254 results about "Modular connector" patented technology

An earpiece auditory device includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) component, which includes processing circuitry. In an embodiment, the device also includes a completely-in-canal (CIC) component, shaped to fit into the ear canal of the user such that it touches the bony portion of the ear canal. In some embodiments, the CIC component includes either a universal fit or a custom fit ear mold. The custom fit ear mold can be fabricated using a rapid prototyping technology, in which the contours of the user's ear canal are scanned, and the scan data is used either directly or indirectly to replicate the ear canal contours of that user into the custom fit ear mold. In some embodiments, the ear mold is detachably interconnected with a speaker module, preferably using either an intermediate sleeve or a detachable locking pin assembly. In another embodiment, the speaker module is permanently encapsulated within the ear mold.

An adapter assembly comprises a cable ferrule that terminates environmental and strength members of a high count fiber optic cable while allowing a plurality of optical fibers to pass therethrough. A flange on the cable ferrule mates with a corresponding groove of a breakout body. A breakout body cover is provided to enclose an open longitudinal channel of the breakout body. Flexible jacketing may be coupled to an end of the breakout body with a traversing plurality of optic fiber encased in the flexible jacketing. In another aspect of the present invention, a modular connector assembly is provided that may be configured in both a pulling configuration (for installation of the cable assembly) and a connector configuration (for termination of the optical fibers). In this manner, relatively inflexible high count fiber optic cables may be transitioned into more flexible configurations for subsequent termination in a relatively inexpensive manner.

In representative embodiments, the present invention is directed to an at least partially in-the-canal module. The module may include a speaker module that generates audio signals from an electrical driving signal. The speaker module has a tubular body with a diameter that is smaller than the ear canal of the user. The speaker module also includes an arcuate raised ridge. A cushion tip of deformable material may be used to enclose the speaker module within a tubular portion that applies an elastic force to the arcuate raised ridge to prevent removal of the speaker from the cushion tip. Also, the tubular portion is longer than the speaker module to cause the cushion tip to deflect during navigation through the canal. Further, the tip portion of the cushion tip possesses sufficient structural rigidity to prevent the speaker from being pushed through the cushion tip during navigation through the canal.

A modular light fixture specially adapted for flexible, cost-effective, and safe retrofit and maintenance, particularly in large commercial lighting applications. The light fixture preferably includes a frame with one or more lampholders and a detachable power pack with a ballast, with modular connectors used to provide an electrical connection between the detachable power pack and the lampholders. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of redeploying lighting, and a modular light fixture kit, for example to be used in lighting retrofit and maintenance.

A modular connector assembly includes a modular frame having a first holes, second holes, and third holes formed at evenly spaced intervals. A plurality of modular interconnect components, fixable within the modular frame, have a back surface projection formed thereon. Each modular interconnect includes a contact housing made of electrically insulating material, an exterior of the contact housing comprising first and second side surfaces, a back surface, and a top surface. Contact signal pins are fixed within and electrically insulated from the contact housing.

A fiber optic module assembly that may be pulled from a first location to a second location by a pulling means, the module assembly defining a pulling feature. The assembly may further be installed directly into a mounting structure for use as a patch panel. The fiber optic module assembly may be attached in a vertical orientation, facilitated by an articulated strain relief boot that pivots and rotates for cable management, which reduces the vertical footprint of the fiber optic module assembly. Embodiments of the fiber optic module assembly may be connected to the rear or side of a mounting structure for optical connection to pigtailed modules. The fiber optic module assembly may have a modular connector interface for mating dissimilar fiber optic connector assemblies.

A connector family that has a central housing having a connector mating face and a board mounting interface. An outer shell is shaped to fit over the central housing. The outer shell at least partially encloses the board mounting interface and exposes the connector mating interface of the central housing. The outer shell has a cable interface that is configured to be joined to a cable. Contacts are held in the central housing. The contacts, central housing and outer shell are used in different configurations depending upon the application. In a first application, the outer shell is mounted over the central housing to form a first configuration. In a second application, the outer shell is removed to expose the board mounting interface on the central housing to form a second configuration.

A modular tool for use in subterranean formations includes a first module, a second module and one or more connectors for connecting the first and second modules. In particular, the first module includes a first collar that at least partially defines an exterior of the tool and that includes a first engagement mechanism at a first end of the collar and a second engagement mechanism at a second end of the collar. The first module also includes a fluid passageway for passing drilling fluid therethrough. The second module has a similar configuration as includes similar architecture. The one or more connectors facilitate the connection of at least one flowline fluidly connected to an exterior of the tool, and an electrical pathway for transmitting power and / or data between the modules.

A connector assembly includes a contact module, signal contacts, and a ground contact. The contact module includes a dielectric body with mating and mounting edges and corresponding opposite back edges. The signal contacts are held within the contact module. The signal contacts include mating and mounting ends that protrude from the mating and mounting edges of the contact module, respectively. The signal contacts are arranged in a differential pair to convey differential signals. The ground contact is coupled to the contact module and includes mating and mounting ends that protrude from the mating and mounting edges of the contact module, respectively. The ground contact runs alongside the back edges of the contact module from the mounting edge to the mating edge.

A universal demarcation point for managing the delivery of communications services to a subscriber that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. The universal demarcation point includes a utility accessible portion and a subscriber accessible portion. The utility accessible portion has an input port, an output port, a plurality of modular connectors, a power supply, and a plurality of service modules. The input port provides access to the universal demarcation point for delivery of communications service from the utility distribution network. The communications services are delivered through a hybrid cable. The hybrid cable has a plurality of fiber optic cables and a plurality of copper cables. The fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting light signals and the copper cables are capable of transmitting electric power. The output port provides access for delivering the communications services from the universal demarcation point into the subscriber's dwelling. The plurality of connectors are fixedly mounted to the universal demarcation point. The power supply is removably mounted to the universal demarcation point. The power supply converts the electric power into a voltage for powering the operation of the universal demarcation point. The service modules are capable of plugging into the modular connectors and convert the light signals that are transmitted on the fiber optic cables onto cables that are suitable for use in the subscriber's dwelling. The subscriber accessible portion is adjacent to the utility accessible portion and has ports that enable the subscriber to test the integrity of the communications services delivered from the utility distribution network.

A connector connects auxiliary flow lines—and, in some configurations, electrical lines—that extend through and terminate at or near opposing ends of two respective components of a downhole tool string. The connector comprises a body assembly for fluidly-connecting the auxiliary flow lines and electrically-connecting the electrical lines of the respective two components, and an assembly for adjusting the length of the body assembly. In particular embodiments, the two components are discrete modules of a unitary tool, or alternatively, are distinct tools. Additionally, the connector may include a mechanism for closing the auxiliary flow lines of one or both components upon disconnection of the fluid connection between the two components.

The present disclosure is related to a multiport adapter for a telecommunication connector system that is designed to reduce EMI from outside sources, as well as, between adjacent ports by electrical isolation design. The reduction of EMI is done by non-conventional methods of connecting hardware shielding techniques. The shield design surrounds all the internal pairs within the plug housing to reduce the transmitted signals EM radiation during transmission and it does not make contact with the modular connector plug, horizontal cable or the plastic support adapter housing. By isolating each component in the interface system, the coupled radiated noise from each port to port shield is individually controlled.

The present invention generally relates to a communication protocol converter to allow a legacy device utilizing IPv4 to operate across the network using IPv6. In a first embodiment of the invention, two modular Ethernet connectors are placed side-by-side. A first modular connector receives IPv4 Ethernet data which is converted to a raw data signal. The data is transmitted from the first modular connector to a second modular connector by a bidirectional data line. The second connector receives the raw data, and a raw data-to-Ethernet conversion is completed providing output at IPv6. The present invention utilizes the form factor structure of the Ethernet connectors, so that the entire electronic circuitry is contained within the connectors to complete the conversion. An alternate embodiment incorporates the connectors into a single housing and the conversion is completed internally by a microprocessor and embedded software. A method of IPv4 to IPv6 conversion is additionally disclosed.

A factory finished fiber optic module assembly that may be pulled from a first location to a second location by a pulling means, the module assembly having a pulling feature. The assembly may further be installed directly into a mounting structure for use with other like assemblies as a patch panel. The fiber optic module assembly may be installed in a vertical orientation facilitated by an articulated strain relief boot assembly that pivots and rotates for cable management, which reduces the vertical footprint of the fiber optic module assembly. High density embodiments of the fiber optic module assembly may be connected to the rear or side of a mounting structure for optical connection to pigtailed modules. The fiber optic module assembly may have a modular connector interface for mating dissimilar fiber optic connector assemblies.

A modular connector for electrically connecting a modular plug to a mother board includes an insulative housing having a vertical front mating face and an electrical module mounted in the housing. The electrical module includes a front PCB parallel the mating face, two mutual parallel second electric circuit boards perpendicularly connecting to the front PCB, and a number of magnetic coils directly mounted on the rear PCBs.

A connector employing a plug assembly and socket assembly for coaxial cables having apertures, conductive elements, mating surfaces and locking mechanisms to maintain the electrical characteristics of the cable joined to the plug and socket, to hold the plug and socket physically in connection with one another, and to establish and maintain the electrical characteristics of the cables through the connector. The plug is configured to attach to a coaxial cable in such a manner that: a) the center conductor of the coaxial cable extends through the plug assembly for engagement with mating conductors in the socket, and b) such that the shield of the cable is physically and electrically engaged by a conductive element extending through the plug which contacts the conductive elements within the socket. These two features establish electrical contact of the shield and center conductor into and through the connector. The connector includes a socket assembly having a receiving aperture formed therein for receiving the plug assembly. The socket assembly is configured to accept a second coaxial cable for electrically contacting the first coaxial cable when the plug is received in the receiving aperture, or, in the modified form, for connecting the first coaxial cable to terminal equipment. The socket assembly includes an outer conductor element that is electrically isolated from inner conductive elements of the socket assembly which provide electrical continuity for the inner conductor of the cables. The outer conductor and inner conductor of the plug assembly and socket assembly are electrically connected when the plug is received in the receiving aperture. The plug and socket assemblies incorporate a snap-fit, locking mechanism to retain the plug and socket assemblies in mechanical and electrical connection with each other.

An electrical connector includes a housing having a mating end and a loading end. First and second contact wafers are loaded into the loading end of the housing. The first and second contact wafers each have a dielectric carrier holding a contact therein. The carriers have outer walls, wherein at least one of the outer walls on each of the carriers has a spacer engagement element provided thereon. A wafer spacer is configured to be positioned between the first and second contact wafers. The wafer spacer is positioned in one of different first and second orientations relative to the side walls of the first and second contact wafers. The wafer spacer has opposed first and second side walls that are separated by a spacer core thickness. The first side wall has a wafer engagement element provided thereon. When the wafer spacer is in the first orientation, the wafer spacer separates the first and second contact wafers by a first distance. When the wafer spacer is in the second orientation, the wafer spacer separates the first and second contact wafers by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

An earpiece auditory device is described which includes a behind-the-ear component shaped to fit behind the ear of a user. The behind-the-ear component can also have at least one microphone and processing circuitry, where the processing circuitry is used to processes audio signal from the microphone. The device also includes a speaker sized to fit in the ear canal of a user, and an ear mold holding the speaker in place. The ear mold can also be position to touch the bony portion of the ear canal and provide sound attenuation in the ear canal. A connector physically and electrically connects the behind-the-ear component to the speaker. The connector is capable of being used to insert and remove the speaker and ear mold from the ear canal of the user.

A network system is provided for transmitting electrical power and data signals between a plurality of device nodes. The system includes a trunk cable in which a pair of dedicated power conductors and a pair of dedicated signal conductors are embedded in an insulative cover. Modular connectors are electrically coupled to the cable conductors at each device node. Each connector includes a base module and an interface module. The base module is attached to the cable via insulation piercing members and thereafter remains resident on the cable. The interface module is mated with the base module and serves to transmit power and data signals between the base module and a networked device. Several types of interface modules may be utilized interchangeably to permit the base module and cable to accommodate various types of devices and device drop cables.

A connector employing a plug assembly and socket assembly for coaxial cables having apertures, conductive elements, mating surfaces and locking mechanisms to maintain the electrical characteristics of the cable joined to the plug assembly, to hold the plug and socket physically in connection with one another, and to establish and maintain the electrical characteristics of the cables through the connector assembly. The plug is configured to attach to a coaxial cable in such a manner that: a) the center conductor of the coaxial cable extends through the plug assembly for engagement with mating conductors in the socket, and b) such that the shield of the cable is physically and electrically engaged by a conductive element extending through the plug which contacts the conductive elements within the socket. These two features establish electrical contact of the shield and center conductor into and through the connector. The connector includes a socket assembly having a receiving aperture formed therein for receiving the plug assembly. The socket assembly when configured for a cable-to-cable connection accepts a plug assembly at opposing ends and is configured to extend electrical connection between the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial cables when a plug is received in each of the receiving apertures; or, in the modified form, for connecting the coaxial cable to terminal equipment; or, in the second modified form, for adapting a standard male threaded connector to a socket assembly; or in the third modified form, for adapting a standard female threaded connector to a plug assembly; or in an alternate form of the invention, to provide a plug adaptor permitting use of the invention with cables having inner conductors that are insufficiently rigid for unaided use with the preferred and modified forms of the invention. The socket assembly includes an outer conductor element that is electrically isolated from inner conductive elements of the socket assembly that provide electrical continuity for the inner conductor of the cables. The connector assembly may incorporate a compressible conductive element placed at the junction of the outer conductors of the plug and socket. The outer conductor and inner conductor of the plug assembly and socket assembly are electrically connected when the plug is received in the receiving aperture. The plug and socket assemblies incorporate a snap-fit, locking mechanism to retain the plug and socket assemblies in mechanical and electrical connection with each other.

A connector includes a first and second housing that are configured to be coupled together. The connector may include two circuit cards supported by card supports. Mating edges of the first and second housing are configured to be coupled together and may include one or more crushed ribs positioned in an elongated channel / elongated shoulder interface. The one or more crushed ribs may be configured so as to be spaced apart a distance that acts to improve the electrical shielding provided by the connector. The connector may be configured to be coupled to a cable.

A modular power distribution system (1500) is interconnected to a power breaker panel (1452) through a home-run cable (1454). Power is applied from the home-run cable (1454) through universal connectors (1456) and modular power cable (1504) to three connector modules (1508) through modular connector plugs (1506). The connector modules (1508) include a dimmer connector (1510) to which power can be selectively applied. The dimmer connector (1510) is connected to a cable (1512) which is interconnected to a light track head (1514). The light track head (1514) can be connected to a light bank having lights receptive to dimmer functionality. Each connector module (1508) includes an IR receiver or receptor (1516) which is remote and interconnected to a corresponding one of the connector modules (1508) through a patch chord (1518).

A stacked jack multi-port shielded and magnetically conditioned connector assembly is provided having a multi-port electrical connector housing having a plurality of housing ports adjacent a mating face thereof. A shield member comprises a base shield portion and sidewall portions extending from side edges of the base shield portion. The sidewall portions extend in opposite directions from the base shield portion. A plurality of modular connector subassemblies are adapted for stacking with the base shield portion positioned therebetween, and with one of the shield sidewall portions positioned against a side of one of the housings and the other shield sidewall portion is positioned against a side of the other housing.

An illumination system uses a plurality of lamps with each lamp including a modular connector configured for connecting to a streaming data signal. Each lamp further includes an enumerating feature, with a second modular connector, so that a series or array of such lamps can be daisy-chained and thus connected to a control signal such as using the DMX512 standard. Each lamp is intended to retrofit a border light fixture in a stage, studio or entertainment lighting application. The enumeration of each lamp can be done by fixed assignment in the microprocessor nonvolatile memory, or by means of a dual-inline packaged switch bank (DIP switch), or by other electronic or electro-mechanical means. Such numbering is needed to allow each retrofit lamp to have a unique unit number so that it can be specifically addressed and get dimming instructions independently from other retrofit bulbs that share the same data stream.