Spring-actuated Or Resilient Clamp Patents (Class 439/759)
  • Patent number: 11804724
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery jump starting device having detachable positive and negative cables. The rechargeable battery jump starting device, including a rechargeable battery connected to a positive cam-lock cable connecting device and a negative cam-lock cable connecting device. The rechargeable battery jump starting device can include a highly electrically conductive frame connecting the rechargeable battery to the cam-lock cable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: The Noco Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Lewis Nook, William Knight Nook, Sr., James Richard Stanfield, Derek Michael Underhill
  • Patent number: 11764501
    Abstract: A battery clamp having a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp, and a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp. The first inner metal battery clamp member and/or the second inner metal battery clamp member having an inclined connection plate for connection with a battery cable, the inclined connect plate configured to allow a user to access the inclined access plate with a tool while avoiding interference with the handle portions of the battery clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: The Noco Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Lewis Nook, William Knight Nook, Sr., James Richard Stanfield, Derek Michael Underhill
  • Patent number: 11721875
    Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes a battery pack, a first elongated terminal connector, a second elongated terminal connector, and a biasing member. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells each having a terminal. The first elongated terminal having a plurality of first recesses. The second elongated terminal having plurality of second recesses. The first elongated terminal connector and the second elongated terminal connector movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The biasing member extends between the first elongated terminal and the second elongated terminal, and the biasing member biases the first elongated terminal and the second elongated terminal towards the engaged position. In the engaged position, the plurality of first recesses are engaged with the terminals of the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of second recesses are engaged with the terminals of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey D. Gaither
  • Patent number: 11626672
    Abstract: A battery clamp having a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp, and a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp. The first inner metal battery clamp member and/or the second inner metal battery clamp member having a battery cable connector configured to allow a user to access the battery cable connector with the user's fingers or a tool while avoiding interference with the handle portions of the battery clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: The NOCO Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Lewis Nook, William Knight Nook, Sr., James Richard Stanfield, Derek Michael Underhill
  • Patent number: 11570923
    Abstract: A clip and base assembly includes at least one polymeric clip and a base. The clip includes first and second elastic arms, and a support arm. The clip forms an aperture therein. The first and second elastic arms move between first and second positions. The first and second elastic arms are located on opposing sides with the support arm in between. The base includes a first and second sets of notches, and an elongated slot. The first set of notches is sized and shaped to receive the first elastic arm. The second set of notches is sized and shaped to receive the second elastic arm. When the first and second elastic arms are in the second position, the clip is moveable in the elongated slot. When the first and second elastic arms are in the first position, the clip is fixed respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng, Wei-Kang Tsai, Ming-Lung Wang
  • Patent number: 10630135
    Abstract: An electric power tool includes a terminal unit and a component. A signal line and a power line are coupled to the terminal unit. The signal line transmits signal. The power line supplies electric power. The terminal unit is mounted to the component. The terminal unit includes a signal terminal coupled to the signal line, and a power supply terminal coupled to the power line. The component includes a component-side signal terminal and a component-side power supply terminal. The component-side signal terminal is electrically conductive to the signal terminal of the mounted terminal unit. The component-side power supply terminal is electrically conductive to the power supply terminal of the mounted terminal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Sengiku, Hideyuki Goto, Takayuki Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 8947097
    Abstract: A device for measuring electrical current, voltage and temperature in a conductor made of rigid material is disclosed. The conductor is formed from two conductor sections, between which an electrical resistor element is provided that is made of a material having greater resistance than the material of the conductor sections. In the region of the resistor element, a flattened area with a depression is provided, over which a measuring arrangement, through which a portion of the current flowing through the conductor flows, is placed in the manner of a bridge. In the measuring arrangement is arranged in the vicinity of a contact piece by means of which the conductor can be connected in an electrically conducting manner to another conductor such that the heat generated at the contact point is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus-Georg Müller
  • Publication number: 20140342620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell contacting arrangement for an energy storage module having a plurality of electrochemical storage cells, each storage cell having at least two electric connection terminals, the arrangement comprising: a carrier plate which is mountable on the energy storage module, and at least one cell connector inserted into the carrier plate for connecting at least two of the connection terminals of different storage cells, the carrier plate comprising at least one catch spring having a detent for fixing the cell connector in the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hubertus Goesmann, Christoph Born, Harald Heck, Frank Warmuth
  • Publication number: 20140335742
    Abstract: A better way to change a dead battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Alan Connell
  • Publication number: 20140292988
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an electronic device comprising a battery container, a side wall, and a plate spring member. The side wall is disposed upright along a direction orthogonal to an axis of the dry battery. The plate spring member elastically urges the dry battery contained in the battery container. The plate spring member comprises a base portion, a contact portion, and a connection portion. The contact portion is in contact with a positive electrode or a negative electrode of the dry battery. The connection portion connects said base portion and said contact portion while bending. The connection portion comprises a first bent portion and a second bent portion. The first bent portion that is bent so as to connect said base portion and said contact portion in an inverted V-shape. The second bent portion comprises a projecting portion configured to project to the dry battery side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuma HOJO, Masashi TANIZAKI, Shinji KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20130244504
    Abstract: A terminal structure provided with a male terminal and a female terminal that includes with at least one set of elastic plate parts is disclosed. The male terminal is inserted between the elastic plate parts of the female terminal in a predetermined direction to cause each side surface of the male terminal to be pressed from each side of the elastic plate part due to the elastic force of the elastic plate parts, and the male terminal and the female terminal are electrically connected to each other. A position of the surface of the male terminal with which one elastic plate is brought into contact differs, in the insertion direction of the male terminal, from a position of the other surface of the male terminal with which the other elastic plate is brought into contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hironori OGURA
  • Publication number: 20120329340
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the bite of both traditional jumper cables and jumper cables suffering from spring fatigue. The disclosed system and method teach alligator clips whose bit is strengthened by one or more detachable elastomeric bands wrapped around the jaws of the alligator clips to increase the compressive pressure of the alligator clip against the terminal of car battery or another electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Von Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8172603
    Abstract: A polarized quick disconnect battery cable system is herein disclosed, comprising a mating pair of polarized and keyed electrical connectors capable of carrying large currents from a vehicle's primary battery to the vehicle's starter. The system also provides an alligator clamping accessory allowing quick connection of the primary battery thereto a charging battery for charging purposes. The system is intended for use with large batteries typically found on motor vehicles, golf carts, boats, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and the like. The system comprises heavy cables of the same gauge as is commonly used with such batteries. The quick disconnect feature allows for the easy connection and disconnection of battery wiring without using tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, or the like, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidentally shorting the battery and producing large sparks or even explosions. The system is packaged within a convenient carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: David Richardet, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8075352
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connection terminal for a storage battery for coupling the storage battery of a car with a connection wire. The connection terminal includes: a fixing plate having a hole of a predetermined size formed at the center thereof; a fixing member vertically mounted in the hole of the fixing plate; an insertion part mounted at a side of the fixing plate and formed in a round shape opened at a side thereof for inserting a post terminal of the storage battery; a cover for covering the insertion part; and a tightening member for coupling the insertion part with a post terminal of the storage battery by changing a diameter of the insertion part. The tightening member may be formed by tapered walls of the cover, which is connected to the fixing member by a hook or a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Hwang-Chang Kim
  • Publication number: 20110177725
    Abstract: An electric connector has a contact spring. The contact spring includes a fixed portion that is retained by a housing, an involute portion that is extended from the fixed portion into an inward spiral pattern, a revolute portion that is inverted from the involute portion and extended into an outward spiral pattern along the involute portion, an arm portion that is connected to a tail end portion of the revolute portion, a tangential direction of a portion connected to the revolute portion in the arm portion being aligned with a tangential direction of the tail end portion of the revolute portion, and a contact portion that is provided at a leading end of the arm portion to be projected to an outside of the housing, the contact portion abutting on the-other-end electrode to receive a pressing force in a direction in which the arm portion is substantially extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jiro Koyama, Hirotada Teranishi
  • Patent number: 7959476
    Abstract: A clamp that is capable of attaching to a battery post and also to a female receptacle terminal. The clamp includes a post-grasping portion that is capable of attaching to the battery post. The clamp also includes a male plug feature that is configured to fit into a female receptacle terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark E. Smith, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Patent number: 7914349
    Abstract: A single battery connection device that allows for connection both to a battery post and to a battery side terminal. Regardless of whether the device is connected to the battery post or side terminal, the device may be used as part of a four-point Kelvin connection to the battery. Also, a method of connecting to either to a battery post or to a battery side terminal using a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Garret Miller, Surender Makhija, Scott Opsahl, Robert Jensen
  • Patent number: 7914350
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for creating an electrical connection with an electrically conductive element. The apparatus includes a first contact element having an engagement surface for engaging a first side of the electrically conductive element and a second contact element positioned opposite the first contact element includes an opposing engagement surface for engaging a second side of the electrically conductive element. The first contact element is slideable past the second contact element to form a scissor-like jaw. A valley formed in at least one of the engagement surface and the opposing engagement surface of the first and second contact elements creates a stage. At least one of the first and the second contact elements are made of an electrically conductive material that conducts an electrical current between the electrically conductive element and at least one of the first and second contact elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cadwell Labs
    Inventors: John M. Bozich, John Cadwell
  • Patent number: 7909662
    Abstract: A battery clamp for use with (a) top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and a second jaw handle. The first and second jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a closed position. The battery clamp further includes a side post adapter. The side post adapter is coupled to the handle portion of one of the jaw handles. The side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod. The load pad has an aperture, through which a portion of the volt rod protrudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gathman, Richard S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7896713
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a battery clamp with a universal design for coupling to a vehicle battery with either a top-mounted terminal or a side-mounted terminal. The present invention includes a clamp body having a top portion and a bottom portion, a clamp axle coupling the top portion of the clamp body to the bottom portion of the clamp body, top terminal contacts positioned at the clamping end of each of the top portion and the bottom portion of the clamp body, and side terminal contacts positioned adjacent to the clamp axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Jensen, Scott Opsahl
  • Publication number: 20100248532
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a coupler system is configured to couple to electrical terminals of a battery. The coupler system comprises a coupler bridge comprising a first section, where the first section comprises a first height and a first edge. The coupler system also comprises a second section adjacent to the first section and opposite the first edge, a first coupler coupled to the second section of the coupler bridge, and a second coupler coupled to the second section of the coupler bridge. The first section of the coupler bridge is configured to restrict the first and second couplers from being electrically coupled to the electrical terminals of the battery when the first edge faces towards the battery. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jon Roepke
  • Publication number: 20100221961
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a battery clamp with a universal design for coupling to a vehicle battery with either a top-mounted terminal or a side-mounted terminal. The present invention includes a clamp body having a top portion and a bottom portion, a clamp axle coupling the top portion of the clamp body to the bottom portion of the clamp body, top terminal contacts positioned at the clamping end of each of the top portion and the bottom portion of the clamp body, and side terminal contacts positioned adjacent to the clamp axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Jensen, Scott Opsahl
  • Patent number: 7740510
    Abstract: An electrode clamp (10; 100) for making contact with a film electrode and a snap electrode has a first part (12; 112), a second part (14; 114), and a contact element (60; 160). For clamping a film electrode, the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114) can be pivoted toward one another. In an initial state of the electrode clamp (10; 100), the first part (12; 112) and the second part (14; 114) have an offset (36; 136) relative to one another. The offset can be reduced by movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp. By a reset motion of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) in the direction of the initial state, the snap electrode can be clamped against the contact element (60; 160) and contact can be made with the snap electrode. The electrode clamp (10; 100) can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the snap electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Nicolay Verwaltung GmbH.
    Inventor: Edwin Muz
  • Patent number: 7736201
    Abstract: A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first jaw handle and a second jaw handle. The jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a closed position. The battery clamp further includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The jaw members have a jaw clamp portion, a jaw pivot portion, and a jaw wire portion. The jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member and the jaw pivot portion of the second jaw member are both pivotally coupled to the jaw handles. The battery clamp further includes a load pad and a volt rod. The load pad has an aperture and is coupled to the first jaw member. The volt rod is coupled to the second jaw member and protrudes through the aperture of the load pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gathman, Richard S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100136854
    Abstract: A battery clamp for use with (a) top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and a second jaw handle. The first and second jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a closed position. The battery clamp further includes a side post adapter. The side post adapter is coupled to the handle portion of one of the jaw handles. The side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod. The load pad has an aperture, through which a portion of the volt rod protrudes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gathman, Richard S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7667465
    Abstract: A system for determining whether a lead is securely inserted into a connector includes an actuator for moving the lead to a plurality of positions, a position sensor for measuring a position of the lead relative to the connector, and a force sensor for measuring an actual force exerted on the lead at each of the plurality of positions to define an actual force signature. A processor compares the actual force signature to a predetermined force signature to determine whether the lead is disposed within the opening of the connector. The method includes the steps of moving the lead to a plurality of positions, establishing an actual force signature, and establishing a predetermined force signature. If the actual force signature is within the predetermined force signature, then the lead is securely inserted into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Peluso, Louis J. Liguore
  • Publication number: 20090318035
    Abstract: A battery contact apparatus has one fixed contact formed on a printed circuit board and a displaced movable contact. At least one battery is insertable into the space between the contacts. The movable contact biases the battery toward the fixed contact to provide a complete electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Fabio Bossi
  • Publication number: 20090311919
    Abstract: A clamp that is capable of attaching to a battery post and also to a female receptacle terminal. The clamp includes a post-grasping portion that is capable of attaching to the battery post. The clamp also includes a male plug feature that is configured to fit into a female receptacle terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark E. Smith, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Publication number: 20090247020
    Abstract: A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first jaw handle and a second jaw handle. The jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a closed position. The battery clamp further includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The jaw members have a jaw clamp portion, a jaw pivot portion, and a jaw wire portion. The jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member and the jaw pivot portion of the second jaw member are both pivotally coupled to the jaw handles. The battery clamp further includes a load pad and a volt rod. The load pad has an aperture and is coupled to the first jaw member. The volt rod is coupled to the second jaw member and protrudes through the aperture of the load pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gathman, Richard S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7530857
    Abstract: A connector for a terminal of a battery includes an elastically deformable clamping member that receives the terminal of the battery. A lever is moveable relative to the clamping member between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lever applies a clamping force to the clamping member in the unlocked position. A locking element engages the lever in the locked position to prevent movement thereof. The locking element is elastically deformable such that the locking element releases the lever when the clamping member receives the terminal of the battery so that the lever is moveable to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics France SAS
    Inventor: Etienne Domps
  • Patent number: 7354302
    Abstract: A quick connect unit is used to quickly connect a battery cable to a terminal of a battery, such as an automobile battery. The quick connect unit includes jaws that are adapted to be connected to a battery terminal and a handle connected to the jaws that is squeezed to lock the jaws to the battery terminal in electrical contact with that terminal. The handle can be locked in a position that locks the jaws to the terminal. An electrical connector is mounted on the element and a battery cable is easily connected to and disconnected from the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald Walker
  • Patent number: 7351119
    Abstract: This invention is an improved battery booster cable and clamp apparatus that operates in conjunction with a two piece split electrically conductive housing that is adapted to allow a battery terminal to reside therein, the two pieces of the housing being slid into or away from gripping contact with the terminal along a connecting base plate by utilizing a spring energized buckle or clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Angus Bryden Mac Donald
  • Patent number: 7008259
    Abstract: A heavy duty, high efficiency jumper cable system designed to deliver 250 to 3,800 amps with minimal loss by transmitting current from a source through a cable/terminal connector through a heavy duty cable to a second cable/terminal connector and then to a discharge point. The cable/terminal connectors include an electrical harness that minimizes power loss by direct contact between the cable delivering current to the cable connector and a pair of electric contacts, each member of which is positioned in an end of a support. The system is uniquely, but not specifically adapted for use with electrical systems associated with diesel powered vehicles and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: James H. Agnew
  • Patent number: 6994599
    Abstract: A clamp for an electrical cable, such as a jumper cable utilized to jump start vehicles when the battery is dead. The clamp has a snag-free construction wherein the clamping arm to which the cable is attached extends through a slotted, downwardly projecting extension of the pivotally-attached cooperating arm such that the cable has a clear exit path of the cable. The cooperating arm also presents an angular aspect such that the gripping portion of the arm is closer to the other arm than in conventional clamps, and in the preferred embodiment the gripping portion of the arms are approximately parallel in the plane in which they lie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Shurdan
  • Patent number: 6871387
    Abstract: An alligator clip with an improved structure including a first and a second clip members connected to each other by a pivot pin is disclosed. A resilient member is installed on the pivot pin with two opposite ends in contact against the interior surfaces of the first and second members. The front ends of the first and second clip members are used to clip the positive/negative electrode of the car battery. A securing member formed from the bottom end of the first clip member, including a through hole each on two opposite ends to wrap a power cord so that two through holes are aligned to receive a fixture to secure the securing member on the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Wen Tsung Cheng, Wen Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 6857914
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electrical cable to and making an electrical connection with a mounting post on a vehicle battery includes a base portion having an aperture extending through a first end and a second end thereof. The first end of the base portion is placed over the mounting post. An insert is received in the second end of base portion. A spring is received in the base portion and a cap having an open end sized to be placed over the base portion compresses the spring. At least one stop member is attached to the base portion. The stop member interacts with the cap to lock the cap in position with respect to the base portion when the spring is compressed, maintaining compression on the spring and the insert to ensure an electrical connection between the insert and the mounting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Spaulding, Todd E. Durocher, Craig Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6817893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector for making an electrical connection with a battery terminal. The plug connector comprises a housing formed by joining an upper shell and a lower shell with a contact lying within the housing. The contact has a helical spring contact and a contact strip bent to form a cylindrical region. The upper shell and the lower shell each have a holding element extending within the cylindrical region formed by the contact strip, in order to form a recess for holding the helical spring contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Schmid, Rolf Jetter, Antonio Lehner
  • Publication number: 20040192120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector for making an electrical connection with a battery terminal. The plug connector comprises a housing formed by joining an upper shell and a lower shell with a contact lying within the housing. The contact has a helical spring contact and a contact strip bent to form a cylindrical region. The upper shell and the lower shell each have a holding element extending within the cylindrical region formed by the contact strip, in order to form a recess for holding the helical spring contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Schmid, Rolf Jetter, Antonio Lehner
  • Patent number: 6796841
    Abstract: An alligator clip with a fuse holder including a first clip member, a second clip member, and a resilient member is disclosed. The first and second clip members are connected to each other by a pivot pin. The resilient member is installed on the pivot pin and in contact against the interior surfaces of the first and second members. The front ends of the first and second clip members are used to clip the positive/negative electrode of the car battery. The first clip member has a lug extending from the bottom end thereof, which can be directly made by a stamp process. The lug is inserted within a housing of the fuse holder. The lug has a set of clip sheets to receive one pin of a fuse of the fuse holder. The other pin of the fuse is plugged into another set of clip sheets of another lug connected to a power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Wen Tsung Cheng, Wen Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 6783404
    Abstract: A jumper-cable-coupling apparatus includes an elongated hollow tubular metal casing, an elongated metal carrier member telescopically disposed within the casing, a first connector component extending from the casing at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the casing, a second connector component extending from the carrier member in opposition to the first connector component, a spring disposed within the casing for forcing the first connector component into contact with the second connector component, and thumb and finger grips respectively disposed on the casing and the carrier member for enabling the carrier member to be moved relative to the casing to counteract the force of the spring and thereby separate the second connector component from the first connector component in order to enable the first and second connector components to be respectively disposed on opposite sides of a battery terminal and to be attached to the battery terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Mohammed Ahmad Shammout
  • Publication number: 20040161980
    Abstract: A terminal clamping mechanism for use with a conventional battery having an upwardly extending post. The clamping mechanism includes a compressible battery terminal exhibiting a substantially annular shaped portion generally corresponding to an exterior configuration of the battery post. First and second projecting portions extend in spaced apart manner from opposing ends of the annular shaped portion. A lever arm exhibits an elongate and arcuate shape, a first end of which is secured to a fastener extending through apertures in the spaced apart projecting portions. An intermediate portion of the lever arm abuts against a selected projecting portion and, upon inward actuation of a second arcuate shaped end of the lever arm concurrent with placement of the annular shaped portion about the battery post, the lever arm compressing the terminal in a spring biasing and engaging fashion about the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Gavril Cret
  • Patent number: 6776669
    Abstract: A battery clamp comprises a contact ring that can be placed on a battery contact of a battery to be connected, a spring ring capable of pressing the contact ring against the battery contact, and a press-on housing capable of pressing the spring ring against the contact ring. There is further proposed a battery which is particularly suitable for being used in combination with such a battery clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Harting Automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Krause, Ludger Leve
  • Patent number: 6695652
    Abstract: A generally U-shaped clamp may be used to connect a charging cable to a terminal of a storage battery to be charged. The clamp includes an elongated main body portion having a longitudinally extending axis and spaced ends. The clamp further includes a first elongated leg member connected to the main body portion at one of its ends. The first leg member extends away from the main body portion in a direction transverse to the axis and has a clamping end segment disposed in laterally spaced relationship to the axis. The clamp also includes second elongated leg member connected to the main body portion at the opposite end thereof from the first leg member. The second leg member also extends away from the main body portion in essentially the same direction as the first leg member and the same has an electrically conductive cable connector carrying end segment disposed in laterally spaced relationship to the clamping end segment of the first leg member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph P. Reardon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6635167
    Abstract: An instrument (20) has a well (28a-b) for receiving a dry cell (75), an opening (78) through which a first connector (74) is exposed to the well (28a-b), and a boss (76) adjacent the opening (78). The boss (76) precludes the wrong terminal of the dry cell (75) from engaging the first connector (74) when the dry cell (75) is inserted into the well (28a-b) in incorrect orientation. A second connector (80) includes a base (81), a first leg (82) resiliently connected to and extending away from the base portion, a second leg (84) resiliently connected to and extending away from the first leg (82), and a third leg (86) resiliently connected to and extending away from the second leg (84) and toward the first leg (82). A display (42) for the instrument (20) has a lens (90) having a substantially transparent substrate with a polyurethane coating. The instrument housing has first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Carol Jane Batman, Greg Paul Carpenter, Robert Glenn Davies, Richard J. Kasle, Kurt Gerard Klem, Robert Anthony Parks, Timothy L. Ranney, William Brothers, Christopher Louis Belisle, Michael Steven Ray, Leonard Allen Vetsch, Marvin W. Glass, Richard W. Wilson, James R. Parker, Vladimir Svetnik, Lynne Denise Sly, Sandy Mark Richards, Nancy Kennedy Byrd, Patricia A. Hopkinson
  • Patent number: 6623314
    Abstract: A Kelvin clamp for coupling a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor to a battery contact to provide a Kelvin connection to the battery contact. The Kelvin clamp includes a first electrically conductive arm having a first grasping portion that can couple to the battery contact and to the first electrical conductor. Also included is a second arm that has a first electrically conductive piece and a second electrically conductive piece, which are mechanically coupled together and electrically isolated from each other. The first electrically conductive piece has a second grasping portion that can couple to the battery contact. The first electrically conductive piece can also couple to the second electrical conductor. The first electrically conductive arm and the second electrically conductive piece are electrically and mechanically coupled together by a spring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Cox, Kevin I. Bertness, Jamey L. Butteris
  • Patent number: 6428363
    Abstract: Terminal covers (51, 52) have terminal accommodation spaces, each of which has an opening of a predetermined shape that permits only one of battery terminals (24, 25), which is of predetermined polarity, to be fitted thereto. Each of the battery terminals (24, 25) is formed in such a manner as to have a predetermined shape enabling the battery terminal to be fitted into the corresponding terminal accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tamai, Takashi Gohara, Tetsuya Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6409553
    Abstract: A battery clamp comprises a connecting lug (12), a contact ring (10) which is provided with a slot so as to form two opposite clamping ends (14). Each clamping end includes a bent lug (16), and a slope (18). A spring (22) engages the clamping ends of the contact ring. A blocking wedge (28) is positioned between the bent lugs of the clamping ends and can be shifted between a mounting position in which it keeps the clamping ends of the contact ring in a spread condition, and a contact position in which it releases the clamping ends so that the spring can pull the clamping ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Harting Automotive GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jens Krause, Thomas Heimann
  • Patent number: 6364719
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved linear action battery clamp usefull for attaching a battery cable to a vehicle's battery terminal. The clamp has a frame member with a fixed jaw and a fixed handle. An actuator rod is mounted in the frame the rod being mounted within first and second bores. The rod has a second jaw mounted on one end moveable towards the fixed jaw of the frame to clamp a battery terminal. A sliding actuator is mounted on the rod being adapted to move the rod linearly the actuator being juxtaposed an actuating arm attached to the frame, the arm having a pair of cam surfaces on one end juxtaposed the actuator for moving the actuator. A brake member acts on the rod the brake normally restricting the rods' linear motion serving to hold the rod in a fixed position. The brake has a release position that allows the rod to be moved in the opposite direction by hand so as to open or disengage the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Kewal K. Chopra
  • Patent number: 6254438
    Abstract: A battery connector (20) is provided that can be especially useful as a side-terminal adapter for use with a Kelvin connection. In one form, the connector comprises an insulator (70) sandwiched between an elongated first conductor (30) having a longitudinal axis and an elongated second conductor (50), wherein the first conductor and second conductor are slidably movable relative to each other. The first and second conductors respectively include first and second battery-terminal contact portions (38, 58) which are opposite each other and slidable relative to each other. A biasing member (48) biases the battery-terminal contact portions toward each other and a handle (90) is provided to exert a pressure against the bias to move the battery-terminal contact portions apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Company
    Inventor: Bruce W. Gaunt
  • Patent number: 6238253
    Abstract: A booster cable assembly for connecting to the terminal of a battery. The booster cable assembly includes a terminal gripping assembly for gripping a battery terminal. The gripping assembly includes a pair of arms. Both of the arms have a distal portion, a proximal portion and central portion. The arms each have a front face, a back face, a top face and a bottom face. A pivoting assembly pivotally couples the first and second arms such that each of the front faces face each other. A biasing means biases said arms in an open position. The biasing means is a torsion spring. The biasing means urges the front faces of the arms away from each other. A cable operationally connects the terminal gripping assembly to a second terminal gripping assembly. The cable has a first end fixedly coupled to the proximal portion of the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip L. Qualls