Having Integral Means To Interlock Or Interfit With A Duplicate Insulating Block Or Board Patents (Class 439/717)
  • Publication number: 20010024911
    Abstract: A feedthrough terminal block, particularly for connecting electric cables in lines or systems for electric traction, constituted by a modular structure composed of at least two modules which are mutually associated side by side. At least one of the modules is composed of a supporting element made of electrically insulating material which supports at least one pair of terminals made of electrically conducting material, which protrude from two opposite faces of the supporting element and are electrically interconnected. The supporting element is provided, on at least one of the faces that support the terminals, with at least one insulating wing which is adapted to separate the corresponding terminal from terminals of contiguous modules or from the outside. The terminal block comprises means for mutually assembling the various modules and means for fixing the terminal block to a wall at an opening formed in the wall itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: CO.E.P.T.E. COSTRUZIONI ELETTROMECCANICHE PER TRAZIONE ELETTRICA S.r.l.
    Inventors: Romano Bre', Daniele Bossi
  • Patent number: 6264501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector assembly composed of two different types of connectors stacked on an upper layer and a lower, respectively. The same connectors are mounted on the same layer and arranged side-by-side. The adjacent connectors are fixed by male mating unit and female mating unit, whereby those connectors can be arranged in stacking and side-by-side manner. Moreover, the connectors of different types are labeled with different color for preventing wrong insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tekcon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ya-Ling Hung, Chun-Hsien Hsu
  • Patent number: 6246022
    Abstract: A connecting element is provided which has integrated catches in the area of the engagement sections, so that after they are inserted into engagement grooves have a matching shape on the individual contactors, the catches are engaged on a housing contour. Due to this design, when the individual contactor is screwed onto a base plate, dislocation of the connecting elements and migration to the base plate is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Faber, Klaus-Dieter Paul
  • Patent number: 6200170
    Abstract: Racks of modules especially useful for retaining disk drives, tape drives, controllers, computers and the like are fabricated via use of tower building blocks. Each block contains a latch arrangement for securing it to another block, a base unit or a cap unit with the latch effecting interlocking of the blocks so as to form a sturdy assembled structure. Power and/or electrical communication lines are provided in each block with power passing through one vertical array of blocks and electrical communications passing through the other so as to reduce the need for shielding one from the other. An arrangement of alignment pins and mating receptacle holes in conjunction with selected placement of sliding latch elements can facilitate proper coupling of blocks which have similar electrical path boards therein. Spring elements contained in the latch configuration can include biasing to overcome tolerance build-up and plastic creep from repeated and long term usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Frederick Amberg, Allen Walter Clark, Benjamin Alma Young
  • Patent number: 6193550
    Abstract: A coupling connector includes: a connector housing of a first connector having an engagement piece formed by projecting an outer wall thereof; and a connector housing of a second connector having an engagement groove formed on an outer wall thereof. In the construction, the engagement piece is engaged with the engagement groove. The engagement piece and engagement groove are formed so as to be engaged with each other in an engagement direction intersecting perpendicularly to a coupling direction where the first and second connectors are coupled to each other. The connector housing of the first connector is slid to the coupling direction with respect to the connector housing of the second connector so that the engagement piece is engaged with the engagement groove so that the first connector and second connector are coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yamashita, Toshiaki Okabe
  • Patent number: 6179650
    Abstract: A modularized electric connector, which includes a housing, the housing having a longitudinal coupling tongue and a longitudinal coupling groove respectively provided at two opposite sides and two locating flanges respectively provided at two opposite lateral sides at different elevations near the bottom, a terminal holder fastened to the housing to hold a plurality of terminals, the terminal holder having two vertical coupling flanges reversely arranged at two opposite sides, wherein the longitudinal coupling tongue, longitudinal coupling groove and locating flanges of the housing and the vertical coupling flanges of the terminal holder are so arranged that when two modularized electric connectors are arranged together, the longitudinal coupling tongue at the housing of a first modularized electric connector can be coupled to the longitudinal coupling groove at the housing of a second modularized electric connector, enabling the locating flange at one side of the housing of the first modularized electric con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Tekcon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chang Chih-Kai
  • Patent number: 6179653
    Abstract: A stacking computer connector primarily comprises a connection board, a bottom connector and a top connector. The connection board includes a plurality of sets of through holes. The bottom connector is mounted on the connection board, and several protruding pins at the bottom surface of the bottom connector is locked in one set of the through holes, and the bottom connector has a dovetail-shaped seat on the top thereof. The top connector is piled upon the bottom connector, and the protruding pins are locked in another set of the through holes, and the top connector includes an accommodation space at the front bottom end thereof which has a dovetail-shaped groove on the top thereof. In accordance with the foregoing structure, the above-mentioned bottom connector is fitted in the accommodation space of the top connector. Therefore, the dovetail-shaped seat on the top of the bottom connector can be locked in the dovetail-shaped groove of the top connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Simula Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Andy Cheng, Daniel Sheu
  • Patent number: 6172875
    Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically interlinked to obviate the need for a rack or back plane. Each module includes a movable plug portion that selectively may be moved into engagement with a corresponding plug receptacle of the next adjacent module. The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Takao Suzuki, Yasuyuki Nakanishi, Michael S. Baran, Dennis G. Schneider, Anthony G. Gibart, Joel C. Clemente, Kevin G. Hughes, Paul J. Grosskreuz
  • Patent number: 6126492
    Abstract: Racks of modules especially useful for retaining disk drives, tape drives, controllers, computers and the like are fabricated via use of tower building blocks. Each block contains a latch arrangement for securing it to another block, a base unit or a cap unit with the latch effecting interlocking of the blocks so as to form a sturdy assembled structure. Power and/or electrical communication lines are provided in each block with power passing through one vertical array of blocks and electrical communications passing through the other so as to reduce the need for shielding one from the other. An arrangement of alignment pins and mating receptacle holes in conjunction with selected placement of sliding latch elements can facilitate proper coupling of blocks which have similar electrical path boards therein. Spring elements contained in the latch configuration can include biasing to overcome tolerance build-up and plastic creep from repeated and long term usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Frederick Amberg, Allen Walter Clark, Benjamin Alma Young
  • Patent number: 6126481
    Abstract: An electrical connection device includes a lower connector and an identical upper connector stacked on and fixed to the lower connector to form a connector stack. A metal shield, including a front shielding member and a rear shielding member, encases the connector stack and a lower face of the lower connector is exposed for being positioned on a printed circuit board. The connectors retain conductive pins having free ends downwardly extending beyond the lower face for electrically engaging the circuit board. Each connector forms a dovetailed tenon on a top face thereof and defines a complementary dovetailed mortise on an opposite bottom face. The connectors are fixed together by means of a tenon and mortise joint formed between the upper connector and the lower connector. Alternatively, a coupler may be provided to connect the upper connector to the lower connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Tsan Wu, Chao-Hsu Chen
  • Patent number: 6106326
    Abstract: An electrical connector housing is formed with a retaining module for retaining electrical conductors with the housing. The retaining module is comprised of modular frame pieces having the same shape, but alternatingly reversely orientated in a row. Electrical conductors are sandwiched in grooves between adjacent frame pieces. The frame pieces are ultrasonically welded together. The housing also has two lock modules with snap-lock rocker arms. The lock modules are ultrasonically welded to the frame pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors Interlock, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan H. Schramme
  • Patent number: 6077127
    Abstract: An electrical connection device includes a plurality of receptacle units each receiving a connector therein. Each receptacle unit has two spaced side walls defining a space therebetween for accommodating the connector. The side walls form a dovetailed tenon and a dovetailed mortise thereon, respectively. The tenon and mortise of adjacent receptacle units of the electrical connection device are engageable with each other to fix the receptacle units together. The side walls each have a recess and a barb formed on inner surfaces thereof for engaging with a corresponding barb and recess of the connector thereby securing the connector in the receptacle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Tsan Wu
  • Patent number: 6059614
    Abstract: A modular home information center includes a number of processing modules having substantially identical housings with each of the modules having an operating structure and a multi-bus connector within the housing of the module. Each multi-bus connector is connected to the operating structure within the housing and is engagable and disengageable to form a multi-bus network interface when engaged. The housings and the connectors are interchangeable relative to other housings and connectors, and the connectors when engaged constrain the housings to maintain a uniform parallel relation with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Shelby, Matthew S. Whalen
  • Patent number: 6059615
    Abstract: An element of an electrical connector in which a plurality of axial segments are positioned in side by side relation. A transverse passageway extends through the axial segments and a rail is positioned in the transverse passageway to link the segments together. A latch is fixed within an end segment to lock the rail in place. The segments may be power modules or signal modules. The number and type of power modules used may be selected based on specific power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pendleton, Ray C. Doutrich, Stuart C. Stoner
  • Patent number: 6036543
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a shielded cable with a plurality of conductors and a common shielding to a printed circuit board comprises a first connector having a housing of insulating material with contacts connected with the conductors and a metal hood connected with the common shielding. The housing is accommodated in the hood and comprises an insertion part protruding out of the hood along its complete circumference. The connector assembly comprises a second connector with a shielding lying at a distance from the second connector, the second connector having a receiving space for receiving the insertion part of the housing. The second connector with the shielding is mounted on the printed circuit board and the shielding is connected to a corresponding connector of the printed circuit board. The hood is provided with at least one projecting flange connected to the shielding of the second connector when the insertion part of the housing is inserted into the receiving space of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Werner Panis, Gert Droesbeke, Eddy Kamiel Creele
  • Patent number: 6010373
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locking first and second adjacent electrical connector modules which are stacked end-to-end. The first and second modules each are formed to include an insulative housing surrounding a plurality of contacts and coding slots formed in a wall of the housing. The apparatus comprises a locking key having a plurality of spaced apart tabs configured to engage a plurality of coding slots in the first and second modules when the first and second modules are stacked end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robinson Nugent, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Todd Donahue
  • Patent number: 6007386
    Abstract: In a multi-stage connector having a plurality of housings stacked one upon another, even if wires, disposed at a widthwise central portion of the connector, are pulled in a direction to separate the housings from each other, lock portions, connecting the housings together, will not be unlocked. Notched recesses 35 are formed respectively in rear ends of partition walls 29 separating a plurality of terminal receiving chambers 31 of upper and lower housings 17 and 19 from one another. Projections, each having a retaining pawl for engagement in the associated notched recess 35, are formed on a lower surface of each of the upper housing 17 and a cover 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Okabe
  • Patent number: 5997362
    Abstract: Upper and lower connector housings are respectively formed substantially in a box shape having upper and lower walls. The upper and lower connector housings are connected to each other by overlapping an upper wall of the lower connector housing and a lower wall of the upper connector housing in an opposing state. Engaging holes are respectively formed on the lower wall of the upper connector housing and the upper wall of the lower connector housing. The engaging hole of the upper connector housing is closed by the upper wall of the lower connector housing. The engaging hole of the lower connector housing is closed by the lower wall of the upper connector housing. Accordingly, the terminal can be securely prevented from coming out from the terminal receiving chamber and the adjacent terminals can be securely prevented from being shorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Hatagishi, Kimihiro Abe, Kouichi Shirouzo
  • Patent number: 5992953
    Abstract: First and second L-shaped brackets are secured to first and second computer peripheral units. The upright back portions of both of the brackets have holes or openings in them. With the first unit stacked on the second and their respective brackets aligned, a first male member of a connector device is snap fit in a hole in one of the brackets and a second male member of that device is snap fit in a hole in the other bracket. The two brackets and connector device form a connector assembly, which with (three) other similar assemblies, hold the stacked unit together. Bottom members, top cap members and/or center members can be snap fit onto the brackets to provide flexibility in use and to provide a smooth attractive outer appearance. According to one preferred embodiment, the assemblies can be disassembled without tools. The brackets, connector device, and the other members can be sold as a kit together with differently-sized brackets to accommodate different sizes (heights) of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Josef Rabinovitz
  • Patent number: 5988511
    Abstract: Stackable and portable data carriers, with non-volatile semiconductor memories have contact faces on their surfaces. When such data carriers are stacked on top of one another they electrically contact the respectively adjacent data carriers and a bus system at the same time. The contour of the data carriers is embodied such that, when neighboring data carriers of the same kind rest on one another, the data carrier are interlaced in a form and force lock to a mechanically fixed, but detachable composite unit. At the same time, the respectively adjacent data carriers of the composite unit come into resilient contact with one another via their respective contact faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helge Schmidt, Peter Preiner, Georges Embo
  • Patent number: 5984734
    Abstract: A modular input/output (I/O) unit utilizes plug-in personality modules to provide any one of a variety of interfaces between I/O signal processing cards mounted in plug-in electronics module and a bank of terminals providing connections for field wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Process Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Piper, Matthew Bernard Horne, R. T. Kissell, Sr., Daniel A. Hosko
  • Patent number: 5951306
    Abstract: A modular connector assembly (10) includes at least first and second modules (12, 54) securable together to form the longer connector. Each module (52) includes a housing (14, 54) having a flange (32,72) extending outwardly from an endwall (24, 64) thereof that are adjacent one another when the modules (12, 54) are placed in an end to end relationship for forming the longer connector. The first flange (32) includes a base (34) having a first opening (36) extending vertically therethrough in communication with the mounting face (18) of first housing (14). The second flange (72) includes a base (74) spaced a selected distance above the mounting face (56) of the second housing 54 and a second opening (76) extending vertically therethrough in communication with the mounting face (58) of the second housing (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Leroy Millhimes
  • Patent number: 5941720
    Abstract: An interconnection assembly for use in a space-divider wall system includes first and second junction blocks for receiving electrical receptacles. A first connector is associated with the first junction block and a second connector is associated with the second junction block for mechanically securing the junction blocks together in a vertically stacked relationship. The first connector is located on a top portion of the first junction block and the second connector is located on a bottom portion of the second junction block for mating with the first connector to thereby mechanically secure the junction blocks together. Further junction blocks can also be connected to the first set of junction blocks in a side-by-side and stacked relationship. Each of the junction blocks includes electrical terminals and a connector block is attached to the electrical terminals for supplying power to the stacked junction blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5915978
    Abstract: A junction box whose total size is reduced without reducing the areas necessary for accommodating fuse receptacles and relay receptacles. The body of the junction box is preferably a flat rectangular parallelepiped. On the first face thereof, there are integral relay receptacles, preferably adjacent one side in a single vertical row. On the opposite face, there is a plurality of fuse receptacles located adjacent the opposite side of the junction box and thereby spaced apart laterally from the relay receptacles. Those fuses which are relatively near to the relay receptacles are for apparatus which is not operated continuously, such as a rear windshield wiper, cigarette lighter, etc. On the four sides of the body are provided the locking members with which the junction box is fixed to the base, usually the chassis of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hayakawa, Tsutomu Naitou
  • Patent number: 5897400
    Abstract: Racks of modules especially useful for retaining disk drives, tape drives, controllers, computers and the like are fabricated via use of tower building blocks. Each block contains a latch arrangement for securing it to another block, a base unit or a cap unit with the latch effecting interlocking of the blocks so as to form a sturdy assembled structure. Power and/or electrical communication lines are provided in each block with power passing through one vertical array of blocks and electrical communications passing through the other so as to reduce the need for shielding one from the other. An arrangement of alignment pins and mating receptacle holes in conjunction with selected placement of sliding latch elements can facilitate proper coupling of blocks which have similar electrical path boards therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Frederick Amberg, Theodore Ernst Bruning, III, Benjamin Alma Young
  • Patent number: 5891591
    Abstract: The battery terminal comprises a housing, cavities provided in the housing at predetermined internals, and a plurality of contacts mounted in the cavities, respectively. A free and triangular contact portion is provided at one end of each of the contact. The contact portion is extended outward from a surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5883785
    Abstract: A modular electric arrangement for central power supply and control of valves in a valve block including at least one base module having a housing with tow opposed open ends, at least one connection module, and at least one termination module; the base, connection and termination modules having an identical cross-sectional configuration and being releasably connected in-line; the base module accommodating a circuit board and having a side wall with at least one opening therein for access to a connector on the circuit board; the connection module providing a central electric power supply for other modules in the arrangement; and the termination module closing an open end of an adjacent module in the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Burkert Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heribert Rohrbeck, Martin Ottliczky
  • Patent number: 5876252
    Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a mounting portion for mounting the connector to a complementary portion which could be either another connector or a member fixed to a structure such as an automobile's bodywork. The mounting portions comprise interengaging T-shaped walls and T-shaped profiles that are longitudinally slidably interengaged. The mounting portion walls comprise interleaving recesses and extensions and that enable the mounting portions to be interengaged by placing the mounting portions one against each other and then sliding them in opposing directions by only a short travel. The latter enables longitudinally slidable T-profiles to be used but nevertheless over short travel which is advantageous for certain applications to reduce cable length surplus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Joachim Alfred Hahn, Dietrich Wilhelm Kumpel, Patrik Muller, Udo Alfred Pech, Jorg Thomas
  • Patent number: 5864467
    Abstract: A cascadable modem apparatus includes a modem housing having a top and a bottom. A plurality of angled feet are attached to the housing bottom in cantilever fashion to define a distal portion of each foot. The feet serve both to support the modem on an platform as well as to attach the modem to a similarly configured, adjacent modem assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of receiving slots are defined in the housing top and are correspondingly disposed to receive the distal portions of a plurality of angled feet from an adjacent modem housing. In this way, insertion of the distal portions of the feet snugly into the receiving slots of an adjacent modem effectively attaches the two adjacent modem assemblies. Preferably, a resilient locking tab is attached to the housing bottom in cantilever fashion to define a distal portion directed away from the housing bottom. As a result, the tab is responsive to force applied to the distal portion to flex inwardly toward the housing bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Paradyne Corporation
    Inventors: Giovanni Recchia, Thomas Georgopulos
  • Patent number: 5863223
    Abstract: A plug arrangement for a plurality of individual plugs with individual hongs and each having at least one contact pin, with the individual plugs being connectable in a holder into a uniformly manipulatable plug, wherein the individual housing of each individual plug is surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve, rectangular in cross section, which is open at one end for insertion and has in an end wall on the opposite side, an opening to allow at least one contact of individual plug to pass through. The plug arrangement is especially usable for medical equipment in conjunction with body electrodes. Adaptation to different plug bushings from different equipment manufacturers is made possible by using sleeves with different wall thicknesses. In addition, a required colored marking of the individual plugs can be provided by using sleeves of different colors, so that individual plugs can all be made the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Kendall-Medizinsche Erzeugnisse--Gessellschaft mit beschraenkter Hauftung
    Inventor: Werner Arnold
  • Patent number: 5839922
    Abstract: 110-type wiring blocks are modularized with means for connecting a plurality of them to enable a manufacturer to produce a single size (e.g., 100 connector terminals) and yet meet all needs. Several 110 wiring block modules are locked together with U-shaped locking devices to provide a secure interlock that retains structural stability during wiring with IDC connectors and over long periods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Orlando, Walter R. Schwer
  • Patent number: 5816863
    Abstract: The modular multiple terminal block for cable connections, especially for a main distributing frame for telecommunications and data lines, is created in such a way that each of the terminal blocks which can be mounted next to one another in a frame for the wires (3') of both the line cable (3') and the switchboard cable are provided with a number of separate modular contact springs extending from one narrow inner longitudinal side of a flat housing to the other with an insulation displacement contact area for solderless connections of the wires. The free ends of the contact springs serve to create a direct contact with the contact springs of connectable connecting plugs and/or jumpering plugs and/or with an overvoltage connection case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Reichle+De-Massari AG
    Inventor: Hans Reichle
  • Patent number: 5788347
    Abstract: A system for interlocking various computer peripheral enclosures to prevent them from falling off of desk tops or off of each other, to compactly organize them to save space and prevent disconnection or tangling of their connecting wires, to more easily and securely move them from one location to another, and to provide an attractive interlocking arrangement. L-shaped brackets are secured to the enclosures or housings, preferably at the enclosure bases, and extending up their sides. Interlocking devices have snap-in members at each end thereof. One member snaps into an opening in a bracket of one enclosure unit and another member snaps into an opening in a bracket of another enclosure unit, thereby the two units are securely held together in a side-by-side or one-on-top-of-the-other arrangement. Insertion of a narrow tool into an opening in the bracket allows for easy unsnapping or disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Josef Rabinovitz
  • Patent number: 5775954
    Abstract: An electrical plug-in connector includes an encompassing enclosure having side walls defining an interior and having guides in the interior. Modular multipole contact enclosures for insertion in the interior, each have one-piece contact chambers being disposed next to each other in a row and being connected with each other and having integrated locking devices. Contact elements are to be inserted and locked in the contact chambers for connecting and combining one of the contact enclosures with at least one other of the contact enclosures to form a subassembly for insertion in the encompassing enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bart Kerckhof, Artur Wohlfart, Joris Dobbelaere
  • Patent number: 5775955
    Abstract: A modular terminal block for a Fieldbus digital communications loop includes a housing having a set of wiring terminals interconnected by an internal bus line. The terminal block is adapted to be selectively mounted on a DIN rail and has plug-compatible male and female connectors for coupling to other terminal blocks without the use of external wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Maris Graube, Ferrous Steinka
  • Patent number: 5772476
    Abstract: An electrical controller signaling device such as a push-button which is fixed on a wall. The body of the push-button is inserted in an orifice in the wall and is mounted to the wall by means of a baseplate on the other side. A contact block is fixed to the baseplate using a rigid positioning and holding heel on one side and a screw on another side. The baseplate includes a complementary recess to receive the heel and a tapped hole to receive the fixing screw. The contact block may have similar tapped holes and recesses on its opposite end so that a second contact block may be mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventor: Patrick Cuingnet
  • Patent number: 5772472
    Abstract: A terminal block for high transmission rates in the telecommunication and data technique, comprising a plastic body with chambers disposed in at least one row for insulation displacement contact elements and slots for shield plates disposed in the transverse walls between said chambers and extending with parallel axes thereto. The shield plates of at least one chamber are connected by narrow webs inserted in grooves in the bottom of plastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Krone Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Petra Beutler, Sabine Zimmer, Dieter Gerke, Ferenc Nad, Frank Mossner
  • Patent number: 5741148
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having an interleaved multilayer structure includes a first connector structure having at least a first connector layer, and a second connector structure having at least second and third connector layers. A plurality of conductive contact surfaces are disposed along edge portions of the connector layers. Upon engagement of the first connector structure and the second connector structure, the first connector layer is oriented to engage a gap defined between the second and third connector layers. The interleaved engagement of the connector layers results in an low-profile electrical connector assembly providing a large number of interconnections between respectively aligned contact surfaces with precise alignment and reliable electrical contact. The connector layers may include conductive contact surfaces on one or both sides of each layer to provide higher interconnection densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Rolf W. Biernath
  • Patent number: 5704805
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1,100) for a DIN rail (2) with rail flanges (6), including a body (3,102), a carrier (16,104) vertically movable with respect to the body (3,102), an actuator (14,110) and a pair of clamp members (5,106,108) having rail-engageable hook portions (26,148). At least one of the clamp members (5,106,108) is movable toward the other by the carrier (16,104) upon actuation for mechanically and electrically clamping onto a respective rail flange (6). A pair of such clamp members (5) may be cammed inwardly and upwardly along slots (30) in side walls (9) of body (3) upon actuation, or the clamp members (106,108) may include flanges (158) pivotably held in body side wall holes (162) for rotating the hook portions (148) inwardly and upwardly against the rail flanges (6). Such connector (1,100) is adapted to be mounted beneath a circuit board (10) prior to being clamped onto the DIN rail (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: George Harold Douty, John Michael Landis, Charles Harry Weidler
  • Patent number: 5697811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors and in particular to a mounting assembly for terminal blocks with nip-clinch physical connectors where the mounting assemblies is adjustable to accommodate electrical termination blocks of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Krone AG
    Inventors: Timothy James Pickles, David Yanish, Ron Ward, Jorg Lorscheider
  • Patent number: 5655922
    Abstract: In this modular control assembly, individual bus conductor segments are integrated in modular, alignable housing blocks. The bus conductor segments have strip conductors on the upper and lower surfaces thereof. The bus conductor segments of mutually adjoining housing blocks are electrically connected by separating slide contact members. The contact members comprise a closed housing containing upper and lower contact springs for engaging the strip conductors of the bus conductor segment. The slide contact members can be pushed between an extended position in which they grasp the mutually facing ends of bus conductor segments (8) of neighboring housing blocks and a retracted position in which only one bus conductor segment is covered by the slide contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Dux, Walter Hanning, Uwe Fiene, Michael Schnatwinkel, Rudolf Steinmeier, Manfred Wilmes, Christian Hamann, Thomas Hettwer, Christoph Zebermann, Hans-Georg Glathe
  • Patent number: 5640295
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interior panel assembly for a load center having a plurality of adjacent components for distributing electrical service to branch circuits. The panel assembly includes at least one bus bar formed with branch stabs for electrically connecting to terminals extending from a plurality of circuit interrupters and a generally planar support base having a front face for securing each bus bar. One end of each bus bar is adapted for electrical and mechanical connection to one of the adjacent components. The panel assembly aligns the interior panel assembly relative to an adjacent component and relative to an enclosure for the load center so that the adjacent component connects electrical service to each bus bar and the interior panel assembly secures within the enclosure. Preferably, at least one pair of flanges is integrally formed along the circumference of the support base. The pair of flanges are positioned along opposing ends of the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray Harris, Norman Michael Newsome, Randall Lee Blue
  • Patent number: 5632656
    Abstract: A surface mount box including a substrate and a cover is disclosed. The substrate has four side walls on a rectangular base. Coupling means are formed on exterior surfaces of two of the side walls to connect with other surface mount boxes for expansion. An opening on one of the side walls provides a passage for a transmission line to go into the surface mount box. Another opening is formed on one of the side walls to receive a connector port. The cover has a number of coupling elements and a plug on a base plate. When the cover is fastened to the substrate by the coupling elements, the plug inserts into the opening for the transmission line and confines the transmission line within a small region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lo
  • Patent number: 5626488
    Abstract: An electrical terminal or coupling connector with two spatially separated terminal connections for electrical conductors and having contact elements assigned to the connections comprises at least two parts (2, 3), each of which has at least one connection part (14, 16), and which are positively joined together to make a single unit. At least one connection (18) of this single unit is in the form of a slit-blade insulation piercing connector arranged for automatic wiring. At the same time, the single unit has devices (50, 51) for positive coupling with other single units of the same or different function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Vossloh-Schwabe GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Albeck, Dieter Hammer, Christian Gerstberger
  • Patent number: 5624276
    Abstract: A securing and contacting adapter. (2) for a connector block in telecommunication technology having a front-sided engaging means consists of an elastic, electrically conducting material and has a first contacting and securing section (10) as well as a second contacting and securing section (14). The first contacting and securing section (10) has a securing element (12) for producing a releasable connection with the connector block, the securing element (12) being arranged at a distance from the upper end of the first contacting and securing section (10). The second contacting and securing section (14) is provided with a securing element (20) to produce a releasable connection with a receiving arm of a carrier profile rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Quante Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Otto, Norbert Gaertner, Helmut Schlafhorst, Frank Kaufhold
  • Patent number: 5575690
    Abstract: A hybrid modular electrical connector system comprised of a family of interlocking modules used to produce custom dedicated, hybrid electrical connectors for power distribution and signal circuit interconnections between printed circuit boards. A dedicated hybrid electrical connector for printed circuit boards can be built up from any number of power connector modules, signal connector modules, spacer modules, and mounting flange modules. With this family of interlocking modules, a custom hybrid electrical connector can be produced with uniform off-the-shelf parts. Once the modules are locked together they form a rigid assembly that functions the same as a unitary molded dedicated connector. In addition only female type modules are produced which can be converted to male type modules by simply inserting electrically conductive adapters into the female modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: TVM, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Eaton
  • Patent number: 5551896
    Abstract: An electrical connector system which has several independent housing sections. Locking elements are formed onto a first housing section and extend through openings into the retaining chambers of an adjacent housing section. In order to create an electrical connector system which, starting from one housing section, is capable of being extended in various different ways through the connection of further housing sections, one of the independent housing sections is formed as a central housing. At least two other housing sections which are directly allocated to it are formed as satellite housings. The locking elements formed onto the central housing engage on the one hand in the retaining chambers of the first satellite housing and on the other hand in the retaining chambers of the second satellite housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton J. Hess, Wolfgang Holle, Klaus Buhle
  • Patent number: 5443404
    Abstract: A socket, a plurality of which are to be arranged in a row on a wiring board, comprises hook-like engagement elements formed on opposite side surfaces thereof along a direction of the row. Each of the hook-like engagement elements is engagable with a counterpart of an adjacent socket, and a clearance is formed between each of the hook-like engagement elements and the counterpart of the adjacent socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5431586
    Abstract: An electrical connector has a modular nose or modular noses. The modular nose can be interlocked with the housing or can be interlocked with other noses and the housing or only with other noses. The interlocking is provided by projections extending laterally from opposite sides of the nose. These projections engage correspondingly shaped notches in adjacent noses or in adjacent portions of housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel E. Klas, Regina L. Tipton
  • Patent number: 5392194
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a coding device for electrical assemblies that can be inserted parallel to one another into a module frame and that are contacted via plug devices attached at the back to a wiring backplane.A coding flange having three quadratic openings arranged in a right angle pattern is arranged on the wiring backplane between the guard rails, and a corresponding coding housing likewise provided with three quadratic openings arranged in a right angle pattern is arranged on the assembly next to the plug connector. Coding pins can be selectively oriented within the openings by 90.degree. turns, whereby the free ends of said coding pins are fashioned as tongues having a rectangular cross-section, and the area of the cross-section of the tongues corresponds to half the area of the cross-section of the quadratic openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Zell, Juergen Seibold, Peter Seidel