Patent · US Expired

Rotary connector for use with small diameter flexible elongate member having electrical capabilities

US5348481A · kind A · utility

159Cited by
4References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 29, 1993
Grant dateSep 20, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 29, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01R2107/00
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Rotary connector for use with a small diameter flexible elongate member having electrical capabilities and having a proximal extremity with at least first and second spaced-apart conductive sleeves thereon. The rotary connector is comprised of a housing and at least first and second spaced-apart contact members mounted in the housing. The housing and the first and second contact members have passages therein through which the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member can extend to place the first and second conductive sleeves in contact with the contact members. A clamping assembly means is carried by the housing for retaining the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate member in the housing while permitting rotation of the flexible elongate member with respect to the housing. The first and second contact members each have a base portion having proximal and distal sides. The base portion is provided with a hole therein and first and second sidewardly extending curved spring portions curved in opposite directions on the proximal side of the base portion. The first and second curved spring portions are in contact with each other along a line which is in general alignment…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.