Modular Insulating Block Or Board Patents (Class 439/715)
  • Patent number: 11955759
    Abstract: An irrigation control device is provided that includes adjacent terminal connector rows having a ridge portion between the rows, where the ridge portion is configured to support and guide wires to the terminal connectors of one row, and to support these wires above wires retained in another row of terminal connectors. In some embodiments, one of the terminal connector rows includes a plurality of risers coupled to the terminal connectors positioned in that row. The risers provide a vertical offset between the adjacent terminal connector rows, as well as a secure electrical and mechanical connection point for the wires to connect to the circuit board directly, or alternatively to the corresponding electrical pads coupled to the circuit board. The housing may include divider walls that each provide an additional barrier or isolation between side-by-side electrical connection pads, terminal connectors and their associated wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Kenneth R. Venegas, Michael D. Goslee, Young Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 10986748
    Abstract: An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Brian T. Estanek, Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 10959347
    Abstract: A communication module for a communication or automation device includes a housing having a connection region that can be brought into contact with a base module of the communication or automation device, wherein centering pins of the connection region are insertable into corresponding receptacles in the base module, a fastening screw having a threaded section penetrates the housing between the centering pins, where the threaded section of the fastening screw is screwable into a threaded hole in the base module, and a passage for receiving the fastening screw is arranged substantially centrally in the housing and extends at right angles to the connection region, the fastening screw has a driver ring connected to it that surrounds a section of a shaft of the fastening screw and where, along the passage, a cutout is provided in the housing for the driver ring that is axially displaceable inside the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Urs Schweizer
  • Patent number: 10854865
    Abstract: A busbar assembly includes, among other things, a busbar, a battery terminal, and a deformed area securing together the busbar and the battery terminal. A securing method includes, among other things, positioning a first portion of an attachment structure within an aperture, deforming a second portion of the attachment structure to provide a deformed area, and using the deformed area to secure a busbar relative to a battery terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yongcai Wang, Yunan Guo, Jingmei Shen, Ahteram Khan
  • Patent number: 10673173
    Abstract: Plug side housings can be joined to each other by dovetail jointing without requiring experience and in an efficient manner. One of the opposing faces of adjacent plug side housings is provided with a groove and a positioning groove extending from at least one end of the groove in a same direction as the groove and configured to loosely receive a linear protrusion provided on the other opposing face, or the other opposing face is provided with a positioning protrusion extending from at least one end of the linear protrusion in a same direction as the linear protrusion and configured to be loosely fitted in the groove provided on the one opposing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON TANSHI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuzo Kawahara
  • Patent number: 10411424
    Abstract: A conductive building block having multi-sided conductivity includes a first stud disposed on a top side surface of an outer housing; a second stud disposed on a lateral side surface of the outer housing; and an engaging recess disposed on a bottom side surface of the outer housing. A circuit board, first positive-and-negative electrode connection pieces and second positive-and-negative electrode connection pieces are received in the outer housing. An illuminating member is mounted on the circuit board. The first positive-and-negative electrode connection piece is electrically connected with the circuit board and passes through the first stud. The second positive-and-negative electrode connection piece is electrically connected with the first positive-and-negative electrode connection piece and passes through the second stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: LONGMEN GETMORE POLYURETHANE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 10186821
    Abstract: A modular bus system including a support rail having a base and a longitudinal axis; at least one base module, mountable on the support rail, for electrical connection to at least one input/output functional module having a backplane printed circuit board with at least one group of at least two first electrical connectors connected thereto, for electrical connection to an electrical connector of an input/output functional module, the first electrical connectors of the group arranged one after the other along an imaginary line that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support rail and lie in a plane in which the base of the support rail is located or which is parallel to the base; at least one input/output functional module having an electrical connector and an electronic device for communication with the modular bus system, the electrical connector of the input/output functional module configured for electrical connection to one of the electrical connectors of the base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Müller, Peter Wermter
  • Patent number: 10044119
    Abstract: A terminal device includes: a housing having at least one contact cavity; a contact part which is arranged in the at least one contact cavity and into which at least one electrical line can be plugged in order to make electrical contact with the contact part; and at least one busbar which is arranged on the housing, is electrically connected to the contact part, and a busbar portion of which extends along a height line. An end portion adjoins the busbar portion, which end portion extends in an oblique direction at an oblique angle to the height line and can be moved along the height line relative to the contact part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wjatscheslaw Janzen, Holger Steinhage, Andrea Goetze, Oliver Pethig
  • Patent number: 9872412
    Abstract: A control system for mounting to a rail. The control system includes a control assembly and one or more I/O assemblies. The control assembly and each I/O assembly includes a module removably mounted to a base. The base has a body with a channel formed therein that is adapted to receive the rail. A latching assembly is mounted to the body and includes a lever movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the movement of the lever between the unlatched and latched positions moves latching members into and out of the channel, whereby when the rail is disposed in the channel and the lever is moved to the latched position, the latching members move into the channel, thereby trapping the rail in the channel and securing the base to the rail. When the module is mounted to the base, the module covers the lever of the latching assembly so as to be inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: David Mielnik, John Piunno, Christopher Gammell, Richard Ogorek, Mike J. Maczuzak, Krzysztof Miedza, Brian Milliff, Luke Hillebrecht
  • Patent number: 9812796
    Abstract: A terminal block assembly is provided, comprising a plurality of terminal blocks mounted on a common horizontal support member, including a supply terminal block connected with a voltage source, and a plurality of distribution terminal blocks connected with a plurality of loads, respectively, characterized in that the length and height dimensions of the terminal blocks are the same, but the width of the supply terminal block is greater than that of the distribution terminal blocks, and that the supply conductor contact arrangements of the supply terminal block are designed for connection with a supply conductor having a relatively large cross-sectional area, while the distribution conductor contact arrangements of the distribution terminal blocks are designed for connection with distribution conductors having a relatively small cross-sectional area. A conductive comb member extends transversely across the assembly to interconnect the electrical circuitry contained within the terminal block housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Adamczyk, Jörn Buhrke, Genadij Neumann, Andreas Rutz
  • Patent number: 9806481
    Abstract: A terminal row for a terminal device, which can be attached to an electronics housing in an insertion direction and which can be connected to an electronic component that is to be accommodated in the electronics housing, has a predetermined number of single electrical conductors or connectors connected thereto to produce a connection between the single electrical conductors or connectors and the electronic component. The terminal row includes a plurality of main housings, at least two of the plurality of main housings being different, wherein the main housings are separate from one another in a pre-assembly state and configured to be attached to one another in a row direction to form the terminal row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Frank Best, Eduard Unger, Joerg Soefker
  • Patent number: 9276334
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a terminal block having a pocket, a poke-in chamber in the pocket configured to receive an electrical wire during a poke-in termination, and a plug channel in the pocket configured to receive a plug contact during a plug mating termination. An electrical contact is received in the pocket having a base held in the pocket and a wire trap beam extending from the base into the poke-in chamber. The wire trap beam is configured to engage the electrical wire when poked-in to the poke-in chamber. A plug interface is arranged in the plug channel. The plug interface has a slot defined by a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms are configured to engage in physical contact with the plug contact when plugged into the plug channel. The base, wire trap beam and plug interface are a one-piece unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher George Daily, Matthew Edward Mostoller
  • Patent number: 9048551
    Abstract: An electrical connector (2) housing (1) for connecting at least one cable lug (31) to a threaded terminal of an electrical device (4), including, for each lug, a hole (11) for receiving a screw (12) for retaining a lug in a threaded terminal, which hole has a lateral slot (13) designed to allow a lug to penetrate the hole, a lower opening (14) for connecting the lug to a threaded terminal and an upper opening (15) designed to allow the passage of a screwing tool for the screw, the size of the upper opening of the hole at its widest point being strictly less than the size of the hole at its widest point, said opening being designed so as to allow the passage of the screwing tool and having a section which is less than the section of a human finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics France SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Picaud, Bruno Dupont
  • Publication number: 20150140865
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing, a plurality of contact modules received in the housing, and a pin spacer coupled to the contact modules. Each contact module has a plurality of contacts each including a pin extending from a bottom of the corresponding contact module. The pin spacer has a plurality of pin holes extending through the pin spacer. The pin holes receive corresponding pins for mounting to the circuit board. The pin spacer holds relative positions of the pins. The pin spacer has side edges at opposite sides of the pin spacer and lugs extending from the top of the pin spacer proximate to the sides of the pin spacer. The lugs block entry into a space defined between the bottoms of the contact modules and the top of the pin spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Evan Charles Wickes, Wayne Samual Davis, Kyle Gary Annis
  • Patent number: 8888540
    Abstract: A coupling is used with a U-section longitudinally extending power track having a floor and a pair of side walls defining a longitudinally and transversely open retaining channel and provided on the side walls with respective dielectric support rails each carrying a respective longitudinally extending main conductor transversely exposed in the slot and connected to phase or ground. The coupling has a dielectric coupling housing extending along an axis and having center structure defining a center symmetry plane perpendicular to the axis and end formations projecting axially oppositely from the center structure and each fittable longitudinally into the channel at an end of the power track to an insertion depth determined by the center structure. Two L-section and longitudinally extending metallic contact strips are carried on and transversely limitedly movable in a predetermined transverse direction in the dielectric housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hoffmeister Leuchten GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Hoffmeister
  • Publication number: 20140335740
    Abstract: A module of a terminal block (100) comprises a body (104) having an input configured to be coupled to an input wire and an output configured to be coupled to a plurality of output wires, a conductive element disposed within the input, and a plurality of terminals, each terminal having a first portion and a second portion configured to be coupled to an output wire, wherein the first portions of the plurality of terminals are nested together to achieve a single conductive structure, and wherein the conductive element is configured to engage and compress the input wire against the single conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hao Lu, Tong Xu, Jiuhong Geng
  • Patent number: 8414338
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric connector terminal for guiding a circuit through a wall (1), having a first terminal (2) to be mounted at a side of the wall and a second terminal (3) to be mounted at the other side of the wall (1), with the first terminal (2) comprising a connector element (4) to connect to the second terminal (3), the connector element (4) can be inserted into the second terminal (3), the second terminal (3) comprising a power line (6) for the electric connection to the first terminal (2), the power line (6) can be inserted into the connector element (4), and the surface of the connector element (4) facing away from the power line (6) comprising a creepage power extension (10). The creepage power extension (10) according to the invention increases the creepage distance, so that the electric connector terminal according to the invention can be impinged with higher voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Reibke, Dennis Sprenger, Wjatscheslaw Janzen
  • Publication number: 20120315803
    Abstract: A connection terminal for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object and including a metal plate having a resilient property, an insulating layer covering at least a part of the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on at least a part of the insulating layer, first and second fixing parts configured to be fixed to corresponding adjacent pads of the second connection object, and first and second connection parts configured to contact corresponding adjacent pads of the first connection object. The first fixing part and the first connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The second fixing part and the second connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The first and the second connection parts are faced outward to the first connection object. The first and the second fixing parts are faced outward to the second connection object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Tomoki KOBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 8154380
    Abstract: Sensor mount assemblies and sensor assemblies are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a sensor mount assembly includes a busbar, a main body, a backing surface, and a first finger. The busbar has a first end and a second end. The main body is overmolded onto the busbar. The backing surface extends radially outwardly relative to the main body. The first finger extends axially from the backing surface, and the first finger has a first end, a second end, and a tooth. The first end of the first finger is disposed on the backing surface, and the tooth is formed on the second end of the first finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: David H. Miller
  • Patent number: 8033873
    Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a communications or data patch cable used to conduct a signal between computing or telecommunications devices. The invention provides a physical indication of the location of an opposite end of a given patch cable when a switching means on the first end of the same cable is activated. The invention utilizes an existing pair of wires in category-type cables to send a DC voltage when activated to illuminate a light emitting diode in the opposite end of a patch cable thereby providing an immediate indication of the location of the termination of the opposite end of a patch cable making it possible to visually identify a cable without removing the cable from service or from connection of the modular plugs on either end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Link Light Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Ankerstjerne
  • Patent number: 7862389
    Abstract: Terminal block for connecting electric wires comprising an insulating body and a conducting part housed inside it and associated with means for retaining the free end of the electric wire, said conducting part having a U-shaped form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Morsettitalia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Pizzi
  • Publication number: 20100291807
    Abstract: A multi-phase cross connection link for carrying potential between at least two switching devices modularly connected on a support member, each switching device having connector holders for accepting the potential, includes a conductor rail associated with each phase and disposed in a housing, the housing being made of insulation material and extending in a lengthwise direction. A plurality of tabs is associated with the conductor rail, the tabs extending outward in a comb-like manner in a shared plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the housing. The plurality of tabs is arranged next to each other in a sequence having a row distance that corresponds to a first grid distance of the connector holders of the switching device. At least one end, relative to the lengthwise extending, of the cross connection link has incoming contact openings leading to the conductor rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: EATON INDUSTRIES GMBH
    Inventors: Oliver KNOERRCHEN, Stephan STANKE, Jan Karol NOWAK
  • Patent number: 7786831
    Abstract: A modular terminal for a molded case circuit breaker by which various types of terminals can be joined together and configuration and assembly are simplified, the modular terminal comprising a plurality of terminal bases each of which is provided for each phase, a terminal which is detachably supported at each terminal base, and a joint piece which connects a pair of the terminal bases adjacent to each other to form a terminal module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 7771241
    Abstract: Terminal block for connecting electric wires comprising an insulating body and a conducting part housed inside it and associated with means for retaining the free end of the electric wire, said conducting part having a U-shaped form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Morsettitalia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Pizzi
  • Patent number: 7758390
    Abstract: A large array connector assembly for containing a plurality of wafers is disclosed. The large array connector assembly includes a plurality of guide blocks that includes first and second guide blocks. The first guide block being located at a first end of the assembly. The second guide block being located at a second end of the assembly. A first plate is mechanically coupled to a first portion of the first guide block and a first portion of the second guide block. The first plate includes a plurality of slots each for receiving a tab extending from a corresponding wafer so as to substantially prevent movement of the corresponding wafer in first and second directions while allowing a given degree of movement in a third direction. A second plate is mechanically coupled to a second portion of the first guide block and a second portion of the second guide block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Domitrovits, Emanuele F. Lopergolo, Prabjit Singh, Joseph J. George
  • Publication number: 20100081343
    Abstract: A connecting element is disclosed for the connection of at least two switching devices and a switching device and an electric distribution system. In order to allow for the rapid and wireless connection of a plurality of electromechanical devices, at least one embodiment of the invention proposes a connecting device for the connection of at least two switching devices, wherein the connecting element includes first element(s) for mechanically connecting the switching devices to one and another and second element(s) for electrically connecting switching poles of the switching devices. The second element(s) include flexible connecting elements for connecting the switching devices to the switching poles that are electrically connected to the connecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Martin Bodenmeier
  • Patent number: 7658653
    Abstract: A connector arrangement includes a universal terminal block having a body containing a chamber in which is removably mounted one of a plurality of function control modules as used in commercial, industrial and residential installations, wherein a pair of module contacts on the module are brought into electrical engagement with a pair of stationary contacts mounted in the chamber, thereby to connect the module to a pair of external insulated conductors via bus bars and terminals contained in the terminal block body. Various types of function control modules may be used with a single universal terminal block. The modules may include locking devices for locking the module to the universal terminal block. The terminal block includes mounting feet on the side thereof remote from the chamber, whereby selective modules may be substituted for one another when the terminal block is mounted on a support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Diekmann, Torsten Diekmann, Michael Lenschen, Joern Buhrke
  • Patent number: 7604516
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power feeding module including screw-clamping terminals for delivering power and push-lock terminals. The power feeding module is particularly easy to assemble and wire with a power distribution system to which several consumer branches can be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Adunka, Berthold Heldmann
  • Patent number: 7553199
    Abstract: A modular terminal block for connecting leads or wires to an electrical body includes a module stack of side-by-side module assemblies and an alignment plate. Each module assembly includes a housing, a number of conductors extending from the housing, and a cover member to cover the conductors. The alignment plate accurately positions the conductors despite variations in housing dimension due to manufacturing tolerances. The housing includes walls supported on both sides when forming part of the module stack. The walls resist deflection of the conductors during installation of the alignment plate and electrical body. Each cover member engages and is held closed by a conductor extending from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Correll
  • Patent number: 7442094
    Abstract: A telecommunications module includes a housing, a plurality of contacts, which are exposed to allow the connection of wires herewith, and a connecting device for connecting at least some of the contacts with other contacts of the telecommunications module, wherein the connecting device is partially accommodated in the housing an d partially extends outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Friedrich Wilhelm Denter, Hans-Dieter Otto, Christine B. Bund, Cornel Schaub, Bernd Lindenbeck
  • Patent number: 7438604
    Abstract: A distributor block exhibits multi-connectors at its front side in the manner of block terminals and at least one additional connector for each pole at its rear side, whereby a contact area is provided for each pole where terminal points are arranged in one common clamping plane. To reduce the number of current-conducting components and to provide clamping of the cables using a spring force, terminal points are formed through clamping supports that are at a distance from each other and that each interact with a contact tongue. To this end, each contact area houses a current-conducting board with the clamping supports being formed onto it, where two each of the contact tongues are components of a torsion spring with a bending joint that is followed by the contact tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Andresen
  • Patent number: 7397668
    Abstract: A signal input/output device includes an array of signal input/output units. The signal input/output units have respective bases, each of which includes a connecting member. The connecting member has a second protruding end finger swingably supported on a base, and a first protruding end finger that engages with a stop of an adjacent base. The connecting member is positioned and fixed (secured) by a screw, which extends through a bottom plate and is threaded in a square nut. The connecting member, when secured in this manner, joins the adjacent bases to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Sekine, Yutaka Noguchi, Makoto Seo
  • Publication number: 20080160838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power feeding module including screw-clamping terminals for delivering power and push-lock terminals. The power feeding module is particularly easy to assemble and wire with a power distribution system to which several consumer branches can be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Robert Adunka, Berthold Heldmann
  • Patent number: 7367852
    Abstract: A terminal block connecting arrangement includes a first terminal block having a first electrical contact, an electrical device having a second electrical contact, a test terminal block arranged between the electrical apparatus and the first terminal block for displacement between a first test position spaced from the electrical apparatus and a contact position adjacent the electrical apparatus, the test terminal block having a double-ended electrical contact. A spring-biased detent device normally retains the test terminal block in the test position. As the first terminal block is progressively displaced toward the electrical device, the first contact is brought into engagement with one end of the contact on the test terminal block. Upon further displacement of the first terminal block toward the electrical device, the detent device is released, and the test terminal block is displaced to effect connection of the first contact with the second contact via the two-ended test contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Niggemann, Stefan Fehling, Walter Hanning, Wolfgang Schild
  • Patent number: 7303446
    Abstract: A frame assembly for mounting an insulation displacement connector block includes a base frame and a modular subframe attached to the base frame. The subframe is capable of being attached to the base frame in a first position or a second position, which are generally perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Proprties Company
    Inventors: Douglas P. Hills, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7118400
    Abstract: A power system includes power inputs, power outputs and power protection and/or power conditioning adapted between the power inputs and power outputs. In some embodiments, a graphics display is included in the system for displaying graphic images from an external video source. The power system is configurable such that the power inputs appear on the left side and outputs on the right side or the opposite with power inputs on the right side and outputs on the left.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: AAMP of Florida, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto A. Lopez, John Catalano, Nathan Wincek
  • Patent number: 7094113
    Abstract: A terminal adapter for an electronic package having a stub terminal is provided. The adapter includes an adapter housing configured to be fitted over the electronic package and enclosing the terminal of the electronic package, a terminal receptacle formed in the housing, and at least one screw terminal assembly fitted within said terminal receptacle and locked thereto with deflectable mounting legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy Hasenour, Randy Hannah, Kurt T. Zarbock
  • Patent number: 7029337
    Abstract: Module, device and method for electrically connecting modules (1–5) whereby a connecting element (9–12) is erected to carry out a lateral shift and a revolving to-and-fro movement during the movement between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: NIKO, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventors: Fernand Clement Marie Verstraete, Luc Daelman, Fredien Jan Elisabeth Waterschoot
  • Patent number: 6860764
    Abstract: A modular appliance system comprises several similarly shaped modular appliances such as kettles, toasters and the like, and a modular base system with cordless connectors on which the appliances can be placed. In one embodiment, the base is larger than the base of an individual appliance, and accommodates two or more appliances side by side. In another embodiment, the base comprises individual base units which can be connected together electrically to create a composite base unit which accommodates the required number of appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Stanley Joseph Seeff
    Inventor: Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Patent number: 6755664
    Abstract: In a connector assembly for receiving a plurality of mating connectors each provided with a wire harness, each of subassemblies is provided with a first internal space and a second internal space which are defined by an internal partition wall, and conductive tabs piercing the partition wall so as to project into both of the first internal space and the second internal space. The subassemblies are stacked one on another. Each of the connectors is inserted into the first internal space of an associated one of the subassemblies. Terminals are provided in each of the connectors to be electrically connected to the conductive tabs. A first end of an electric wire is connected to one of the terminals which is provided in one of the connectors. A second end of the electric wire is connected to another one of the terminals which is provided in another one of the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Sakamoto, Shigeki Mori
  • Publication number: 20030232545
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a circuit board includes a back shell that has guide channels therein. A housing having guide arms extending therefrom is also provided. The guide arms are sized to be received within the guide channel. Upon the alignment of the guide channels and the guide arms, the housing and the back shell will be aligned to prevent damage to the electrical contacts therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Joseph J. Lacey, James A. Beacham, Lee F. Wichlacz, Gregory S. Zeman
  • Patent number: 6663441
    Abstract: An electric switch assembly including a multipolar quick-assembly appliance and a quick-connect appliance, wherein the body of an appliance, or its power terminal strip, is directly fixed and interlocked with to the body of an adjacent appliance. The interconnection between the various appliances is rapidly performed by multipolar blocks capable of being pressed on the front surfaces of appliances and being elastically plugged into their terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventors: Pascal Alexandre, Serge Paggi
  • Patent number: 6634910
    Abstract: An electric appliance (1) comprising modules (2, 3) that can be juxtaposed to one another and interconnected using bridge elements (4) for transmitting electric signals and operating voltages. The modules (2, 3) and bridge elements (4) are provided with a pair of plug-in connectors (31) and also a pair of mating plug-in connectors (25, 26). The plug-in connectors (31) are each mounted in a cylindrical outer sleeve (36), and the mating plug-in connectors (25, 26) are mounted in cylindrical ducts or penetrations (19). An O-shaped sealing ring or gasket (38) is arranged about the circumference of each outer sleeve (36), so that the O-shaped gaskets (38) are under pressure when the outer sleeves (36) are inserted in the penetration (19) to interconnect the plug-in connectors (31) and the mating plug-in connectors (25, 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerald Lieb, Othmar Gaidosch, Bernd Fischer
  • Patent number: 6612865
    Abstract: A mounting for a jumper assembly bus assembly where the jumper assembly includes a housing assembly and a bus assembly. The jumper assembly housing assembly has a housing assembly planar member and a plurality of side walls extending generally perpendicular to and downward from the planar member defining at least one raceway. The bus assembly includes a bus assembly planar member with two terminal ends extending therefrom. The mounting includes at least one bus assembly mounting boss disposed on a housing assembly side wall, the mounting boss disposed adjacent to, but spaced from, the housing assembly planar member, and at least one elongated bus assembly clip extending from the housing assembly. The bus assembly mounting boss is structured to retain the bus assembly planar member adjacent to the housing assembly planar member and the at least one bus assembly clip is structured to retain a bus assembly terminal end against the housing assembly planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Ethber Lias, Michael Jerome Whipple
  • Publication number: 20030139099
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a conductive bridge strap for electrically connecting together a plurality of selected bus bars respectively arranged in chambers contained in a row in the upper portion of a housing formed of synthetic plastic insulating material. Horizontal fastening screws bias the bus bars into respective engagement with conductors inserted downwardly into the chambers via top openings contained in a lid or cover for the housing, and resilient contacts are carried by the bottom portions of the bus bars for engagement by wires inserted upwardly into the chambers via bottom openings contained in the bottom of the housing. In a preferred embodiment, spaced portions of the conductive bridge strap defined by a vertical slot in the leg of the U-shaped bridge member extend within the respective chambers and are permanently secured to the associated bus bars, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Ude, Klaus Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 6589060
    Abstract: In an electric connection box-producing method, block members (2) for connecting electrical circuit parts are provided on a mounting frame (4), and this method includes a block member-molding step of molding individual block members (2) separate from one another, a block member-combining step of arranging the plurality of block members (2) in the irrespective predetermined positions, and welding these block members together to form a block assembly (3), and a block assembly-mounting step of fixedly securing the block assembly (3) to the mounting frame (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 6589070
    Abstract: A jumper assembly that includes a housing assembly and at least two bus assemblies. The housing assembly has a planar member and a plurality of upper and lower side walls extending generally perpendicular from opposite sides of the planar member. The housing assembly planar member has an upper side and a lower side with one or more openings passing therethrough. The at least two or more bus assemblies each have a planar bus member and one or more collar assemblies coupled to each planar bus members. The upper side walls form two or more separate upper raceways. The lower side walls form two or more lower raceways. The bus planar members are disposed in the lower raceways. The collars disposed in the upper raceways and coupled to the bus planar members through the housing assembly planar member openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Ethber Lias, Michael Jerome Whipple
  • Patent number: 6589071
    Abstract: A mounting for a jumper assembly bus assembly where the jumper assembly includes a housing assembly and a bus assembly. The jumper assembly housing assembly has a housing assembly planar member and a plurality of side walls extending generally perpendicular to and downward from the planar member defining at least one raceway. The bus assembly includes a bus assembly planar member with two terminal ends extending therefrom. The mounting includes at least one bus assembly mounting boss disposed on a housing assembly side wall, the mounting boss disposed adjacent to, but spaced from, the housing assembly planar member, and at least one elongated bus assembly clip extending from the housing assembly. The bus assembly mounting boss is structured to retain the bus assembly planar member adjacent to the housing assembly planar member and the at least one bus assembly clip is structured to retain a bus assembly terminal end against the housing assembly planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Ethber Lias, Michael Jerome Whipple
  • Patent number: 6511327
    Abstract: A network interface system or device is disclosed that represents an optimal balance in the cost of the materials for the components and the cost of the assembly time required of a field technician. One or more lines from the network provider, e.g., a telephone company, are provided as well as one or more corresponding lines from a customer. For a given network line and corresponding customer line, each line is preferably terminated with a female spade connector. A small printed circuit board (PCB) is provided that has ends shaped to act as male spade connectors. An electrical connection is provided between the ends of the PCB. Optionally, but preferably, a gas tube is provided to suppress surges on the network line before they damage equipment connected to the customer line. A PCB configured in this manner can connect one set or multiple sets of lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: David Stevens Kerr, Jason A. Kay, Douglas Lewis Cowan, Anthony Joseph David, Ivan Pawlenko
  • Patent number: 6506071
    Abstract: An electrical modular terminal, especially for latching onto a mounting rail, with a base terminal (2) and with at least one plug (3, 4), the base terminal (2) having a terminal housing (7) which made of insulating material, at least one terminal element (8, 9) located in it and at least two sockets which are electrically connected to the terminal element (8, 9) or to terminal elements (8, 9), the plug (3, 4) having a plug housing (13, 14) which is made of insulating material, at least one terminal element (15) located therein and a plug-in contact which is electrically connected to the at least one terminal element (15), and the at least one plug (3, 4) being mechanically connected by means of a fastener to the terminal housing (7) of the base terminal (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Lange