Abstract: A ball assembly for a trailer hitch has a ball and an extended length neck connected to a threaded shaft. The ball assembly is made of a steel material such as 4140 or 4142 carbon steel which has a tensile strength of at least 95,000 psi to better withstand lateral and torsional forces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are combined devices and methods of manufacturing such combined devices. The combined devices disclosed herein include an analyte sensor including a sensor probe; an infusion set hub including a cannula; and a flexible base. The analyte sensor and infusion set hub are attached to the flexible base such that movement of one of the analyte sensor and the infusion set hub is substantially not transferred to the other one of the analyte sensor and the infusion set hub.

Abstract: An ROV, diver, or stab, wet mateable connector plug front end housing includes a housing front section; a locator mount section; and a seal section axially in series with one another. The housing front section includes a plug coarse alignment feature on an outer surface of the housing front section, adjacent to a front surface of the housing front section and radially outward of a central axis of the housing. There is a circumferential groove on the outer surface of the housing front section, axially displaced from and rearward of the coarse alignment feature, the groove being adapted to receive a latch of a wet-mateable connector receptacle front end housing. The plug coarse alignment feature includes a bullnose feature. A plug fine alignment feature is formed in the outer surface of the housing front section, aligned with and located radially outward of the central axis of the housing.

Abstract: Trailer electrical connector assemblies can facilitate the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer electrical connector assembly can include a vehicle portion and a trailer portion. The vehicle portion can include a hitch ring that is secured to a hitch ball and guides within which contacts are positioned. The trailer portion can include a sleeve that is positioned around a coupling mechanism of the trailer and a sleeve ring that forms receivers within which contacts are positioned. When the hitch ball is inserted into the trailer's coupling mechanism, the receivers can be automatically coupled with the guides to thereby form an electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A connector structure includes a first connector and a second connector configured to rotatably connect the first connector. The first connector includes an insulating support, a first conductor and a second conductor. The first and second conductors respectively include first and second convex curved surfaces. The second connector includes first and second insulating housings and first and second conductive layers. The first and second insulating housings are configured to cover at least a portion of the first conductor and at least a portion of the second conductor, respectively. The first conductive layer includes a first concave curved surface matching the first convex curved surface, and is configured to be in contact with the first conductor. The second conductive layer includes a second concave curved surface matching the second convex curved surface, and is configured to be in contact with the second conductor.

Abstract: A connector adapter including a pivot connector frame, a clamping shroud configured to fit through the pivot connector frame, a connector case disposed within the clamping shroud, a sliding sheath to which the connector case is connected, and a bulkhead adapter cavity formed within the connector case, wherein the connector case is configured for rotatable movement and slidable movement within the pivot connector frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a plate-shaped LED lamp fixture with an irradiation angle setting function for an Edison socket, including a threaded portion and a terminal on the periphery and the lower end of a base coupled to the Edison socket, a screw portion formed on an upper end of the base, a sphere body formed above the screw portion, a concave inlet portion in close contact with the sphere body above the screw portion, an engagement member configured by installing a connection plate above, a cover which covers the outside of the concave inlet portion of the engagement member and formed integrally with a tightening nut fastened to the screw portion of the base, and first position fixing means and second position fixing means fixed to the connection plate above the engagement member and fix the plate-shaped LED, and the plate-shaped LED is fixed at a required angle.

Abstract: A shield connector (10) includes a housing (20) and first and second terminals (50, 60) accommodated in the housing (20). The housing (20) includes first recesses (17) for positioning first connecting portions (51) in a rotation stop state by having first protrusions (52) fitted therein, second recesses (18) for positioning second connecting portions (61) in a rotation stop state by having second protrusions (62) fitted therein and terminal connecting portions (13) to which the first and second connecting portions (51, 62) are to be connected by coaxially arranging first bolt holes (54) and second bolt holes (64) as the first and second connecting portions are positioned.

Abstract: A pivot connector comprising a body element and a retention element that comprises a body element interface structure (comprising at least a first pivot alignment structure), the body element comprising a retention element interface region that comprises a pivot alignment structure-receiving region. A power input assembly comprising a pivot connector, an electrical connector region and an electrical conductor that extends through an internal space defined by the retention element and that is electrically connected to the electrical connector region. An electrical connector apparatus comprising a power input assembly, a second electrical connector region and a power input assembly engagement region. A method comprising pivoting a retention element relative to a body element.

Abstract: A hearing instrument contains a case and a sound tube. The instrument has a case/tube connection that is simple, easy to assemble, and can be established and released in a reversible manner. The hearing instrument has a case in which a receiver is disposed, and a sound tube for conveying output signals. Disposed in the case is a mounting insert having a receiver compartment and a socket. The receiver is inserted in the receiver compartment and the socket has a circumferential recess or ridge. The sound tube has a plug with a ridge or recess corresponding to the circumferential recess or ridge of the socket. The socket and plug can be reversibly interconnected and detached. The mounting insert obviates the need for an additional sound-conducting connecting piece between receiver and sound tube. This reduces the component count and improves a seal-tightness of the connection between receiver and sound tube.

Abstract: An adjustable at least three-way electrical connector device for signal, power, voice and/or data communication, comprising at least three adjustable electrical connections utilizing a ball and socket type physical connection device, preferably including a weatherproofing gasket, and further including being constructed utilizing deformable printed circuit boards, deformed and embedded in thermosetting plastic material with elastomeric properties, and including methods of construction.

Abstract: Provided with a first connector part to connect a first cable, a second connector part to connect a second cable, and to fit with a first connector part, thereby ensuring electrical connection between a first cable and a second cable, and a housing to hold a second connector part rotatably around an axial direction of a second cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit or segment having a ball, a socket and a connector with the connector physically linking the ball and socket together such that a main opening of the socket continuous with the socket cavity faces away from the connected ball. Alternatively, a unit/segment may instead include a ball and a socket coupled directly together. Elongated structures comprising a plurality of units joined together in series, such as through ball joints and other connections, are further provided that may vary greatly in length and size. The ball and socket may have corresponding electromagnets and magnetic materials, respectively, that may attract or repel each other to cause controlled rotational movement of the individual ball joint(s) by controlling the operation of the electromagnets. Higher order structures including one or more elongated structures are further provided. Methods for constructing and/or operating units and/or elongated structures are further provided.

Abstract: An adapter for using two one-way light bulbs in a three-way light socket comprises a lower body, a first female socket body, and a second female socket body. The lower body comprises a male metal threaded base for screwing into a three-way light socket. The first female socket body is connected to the lower body and comprises a first female threaded socket for receiving a first one-way light bulb. The second female socket body is connected to the lower body and comprises a second female threaded socket for receiving a second one-way light bulb. The first one-way light bulb is energized when the three-way light socket switch is in a low position, the second one-way light bulb is energized when the three-way light socket switch is in a medium position, and both one-way light bulbs are energized when the three-way light socket switch is in a high position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit or segment having a ball, a socket and a connector with the connector physically linking the ball and socket together such that a main opening of the socket continuous with the socket cavity faces away from the connected ball. Alternatively, a unit/segment may instead include a ball and a socket coupled directly together. Elongated structures comprising a plurality of units joined together in series, such as through ball joints and other connections, are further provided that may vary greatly in length and size. The ball and socket may have corresponding electromagnets and magnetic materials, respectively, that may attract or repel each other to cause controlled rotational movement of the individual ball joint(s) by controlling the operation of the electromagnets. Higher order structures including one or more elongated structures are further provided. Methods for constructing and/or operating units and/or elongated structures are further provided.

Abstract: A building block set comprises a plurality of transparent blocks each having a hollow internal cavity with a light source fitted within each cavity and first and second electrically conductive connectors extending through each block and into the internal cavity with a circuit within the cavity for illuminating the light in response to an electronic input to either connector.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a USB interface comprising a turnover joint (21), a rotating joint (22) and a connecting shaft (24) connecting the turnover joint (21) with the rotating joint (22); wherein one end of the turnover joint (21) is connected to a data product body (1), and the other end is connected to the rotating joint (22); and the end of the rotating joint (22) that is away from the turnover joint (21) is provided with a connecting terminal (25), which is connected to the data product body (1) via a cable (27); the rotating joint (22) is rotatable relative to the turnover joint (21). The present invention further discloses a data product with the USB interface. Using the present invention, when the data product is plugged into an electronic product, a variety of different position relationships may be generated with respect to the electronic product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric connector that comprises a plurality of electric connection elements (7) including a first electric contact portion (13) and a second electric contact portion (15), respectively, the electric contact portion (13, 15) including a male connector (32) or a female connector. Each electric connection element (7) further includes a rigid electric linking member (17) having one end connected via a first hinge (19) to the first contact portion (13) while the other end is connected via a second hinge (21) to the second electric contact portion (15), the first electric contact portions (13) being supported in a first base (3) while the second electric contact portions (15) are supported in a second base (5). The invention further relates to a corresponding electric connection element and to an electric linking member, and to a method for assembling such a connector.

Abstract: A multiple port connector for multi-contact, universally jointed, power and/or signal connector devices including a housing providing a plurality of universal port units, preferably providing for the attachment of electrical and/or signal devices to the universal port units in parallel.

Abstract: A device for a plug in vehicle includes a cord with a ball-like covering that allows it to be dropped. The cord bounces when dropped, and no damage is caused. There is also an electrical actuator that is based on when the vehicle is in a mode that allows it to be charged. When the vehicle is in the charge mode, the actuator either magnetically attracts the cord, or tightens against the cord to hold it more tightly If the vehicle is put in reverse, for example, the actuator is deenergized, and the cord is less tightly held, facilitating its disconnection.

Abstract: A connection structure which electrically connects, through a conductive ball, a first contact which is provided at an electrical wiring member and a second contact which is provided at an electrical component, wherein a bottom surface of a case is provided with a ball assembly-use passage, the first contact is provided at the electrical wiring member facing the ball assembly-use passage.

Abstract: An adjustable at least three-way electrical connector device for signal, power, voice and/or data communication, comprising at least three adjustable electrical connections utilizing a ball and socket type physical connection device, preferably including a weatherproofing gasket, and further including being constructed utilizing deformable printed circuit boards, deformed and embedded in thermosetting plastic material with elastomeric properties, and including methods of construction.

Abstract: A high voltage subsea electrical penetrator. A first housing part is connectable to a second housing part. The first and second housing parts in connected mode define a seat for accommodation of a bushing including a conductor pin arranged in an insulator body. The first and second housing parts each have a part-spherical seat surface supporting a corresponding region of the bushing. The bushing includes a material of relatively high compressive strength, in the form of a polymeric material or a ceramic material, that is molded into spherical outer shape about a bulbous portion of the conductor pin, and clamped as a unitary form-fitting element in the seat upon connection of the first and second housing parts.

Abstract: A multiple port connector for multi-contact, universally jointed, power and/or signal connector devices including a housing providing a plurality of universal port units, preferably providing for the attachment of electrical and/or signal devices to the universal port units in parallel.

Abstract: In a pair of mutually connectable terminals, one terminal is provided with a joint having a spherical surface formed on the outer circumferential surface, and the other terminal is provided with a hole into which the joint can be fitted. At least one of the joint and the hole is formed in a plate member which can be displaced elastically in the fitting direction of the joint and the hole. When the pair of terminals are connected, the joint touches the circumferential edge of the hole to displace the plate member elastically. When the joint is fitted in the hole, the plate member is reset elastically and holds the spherical surface of the joint under such a state as the spherical surface is pressed against the edge of the hole.

Abstract: A battery connector including an electrical connector including a plurality of terminals, each mechanically and electrically connectable with a battery, the terminals being in electrical communication with each other and mechanically connected to each other with a joint member that permits flexing the batteries with respect to one another.

Abstract: An adjustable at least three-way electrical connector device for signal, power, voice and/or data communication, comprising at least three adjustable electrical connections utilizing a ball and socket type physical connection device, preferably including a weatherproofing gasket, and further including being constructed utilizing deformable printed circuit boards, deformed and embedded in thermosetting plastic material with elastomeric properties, and including methods of construction.

Abstract: An electric connection structure includes a metal element (1) with an axle cavity and a metal element (2) with an axle head. The cross section edges of the hinge faces between the axle cavity and the axle head are in gradual spiral line type. As both the metal elements (1, 2) have larger corner, the hinge faces have larger space which will disappear when the metal elements rotate to be approximately horizontal, and the axle head and the axle cavity will attain compression force to be tightly combined in continuous rotation of the metal elements so as to have a large electric contact face, tight contact, non-loosen, and free maintenance.

Abstract: A light bulb socket adapter includes an adapter base and at least one lamp holder. The adapter base includes a base having a ring contact and a tip contact. The at least one lamp holder is oscillatingly mounted to the adapter base through an oscillating connection assembly. The oscillating connection assembly has a ball-holding mechanism mounted on an end opposite to the base of the adapter base, and at least one ball fixedly connected with the respective lamp holder and oscillatingly engaged with the ball-holding mechanism. The present invention allows the light bulb mounted thereon to irradiate in a desired direction and a bayonet-type bulb to be mounted in a conventional screw-type socket without requiring an additional socket adapter.

Abstract: An adjustable at least four-way electrical connector for signal, power, voice and/or data communication, comprising at least four adjustable electrical connections utilizing a ball and socket type physical connection device and including a weatherproofing gasket; also an adjustable fiber optic connection device utilizing ball and socket type construction wherein an optical fiber can be split into a plurality of optical fibers via a connection device providing for rotation and pivoting.

Abstract: A variable configuration apparatus has components or sub-systems. At least some components (200 and 201) have mechanical coupling elements (101 and 102 and 103) that enable the configuration of the apparatus to be varied by changing at least one of the relative orientation and position of those components or subsystems. These mechanical coupling elements (101 and 102 and 103) incorporate wireless signal coupling elements (205 and 206) that cooperate to provide a wireless coupling which enables wireless coupling between the components. The wireless coupling may be used to transfer at least one of data and power between the components. The wireless signal coupling elements may be capacitive coupling elements that provide capacitive coupling between the components or sub-systems. In an example, the apparatus is a video camera and one component or sub-system is a display screen (201) and another component or sub-system is the main body (200) of the video camera (200).

Abstract: A multiple function night light includes at least one night light receptacle and a swivel or rotating prong as a basic unit which may further incorporate additional functions as desired to prevent the electric wall outlet receptacle from being occupied by just one single function night light. The night light includes a light source such as a gas filled light, neon or black tube, fluorescent tube, LED, OLED, EL, or OEL with appropriate circuit means to provide a predetermined light performance, duration, and timing for illumination. The swiveling or rotating prong offers universal installation to wall outlets. The additional functions may selected from fragrance, bluetooth device, insect repellant device, sensor device, infrared device, remote control device, power failure light, emergency light, or other electric device(s).

Abstract: The identification device comprises at least one electroluminescent wire that extends along the cable or duct to be identified. The electroluminescent wire is designed to be electrically supplied in a temporary manner, so as to display the path of the cable or duct. This device is applicable to the identification of electrical cables, or pneumatic and hydraulic ducts, or fibre-optic cables or cords.

Abstract: An electric connection structure includes a metal element (1) with an axle cavity and a metal element (2) with an axle head. The cross section edges of the hinge faces between the axle cavity and the axle head are in gradual spiral line type. As both the metal elements (1, 2) have larger corner, the hinge faces have larger space which will disappear when the metal elements rotate to be approximately horizontal, and the axle head and the axle cavity will attain compression force to be tightly combined in continuous rotation of the metal elements so as to have a large electric contact face, tight contact, non-loosen, and free maintenance.

Abstract: An adjustable at least four-way electrical connector for signal, power, voice and/or data communication, comprising at least four adjustable electrical connections utilizing a ball and socket type physical connection device and including a weatherproofing gasket; also an adjustable fiber optic connection device utilizing ball and socket type construction wherein an optical fiber can be split into a plurality of optical fibers via a connection device providing for rotation and pivoting.

Abstract: A combination of a swivel port and a wall plate includes a body interconnected with a female connector or a double-female coaxial cable connector such that moving the body moves the connector and vice versa. At least one ridge on the body corresponds to and interoperates with at least one guide channels in an opening in the wall plate which receives the swivel port. The guide channel extends from an inside of the wall plate to an outside of the wall plate, and width of the guide channel at the outside of the wall plate is greater than a width of the guide channel at the inside of the wall plate. The interoperation of the ridge on the body with the guide channel permits movement of the swivel port in two dimensions while prohibiting rotation of the swivel port about a longitudinal axis of the swivel port.

Abstract: A connector hub apparatus is provided that can rotate along two different axes in two different planes with respect to an upstream connector plug, so that the hub can be easily positioned in a variety of configurations In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector hub apparatus comprises a first body with a plurality of downstream connectors, a second body with an upstream connector operatively coupled to the plurality of downstream connectors, a ratcheting mechanism that allows the first body to rotate to a first set of predetermined positions within a first plane, and a hinge that allows the second body to rotate to a second set of predetermined positions within a second plane, wherein the second plane is perpendicular with respect to the first plane.

Abstract: A remaining coin amount detecting apparatus is provided for a coin hopper, disposed on a lower portion of a cylindrical storing bowl. The coin hopper dispenses coins one by one using a rotary disk fixed on a rotary shaft rotated by a driving apparatus. At least a part of a surface of the rotary disk includes a conductor, and the conductor is electrically connected to a detecting terminal disposed inside the storing bowl.

Abstract: A rotating power receptacle for an electronic device is provided. The power receptacle includes a socket, coupled to a circuit board, and providing power to an electronic device. The power receptacle also includes a post connector that is in rotating contact with the socket. The power receptacle further includes a flexible ground spring, coupled to the circuit board; the flexible ground spring extending adjacent to the post connector and providing a ground connection for the electronic device. The power receptacle also includes a rotating member that is positioned in an opening in a housing of the electronic device. The rotating member has an opening through which a power supply connector is enabled to connect to the post connector and the flexible ground spring to provide a rotating power connection for the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical or optical connector of the type comprising a fixed male connector part or receptacle (3) having at least one axial contact pin (7), and a mobile female connector part or plug (1) capable of being coupled to the said receptacle (3) on its front part and having a female contact part, receiving the contact pin (7) upon coupling of the connector, the said plug (1) having a rear handle (11) allowing the coupling or uncoupling manoeuvre of the connector, for example by a remote-controlled vehicle, by means of an arm and an end pincer for gripping the said handle (11), characterized in that the rear body part (15) of the plug (1) has a cavity (19), capturing with limited angular displacement in axial alignment a ball-joint element (13) rigidly fixed to the said rear handle (11), the said ball-joint element (13) being held in along the axis of the plug (1) by a spring means (35), the ball-joint element (13) also comprising at least one longitudinal spline designed to engage int

Abstract: Connector devices that provide multiple degrees of freedom of motion between a first connector head and additional connector heads and/or electronic devices are described. The multiple degrees of freedom of motion permit motion in one or both of two planes and, perhaps, rotation about an axis in a controlled and fixed manner. Such connector devices allow peripheral devices to be folded or rotated in close proximity to a hosting device. Connector devices that incorporate circuitry for implementing distribution/hub functionality are also described.

Abstract: A multiple positioning assembly includes a housing having a cavity therein with a circumferential groove disposed proximate a cavity opening. A ball assembly including a ball portion forms a spheroidal joint with the cavity which enables conical movement of the ball assembly. A plunger is slidably disposed within a bore through the ball portion of the ball assembly and electrical connections enable lateral movement of the plunger to control power to a light bulb attached to the plunger.

Abstract: A connector structure is proposed, which includes a body having at least one containing space; at least one first connector being inwardly disposed at one end of the body; at least one second connector being pivotally disposed on the other end of the body, which can be accommodated in the containing space of the body; and at least one rotating element being pivotally connected onto one end of the body, the second connector being fastened onto the rotating element, wherein the rotating element at least has one arm portion, one end of the arm portion being disposed with a pivotal connecting portion which connects to one end of the body. The connector structure further has a switch actuated by the rotation of the pivotal connecting portion of the rotating element thereof, wherein the rotation angle of the switch can control electric conduction of the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A quick release connector is provided. In one embodiment the connector includes an electrical connector including a first component having a first plurality of teeth and a second component having a second plurality of teeth. The first and second pluralities of teeth are configured to selectively engage and disengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the connector. The engagement of the teeth is operative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions of the connector. Embodiments of this invention may advantageously support axial loads while maintaining a reliable electrical contact. Various alternative embodiments include a gimbal assembly in which electric lines extend through the gimbal, straddling one of the gimbal axles. Such gimbal assemblies may also support axial loads.

Abstract: The device, suitable for connecting one end of an operating cable to a control member, particularly a control lever of a vehicle gearbox, includes: an outer body to be attached to the operating cable, having a through opening; and a bush arranged to be inserted into the through opening of the body to be locked inside it in a final assembled position and having a snap-action spherical seat for receiving a ball head of a pin to be connected to the control member. The spherical seat is provided with an elastically deformable element formed integrally with the bush and extending from the top of the seat in such a way as to elastically oppose the insertion of the ball head into the seat.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electrical wedge connector assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a shell, an eye bolt and a wedge sized and shaped to be inserted into the shell for connecting two conductors to each other. The eye bolt comprises a swivel joint adapted to be inserted into the wedge.

Abstract: A dockable connection assembly attached to the ceiling of a motor vehicle so that passengers can enjoy watching a display monitor at desired and comfortable angles while still being able to access the electrical components of the display screen and its counterparts in video technology. This structure allows for the screen to move at all angles, whether it be up, down, clockwise, or counterclockwise. The structure also has a safety feature that will allow for disengagement in case of emergency situations. This dockable connection assembly comprises a retainer assembly, a connector assembly, and a harness assembly. The retainer assembly provides the support for the entirety of the dockable connection assembly by holding the connector assembly and the display monitor onto the ceiling. The connector assembly provides for the electric connection a point of contact and allows for the rotation of the display monitor.

Abstract: A USB plug with a multi-directional rotation structure, adopted for a portable electronic device, is used for mating with an electronic product having a USB port. The USB plug has a first hollow spherical housing, and a second hollow spherical housing having an internal diameter longer than an external diameter of the first hollow spherical housing for the first hollow spherical housing to be partially wrapped in the second hollow spherical housing. The first hollow spherical housing contacts and slides on the second hollow spherical housing, and adjusts a relative displacement therebetween so as to the second hollow spherical housing rotates in multiple directions. The second hollow spherical housing can be manipulated with no angular limitations, and therefore objects of orientating the USB plug in a suitable attitude and resolving an arrangement of peripheral apparatuses mating with the electronic product are achieved.

Abstract: A ball socket suitable for a headlamp adjustment assembly. The ball socket has a ring, a plurality of arches and outwardly directed tabs aligned with the arches. Panels between the arches each have outwardly directed ledges. Inwardly directed fingers are provided between the arches substantially aligned with the ledges.

Abstract: A cable end fitting assembly, adapted for attachment to a mounting plate in a motor vehicle, has a circumferential groove for receiving the edge of the mounting plate. A second part of the assembly is rotatable relative to the circumferential groove, and has a thumb pad for pressing the assembly into a recess in the mounting plate. The thumb pad also serves to align the assembly in the recess so that resillient projections extending from the assembly can engage indentations in the recess to secure the assembly to the mounting plate.