Current limit engagement apparatus

• US 6,857,887 B1
• Filed: 10/29/2003
• Issued: 02/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Belson, Steve, Lorber, Walter G.
• Primary Examiner(s): TA, THO DAC
• Application Number:
  US10/697,680
• Time in Patent Office: 482 Days
• Field of Search: 439/181, 439/620, 439/924.1, 439/886, 439/668, 439/669, 439/840
• US Class Current: 439/181
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6616 with resistor

Abstract

An electrical connector is constructed with at least one pin configured to provide different resistance values as the pin is engaged with a socket. When the connector is fully engaged with the socket the resistance of the connector is at a zero or minimal value. When the pin first contacts the socket, the pin includes a high series resistance minimizing the sudden inrush of current to an electrical device, and minimizing any arcing between the pin and the socket. As the pin engages the socket this series resistance decreases allowing the electronic device to utilize its full designed current with only minimal contact resistance between the pin and the socket.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

at least one pin without a resistive segment; and

a current limiting pin configured for insertion into a socket including;

a resistive segment on a first end of said current limiting pin; and

a low resistance segment on a second end of said pin electrically and physically coupled with said resistive segment, and electrically coupled with an electric device;

wherein said current limiting pin is configured to engage with said socket including a contact such that upon insertion into said socket said resistive segment makes electrical contact with said contact before said low resistance segment makes contact with said contact.

2. The device recited in claim 1,

wherein said at least one pin without a resistive segment is longer than said current limiting pin.

3. The device recited in claim 2,

wherein said at least one pin without a resistive segment is a ground pin.