Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of a device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the connector comprising: a contact means disposed upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said contact means in substantial electrical contact with said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing means disposed upon said second element of said device and centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing means in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity means in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and said contact means disposed through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of a device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the connector comprising: a contact means disposed upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said contact means in substantial electrical contact with said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing means disposed upon said second element of said device and centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing means in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity means in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and said contact means disposed through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
187 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the connector comprising: an electrically conductive contact means disposed upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a preloading means for urging said contact means into substantial electrical contact with said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing means disposed upon said second element of said device, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing means in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and said contact means disposed through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
187 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the connector comprising: an electrically conductive contact means disposed upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a preloading means for urging said contact means into substantial electrical contact with said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing means disposed upon said second element of said device, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing means in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and said contact means disposed through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 2 wherein said contact element is plated with a highly conductive material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 2, wherein said preloading means further comprises a mechanical preloading device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 4, wherein said mechanical preloading device further comprises a spring, disposed within said cavity means and between said housing means and said contact means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 4, wherein said mechanical preloading device further comprises a quantity of electrically conductive and resilient foam, said foam disposed within said cavity means and between said housing means and said contact means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 4, wherein said mechanical preloading device further comprises: a resilient membrane, disposed upon said housing means, substantially over said cavity means, and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid; and said contact means, disposed upon said resilient membrane and urged by said resilient membrane into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element of said device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 7, wherein said resilient membrane is electrically conductive.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 7, wherein said resilient membrane is substantially porous with respect to said conductive fluid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 2, wherein said preloading means further comprises a magnetic preloading means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
74 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 10, wherein said magnetic preloading means further comprises: a first magnet means disposed within said cavity means, and in electrical and mechanical contact with said conductive fluid; a second magnet means further disposed within said cavity means and further in electrical and mechanical contact with said conductive fluid; and said first and said second magnet means further disposed within said cavity means with like poles in juxtaposition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 11, wherein said contact means, formed of magnetic material, further comprises said second magnet means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 11, wherein said contact means is a separate element, urged into contact with said first element of said electrical device by said second magnet means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
58 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 10, wherein said magnetic preloading means further comprises: said first element of said device defining therein a coaxial chamber; a magnet means disposed within said chamber; said contact means formed of magnetic material, and urged into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element by magnetic attraction of said magnet means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 14, wherein said mechanical and electrical contact further comprises a point contact between said contact means and said first element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 14, wherein said mechanical and electrical contact further comprises a linear contact between said contact means and a perimeter formed by said coaxial chamber and said first element.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 12, wherein said mechanical and electrical contact further comprises a surface contact between said contact means and said first element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
40 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 2, wherein said electrical device is a rotating shaft electric motor, said motor comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining the stator of said motor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 2, wherein said electrical device is a stationary shaft electric motor, said motor further comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining said stationary shaft of said motor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
172 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the connector comprising: an electrically conductive contact means formed integrally with said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing means disposed upon said second element of said device, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing means in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and said contact means disposed through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
172 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the connector comprising: an electrically conductive contact means formed integrally with said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing means disposed upon said second element of said device, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing means in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and said contact means disposed through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
180 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electric motor, which rotates with respect to a second element of said motor, and said second element, the connector comprising: a contact element disposed upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a preloading device for urging said contact element into substantial electrical contact with said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing disposed upon said second element of said motor, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing; and said contact element disposed through said opening in said cavity and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
180 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electric motor, which rotates with respect to a second element of said motor, and said second element, the connector comprising: a contact element disposed upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a preloading device for urging said contact element into substantial electrical contact with said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing disposed upon said second element of said motor, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing; and said contact element disposed through said opening in said cavity and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 21, wherein said preloading device further comprises a mechanical preloading device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 22, wherein said mechanical preloading device further comprises a spring, disposed within said cavity and between said housing and said contact element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 22, wherein said mechanical preloading device further comprises a qunatity of electrically conductive resilient foam, said foam disposed within said cavity and between said housing and said contact element.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
62 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 22, wherein said mechanical preloading device further comprises: a resilient membrane, disposed upon said housing, substantially over said cavity, and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid; and said contact element, disposed upon said resilient membrane and urged by said resilient membrane into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element of said device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 25, wherein said resilient membrane is electrically conductive.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 25, wherein said resilient membrane is substantiality porous with respect to said conductive fluid.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 21, wherein said preloading device further comprises a magnetic preloading device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
68 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 28, wherein said magnetic preloading device further comprises: a first magnet disposed within said cavity and in electrical and mechanical contact with said conductive fluid; a second magnet further disposed within said cavity and further in electrical and mechanical contact with said conductive fluid; and said first and said second magnet further disposed within said cavity with like poles in juxtaposition.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 29, wherein said contact element, formed of magnetic material, further comprises said second magnet.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 29, wherein said contact element is a separate element, urged into contact with said first element of said electrical device by said second magnet.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
56 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 28, wherein said magnetic preloading device further comprises: said first element of said device defining therein a coaxial chamber; a magnet disposed within said chamber; said contact element formed of magnetic material, and urged into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element by magnetic attraction of said magnet.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 32, wherein said mechanical and electrical contact further comprises a point contact between said contact element and said first element.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 32, wherein said mechanical and electrical contact further comprises a linear contact between said contact element and a perimeter formed by said coaxial chamber and said first element.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 21, wherein said electrical motor is a rotating shaft electric motor, said motor comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining the stator of said motor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
42 words
The low-friction rotary electrical connector of claim 21, wherein said electrical motor is a stationary shaft electric motor, said motor further comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining said stationary shaft of said motor.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
165 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electric motor, which rotates with respect to a second element of said motor, and said second element, the connector comprising: a contact element formed integrally with said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing disposed upon said second element of said motor, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing; and said contact element disposed through said opening in said cavity and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
165 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electric motor, which rotates with respect to a second element of said motor, and said second element, the connector comprising: a contact element formed integrally with said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a substantially electrically conductive housing disposed upon said second element of said motor, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive fluid disposed within said cavity in said housing, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing; and said contact element disposed through said opening in said cavity and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of providing a low-friction, controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the method comprising the steps of: disposing an electrically conductive contact means upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; urging, with a preloading means, said contact means into substantial electrical contact with said first element; disposing a substantially electrically conductive housing means upon said second element of said device, said housing means centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element and in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; disposing a quantity of electrically conductive fluid within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and disposing said contact means through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of providing a low-friction, controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the method comprising the steps of: disposing an electrically conductive contact means upon said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; urging, with a preloading means, said contact means into substantial electrical contact with said first element; disposing a substantially electrically conductive housing means upon said second element of said device, said housing means centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element and in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; disposing a quantity of electrically conductive fluid within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and disposing said contact means through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said urging step further comprises urging said contact means with a mechanical preloading device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said urging step further comprises disposing a spring within said cavity means and between said housing means and said contact means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said urging step further comprises urging said contact means with a quantity of electrically conductive and resilient foam, said foam disposed within said cavity means and between said housing means and said contact means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said urging step further comprises the steps of: disposing a resilient membrane upon said housing means, substantially over said cavity means, and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid; and disposing said contact means upon said resilient membrane, thereby urging said contact means into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element of said device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of forming said resilient membrane from an electrically conductive material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of forming said resilient membrane from a material which is substantially porous with respect to said conductive fluid.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said urging step further comprises urging said contact means with a magnetic preloading means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of: disposing a first magnet means within said cavity means, and in electrical and mechanical contact with said conductive fluid; further disposing a second magnet means within said cavity means and further in electrical and mechanical contact with said conductive fluid; and further disposing within said cavity means said first and said second magnet means having like poles in juxtaposition.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step forming said contact means of magnetic material, said contact means thereby comprising said second magnet means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of urging said contact means into contact with said first element of said electrical device by said second magnet means, said contact means being a separate element.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of: defining within said first element of said device a coaxial chamber; disposing within said chamber a magnet means; forming said contact means of magnetic material; and urging said contact means into substantial mechanical and electrical contact with said first element by magnetic attraction of said contact means to said magnet means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of forming a point contact between said contact means and said first element.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the steps of: forming a perimeter between said coaxial chamber and said first element; and forming a linear contact between said contact means and said perimeter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said electrical device is a rotating shaft electric motor, said motor comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining the stator of said motor.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said electrical device is a stationary shaft electric motor, said motor further comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining said stationary shaft of said motor.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of providing a low-friction, controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the method comprising the steps of: forming an electrically conductive contact means integrally with said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; disposing a substantially electrically conductive housing means upon said second element of said device, said housing means centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element and in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; disposing a quantity of electrically conductive fluid within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and disposing said contact means through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of providing a low-friction, controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electrical device, which rotates with respect to a second element of said device, and said second element, the method comprising the steps of: forming an electrically conductive contact means integrally with said first element of said device and substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; disposing a substantially electrically conductive housing means upon said second element of said device, said housing means centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element and in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity means therein, said cavity means defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; disposing a quantity of electrically conductive fluid within said cavity in said housing means, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing means; and disposing said contact means through said opening in said cavity means and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive fluid therein.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
214 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electric motor, which rotates with respect to a second element of said motor, and said second element, the connector comprising: said first element of said motor defining therein a coaxial chamber, substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a magnet disposed within said chamber; a spherical electrical contact element formed of magnetic material, and urged into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element by magnetic attraction of said magnet, thereby forming a linear contact between said contact element and a perimeter formed by said coaxial chamber and said first element. a substantially electrically conductive housing disposed upon said second element of said motor, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity therein, said cavity defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive grease disposed within said cavity in said housing, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing; and said contact element disposed through said opening in said cavity and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive grease therein.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
214 words
A low-friction rotary electrical connector for providing a controlled-resistance electrical path between a first element of an electric motor, which rotates with respect to a second element of said motor, and said second element, the connector comprising: said first element of said motor defining therein a coaxial chamber, substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a magnet disposed within said chamber; a spherical electrical contact element formed of magnetic material, and urged into mechanical and electrical contact with said first element by magnetic attraction of said magnet, thereby forming a linear contact between said contact element and a perimeter formed by said coaxial chamber and said first element. a substantially electrically conductive housing disposed upon said second element of said motor, centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element, said housing in substantial electrical contact with said second element and defining a cavity therein, said cavity defining an opening facing said first element and further centered substantially at the axis of rotation of said first element; a quantity of electrically conductive grease disposed within said cavity in said housing, and in substantial electrical contact with said housing; and said contact element disposed through said opening in said cavity and in substantial electrical contact with said conductive grease therein.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connector of claim 55, wherein said electrical motor is a rotating shaft electric motor, said motor comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining the stator of said motor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
39 words
The connector of claim 55, wherein said electrical motor is a stationary shaft electric motor, said motor further comprising: said first element defining the rotor of said motor; and said second element defining said stationary shaft of said motor.