Abstract: A connector assembly utilizes improved capacitive coupling for connecting together electrical circuits on two substrates (7, 8). The connector assembly includes first (2) and second (3) connectors respectively attached to first and second circuit substrates. The first connector includes a plurality of first conductors (25) connected to circuits (75) on the first circuit substrate and these conductors have exposed contact surfaces with a dielectric material (4) disposed thereon. The first conductors and associated dielectric material confront second, opposing conductors (35) supported by the second connector frame when the connector frames are engaged together. A liquid dielectric material (45) is interposed between the terminals and the dielectric portions that fills minute gaps which may occur in the dielectric portions to improve the capacitive coupling ability of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A connector with a capacitively coupled connector interface for interconnection with a female portion is provided with an annular groove, with a sidewall, open to an interface end of the female portion. A male portion is provided with a male outer conductor coupling surface at an interface end, covered by an outer conductor dielectric spacer. A waveguide path between the male outer conductor coupling surface and the female portion, while in the interlocked position, may extend from the outer conductor dielectric spacer to an exterior of the interconnection through an s-bend in a radial direction, to improve RF isolation. Alternatively and/or additionally an overbody may be provided as an RF absorbing chamber including RF absorbing material and which may include a plurality of RF absorbing chambers isolated from one another, where multiple interconnections are present.

Abstract: A magnetic connector has a receptacle and a plug. The receptacle has an electromagnet comprising an inner core, an outer core, a coil disposed around the inner core and an air gap defined by the edges of the inner and outer cores. The plug has a plug core and an anchor defined by the plug core edge. The anchor is configured to insert into the air gap as a receptacle socket electrically connects with plug pins. The coil is energized and de-energized so as to assist in the insertion or removal of the anchor from within the air gap and the corresponding connection and disconnection of the socket and pins.

Abstract: A connector with a capacitively coupled connector interface for interconnection with a female portion is provided with an annular groove, with a sidewall, open to an interface end of the female portion. A male portion is provided with a male outer conductor coupling surface at an interface end, covered by an outer conductor dielectric spacer. A waveguide path between the male outer conductor coupling surface and the female portion, while in the interlocked position, extends from the outer conductor dielectric spacer to an exterior of the interconnection through an S-bend in a radial direction, to improve RF isolation. The male outer conductor coupling surface is dimensioned to seat, spaced apart from the sidewall by the outer conductor dielectric spacer, within the annular groove, when the male portion and the female portion are in an interlocked position.

Abstract: A connector with a capacitively coupled connector interface for interconnection with a female portion is provided with an annular groove, with a sidewall, open to an interface end of the female portion. A male portion is provided with a male outer conductor coupling surface at an interface end, covered by an outer conductor dielectric spacer. The male portion is retained with a range of radial movement, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the male portion, by a bias web of a float plate. The male outer conductor coupling surface is dimensioned to seat, spaced apart from the sidewall by the outer conductor dielectric spacer, within the annular groove, when the male portion and the female portion are in an interlocked position.

Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.

Abstract: An underwater power connection system (10) has at least two separable magnetic cores (40, 50) which are operable when coupled together to form a magnetic circuit, where the at least two cores (40, 50) are provided with respective one or more windings, and said cores (40, 50) include a transverse magnetic member arrangement (60, 80) supporting magnetic limbs (70, 90), where the limbs (70, 90) are elongate and are adapted to intermesh with their lateral sides mutually abutting for providing the magnetic circuit when the system (10) is in its assembled state (210), and where the limbs (70,90) are of tapered form towards their distal ends.

Abstract: A magnetic connector has a receptacle and a plug. The receptacle has an electromagnet comprising an inner core, an outer core, a coil disposed around the inner core and an air gap defined by the edges of the inner and outer cores. The plug has a plug core and an anchor defined by the plug core edge. The anchor is configured to insert into the air gap as a receptacle socket electrically connects with plug pins. The coil is energized and de-energized so as to assist in the insertion or removal of the anchor from within the air gap and the corresponding connection and disconnection of the socket and pins.

Abstract: A method for implementing audio connector interface conversion is provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method includes installing a 4-pin jack of an audio connector inside a terminal device, and connecting the power end, signal end, and grounding end of an infrared interface on the terminal service control unit and the serial signal transmitting end, serial signal receiving end, power end, and grounding end on the terminal service control unit directly or through a logical circuit unit to the four connecting ends on the jack of the audio connector. In the technical scheme provided in an embodiment of the present invention, control and switching can be performed on the basis of the working mode, so that the electronic terminal device with an audio interface can use its audio interface to provide an infrared signal interface and a serial communication port.

Abstract: Various contact systems and methods for manufacturing and using such are disclosed herein. Examples of the contact systems include a surface with one set of pads biased at a first voltage level, and another set of pads biased at a second voltage level. Such a contact system can be used, for example, to transfer power to an electromechanical device disposed thereon. In one particular example, the electromechanical device can include a power storage element and two or more couplings. When one of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the first voltage level, and another of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the second voltage level, a circuit is completed where some derivative of the differential between the first voltage level and the second voltage level is placed across the power storage element. Completion of the circuit causes the power storage element to charge. Power can be drawn from the power storage element to operate the electromechanical device.

Abstract: An electrical connector provides both electrically conductive connection and inductive connection, and includes at least one electrically conductive member adapted to provide electrically conductive connection to another electrically conductive member, an inductive electrical member adapted to provide inductive coupling with another inductive electrical member, and wherein the at least one electrically conductive member and the inductive electrical member being held in positional relation to each other to be positioned with respect to a further electrical connector for electrically conductive connection and inductive coupling with respect thereto. A method of connecting electrical signals uses a pair of electrical connectors, each having an electrically conductive connection portion and an inductive connection portion to provide for both electrically conductive connection and inductive coupling between the electrical connectors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with wired drill pipe having conductive end connections are described. In one described example, an end connector for use with drill pipe includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer shoulder and an inner shoulder. In the described example, the outer shoulder is to engage a shoulder of a drill pipe to be coupled to the body to provide an electrically conductive connection between the body and the drill pipe, and the inner shoulder is to engage an end of the drill pipe. The example end connector also includes a generally cylindrical electrical connector rigidly coupled to the cylindrical body to form at least a portion of the inner shoulder. The generally cylindrical electrical connector is substantially electrically insulated from the cylindrical body and is to contact the end of the drill pipe to provide an electrically conductive connection between the electrical connector and the end of the drill pipe.

Abstract: A connection system for the preferably contactless transmission of data and power supply signals between a sensor means and a base unit in a measuring and transmission system comprises a sensor-side and a base-side connection element. There is provided in at least one of the connection elements an optical diagnosis display unit for displaying state parameters within the measuring and transmission system.

Abstract: A modular electronic device where (predominantly) sealed modules are aligned and attached/connected in pre-determined sequences, forming a robust block-like structure with extendable function: Control and/or inter-module communication are implemented without direct electrical interconnect, by non-contact means such as (magnetic, inductive, light, infrared, radio frequency, sound, ultrasound, or other non-contact means). This device's inter-module power transfer may be with or without direct electrical contact, or devices may be internally powered. Power transfer through inductive/transformer action where one or more alignment pins are used as transformer core is one potential implementation. Modules may be liquid filled to facilitate cooling and/or crush resistance to high-pressure environments.

Abstract: A wired drill pipe segment includes a tubular body having an axial bore, a box end disposed at a first end of the tubular body having a first core material disposed in the box end, a pin end disposed at a second end of the tubular body having a second core material disposed in the pin end, a first coil winding wound around at least a portion of the first core material and a second coil winding wound around at least a portion of the first core material, a third coil winding wound around at least a portion of the second core material and a fourth coil winding wound around at least a portion of the second core material, a first conductor connected to the first coil winding and the third coil winding and extending through the tubular body, and a second conductor connected to the second coil winding and the fourth coil winding and extending through the tubular body.

Abstract: Embodiments for interfacing between a computer and audio/video equipment are provided. One embodiment comprises a cable that includes a docking cable having a docking connector for communicating signals to and from a computer, an output cable, the output cable having at least one audio/video connector, and an interface module. The interface module is coupled to the docking cable and the output cable. The interface module includes at least one infrared receiver for receiving input to be transmitted to the computer over the docking cable. The interface module provides a path for communicating signals from the docking cable to the at least one audio/video connector. Other embodiments comprise media cables, docking stations and cable management devices that enable interfacing between a computer and audio/video equipment.

Abstract: A connection system for the preferably contactless transmission of data and power supply signals between a sensor means and a base unit in a measuring and transmission system comprises a sensor-side and a base-side connection element. An input unit is provided on at least one of the connection elements for inputting sensor-relevant commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band) signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band) signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: Resonant frequency filtered arrays for discrete addressing of a matrix. Applications include, for example, but are not limited to, flat panel displays, transparent displays, charge-couple devices, electronic paper, printing, heated pixel arrays, chemical catalysis, accelerated polymerization, sensors, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, digital cameras, telescopes, image recording, microscopy, memory chips, selective high density radio signal routing, touch screens, index tables, robotic tactile sensors, acoustical mapping, radio frequency identification, sound filtering, audio recording, amplification, sound wave direction sensors, sound source identification, motion detection, and integrated circuits. The matrix can include a substrate and intersecting frequency filtered arrays of electrical conducting traces. Each of the electrically conducting traces is associated with a frequency of alternating current. A material is located between intersections between the frequency filtered arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical coupling device. The coupling includes a contactor device and a plurality of electrical contacts which close an electrical circuit between the contactor device and an adaptor device when the adaptor device is brought into physical contact with the contactor device, there being no need for aligning for the electrical contacts of the contactor device with electrical contact of the adaptor device.

Abstract: A flexible capacitive coupler assembly includes a flexible dielectric substrate assembly having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface having thereon a macroscopic metal capacitive pad. A package supports the flexible dielectric substrate. An electrical connection is made to package wiring or leads on the flexible dielectric substrate to establish electrical contact with a computer subsystem.

Abstract: An electric junction box includes a circuit construct as an internal circuit component. The circuit construct includes relays mounted on one side of a printed circuit board and bus bars fixed on the other side of the printed circuit board. The circuit construct is divided into a basic standard circuit construct and an optional circuit construct, in which the basic circuit construct is used in a plurality of grades of a vehicle family, in different vehicle families of the same grade, or in all vehicle families. Multiple circuit constructs may be combined as necessary and put in a side by side relationship. On the bus bar side of the circuit constructs, a heat sink is attached such that it is exposed to the opening provided on the case of the electric junction box.

Abstract: A connector (30) can include a housing (32), a plurality of magnets (14) within the housing used for data transfer and at least one alignment magnet (16 or 18) within the housing used for proper alignment and polarity. The connector can also include at least one magnetic induction circuit (52) coupled to at least one of the plurality of magnets. The plurality of magnets can include a plurality of inductor elements or micro-metric inductor elements. The magnetic induction circuit can be a magnetic induction circuit using Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying modulation. A connector (64) can further include an inductive coil (67) operating at a lower frequency than the at least one magnetic induction circuit. The inductive coil can enable contact less energy transfer from the connector to an energy storage device (69) operatively coupled to an electronic product (62).

Abstract: A modular electronic device where (predominantly) sealed modules are aligned and attached/connected in pre-determined sequences, forming a robust block-like structure with extendable function: Control and/or inter-module communication are implemented without direct electrical interconnect, by non-contact means such as (magnetic, inductive, light, infrared, radio frequency, sound, ultrasound, or other non-contact means). This device's inter-module power transfer may be with or without direct electrical contact, or devices may be internally powered. Power transfer through inductive/transformer action where one or more alignment pins are used as transformer core is one potential implementation. Modules may be fluid filled to facilitate cooling and/or crush resistance to high-pressure environments.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a two-part electrical connector having a first part being a tongue portion having a base and a tongue extending longitudinally therefrom; a second part being a socket portion having a base and walls extending therefrom defining a socket for slidably receiving the tongue, the tongue portion and socket portion having locking means to permit releasable mutual engagement, said locking means including a locking member moveable between a first position in which the tongue is held in the socket and a second position in which the tongue is removable from the socket; a primary coupling element located in the tongue; and a secondary coupling element located in at least one of the socket walls, which elements provide a contact-less electromagnetic coupling when the tongue is engaged in the socket.

Abstract: A fastener structure includes a connector plug and a connector socket. A protruding connecting portion is formed on one side of the connector plug, and a plurality of aligned terminals and fool-proof fasteners are configured on the protruding connecting portion. The electric conducting spring pieces are correspondingly connected to positive and negative poles of a power cable, and the positive and negative poles of the power cable and a transformer are correspondingly connected to butt spring pieces protruding from two sides of the protruding connecting portion. When the protruding connecting portion is plugged into the fixing slot, the butt spring pieces of the protruding connecting portion make contact with the electric conducing spring pieces, thereby enabling the passive electromagnetic member to produce a magnetic effect that achieves the objective of magnetic joining of the connector plug and the connector socket and electrical connection to a power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing data transmission hardware in downhole tools includes an insert insertable into the box end or pin end of drill tool, such as a section of drill pipe. The insert typically includes a mount portion and a slide portion. A data transmission element is mounted in the slide portion of the insert. A biasing element is installed between the mount portion and the slide portion and is configured to create a bias between the slide portion and the mount portion. This biasing element is configured to compensate for varying tolerances encountered in different types of downhole tools. In selected embodiments, the biasing element is an elastomeric material, a spring, compressed gas, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A connector is configured for insertion and removal of a digital device. The connector has contacts arranged to make electrical connection to conductors on the digital device while the digital device is inserted in the connector. A first electromagnetic coupler is connected to at least one of the contacts of the connector. The electromagnetic coupler is configured for electromagnetic coupling at an interface to a second electromagnetic coupler that is connected to a communication bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a local area network wiring structure to simultaneously carry digital data and analog telephone signals on the same transmission medium. It is particularly applicable to a network in star topology, in which remote data units (e.g. personal computers) are each connected to a hub through a cable comprising at least two pairs of conductors, providing a data communication path in each direction. Modules at each end of the cable provide a phantom path for telephony (voice band) signals between a telephone near the data set and a PBX, through both conductor pairs in a phantom circuit arrangement. All such communication paths function simultaneously and without mutual interference. The modules comprise simple and inexpensive passive circuit components.

Abstract: A first flux-loop inductive coupler element electrically couples with a second flux-loop inductive coupler element. The first flux-loop inductive coupler element comprises a first ring-like core having high magnetic permeability and a conical-section annular first face transverse to the plane of the first core. The first face has a first annular groove separating a first conical-section larger-diameter face and a first conical-section smaller-diameter face. A first coil is wound within the annular groove. The first and second cores form a low-reluctance closed magnetic path around the first coil and a second coil of the second flux-loop inductive coupler element. A first current-loop inductive coupler element electrically couples with a second current-loop inductive coupler element.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve comprises a coil wound on a bobbin made of resin, a case accommodating the coil inside thereof and made of magnetic material, a yoke made of magnetic material and forming a magnetic circuit together with the case, a plunger made of magnetic material and driven by a magnetic attracting force generated at the energization of the coil, a connector formed separately from the bobbin and the case and connected to one end of the case, a first terminal passed into the connector, a second terminal electrically connected to an end of the coil and a urging member made of electric conductor and contacted with the first and second terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector comprising a plug element and a socket element which can be detachably connected to the plug element for connection of a transmission line to at least one sensor. This connection prevents moisture, dust or dirt particles and corrosive substances penetrating between the plug element and the socket element from adversely affecting the signal transmission between the plug element and the socket element. The connector utilizes an inductive, optical or capacitive contactless signal transmission between the plug element and the socket element.

Abstract: A lever-type connector electrically detects a connected state of housings and has an improved reliability in its connection detecting function. A magnet (33) is provided integrally in an operable portion (31) of a lever (30), and a lead switch (50) is provided at the bottom surface of a receptacle (41). The lever (30) is operated to engage cam pins (44) with cam grooves (35), and female and male housings (10, 40) are properly connected by the cam action and the lead switch (50) is turned on by a magnetic force of the magnet (33). Whether the two housings (10, 40) are connected properly can be detected electrically by connecting the lead switch (50) with a detecting circuit or the like.

Abstract: An interface assembly, which may be used with a current mode data bus, couples to an existing current mode data bus and includes a length of unshielded data bus disposed on a printed circuit board. A plurality of coupler magnetic assemblies are disposed on the circuit board and interface with the unshielded portion of the data bus. A corresponding plurality of coupler circuits are disposed on the circuit board and each cooperate with an associated one of the coupler magnetic assemblies. Providing all of the coupler magnetic assemblies and coupler circuits on the printed circuit board reduces the susceptibility of the unshielded data bus portion to EMI and enables more consistent data channel characteristics to be achieved. An alternative embodiment includes an entire current mode data bus formed on a printed circuit board with terminators at each end of an unshielded portion of the data bus.

Abstract: A robust, low-loss wired pipe joint is provided for service as a component of a wired pipe string for transmitting measurement data to a surface station from locations in a borehole in oil well drilling and oil well operations. Conductive layers reduce signal energy losses over the length of the drill string by reducing resistive losses and flux losses at each inductive coupler. The wired pipe joint is robust in that it remains operational in the presence of gaps in the conductive layer. A wired pipe joint includes an elongate tubular shank having an axial bore, a threaded box-end, and a threaded pin end.

Abstract: A contactless interconnecting system is provided between a computer chip package and a circuit board. The chip package has a substantially planar lower surface with a pattern of discrete terminal lands. The circuit board has a substantially planar upper surface spaced from and generally parallel to the lower surface of the chip package. A pattern of discrete circuit pads on the upper surface are aligned with the terminal lands. A plurality of discrete interposer members are disposed between the terminal lands and the circuit pads and are in a pattern corresponding to and aligned with the aligned patterns of the terminal lands and circuit pads. The interposer members are preferably of a material having a higher dielectric constant that of the material filling the gaps between interposer members.

Abstract: A connector device for a sensor or actuator is composed of two terminal elements releasably connected to one another. A first of these terminal elements including a first electrical conductor that is connected to the sensor or actuator and a second of these terminal elements including a second electrical conductor that is connectible to an evaluation unit. The two electrical conductors are fashioned as coil systems in the terminal elements that enable signal transmission by inductive coupling given a connection of the two terminal elements. Each of the coil systems is formed of at least two series-connected coils that have oppositely directed windings and that are dimensioned such that the sum of voltages induced in the coils by a uniform electromagnetic field yields zero for each of the coil systems. The present connector device can be advantageously utilized for the connection of surface coils to the system of a magnetic resonance system and enables a complete hermetic sealing of the surface coils.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first device having one or more conductive areas to form a portion of an electromagnetic coupler and a socket to mount the first device relative to a second device having one or more conductive areas to form the electromagnetic coupler.

Abstract: A plug connection for a hazardous location for energy and data transmission by means of electrical quantities in a bus system has a primary part and a secondary part constructed as transmitters, as well as limiting means for the electrical quantities to be transmitted. The limiting means are located in the primary part and are designed for limiting the electrical quantities to be transmitted to the secondary part to values allowed for the particular type of protection.

Abstract: A device for electrically powering user devices present on a part of a household electrical appliance movable relative to a fixed main structure of this latter, such as a door, for example of a refrigerator, openable away from the refrigerator cabinet, electrical conductors being present in said movable part and in said fixed structure. The device comprises a magnetic induction transformer arranged to connect said electrical conductors together, said induction transformer being positioned between said movable part and said fixed structure.

Abstract: A wireless rotating signal transducer. A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. A squib firing circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air-bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low-energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A pulse-encoder circuit communicates low-level control signals suitable for signaling wheel-side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low-energy power circuit and pulse encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.

Abstract: A rotatable connector with a turning angle detecting function wherein two concentric housing grooves are formed on the opposite surfaces of a stator core and a rotor core which face each other across an air gap; the coils being housing in the housing grooves; there are formed projection-depression portions which have projections and depressions alternately formed continuously at a specific pitch along the circumferential direction on both sides of outer coil pair; and a signal is transmitted from the stationary side to the movable side via the inner coils of the stator core and the rotor core, to thereby generate an angle signal by utilizing a change in magnetic resistance between the projection-depression portions in synchronization with the rotation of the rotor core.

Abstract: A connector for charging includes: a power supply connector element having a primary coil to be connected to a charging power source and a first core; and a vehicle connector element having a secondary coil to be connected to a battery mounted on a vehicle and a second core, the first and second cores constituting a magnetic circuit which passes through the primary and secondary coils, thereby allowing the battery to be charged by an electromotive power induced in the secondary coil, wherein a region occupied by one of the first and second cores is smaller than a region occupied by the other of the first and second cores.

Abstract: An RF connector comprising a coaxial transmission structure that transmits RF power at RF and microwave frequencies through a dielectric seal. Portions of the connector on either side of the seal do not make metal to metal contact. The connector has input and output connector portions having outer conductors coaxially disposed around inner conductors with dielectric material disposed therebetween. Impedance matching transition portions abut each side of the dielectric seal that have a relatively large diameter adjacent the dielectric seal that transitions to a relatively small diameter distal from the dielectric seal. Tapered and stepped impedance matching transition portions may be employed. A shunt capacitance is disposed approximately one quarter wavelength from each side of the dielectric seal in the stepped transition version. RF energy transmitted by way of the input connector portion is capacitively coupled through the dielectric seal to the output connector portion.

Abstract: A non-contact electric power transmission device comprising a feeding member which includes an induction coil to which electric power is applied and the non-contact electric power transmission device further comprising a plurality of fed members which each further comprise an induced coil placed within a magnetic field produced by the induction coil. The fed members differ in the load applied and each of the fed members is independently designed to accommodate its respective load as well as to accommodate a single feeding member. While the respective loads differ, only the design of the respective fed member is modified to accommodate the different load value while no modifications to the single feeding member are made.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil winding, thereby inducing a signal with a respective frequency in the secondary coil winding. An electronic switch operates so as to apply one of the two signals to the transistor for charging a capacitor coupled to the secondary coil winding, and operates so as to apply the other of the two signals to the transistor for discharging the capacitor. Actuation of control devices operate so as to modulate the impedance of the secondary coil winding. The inductive coupling of the two coil windings results in this modulation being mirrored by a modulation of the voltage developed across the primary coil winding.

Abstract: The architecture concerns a bus (BCM) incorporating magnetic coupling. The bus is structured in sections (S.sub.i-1, S.sub.i). The "coupler" elements (Bi) are disassociated from the "cable" elements (C.sub.b,i-1, C.sub.b,i) of the bus (B.sub.CM). The couplers (B.sub.i) themselves comprise a magnetic coupling module (1), constituted by passive elements, and an interface module (2) incorporating electronic interface circuits between the magnetic coupling module (1) and the subscribers (U.sub.i) by means of supplementary cables (C.sub.a,i). According to a first variant, the modules (1, 2) consist of single casings (10, 20) used as is or placed in a cascade configuration. According to a second embodiment, the modules are multiple and are placed in casings containing rectangular connectors for interconnection between casings.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a first member that is inserted into a second member into a first member, such as to secure an inductive coupler in a charge port while it is used to charge an electric vehicle. The locking mechanism prevents premature or malicious removal of the coupler before charging has been completed. The locking mechanism has logic that allows a user to set the lock in the charge port prior to insertion of the coupler. The locking mechanism has an actuator coupled to a rotatable link that is rotated thereby. A first pin is coupled to the rotatable link and a hole disposed in the first member that mates with the first pin to lock the inductive coupler in the charge port. A spring loaded release mechanism coupled to the first pin that permits the first pin to slide into the hole. Motion of the cable and the release mechanism releases and locks the first pin in the hole, or retracts the first pin from the hole, thus locking and unlocking the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An interconnection device is disclosed for providing electrical connection between two conducting elements that requires less applied force than a standard ohmic connection device of the same connection area. A surface of at least a first conducting element includes a plurality of atomically sharp projections for creating a strong electric field near the tip of each projection, each projection being disposed within a locally depressed portion of an insulating layer that serves to maintain a space between each tip and a second conducting element that contacts the insulating layer. The strong electric field at each tip induces a variety of conduction modes each contributing to an aggregate current flow from the first conducting element to the second. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of projections are disposed on the peaks and valleys of a rough surface without an insulating layer, the projections providing a variety of conduction modes.