Having Integral Means To Interlock Or Interfit With A Duplicate Insulating Block Or Board Patents (Class 439/717)
  • Patent number: 8017881
    Abstract: A circuit breaker enables selective left, right or a combination of both side connection to a power conductor, such as a cable or wire. Side connection eliminates the need for large radius U-bends of the power conductor that is normally required when using top connection circuit breakers. An electrically non-conductive cavity commonly defined by left and right sides of the circuit breaker housing receives the power conductor in a connector such as a lug. The circuit breaker may have a visualization window oriented to observe whether excessive cable is projecting out of the lug, so as to confirm compliance with electrical code over surface spacing requirements. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker lugs are vertically oriented above its front cover surface in a receptacle portion of the housing. The receptacle may be constructed for selective lug orientation in horizontal or vertical positions by the installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Simmons
  • Patent number: 7967646
    Abstract: A modular electrical bus system for a valve manifold has a main communication module with a plurality of modular I/O units each having a plurality of I/O fittings being both electrically and mechanically connectable together via a bridge member connecting adjacent units and the main communication module. At least one of the modular I/O units is also mechanically separable from and maintains communication connection to the main communication module. One or both of the modular IO units and main communication module may have an alpha-numeric display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Numatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Enrico De Carolis, John F. Eskew, Adam Gibson, Michael W. Hundt
  • Patent number: 7896711
    Abstract: A modular electrical bus system for a valve manifold has a main communication module with a plurality of modular I/O units each having a plurality of I/O fittings being both electrically and mechanically connectable together via a bridge member connecting adjacent units and the main communication module. At least one of the modular I/O units is also mechanically separable from and maintains communication connection to the main communication module. One or both of the modular IO units and main communication module may have an alpha-numeric display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Numatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Enrico De Carolis, John F. Eskew, Adam Gibson, Michael W. Hundt
  • Patent number: 7874875
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting an element to a circuit board includes at least two adjacent insulation bodies, a plugging slot located on the insulation bodies for being plugged with the element, and a set of conductive terminals disposed on the insulation bodies and electrically connected with the circuit board. One side of each of the insulation bodies is movably connected with the adjacent insulation body. When the circuit board undergoes soldering process, the relation position of the insulation bodies at the adjacent location is automatically adjusted according to the warp caused by the high temperature of soldering so as to reduce the warp and deformation. Thereby, the soldering portion of each conductive terminal received in the insulation bodies can be soldered onto the circuit board well, such that electrical connector is normally and electrically connected with the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lotes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 7837515
    Abstract: The combined type connector includes a base connector housing and a detachable connector housing. The base connector housing includes a first main body, a boss groove provided on a first outer surface of the first main body, a first guide part provided on the first outer surface; and a first stopping part provided on the first outer surface. The detachable connector housing includes a second main body, a boss provided on a second outer surface of the second main body, a second guide part provided on the second outer surface and a second stopping part provided on the second outer surface. The base connector housing and the detachable connector housing are connected by engaging the boss with the boss groove and pivoting the detachable connector housing about the boss from a first position to a second position so that the first guide part slides along the second guide part and the first stopping part and the second stopping part are engaged so as to stop the detachable connector pivoting at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiharu Takahashi, Kazuto Ohtaka, Hideki Ohsumi
  • Patent number: 7837514
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector. The plug connector has plug contacts and a shroud partially surrounding the plug contacts. The shroud has a shape that is elongated along a longitudinal axis. The stood frames the plug contacts. The receptacle connector has a nose with a shape that is elongated along the longitudinal axis. The nose includes a plurality of slots formed therein and oriented along a transverse axis relative to the longitudinal axis. The plug contacts are separated from the shroud such that when the plug and receptacle connectors are co-nested with one another, the nose is received in the shroud and the plug contacts are received in a corresponding one of the slots in order to mate the plug and receptacle connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Warren Fogg
  • Publication number: 20100248556
    Abstract: A modular electrical bus system for a valve manifold has a main communication module with a plurality of modular I/O units each having a plurality of I/O fittings being both electrically and mechanically connectable together via a bridge member connecting adjacent units and the main communication module. At least one of the modular I/O units is also mechanically separable from and maintains communication connection to the main communication module. One or both of the modular IO units and main communication module may have an alpha-numeric display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Numatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Enrico De Carolis, John F. Eskew, Adam Gibson, Michael W. Hundt
  • 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: 7780481
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a main body, a power input device, a first power output device and a second power output device. The first power output device includes a first cable and a first connector. The first cable is connected to a first surface of the first connector and includes at least a stop block and at least a fastening element. The second power output device includes a second cable and a second connector. The second cable is connected to a first surface of the second connector and includes an extension part and a retaining wall. An edge of the retaining wall is confined by the stop block and the extension part is clamped by the fastening element so as to selectively combine the first connector with the second connector as a composite connector assembly and facilitate securely fixing the composite connector assembly in a common power socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung-Chuan Chen, Hung-Chang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7780479
    Abstract: A housing for a coaxial jack including an opening for receiving the jack, the opening including a guide for preventing rotation of the jack within the opening. The housing also includes a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening and a flange extending from an outer surface. An outer face opposite the flange includes a ridge and a groove. A housing for coaxial jacks includes a pair of openings for receiving jacks. Each opening includes a guide to prevent rotation and a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek
  • Patent number: 7753740
    Abstract: A modular electrical bus system for a valve manifold has a main communication module with a plurality of modular I/O units each having a plurality of I/O fittings being both electrically and mechanically connectable together via a bridge member connecting adjacent units and the main communication module. At least one of the modular I/O units is also mechanically separable from and maintains communication connection to the main communication module. One or both of the modular IO units and main communication module may have an alpha-numeric display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Numatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Enrico De Carolis, John F. Eskew, Adam Gibson, Michael W. Hundt
  • Patent number: 7718303
    Abstract: An electrolyte layer (121) and a hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) are fitted in a fitting portion (131) of a low thermal expansion member (130), and a cathode electrode (110) is provided on the electrolyte layer (121). Gas separators (100, 150) are provided such that a low thermal expansion member (130) is held between the gas separators (100, 150). Since the low thermal expansion member (130) is made of metal which has a thermal expansion coefficient lower than that of the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122), thermal expansion of the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) can be suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce shear stress applied to an interface between the electrolyte layer (121) and the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) due to the thermal expansion. It is possible to suppress separation of the electrolyte layer (121) from the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) and occurrence of a crack in the electrolyte layer (121).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Aoyama, Satoshi Iguchi, Makoto Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7713096
    Abstract: A modular electrical connector including at least one body portion having an electrical terminal and at least one mating surface. An end portion has a mating surface interconnected to the mating surface of the body portion. The body portion and the end portion define a connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Slobodan Pavlovic, David Menzies, Mohamad Zeidan
  • Patent number: 7695316
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a connecting member. The first electrical connector includes an insulative main body with a receiving recess defined therein. The second electrical connector includes an insulative main body with a receiving recess defined therein. The connecting member is slidably engaged in the receiving recess of the first electrical connector and is configured for being slidably engaged in the receiving recesses of the first and second connectors simultaneously, thereby combining the first and second connectors together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Patent number: 7690953
    Abstract: An electrical connection apparatus includes at least one stackable block operably coupleable to another stackable block, at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the stackable block, and at least one electrical connection contact having a C-shaped contact portion with elastic properties disposed within the pin receiving portion and a lead portion disposed at a location exterior to the stackable block. The electrical connection apparatus may further include an adjustment component and an adjustment component receiving portion defined by in inner wall within the stackable block. In addition, sliders may be arranged on the stackable block and may engage with tabs formed on the at least one electrical connection contact. The sliders may be moved to a raised or lowered position in order to move the at least one electrical connection contact between a contact and an insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Deringer-Ney, Inc.
    Inventors: Garth W. Boyd, Aaron Engel, Dana Dubuc, Edward F. Smith, III, Michael E. Poppy
  • Publication number: 20100041266
    Abstract: A connector is provided that is suitable for connection to another connector. The connector can be a plug connector or a receptacle connector. The connector has a power contact and a signal contact. The signal contact may be provided by a modular housing that can be inserted into the connector housing. The signal contact can be wired separately into the modular housing and then the modular housing can be is inserted into the connector housing. A terminal position assurance member can then be used to secure the modular housing and power contact. An assembly of both the plug connector and the receptacle connector can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Mark M. Data, Yan Margulis
  • Patent number: 7632127
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a socket, a method for manufacturing the socket, a device, and a method for compensating for differing coefficients of thermal expansion between a socket and a printed circuit board. The socket includes surface mounted contacts and an elongated housing. The elongated housing comprises at least two members that are coupled together and disposed to form an aperture in between the at least two members, wherein the surface mounted contacts extend from the aperture, and wherein at least one dimension of the at least two members is selected to compensate for a difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion between the socket and a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Samuel Beaman, Joseph Kuczynski, Theron Lee Lewis, Amanda Elisa Ennis Mikhail, Arvind Kumar Sinha
  • Patent number: 7625250
    Abstract: According to one example, a rack unit assembly is provided herein that includes a frame and a modular network component having at least one interlocking part associated therewith. The rack unit assembly also includes frame key mounted on the frame. The interlocking part is configured to be interlockingly coupled to the frame key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7591596
    Abstract: A short chain-like ferrule structure 15 includes a plurality of ferrules 2, and an interconnecting portion 16 interconnecting the plurality of ferrules 2. This ferrule structure includes a connection portion 20 provided at that portion of the interconnecting portion 16 projecting from the ferrule 2 disposed at one end portion of the ferrule structure, and a connection reception portion 21 which is provided at that portion of the interconnecting portion 16 projecting from the ferrule 2 disposed at the other end portion of the ferrule structure, and is engageable with the connection portion 20 of another short chain-like ferrule structure. Projections 23 are formed at the connection portion 20, and project from the interconnecting portion 16, and holes 25 for the passage of the projections 23 of another short chain-like ferrule structure therethrough are formed in the connection reception portion 21, and extend through the interconnecting portion 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Tanaka, Hideyuki Kageyama, Yoshinori Yamanashi, Masaaki Sawairi
  • Patent number: 7588472
    Abstract: A modular apparatus for data communication between a distribution network and a residential network is disclosed. The apparatus has a first device adapted to interface a distribution network, at least one second device adapted to interface a residential network and to be mechanically and electrically connected to the first device, and at least one interconnecting lock adapted to keep the first device and the at least one second device firmly secured to each other and to activate electrical supply between the first device and the at least one second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Pirelli & C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Oliveti, Francesco Simonelli, Giovanni Tagliabue
  • Publication number: 20090215324
    Abstract: A modular Fieldbus segment protector comprising a support means provided with trunk connection means, a trunk connection bus and a plurality of spur outlets, in which autonomous fault isolation means are removably mounted on the support means between the trunk connection bus and any one or more of the plurality of spur outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Pepperl & Fuchs
    Inventors: Gunther Rogoll, Renato Kitchener
  • Patent number: 7572156
    Abstract: A contact module is provided. The contact module is configured to be held by a housing of an electrical connector adjacent two other contact modules. The contact module includes at least one electrical lead, and a body holding at least a portion of the at least one electrical lead. The body has opposite first and second side portions. The first side portion includes a first extension. The second side portion includes a first slot. The first extension is configured to be received within a second slot of a first of the two other contact modules. The first slot is configured to receive a second extension of a second of the two other contact modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Franklin Schroll, Samuel Joseph Magaro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7559807
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wiring device that can be equipped with at least one connection module and is provided with a contacting device(s). In order to protect the optionally live contacting device(s) of the wiring device with simple device(s) against accidental contact when contacting the connection module that can be coupled, an insulating device(s) is disposed at the end of and/or along the contacting device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Freimuth, Fritz Royer
  • Patent number: 7517256
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a frame including at least two supporting arms configuring at least one mounting area, at least one housing unit assembled to the supporting arms and located with the at least one mounting area. An inter-aligning arrangement is arranged between the supporting arms and the at least one housing so as to ensure the at least one housing unit is properly attached to the frame. The inter-aligning arrangement includes at least one groove located at one of the supporting arm and the housing unit, and at least one projection located at the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Chang
  • Publication number: 20090075526
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting wires including dissimilar electrical conductors such as copper and aluminum conductors with the electrical connector including failure inhibiting features that can include an oxidation inhibiting coating and a sealant. To ensure that a minimum pressure contact has been achieved at the interface between the electrical connector a shearable fastener can be used to secure an electrical conductor in the electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Lloyd Herbert King, JR., Michael Belgeri, James C. Keeven, William Hiner
  • Patent number: 7503766
    Abstract: In order to prevent the mismating of several daughterboards (2) that are combined into a plug-in unit (20) with corresponding board connectors (3) on a motherboard (1), it is proposed that the mating of the plug-in unit (20) is effectively prevented by means of a blocking block (10) that is inserted into an intermediate space between two board connectors (3) that are spaced apart from one another by a regular connector spacing and snapped into window-like recesses (4) of the board connectors (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: HARTING Electronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gert Havermann
  • Publication number: 20090068902
    Abstract: A middle electrical connector includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a terminal arrangement plate. A housing holds the terminal arrangement plate. The terminal arrangement plate has retaining grooves to hold the terminals at a plurality of positions. The retaining grooves includes a front retaining groove and a back retaining groove having at least one of a shape or a size different with each other. The front retaining groove holds a front retained portion of the terminal on a front portion side. The rear retaining groove holds a rear retained portion of the terminal on a rear portion side. When the terminal is inserted, the front retained portion is allowed to pass through the rear retaining groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Masakazu Nagata
  • Patent number: 7500880
    Abstract: A connector that mechanically connects and provides power to two or more telecommunication devices in series, for example a phone and an expansion module or accessory device, from a single or multiple power source is provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a support body and a pair of outwardly extending projections for connection to a base and expansion module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Seyamak Vaziri, Bhaskar Peddinti, Jennifer Kay Walker, Daniel Eskenazi, Tony Siu Kong Leung
  • Patent number: 7479046
    Abstract: A connecter comprises a housing having a first lateral surface having a convex fitting portion and a second lateral surface opposed to the first lateral surface and having a convex fitting portion, and a plurality of detection terminals accommodated in the housing, each capable of connection to the electrode provided to the single cell stacking body, wherein the fitting portion formed on the first lateral surface is positioned corresponding to a recess between the fitting portions formed on the second lateral surface, and the fitting portion formed on the second lateral surface is positioned corresponding to a recess between the fitting portions formed on the first lateral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Tyco Electronics AMP K.K.
    Inventors: Norishige Konno, Ryuichi Komiyama
  • Patent number: 7473146
    Abstract: Busbar assemblies are disclosed. The busbar assemblies allow electric current to be distributed through electrically conductive cables that are held in contact with a substantially solid conductive bar by a cable retention system that does not require through-holes in the conductive bar and which decrease the bar's current carrying capacity. Further, the cable retention system retains the cables in consistent contact with the bar and resist loosening due to vibration and thermal cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Brasil LTDA
    Inventors: Vagner Fuzetti, Jose Alexandre La Salvia
  • Publication number: 20080274651
    Abstract: An electrical connection apparatus includes at least one stackable block operably coupleable to another stackable block, at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the stackable block, and at least one electrical connection contact having a C-shaped contact portion with elastic properties disposed within the pin receiving portion and a lead portion disposed at a location exterior to the stackable block. The electrical connection apparatus may further include an adjustment component and an adjustment component receiving portion defined by in inner wall within the stackable block. In addition, sliders may be arranged on the stackable block and may engage with tabs formed on the at least one electrical connection contact. The sliders may be moved to a raised or lowered position in order to move the at least one electrical connection contact between a contact and an insertion position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Garth W. Boyd, Aaron Engel, Dana Dubuc, Edward F. Smith, Michael E. Poppy
  • Patent number: 7442053
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first connector body having an interlocking feature extending therefrom. The interlocking feature interlocks the first connector body with a complimentary interlocking feature extending from an adjacent second connector body to distribute a lateral force on either the first or second connector bodies across the adjacent connector body thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E. E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
  • Patent number: 7413481
    Abstract: A circuit comprises a first circuit portion that includes an electrically insulative first body having a first connector and a first circuit element coupled to the first body. The circuit further comprises a second circuit portion that includes an electrically insulative second body having a second connector coupled to the first connector and a second circuit element coupled to the second body. The circuit further comprises a first electrical conductor coupled to the first and second circuit elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Frank E. Redmond, III, Frank E. Redmond, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080176456
    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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    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
  • Patent number: 7371124
    Abstract: A housing for a coaxial jack including an opening for receiving the jack, the opening including a guide for preventing rotation of the jack within the opening. The housing also includes a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening and a flange extending from an outer surface. An outer face opposite the flange includes a ridge and a groove. A housing for coaxial jacks includes a pair of openings for receiving jacks. Each opening includes a guide to prevent rotation and a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek
  • Publication number: 20080085638
    Abstract: A rack assembly has a rack and a first interconnect tower. The rack has a first face to receive a plurality of switches. The first interconnect tower has a second face to receive a first plurality of patch panels. The first interconnect tower is disposed adjacent the rack such that the second face of the first interconnect tower is proximal the first face of the rack allowing shorter patch cords to be used and occupying less floor space. A second interconnect tower having a third face to receive a second plurality of patch panels may be disposed adjacent the rack such that the third face of the second interconnect tower is proximal the first face of the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert C. Baxter, Glenn T. Kierstead, Marjana M. Abby
  • Patent number: 7354281
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first connector body having an interlocking feature extending therefrom. The interlocking feature interlocks the first connector body with a complimentary interlocking feature extending from an adjacent second connector body to distribute a lateral force on either the first or second connector bodies across the adjacent connector body thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E. E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
  • Patent number: 7255608
    Abstract: A connector body component for a connector assembly in which the connector body component has a plurality of independent body segments secured together to form a single assembly. The connector body segments are held together within a housing member and may include interlocking structures on wall surfaces thereof. Forming the connector body in independent segments allows one body segment to be replaced in the event of damage to the connector body or one conductive element held in the connector body, thus eliminating the need to replace the entire connector body. This saves significant time and expense when repairing or modifying a connector body having a plurality of independent conductors coupled to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Monroe A. Lalumandier, James V Leonard, Richard E Meyer, William J Ebert
  • Patent number: 7247045
    Abstract: The modular connection assembly comprises a connector (4) made of insulating material, a conductor connecting bridge (10) and a fixing and contact member (9); the connector (4) has side socket members (5) to relate to similar units (4) and it also includes passages (6)(7)(8) for cables (3), for bridges (10) and for fixing members (9); the bridge (10) includes modular sections (10a) and threaded holes (10b) for the fixing member (9); which are screws ending in contact ends (9a) able to perforate the sheath (3a) of the conductor cable (3) and contact it. The side socket member (5) allow the group of several connectors (4) integrated in a modular connection set. The conductor cables (3) are inserted into the first passage (6) of the connectors (4). The bridges (10), after cutting and separating the unnecessary modular sections (10a), are inserted into the second passage (7) of the connectors (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jose Luis Arellano
  • Patent number: 7195519
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing having a mating end and a loading end. First and second contact wafers are loaded into the loading end of the housing. The first and second contact wafers each have a dielectric carrier holding a contact therein. The carriers have outer walls, wherein at least one of the outer walls on each of the carriers has a spacer engagement element provided thereon. A wafer spacer is configured to be positioned between the first and second contact wafers. The wafer spacer is positioned in one of different first and second orientations relative to the side walls of the first and second contact wafers. The wafer spacer has opposed first and second side walls that are separated by a spacer core thickness. The first side wall has a wafer engagement element provided thereon. When the wafer spacer is in the first orientation, the wafer spacer separates the first and second contact wafers by a first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Richard McAlonis, Attalee S. Taylor, Richard Elof Hamner
  • Patent number: 7172443
    Abstract: An electrical connector set is disclosed to include an electrical connector, which has an electrically insulative housing houses a plurality of metal contact pins, the electrically insulative housing having a dovetail groove at each of two distal ends thereof, and two guide rails respectively connected to the two distal ends of the electrically insulative housing at right angles for guiding an electronic device into connection with the electrical connector, each guide rail having a long arm and a short arm connected to one end of the long arm at right angles, the short arm having a dovetail block extending from one end thereof remote from the long arm and fastened to the retaining groove at one end of the electrically insulative housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lotes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ted Ju
  • Patent number: 7108561
    Abstract: A housing for a coaxial jack including an opening for receiving the jack, the opening including a guide for preventing rotation of the jack within the opening. The housing also includes a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening and a flange extending from an outer surface. An outer face opposite the flange includes a ridge and a groove. A housing for coaxial jacks includes a pair of openings for receiving jacks. Each opening includes a guide to prevent rotation and a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek
  • Patent number: 7021974
    Abstract: A modular base for an electrical device and an electrical device including same and also removable modules are disclosed. The modular base comprises a plurality of base components adapted to be arranged relative to each other to define a backplane comprising a plurality of module mounting locations, wherein each mounting location comprises a first electrical base connector of one base component and a second electrical base connector of another base component. A plurality of removable modules are adapted to be respectively removably connected to the backplane in the mounting locations to provide a modular electrical device. Each of the modules comprises a first module connector adapted to be mated with a first base connector of a mounting location and a second module connector adapted to be mated with a second base connector of the mounting location The backplane comprises one or more coupling devices for releasably engaging a module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg M. Sichner, Douglas A. Lostoski, Robert J. Hager, Robert A. Kozlowski, Torsten Wünsche, Klaus Püschner, Walter Hanning, Michael Höing
  • Patent number: 7004795
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing and at least one connector. The housing which defines a passage with first and second openings and which has at least one inner surface with at least one of a groove. The connector has at least one outer surface with at least one projection. The projection detachably mates with the groove to secure the connector in the passage in the housing adjacent the first opening in one of a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Anderson Power Products
    Inventors: Danna A. Mancini, Craig H. Baker, Andre G. Beaupre, Urs F. Nager
  • Patent number: 6986607
    Abstract: An optical interconnection system, particularly useful in a backplane arrangement in an electronic assembly. The interconnection system includes “dual-use” protective covers for protection from damage and/or cleaning within backplane and daughter card style connectors. The protective covers are modular for easy use. Some versions contain adhesive members that can remove contaminates from various portions of the connector assembly. The protective covers can be inserted into a backplane connector of an electronic assembly using a tool or as part of a “dummy board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Richard F. Roth, Joseph J. George, Sepehr Kiani, John A. Lehman, Mark G. Vitello
  • Patent number: 6976887
    Abstract: The lever-fitting connector assembly includes a first connector. The first connector includes a first terminals arranged at intervals. The first connector includes a hood enclosing the first terminals. The assembly includes a second connector fitted to the hood. The second connector includes second terminals connected to the first terminals. The second connector includes connector components joined to each other, and having joint surfaces in a fitting direction, respectively. The assembly includes a lever rotatable on one of the first and second connectors to fit to the other one of the first and second connectors. The assembly includes a locking mechanism for locking the connector components with each other. The locking mechanism includes a resilient member contactably and separatably retaining the connector components within a clearance normal to the joint surfaces opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shigeta, Tetsuya Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6953368
    Abstract: A housing for a coaxial jack including an opening for receiving the jack, the opening including a guide for preventing rotation of the jack within the opening. The housing also includes a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening and a flange extending from an outer surface. An outer face opposite the flange includes a ridge and a groove. A housing for coaxial jacks includes a pair of openings for receiving jacks. Each opening includes a guide to prevent rotation and a stop to limit sliding of the jack within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek
  • Patent number: 6951490
    Abstract: A moveable pin header assembly including a first header with a retention arm, and a second header with an opening for receiving the retention arm. The retention arm may be securely fastened within the opening, but may move longitudinally therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Eletro-Electronica LTDA
    Inventors: Pedro Lamartine De Faria, Elias Gomes De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 6945828
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a plurality of sensor bodies arranged aligned and adjacent to each other, each of said sensor bodies being connected to an electric cord including at least a signal line via a connector. Each connector has a power feed terminal, and a detachable fitting for electrically connecting the power feed terminals of the connectors is provided between the connectors. The power supplied to the connector of any of the sensor body through the power feed line in the electric cord is distributed to the power feed terminal of another sensor body through a row of connectors. By this configuration, the number of power feed lines for the overall system can be significantly reduced, and common bodies not distinguished for the main and sub bodies can be used as the sensor bodies, whereby the cost can be reduced and inventory management can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kamei, Kiyoshi Imai, Toshinori Sato, Kazuaki Miyoshi, Satoru Shimokawa