connector. The first flexible tab has a first and a second part. The first part is connected to and projected upward and away from the first end of the connector and the second part is angled downward toward a second end of the connector but unattached thereto. The first part meets with the second part at a flexible intersection whereby a force exerted onto either the first part or the second part is enabled to depress the flexible first tab downward. The connector also has a second flexible tab. The second flexible tab is attached at the second end of the connector and is projected at an angle toward the first flexible tab. The first end and second end of the connector are at opposite ends of each other. The second flexible tab is used to prevent the connector from snagging on objects such as cables, components etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David Paul Kuiken, Mark Daniel Rogalski, Paul Anthony Thayer
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Publication number: 20040132347Abstract: Electrical connector, male or female, has a tubular body of an insulating material, carrying male or female connection terminals, and a cylindrical sleeve mounted with the possibility of rotation on the external surface of the tubular body. The connector comprises moreover a member in the shape of a ring, also mounted on the external surface of the tubular body with the possibility of translation relative thereto and being secured in rotation therewith. The member is provided with engagement elements and is displaceable slidably into a locking position in which these engagement elements come into engagement with complementary engagement elements of the cylindrical sleeve, so as to render this latter also secured in rotation with the tubular body by the member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Jean-Pierre Souvay, Manuel Kesseler
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Patent number: 6701400Abstract: An adaptive card-sensitive bus slot system and method. The method and system include a substantially universal bus slot structure. In one embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key. In another embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key piston. In another embodiment, a data processing system includes the adaptive card-sensitive bus slot system.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Stuart W. Hayes, Erik A. Schuchmann
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Patent number: 6602098Abstract: A connector housing has an abutment surface with which a front end surface of an opposing connector is brought into contact at a time of fitting to the opposing connector. Terminal metal fittings are inserted to positions rearward from the abutment surface from terminal insertion holes in the connector housing. A retainer is moved to a regular engagement position from a temporary engagement position so as to prevent the terminal metal fittings from falling off rearward, and is provided with a projection extending forward from the abutment surface of the connector housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Naoto Sugie, Toshinori Yamamoto, Seiji Kozono
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Patent number: 6599153Abstract: The invention reduces the mold costs of a connector provided with an incorrect fitting preventing means. Sub-connectors 20A and 20B, which are respectively fitted into fitting cavities 11A and 11B of a frame 10, are each provided with a connector housing 21, and a cover 45A and 45B respectively. Protrusions 49A and 49B, which function as incorrect fitting preventing members, are formed on the covers 45A and 45B respectively. The connector housings 21, which house terminal fittings 30, have a complex shape. In contrast, the covers 45A and 45B, each of which merely maintains a collective rubber stopper 40 in position, are simple in shape and consequently the mold cost thereof is low. The components provided with the protrusions 49A and 49B are molded as a plurality of types and yet have lower mold costs.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Nishide
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Patent number: 6537105Abstract: An electrical connection box (1) is provided with a unit housing (11) for holding an electrical-part mounted unit (21) that is selectively attached thereto in accordance with specifications of the connection box, and a dummy connector housing (12) arranged adjacent to the unit housing. When the unit is not attached to the connection box, a connector (22) of a wire harness, which connector is employed for connection of the unit, can be fitted to the dummy connector housing. When the unit is attached, a free end of a flexible piece (17), which is formed integrally with a partition wall arranged at a location where the two housings (11, 12) are adjoined to each other, is displaced by the unit (21) into the dummy connector housing to thereby prevent the wire harness connector (22) from being fitted to the dummy connector housing, and the connector (22) becomes connectable to the connector of the unit (21).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Higashida, Tomotaka Watanabe
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Patent number: 6466452Abstract: The present invention provides a socket 10 which has a housing 20 having a slot 22 for receiving one edge 13 of a daughter board 11 on which terminal portions 12 are mounted, and contacts provided within the slot and pressed against respective terminals of the daughter board 11. From both sides of the housing, latches 31 extend toward the opening direction of the slot. When the daughter board is pressed down against the urging force of the contacts, the latches engage with both side edges 16 of the daughter board. At the position shifted from the center of the edge of the daughter board toward either side edge, a notch 14 is provided, and at the corresponding position of the slot of the housing, a projection for positioning to be fitted in the notch is formed, and at least one side of the projection for positioning, an elastic member 40 for pressing it against the inner side wall of the notch of the daughter board is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Quasar System, Inc.Inventors: Shoji Yamada, Takeshi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 6463493Abstract: An adaptive card-sensitive bus slot system and method. The method and system include a substantially universal bus slot structure. In one embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key. In another embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key piston. In another embodiment, a data processing system includes the adaptive card-sensitive bus slot system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Stuart W. Hayes, Erik A. Schuchmann
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Patent number: 6461177Abstract: When a connector housing 20 and an equipment connector 10 are correctly joined, a regulating groove 24D of a retainer 24 of the housing 20 fits with a rib 16 of the equipment connector 10, thereby allowing the two housings 10 and 20 to be fitted together. The position of groove 24D may be varied to suit different positions of rib 16, thereby permitting a common connector housing to be made suitable for a specific equipment connector having an appropriate rib. The shape of the retainer 24 is simpler than the shape of the housing main body 21. Consequently, the cost of the mould for the retainer 24 is lower.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yukinori Saka, Masamitsu Chishima
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Patent number: 6458000Abstract: The present invention provides a removable, “snap-in” ground polarization insert for a power connector that accommodates insertion of a corresponding ground polarization pin therein. The insert is molded from the same insulative material as the surrounding housing. The insert remains separate from the connector until assembly of the final product, enabling the user to determine the requisite combination of a proper insert configuration and a corresponding plug or receptacle that is currently available in the inventory. The ability to delay assembly of the connector and insert thereby allows use of the connector with pre-existing plugs and receptacles in view of available inventory and current customer demands.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: David John Shappell
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Patent number: 6416346Abstract: A male housing 20 has a large hood member 21 surrounding a male terminal housing 21 which houses male terminal fittings 31. A female housing 10 has a small hood member 13 surrounding a female terminal housing 11 which houses female terminal fittings. This small hood member 13 fits between the male terminal housing 21 and the large hood member 23. Four ribs 40 protrude outwards from an upper side and a lower side of an outer circumference face of the small hood member 13, these ribs 40 being located at positions near corners. Grooves are formed in an inner circumference face of the large hood member 23 at locations corresponding to the ribs 40, the ribs 40 being insertable tightly therein. The arrangement prevents a male and a female housing from being fitted together in a misaligned manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Hideto Nakamura
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Patent number: 6413122Abstract: A wrong insertion preventing mechanism for preventing a connector of a wrong board from being connected to a connector mounted on a mother board on a shelf is disclosed. A guide plate is installed at the opening of the shelf and has plural through holes mutually having different shapes. A guide pin which can be inserted into a specific through hole of the through holes of the guide plate is mounted on a board. The board is inserted in a right position on the shelf by the through hole and the guide pin and is never inserted onto the shelf from a wrong position. The guide pin has a projection at the end and the projection can be set to various angles.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Shintaro Fujioka
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Patent number: 6394856Abstract: An electrical connector (22) having an array of terminals (50) disposed in respective terminal receiving passageways (30) therein and a programmable keying member (60) disposed into a key receiving opening (32) extending into the mating face (26) among the array of terminal receiving passageways (30). The key receiving opening (32) is configured to receive the keying member (60) in any of a plurality of orientations. The keying member (60) further may include other terminals (82, 84) disposed in terminals receiving passageways (78, 80) of the keying member (60).Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corp.Inventor: Darrell Lynn Wertz
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Patent number: 6383032Abstract: An electrical connector is provided including a plug unit and a socket unit, both of which have one anti-shock sleeve for each pole, such that when the connector is closed the anti-shock sleeves of the socket unit are pushed into appropriately shaped uptake chambers of the anti-shock sleeves of the socket unit. To improve the stability of the closed connector, configure the anti-shock sleeves of the plug unit are configured with a multi-chamber cross section profile, preferably a two-chamber cross section profile. As a result, the second uptake chambers of the two-chamber anti-shock sleeves of the plug unit may provide additional variable coding of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: WAGO Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbHInventor: Wolfgang Gerberding
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Patent number: 6354885Abstract: The present invention is used in conjunction with two piece connector systems. The present invention provides an integral keying and an electrostatic discharge path. The daughtercard connector has at least two electrostatic discharge paths into an electrostatic discharge contact which then provides a path to a guide pin of the backpanel housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Robert M. Bradley, Sondra Morrissey
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Patent number: 6327150Abstract: A disk drive test device for performing a test (e.g., power only self test, tests which use a serial interface) on at least one disk drive at a time. The test device includes an electrical connector which is configured so as to be able to provide the necessary electrical interconnections for executing a test on disk drives having different types of drive interface connectors (i.e., the same electrical connector may be used with at least 2 different types of drive interface connectors). There is no need to use an in-line adapter to electrically interconnect a disk drive having a first drive interface connector or to electrically interconnect a disk drive having a second drive interface connector. There is also is no need to change out the electrical connector when performing a test on disk drives which use this different types of drive interface connectors.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Maxtor CorporationInventors: Lloyd E. Levy, Duc Banh, Danilo Bueno
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Publication number: 20010039147Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assembling structure of an electronic unit to an electrical connecting box which is not subjected to any spatial limitation when electrical parts are mounted on an electronic unit and which is provided with a miss-connection preventing function.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2000Publication date: November 8, 2001Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Tomohiro Sugiura, Kumiko Sato
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Patent number: 6302745Abstract: A key receiving member (140) for an electrical connector includes a body (142) having a key receiving slot (144) adapted to receive a key of a mating connector on one side thereof; and a plurality of complaint beams (146) extending downwardly from an opposite side of the body (142). At least some of the beams (146) include a retention projection (148) extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to engage a retention ledge (129) within a connector housing aperture (124) upon insertion of the member (140) into the aperture. At least one of the retention projections (146) includes a locking protrusion (150) extending outwardly therefrom for receipt into one of a plurality of detents (130) spaced around the ledge (129).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: John M. Landis, David J. Fabian
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Publication number: 20010005649Abstract: A wrong insertion preventing mechanism for preventing a connector of a wrong board from being connected to a connector mounted on a mother board on a shelf is disclosed. A guide plate is installed at the opening of the shelf and has plural through holes mutually having different shapes. A guide pin which can be inserted into a specific through hole of the through holes of the guide plate is mounted on a board. The board is inserted in a right position on the shelf by the through hole and the guide pin and is never inserted onto the shelf from a wrong position. The guide pin has a projection at the end and the projection can be set to various angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: June 28, 2001Inventor: Shintaro Fujioka
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Patent number: 6196881Abstract: A device for the coding of plug receptacles in a support unit for electronic modules is described. Coding slides having a pin are provided on the support unit for each plug receptacle so that only those modules having a recess for the pin corresponding to a particular position of the coding slide can be inserted into the particular plug receptacle. This prevents, for example, modules with 24 V direct current supply from being inserted into plug receptacles wired for 230 V alternating current and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Abert, Kurt Balzer, Siegfried Morlock
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Patent number: 6174184Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing defining a slot and a number of cavities, a number of conductive contacts and two pairs of switch terminals received in the corresponding cavities of the housing, a pair of metal sheets received in the housing and an insert. Each contact forms an engaging portion extending into the slot. Each switch terminal forms a connecting portion adapted for electrically connecting with the corresponding metal sheet. The insert is configured to disengage the connecting portions of one pair of the switch terminals from the corresponding metal sheet. The other pair of the switch terminals remains interconnected via the other metal sheet.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ching-Chang Meng
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Patent number: 6165025Abstract: A card edge connector assembly comprises an elongate housing mounted on a mother board, and a switch key for engaging with the housing and activating inner circuitry formed in the mother board. The housing comprises an elongate slot formed between opposite side walls thereof for receiving a daughter board, a plurality of receiving passageways defined in each side wall for retaining contacts therein, a pair of cutouts transversely defined in a mating face of the housing, and a projection transversely formed between the side walls. The daughter board defines a pair of notches corresponding to one of the cutouts and the projection of the card edge connector. The switch key can transmit information to the mother board by electrical contact between a conductive membrane disposed on the switch key and the corresponding contacts received in the passageways below the corresponding cutout of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ching-Chang Meng
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Patent number: 6159052Abstract: An electrical connector adapted to be mounted to a mother board, includes a casing defining a slot therein for receiving a daughter board and a plurality of pin pairs arranged in the slot for electrically engaging with the daughter board. The casing has a fixed member fixed in the slot and a switch key selectively fit into the slot at two locations corresponding to a 3.3V PCI connector and a 5V PCI connector. Thus, the connector may be selectively configured to be either a 3.3V PCI connector or a 5V PCI connector by setting the position of the switch key. The insertion of the switch key into the slot changes the spatial relationship between a pair of pins thereby transmitting a signal to the mother board for selecting the electrical voltage supplied to the connector corresponding to the configuration of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ching-Chang Meng, Chu-Mei Chen, Richard Lu
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Patent number: 6142592Abstract: An instrument system having at least one instrument disposed in a housing (1) the housing is to be mounted detachably on a support (3) and a user is to set a coding for each system module comprising instrument and support. Grooves (23 or 27) are provided in the support (3) for taking up coding pins (31). In the assembled state the grooves (23) of the support form groove pairs with the grooves (27). The inner spaces of the grooves of a groove pair together form an interstice for accommodating just one coding pin (31). This is fixed in either the groove (27) or in the groove (23). In this way the assignment of a housing (1) to a support (3) is established through the positions of the coding pins (31).Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventors: Udo Grittke, Armin Rupp, Thomas Werner
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Patent number: 6095870Abstract: A structure for preventing false engagement of a connecting seat with a base is disclosed, in which one or more stoppers in different positions are installed in spacing sections between each of the two adjacent jacks, at the top ends of the spacing sections of the base. Longitudinal notches corresponding to the stoppers are formed on the top edge of the spacers that separate respective pairs of the plurality of receiving holes of the connecting seat. When the base and the connecting seat are to be engaged, if the stopper is aligned with the notch, they can be engaged tightly. If it is not aligned with the notch, the connecting seat and base can not be engaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Shou An Lee
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Patent number: 6068521Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an I/O block (38) assembly comprises a plurality of specifically configured I/O blocks (38) mounted to a conductive column (46) providing power to and communication between the I/O blocks (38) with each individual I/O block (38) programed for a specific function requiring that the proper I/O module (42) must always be inserted into the right base (40). This is accomplished by providing a set of pegs or pins (50) individually configured on the base (40) which match a complimentary series of openings 74 on the I/O module (42) formed by a mask (70) covering a plurality of holes (60) while leaving the holes matching the pins (50) uncovered.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Elsag International N.V.Inventors: Donald L. Oros, Richard Benson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6069992Abstract: A system includes mateable connectors (12, 14) with mateable optic fiber termini, which provides for precision alignment of the termini and which facilitates installation of an insert whose front end must be of rectangular shape. Two mating sets of optic fiber termini (30, 32) are precisely aligned by a pair of pin-receiving alignment holes (44, 46) in one connector and a pair of pins (40, 42) projecting from the other connector, wherein a first (40) of the alignment pins is precisely cylindrical and fits closely in the first hole, and a second (42) of the pins is also precisely cylindrical but fits into a hole (46) that is elongated in a direction toward and away from the first hole. A front portion (110) of an insert is of largely rectangular cross-section, while the rear portion (112) of the insert is of largely circular cross-section to enable retention by a circular retainer clip (120) and to provide threads (122) for threading into a backshell.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Peter Joseph Hyzin
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Patent number: 6048229Abstract: An electrical rectangular connector having an expanded range on the lower limit of the environment resisting wire sealing webs, a dielectric hard face socket insert to detect splayed or bent pin contacts, a controlled configuration on the contact retention clips which provides easy insertion and removal on the contacts. Additionally, the modular insert construction of the connector allows flexibility to the wiring system, meaning, the connector can have a signal, power, coaxial or twinaxial or combination circuitry and also a bayonet coupling mechanism assembly using dowel pins and dual helical ramp grooves to retrin the connector halves in the coupled condition. Consequently, a visual indicator consisting of an arrowhead opposite a marker labeled "HOME" provides assurance on a fully coupled plug and receptacle connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Luis J. Lazaro, Jr.
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Patent number: 6017248Abstract: A card edge connector is disclosed, which comprises an elongate insulating housing including a central slot extending along a longitudinal direction thereof for receiving a daughter board, a plurality of conductive contacts provided on longitudinal sides of the central slot for mating with contact fingers formed on the daughter board, and at least one removable positioning key fixed in the insulating housing for matching a cutout formed between two adjacent contact fingers of the daughter board.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hua-Tseng Pan, Ching-Chang Meng, Tai-Hsu Tsai