Dust tolerant connectors

US9431778B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Robert Mueller · Cocoa Beach, US
• Mark E. Lewis · Mansfield, US
• Gary L. Bastin · Palm Bay, US
• Matthew C. Branch · Rockledge, US
• Jeffrey W. Carlson · Merritt Island, US
• Adam G. Dokos · Titusville, US
• Kevin A. Murtland · Mims, US
• Matthew Nugent · Pecan Park, US
• Gabor J. Tamasy · Melbourne, US
• Ivan Townsend · Pecan Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 12, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 7, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/87925
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Methods and systems may provide for debris exclusion and removal apparatuses for connectors which have inverting end caps with a multi-axis lever configuration, inverting end caps with enlarged handle and/or side rail configurations, rotating end cap configurations, poppet valve configurations, O-ring configurations, filament barrier configurations, retractable cover configurations, clamshell end cap configurations, or any combination thereof. Apparatuses may also provide for an intelligent electrical connector system capable of detecting damage to or faults within a plurality of conductors and then rerouting the energy through a non-damaged spare conductor.