US4634201A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connector/nitinol Δ contact force device
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1984-05-07
•
Granted: 1987-01-06
•
Expires: 2004-05-07
Abstract
Abstract An electrical connector employs a pin and socket mechanism enclosed by a tact force device. The contact force device has a uniqueness so that after insertion of the pin in the socket with the device at a very low temperature is completed, the device is allowed to return to ambient temperature. The separation force of the pin and socket mechanism is much greater than the insertion force. The contact force device uses nitinol and takes advantage of its transformation temperature in shifting from austenite phase to martensite phase and vice-versa.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudy F. Kemka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:29
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/01; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/03; H01R13/15; H01R13/18; H01R13/193
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
An electrical connector arrangement comprising: a pin; a socket receiving said pin; and enclosing means comprising a wire helix, said enclosing means for being placed over said socket and having a common axis with said socket, said enclosing means for having a uniqueness of material so that after insertion of the pin in the socket at a predetermined temperature lower than ambient and cold enough so that said material is in its martensite phase the material is permitted to return to ambient temperature which places the material in its austenite phase and said enclosing means in said austenite phase for gripping said socket and pin so that the separation force of the pin from the socket is much greater than the insertion force, said enclosing means further having a uniqueness of material for being returned to said martensite phase upon said enclosing means being returned to said predetermined temperature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
An electrical connector arrangement comprising: a pin; a socket receiving said pin; and enclosing means comprising a wire helix, said enclosing means for being placed over said socket and having a common axis with said socket, said enclosing means for having a uniqueness of material so that after insertion of the pin in the socket at a predetermined temperature lower than ambient and cold enough so that said material is in its martensite phase the material is permitted to return to ambient temperature which places the material in its austenite phase and said enclosing means in said austenite phase for gripping said socket and pin so that the separation force of the pin from the socket is much greater than the insertion force, said enclosing means further having a uniqueness of material for being returned to said martensite phase upon said enclosing means being returned to said predetermined temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electrical connector according to claim 1 wherein said socket has a split finger cylinder configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electrical connector according to claim 1 wherein said enclosing means is a spiral wrap cylinder configuration.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-01-05 | 1990-07-07 | 1991-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-05 | 1994-07-07 | 1995-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-05 | 1998-07-07 | 1999-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |