US4904194A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Polarized grounding pin
Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corp
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Filing: 1989-04-24
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Granted: 1990-02-27
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Expires: 2009-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A polarized grounding pin incorporating a spring, to provide continuous electrical conductivity between mated connector shells.
Inventors
- 👤 Jan A. Kilsdonk
- 👤 Norman L. Hug
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:45
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/04; H01R13/05; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H2001/0005; H01R13/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A grounding pin that provides an electrical path between the shells of mated connectors, wherein the grounding pin is retained by a male connector shell and a mating female connector shell has a pin receiving aperture, comprising: (a) a post, and (b) a spring attached to said post, for pushing said post into contact with said connector shells, when said post and said spring are received by said female connector shell aperture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A grounding pin that provides an electrical path between the shells of mated connectors, wherein the grounding pin is retained by a male connector shell and a mating female connector shell has a pin receiving aperture, comprising: (a) a post, and (b) a spring attached to said post, for pushing said post into contact with said connector shells, when said post and said spring are received by said female connector shell aperture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 1 wherein said spring is a flexible strip with a outwardly convex portion at one end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 2 wherein said spring has two wiper blades at the convex portion of said spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 3 wherein the width of one wiper blade is larger than the width of the other wiper blade.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 4 wherein said post has a collar which is encapsulated by said male connector shell, whereby said post is retained by said male connector shell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 1 wherein the end of said post that engages with said female connector shell aperture includes a polarizing tongue.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 6 wherein said spring is a flexible strip with a outwardly convex portion at one end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 7 wherein said spring has two wiper blades at the convex portion of said spring.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 8 wherein the width of one wiper blade is larger than the width of the other wiper blade.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 9 wherein said post has a collar which is encapsulated by said male connector shell, whereby said post is retained by said male connector shell.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
49 words
The grounding pin as recited in claim 10 wherein said post has a polarizing hexagonal collar which sits in an hexagonal recess of said male connector shell and is encapsulated by said male connector shell, whereby said male connector shell retains said post and prevents said post from rotating.
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) | 1993-02-26 | 1993-08-28 | 1994-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-02-26 | 1997-08-28 | 1998-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-02-26 | 2001-08-28 | 2002-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |