The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 20, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 04, 1999
Bradford K. Gauker, Clinton Township, MI (US);
David J. Rhein, Memphis, MI (US);
Scott J. Lapraik, Spartanburg, SC (US);
Thomas & Betts International, Inc., Sparks, NV (US);
Abstract
An orientationless squib connector assembly (,) for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. A single initiator pin (,) is provided axially aligned within a squib socket (,). An annular ground plate (,) surrounds the initiator pin (,) near the base of the socket. An associated connector includes a first, axially located terminal for electrical contact with the initiator pin and a second terminal comprising a depending beam radially aligned with the first terminal for electrically contacting the ground plate at any rotational orientation of the connector with respect to the socket. Eliminating a required rotational orientation of the connector simplifies its manufacture and assembly and its incorporation into a vehicle. Preferably, the entering wires are also axially aligned with the first and second terminals.