Abstract: A switchable adaptor for receptacles includes a manually settable switch that may be manually tripped or tripped by a solenoid in response to a signal. The switch is readily converted to be normally ON or normally OFF, and to be unipolar or multipolar. The adaptor may conveniently be in the form of a power bar or a power block, and will normally include a circuit board which may incorporate a circuit suitable for generating a signal responsive to a predetermined input condition.

Abstract: A battery container for use with battery packs of different types having two terminals on one side, comprising a casing for accommodating at least one battery pack; the container has on its outer side two screw terminals for power take-off, and on its inner side two associated contacts electrically connected to the terminals, which contacts are arranged for electrical connection with the respective terminals of one or more battery packs when placed inside the casing in any one of at least two possible orientations.